My newly found passion this year is working out on the treadmill and of course selecting my favorite of the ellipticals at the gym. Personally, I think that I actually like working out on the elliptical more than the treadmill because it gives me a harder workout. Eventually, I would like to do the bulk of my cardio on the elliptical. It’s like jogging on air!

My husband and I recently looked into Amish fireplaces. For our new home, we need something that is chimney-free but yet will help provide a similar warmth much like a regular brick and mortar fireplace. An Amish fireplace seems to be our best bet at the moment as it gives off warmth, is appealing to the eye and basically does the same thing a regular fireplace does. The funny thing is, even though it is called an Amish fireplace, the designs are lovely and modern!

School has started back up for my son and for me as well. I have been going on somewhat of an emotional journey over the past few weeks. And it has been uplifting to say the least. This here blog will be getting a facelift and some much needed life breathed into it. I am going to change up the format a little bit. My life has changed so much since I started this blog in 2006. I changed jobs twice and then finally opted to stay at home with my babies until they were all in school full time. I had two more little ones added to my family. I have lost and gained weight. I have gained and lost friends. All within the course of about 4 years. So naturally, I feel this blog needs to grow beyond that. Because I have sort of grown away from it. I have good intentions of posting, but then I don’t. Because I wonder who is actually reading this. And lately, I just don’t feel I have much to say. Parenting is such a big deal for me, but one I try to keep private. And keeping your parenting life private sort of defeats the purpose of having a “mommy blog”.

So this blog will be moved into the “informational” genre, rather than personal diary. Because up until this point, that is what it was used for. So, after this point you will see “maintenance mode” at least once (but not sure when because as I said…school is back in session for me). I’m not on a medical travel or anything, nor am I taking a hiatus. More or less this blog will be under construction.

The holidays are now behind us and it’s time to start reveling in the winter cold without the notion of good will towards men. Still, most of us either enjoy the winter or start dreaming of spring. Spring is a time when we can all start planning our spring and summer trips in our campers and RVs. It’s also a time where we can shop around for rv insurance.

So, back in my day, a child who was diagnosed with ADHD, was automatically put on the drug known as Ritalin.  However, Ritalin has not been proven to work for everyone.  In fact, one of my cousins ended up getting seizures because of the drug.  His parents took him off of it, and his ADHD began to become unmanageable for him.

Now, however, they have a drug called Concerta. It is supposed to help a child with ADHD become more focused. I have a concerta coupon if anyone is interested. If you feel that your child has ADHD or if your child has already been diagnosed with ADHD… perhaps Concerta can help. Talk do your doctor.

It is positively toe-curling, goose-pimpling, nose icicling — COLD outside!  We have really good windows and I can feel the draft from here!  I am trying to convince my husband to buy me a snuggy or an electric blanket or something.  Maybe some nice thick socks to go along with the blanket as well.

Not so long ago, I was trying to decide which is worse, freezing or frying?

At the moment… i’m going to say freezing!  Brrr!

2009 has marked the beginning of an interesting journey for me.  This has been a re-birth…. or rediscovery I suppose of the woman I am now, as opposed to the girl I was then.

Self discovery is an enlightening, freeing and scary thing.  Sometimes, the more you discover, the less you wish you would have.

I suppose it’s a little like having an addiction and then entering into drug rehab.  Once you get out, you live life cleaner, and your eyes are more open.  In fact, changing your life is kind of like drug rehab in a way because you are changing old habits that were harmful and opting for habits that are better suited to where you want to be.

I have a few New Years resolutions…. but the one thing I resolve to do is to be so very thankful for my wonderful family every day.

Wow.  Look at them.  My three little munchkins.  Each one so excited for Christmas.  Each one dreaming of what Santa has to bring.

My oldest…. shares his 5 years of Christmas experience with the younger two.  He knows how many days there are in December until Christmas (and has managed to tell us everyday how many days are left… like our own little Christmas countdown clock).  He knows how Santa operates and this year has started to ask the tough questions.  How does Santa carry all of those presents?  How do reindeer fly?  I answer each question confidently.  Because those were the same answers my parents gave me.

My daughter (little miss), loves to watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol.  The cartoon was made in 1983 and it’s still a massive win with children.  I can’t tell you how many times we have watched this particular cartoon, but I do know that we watch it at least 3 times a day.  And every time, her face lights up in anticipation.  And every time she sits as still as can be until it is over.

Brobes (the littlest guy), has been taking leaps and bounds in the language department.  The other day he said… “Mommeee… it’s beeping”.  This was in reference to his chicken nuggets that were in the oven (the timer went off).   It’s precious.  I want him to be little for just a little while longer… so that I can continue to drink in all of those adorable baby features and run my fingers through that blond head of curls that he was blessed with.

I sit back and look at my three and feel happy.  I feel happy that I can share old traditions with them and create new ones all our own.

Merry Christmas to all!  May you build precious Christmas memories with your families this year….

XOXO,

I need a vacation.  It doesn’t have to be anywhere super expensive.  Heck, even a trip to the bathroom uninterrupted would be great.  I just need to go someplace where my kids can’t find me for an hour. And maybe I can find some great weight loss supplements while I am at it. And if you throw in a charm bracelet, I will be your best friend forever.

Thanks a million.

Love,

Me

A year ago if you asked me if I would have baby fever anytime soon, I would have told you… “NOT A CHANCE”.   Because I have had babies every two years for the past 6 years.  But now that my youngest is growing more into a busy toddler and less of a snuggly baby, I find myself longing for a baby.

I have thought about getting a puppy, but it’s not the same thing.  Or is it?

I love having babies.  I just never liked the pregnancy part.  Especially after the first one.  Because when you are preggo, your body does not belong to you.  So you prepare yourself (once you’ve become a seasoned veteran at being pregnant) for an aching pelvis bone, lack of comfort in bed, and the fact that your ankles may very well swell up to the size of giant water balloons depending on the season you are most pregnant in.

But at the end of all of that, you have a tiny little screaming ball of love.  And giving birth seems to breathe new life into you (because with the sleepless nights, you’re going to need a breath of something).

And I long for that a little right now.

Does baby fever ever really go away?

My husband has found his latest obsession…. Forza 3. He spends hours racing and painting his cars. I found him online looking at Ferrari parts so that he knows just how to tune his car right.

I feel a little like a Forza 3 widow… LOL!

At least it gives me a little time to do my web stuff. But still… I have the night off from homework and wanted to hang out with him.

So guess what he will be doing?

I love shoes! Love them I tell ya! But i’m sooo picky about shoes. If I find a pair of shoes that I can’t get out of my mind, then I buy them. It was simply meant to be.

Recently, I discovered a new shoe designer, Cole Haan. I checked out the collection and all of the shoes are very modern and super cute!

My favorite style from there is the “Kit Air Ornament Bootie”.

I am always looking for new ways to expand this blog. One of the ways I have discovered (though not recently but awhile ago) is to enter my site in as many search engines as possible as well as other directory submissions.

Any exposure that you can give your website is a good thing. SEO and the like are all helpful ways to attract traffic. Making sure you have adequate links (as in live links and non-broken) is a good start also.

I look at my little family and I marvel at how fast everyone is growing. My baby is 18 months now. It seems like just yesterday that I was on the exam table waiting for the doctor to confirm the results of the pregnancy test.

And i’m kind of sad that he is going to be my last baby. If you asked me how I felt a year ago… I would have told you to stick a fork in me because I was done having babies. But now that my little one is growing into an active toddler, I miss the baby phase.

I suppose I can always get a puppy. It’s not the same… but maybe that will help with the baby fever?

Owen:  “I want a super-sized watergun for Christmas so that I can squirt my little sister with it.”

Sophie (the little sister):  “Oh yeah?  I want a PINK watergun for Christmas.  And i’m going to squirt you everyday (to Owen).”

So there.

Some people travel by cars. Some by trains. Some by planes. And still others travel by motor home. That’s right, a house with wheels. We know who to call if our cars break down, but what do we do if our motor home breaks down? Well, apparently, you can get rv towing service. You can have the policy added on to your insurance OR you can get the service through somewhere else. It’s a good idea to look into before doing any traveling. It is nice to know there are good services like this out there!

I have been contemplating on getting my husband car accessories for Christmas. Since his car is a lot smaller than our van and could not comfortably encompass the whole clan, it has been dubbed “his” vehicle. Of course, I would love to get him new speakers and such as well. Anything that would make his driving experience a lot better. If he had a truck, I would get him truck accessories for sure! I think there’s something a little sacred about a man and his vehicle!

The holidays always seem to be the worst time for dieting. If you work in an office, then you know that you are bombarded with holiday treats from other office members or vendors. You are staring down 30 days (or more) worth of cookies, nuts, candies, and other yummy holiday treats. You probably aren’t even thinking of your diet or purchasing some kind of adipex diet pill. I know I don’t.

But keeping the holidays in perspective is important. Which is why, i’m going to invest in an electric roaster. I think roasting your turkey (as opposed to frying it) is a good way to keep your bird moist and flavorful without all of the extra calories.

How do you cook your Turkey?

In the wake of universal healthcare, I believe that people are starting to re-assess how important have the right insurance is in their own life. I know that I have taken it upon myself to price up different life insurance leads. If something ever happened to me, I would want my husband and children taken care of because ultimately, that is the most important thing. If you travel for the holidays it is a good idea to be prepared. Anything could happen.