tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219237282011-11-15T00:32:16.293-05:00Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.comBlogger841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1157581882117971692006-09-11T18:30:00.000-04:002006-09-10T21:21:34.226-04:00

2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11. On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Each person will pay tribute to a single victim. We will honor them by remembering their lives,and not by remembering their murderers.I will honor Christopher N. Ingrassia.I grew up with Chris, our families were/are friends. As I try to write about

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1156883682205833572006-08-29T16:28:00.000-04:002006-08-29T16:34:42.226-04:00

I have turned into a hermit. I am constantly in this office on the computer. I'm not doing anything even remotely productive. I'm playing spider solitaire. That's right, I barely blog. I check my blog to see if anyone comments, go to ebay to check on my auctions, check email, and then I play spider solitaire while my kids watch hours and hours of TV. I can't even sit out there with them for

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1156707693267037662006-08-27T15:23:00.000-04:002006-08-27T15:41:33.300-04:00

We're back from our week in Virginia Beach. What to say, what to say. We had good times, we had bad times. I'm definitely glad to be home.The ride down was awful. While I believed the mapquest directions that said it would take 6 hours and 46 minutes, it took us 9 hours and 30 minutes. Not a good start. The kids actually we're okay until the last hour or so. And, at that point, I felt just as

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1155736712411279872006-08-16T09:40:00.000-04:002006-08-16T09:58:32.436-04:00

My son, who turned two in June, has really hit the terrible twos with a vengence. I thought it had started already, but he was just warming up. The past two weeks have been almost unbearable (I say almost because somehow I've survived!)Now, these tantrums have occured at home, at the lake, at the movies, at my mother's, just about everywhere. They happen in the morning, the afternoon, and the

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1155314784058392892006-08-11T12:39:00.000-04:002006-08-11T12:46:24.086-04:00

My daughter is the first one to ask if we bought her a "surprise." She has told her grandmother to bring her a "surprise" next time she comes for a visit (her grandmother brings a surprise about 80% of the time). She already has a birthday list (her birthday is in November) and I'm sure she's working on her Christmas list. However, my daughter does reciprocate. She loves to make surprises for

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1155036374165748532006-08-08T07:16:00.000-04:002006-08-08T07:28:26.396-04:00

It's been a little frustrating here. As my last couple of posts have indicated, my husband has really been helping out more, making me feel appreciated, and been really supportive lately. Plus, just two weeks ago, we had our weekend away. However, I find myself wondering, why isn't that enough? I'm still annoyed a great deal of the time. Not specifically at him, but at life in general.I keep

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1154717417558839502006-08-04T11:12:00.000-04:002006-08-04T14:50:17.606-04:00

After writing my last post, my husband has really stepped it up a notch (as I admitted at the end of the last post). But, things are only getting better (at least with my husband). First of all, my husband got sick. Now, this is aggravating to me on so many levels. In the past, my husband has moaned and groaned and carried on when he's been sick. It's a trait from his family, they all do this

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1154466236966363462006-08-01T16:47:00.000-04:002006-08-02T09:38:04.240-04:00

This post may spark some angry reactions from the working moms and dads out there. I don't mean to start that age old fight. This is going to be about me and my working husband and my (I admit) unfair feelings. So, take it all with a grain of salt, knowing I'm in for another very long week.When my husband and I got married, it was understood that I was the moody one. My moods change drastically

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1154436064091539182006-08-01T08:27:00.000-04:002006-08-01T08:41:04.116-04:00

Yesterday, I ventured into NYC (by myself) to visit some very good friends from graduate school. I should say I grew up in the suburbs of NYC, the child of a mother who warned me about how dangerous it could be in NYC. I've only ventured in twice by myself, but had people waiting to meet me at the train station. Never have I had to find my way around, ALONE. Maybe your rolling your eyes by

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1153942804930939502006-07-26T15:28:00.000-04:002006-07-26T15:42:23.853-04:00

After seeing some of my friend's scrapbook pages for her daughter, I started to feel guilty. I have pictures all over the place, in so special order, just shoved in drawers, left on desks, piled high in cabinets. But, there is no special scrapbook or memento box. I did put some pictures in a photo album for my daughter. This covers about the first three months of her life -- nothing more. And,

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1153769360297508092006-07-24T15:23:00.000-04:002006-07-24T15:29:20.336-04:00

Well, I joke a lot with people about what my kids will say to their therapist in 20 years about what I did to mess them up. It seems like it's always the mom's fault. Today, I know for sure I gave my little girl something to go to therapy with. She asked me very nicely to play with her in her room while her brother was sleeping. As you know from a previous post, I don't much like to play. But

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1153695684249576082006-07-23T18:45:00.000-04:002006-07-23T19:01:24.270-04:00

My husband and I returned from our first weekend away without the kids. It was WONDERFUL!!!We went to a beautiful bread and breakfast, recommended by my friend, Stephanie, in Southern Vermont. This B&B was set at the end of a country road surrounded by gardens and forests. It was breathtaking. Our room overlooked a frog pond, where we saw dozens of frogs (one of my favorites)! The food was

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1153394449436149402006-07-20T07:13:00.000-04:002006-07-20T13:43:48.013-04:00

My friend over at Forks And Chopsticks has tagged me. I guess I'm supposed to write seven things for each category. I'll try my best. Things I Want To Do Before Dying Feel really passionate about what I'm doingGo on a world cruiseDance at my kids' weddingsHire a maidTeach a college coursePut my kids' pictures in scrapbooks (or at least photo albums)Do a stand-up act (?)Things I Can Not DoSing --

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1153246918262276472006-07-18T14:14:00.000-04:002006-07-18T14:21:58.283-04:00

Warning: This post will be one of self-pity. Please don't lecture me on how lucky I am. I know. But, sometimes, I still feel sorry for myself.----------------------------------------------------------------I just don't want to play anymore. I don't want to be the prince, I don't want to dress-up, I don't want to play Candyland one more time. I don't want to build, or color, or play with the

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1152971642261147362006-07-15T09:40:00.000-04:002006-07-15T09:54:03.273-04:00

Well, my husband and I having been talking about our wills since, well, my daughter was born (over 3.5 years ago). I feel very neglectful for not yet having a will. It's foolish and irresponsible. Nevertheless, it is one of the hardest tasks I think I've attempted (and that includes my dissertation, which took me much less time to write).I think what has been the most difficult part of the

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1152724058731027572006-07-12T12:53:00.000-04:002006-07-12T13:07:38.770-04:00

Okay, I'm about to write a post where I feel sorry for myself. As a school psychologist, I know what I'm feeling is silly. But, as a mom, it doesn't seem to matter.I feel like my kids are picking on me lately. I was going through a stretch where my daughter was really behaving. I was having a lot of fun with her and I felt like the long years of the terrible two's were coming to an end (my

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1152478810821475322006-07-09T16:48:00.000-04:002006-07-09T17:00:10.843-04:00

Yesterday and last night I took advantage of my yearly Mother's Day gift that my husband has given me each year since my children have arrived. I get to spend one night at a hotel, by myself, where I can order room service, watch movies, or do nothing. Doesn't it sound heavenly???It is. This year, my husband encouraged me to leave early (what a guy!) I went shopping. It's wonderful to poke

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1152283943236201722006-07-07T10:49:00.000-04:002006-07-07T10:52:23.273-04:00

My little angel son has taken up biting again. I thought that he had outgrown this awful behavior. It is much worse now (my daughter has bruises to prove it). I've tried time-out, vinegar in the mouth (which he liked!), taking things away .... I'm so frustrated. It seems to happen when he doesn't get his way. I try to monitor the warning signs and step-in before it happens, but it seems I

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1151868556657214692006-07-02T15:14:00.000-04:002006-07-02T15:29:16.676-04:00

Well, the party was a success!!! It was a little touch-and-go when the ponies were almost one hour late, but everything turned out great.First, the kids had hobby-horse races. While it didn't go as I pictured it, the kids seemed to have fun. We raced until everyone who participated won some gummy horses and horseshoe candies!Then, we headed over to the sandbox for some panning for gold. This

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1151589712804345522006-06-29T09:47:00.000-04:002006-06-29T10:07:17.386-04:00

THEN (June, 2004)NOW (June, 2006)Here's the Birthday Boy!

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1151492677076984072006-06-28T06:50:00.000-04:002006-06-28T07:04:37.096-04:00

Every night, there was at least a goodnight kiss and a heartfelt, “I love you.” Each morning when my hubby arose, he would walk around the bed, lean down, and kiss me on the forehead on his way to start getting ready for his day. Sometimes he even left notes for me to find. When he arrived home, I always got a big hug and kiss. A phone call at lunch was a given. When watching TV, we sat

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1151350109578607962006-06-26T15:21:00.000-04:002006-06-26T17:03:11.313-04:00

My son's second birthday is Thursday. I can't believe it's been that long! And, we're going to celebrate. We have a Wild West Party planned for Saturday with all the fixins', including pony rides. My son loves horses. He carries around horses, grabs any book he sees with a horse on it, and tries to ride anything he can like a horse. I hear, "yah, yah" all day. He is very serious about his horses!

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1151150590261732252006-06-24T07:53:00.000-04:002006-06-24T08:13:58.666-04:00

We did it~ We scheduled a romantic weekend away for our 7th anniversary! We're going to a beautiful B&B in southern Vermont (recommended by my friend Stephanie)! It looks wonderful. Our room has a private balcony overlooking a frog pond. I just can't wait! Two whole days and nights away (from the kids).Now, as the reality hits as I get closer to my weekend, I wonder if I'll still be as excited.

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1151062977885919962006-06-23T07:37:00.000-04:002006-06-24T08:14:18.730-04:00

My husband and I decided last night to plan a weekend getaway -- something we haven't done since we had kids. Of course, we have to okay this with grandma and see if she's up for the challenge. Last night, we were trying to think of a place not more than 4-5 hours away to visit for the weekend. It's hard to find a reasonably-priced place on a summer weekend (I know, poor planning). But, I won't

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1150975199409664362006-06-22T07:06:00.000-04:002006-06-22T07:19:59.436-04:00

Caller ID is a wonderful invention and I recommend it for all newlyweds. It came in handy to have caller ID so when each of our parents called, we knew who should answer the phone. This avoided many uncomfortable moments for everyone involved. Let's face it, our parents call to talk to us, not our spouses. Okay, maybe I'm projecting here, but in our house it was true (and still is)!But, Caller

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1150890826963613502006-06-21T07:36:00.000-04:002006-06-21T07:53:46.980-04:00

Back in March, I worked hard to procure a playdate with a little girl in my daughter's class. I was very nervous, feeling like someone trying to get a real date with the popular guy in school. But, I mustered up some courage at a birthday party and invited the little one, her mom and little brother over for a playdate. The mom graciously accepted. It even felt like she was happy to be invited

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1150806213758419422006-06-20T08:16:00.000-04:002006-06-20T08:23:33.783-04:00

Yesterday was a good day. I say that with great feeling. Yesterday was a good day. It doesn't seem like I've had one of these in awhile. I actually enjoyed being with my kids. I thought to myself that this is what it was like to enjoy being a mom. My kids behaved, for the most part. And, their few infractions, I handled with the grace of a patient mom. We spent the day out -- got their

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1150581242285963282006-06-17T17:48:00.000-04:002006-06-17T17:54:02.310-04:00

Well, my husband and the two little ones are at my in-laws today and I am home. We didn't battle about it, we didn't even discuss it until this morning when my mil's number popped up on the caller id. I actually thought we were going to spend the day at home working, but we're not. My husband asked if I would be mad if he went with the kids and he understood if I didn't want to come. So, I

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1150374254476383112006-06-15T08:10:00.000-04:002006-06-15T08:24:14.496-04:00

My husband and I are in the midst of a battle of wills. About a week ago, my husband indicated that his mother was having a picnic the day before Father's Day and wanted to know if we could make it. He went on to say we could go early and take the kids fishing. Well, that would all be fine except a few days before this invitation, I had asked him if I could have my dad over for a picnic at our

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1150213816721243062006-06-13T11:39:00.000-04:002006-06-13T11:54:02.853-04:00

Just when I thought....... I would scream because I have to ask my husband 100 times (I'm not exaggerating, okay, maybe a little) to bring up the basket of clean laundry, he goes ahead and brings this week's up without even one request.Just when I thought .......my husband was incapable of doing anything but make a mess when he's alone with the kids, he goes ahead and puts up the handrail and

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1149903751005142782006-06-09T21:19:00.000-04:002006-06-09T21:42:31.030-04:00

More than I would like to admit, I wonder to myself why I chose to have kids. Not only did I chose to have them, I "worked" very hard to get them. It's what I wanted to do with my life. I thought having kids was why God had put me here on Earth. I hadn't found anything else that made sense of why I was here, so I just knew deep down that it was to have children and be a great mom. Well, I

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1149769769181192412006-06-08T08:12:00.000-04:002006-06-08T08:29:29.196-04:00

I have to say that I've gotten caught up in all the hoopla surrounding The DaVinici Code. It doesn't hurt that my mother is a conspiracy fanatic and she keeps bringing me over more and more novels about the whole "church conspiracy." I want to preface this post by saying I do believe in God. As I've written in a previous post, I was raised Catholic, spent some time attending a Baptist church

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1149530368753075112006-06-05T13:57:00.000-04:002006-06-05T13:59:28.773-04:00

If my day wasn't happening to me directly, I would probably laugh and feel a little sorry for the woman to which it was happening. Let me say I had a TERRIBLE, AWFUL weekend. The weather was terrible and everyone in my family was in a crabby mood. To have four of us all mad at the same time has the makings of an explosion. But, we made it to Sunday night (barely) without hurting ourselves or

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1149435505552589582006-06-04T11:29:00.000-04:002006-06-04T11:38:25.570-04:00

Yesterday, we received Crash from Netflix in the mail. I wasn't even sure what it was about and wasn't really looking forward to watching it (it was my hubby's choice). However, now I know why it won best picture. I've never been so sure about a best picture actually being the best picture before. AWESOME!Now, saying that, I don't think I'd be able to watch it again. The movie is very

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1148994941945890812006-06-01T09:13:00.000-04:002006-06-01T08:52:54.246-04:00

This is how I feel just about all the time:Are you mad at me?Talk about pressure. If my husband has a bad day and is quiet when he gets home, I repeatedly ask, "are you mad at me?" Or, I start to get creative and ask, "did I do something?" And, then, not to sound repetitive, I ask, "is there something you want to talk to me about?" My poor husband explains AT LEAST 20 times a week that he's not

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1148997747024028962006-05-30T09:47:00.000-04:002006-05-30T10:02:27.046-04:00

Well, I met my dad's "girlfriend" on Friday night. The dinner itself went okay (I'm pretty sure the two beers helped). But, as the weekend rolled on and I started to think about the dinner, I became very sad. I talked about my impressions with my husband to see if I was just reading into something being extra sensitive. However, he seemed to have the same impressions as I did. The result is

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1148654018781344672006-05-26T10:22:00.000-04:002006-05-26T10:33:38.803-04:00

Last night, my MIL was able to shock me with her behavior again. I don't know how that is possible after everything I've seen and heard coming from her, but I'm enraged. And, this time she isn't even doing it to me. I came home from a night out alone and my husband looked upset. I asked what was wrong and he started out that his mother called. I knew then, it was trouble. My MIL called to

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1148393447730005242006-05-23T10:03:00.000-04:002006-05-23T10:10:47.746-04:00

My son doesn't have the typical security item like a blankie or special stuffed animal. He does use his pacifier to sleep, but not during the day. He seems to have to have a security item of some sort. It changes daily. However, the items seem to have something in common. 1. Any stick he can find outside he will want to carry for the rest of the day and even take it in the bath, to bed,

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1148256763344919792006-05-21T20:02:00.000-04:002006-05-21T20:12:43.360-04:00

A few months ago I wrote a post about becoming a writer. Thank you for the encouragement.I tried my hand at writing some stories, mostly about my experiences as a mom. I wrote one about how it felt to reenter the dating world in the form of playdates. I worked at it, reworked it, showed it to my mom for comments (English teacher) and then I revised it again. Then, I took a leap and submitted

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1147962516728882642006-05-18T10:26:00.000-04:002006-05-18T10:28:36.746-04:00

I grew up in a small, middle-class town in New Jersey. We prided ourselves that we were so much nicer than our neighbor just over the bridge. We were told not to cross that bridge when we were out playing. As I got older and drove, I was not to drive through that neighboring town alone at night with my sunroof open. At that time, I was from the “right side of the tracks”(or bridge as the case

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1147776491402218822006-05-16T06:41:00.000-04:002006-05-16T06:48:11.420-04:00

After coming off a great Mother's Day and watching The Little Mermaid for the 100th time with my son (yes, that's right, my son loves Ariel), I started to wonder what Disney was trying to say. Where are all the mothers? In Cinderella and Snow White, the Disney classics, the only mothers are the step-mothers who are out to get the beautiful step-daughters (evil, jealous, b*^&ches). But, as the

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1147743741666531702006-05-15T21:27:00.000-04:002006-05-15T21:42:21.680-04:00

I've shared bits and pieces about my dad's marriage disaster. Anyway, I'm still harping on it so I'd thought I'd share my latest dilemma. To fill you in, my father left his 3rd wife recently and moved in with another woman and her 6-year-old daughter. He didn't tell me about it for about 1 month, during which time I still believed him to be at home. Anyway, that's besides the point. I

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1147435026168666542006-05-12T07:47:00.000-04:002006-05-12T07:57:06.213-04:00

My daughter came home from school yesterday with two little gifts for me for Mother's Day. One was a Marigold flower she planted herself. Very cute idea. The other is a gift wrapped in pink tissue paper with a picture attached to it of my little one making a present. When she handed me the present she said, "You can't open this until Mother's Day." I agreed. On the ride home, I did my

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1146831880819258912006-05-05T08:12:00.000-04:002006-05-05T08:24:40.836-04:00

I've been thinking alot lately about my mom. I don't always remember what a great mom she is and I often harp on the bad things. But, now that I'm a mom I realize it's impossible to be a perfect. But, my mom was great. Let me indulge in a little remembrance of growing up with my mom.It was the summer before my freshman year in high school. A boy who was going to be a senior and I started to

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1146653897679111342006-05-03T06:46:00.000-04:002006-05-03T06:58:17.693-04:00

I was never a big believer in small talk or chitchat. I know it has it purposes, but I was never very good at it, especially with people I didn't know very well. But, lately, I have found a very good use for chitchat. It has helped my husband and I reconnect on some level. We had stopped talking to each other. Our communications had become all about the kids and often occurred through them.

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1146133656048257692006-04-27T06:25:00.000-04:002006-04-27T07:19:14.706-04:00

After feeling down for the last, well, forever, I thought it was time for some fun. so, I'm going to make a confession. My family is obsessed with farts (okay Stephanie and Tracy, don't look me directly in the eye next time you see me). We talk about farts, laugh about farts, even read about farts. So, knowing our preoccupation with farting, the Easter Bunny brought my son an electronic

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1145980806384604572006-04-25T11:47:00.000-04:002006-04-25T12:00:07.286-04:00

Last night, my husband and I were talking in bed. I was crying, of course, about my whole dad thing. They have also been nights that I've cried about things with my mom. (I'm obviously oversensitive about things with my parents....) I turned to my husband and asked him if our kids will be in their thirties crying about me one day to their spouses. He answered, "probably." He wasn't being

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1145798303634715102006-04-23T08:57:00.000-04:002006-04-23T09:18:23.650-04:00

Well, I returned last night around 11:15 PM (not a good time w/two little ones) after being delayed more than two hours in Daytona Beach's airport. Let's just say I'm glad to be home.The GoodI thought I would start with some of the positives. My kids had a really great time on the beach (at least the first couple of times). The first day on the beach was excellent. They were laughing and

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1145012825834378422006-04-14T06:58:00.000-04:002006-04-14T07:11:20.043-04:00

Well, tomorrow, at 5:15AM, we leave for the airport to hop a flight to sunny FL for the Easter holdiay. A vacation, right? I really wonder. First of all, I have to pack up two little ones, a husband and myself in one suitcase because we don't really have an extra set of hands to carry too much stuff, run after a 3-year-old and an almost 2-year-old. Second, we have to pack up their car seats

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1144874144372140402006-04-12T16:31:00.000-04:002006-04-12T16:52:34.050-04:00

I've already posted today, but I was tagged by The Reluctant Housewife. Actually, I'm quite excited to be tagged. It makes me feel apart of it all.So, here it goes. I've been asked to reveal six weird facts/things/habits about myself and then tag six people. 1. When I was younger, I wouldn't sleep with covers on because I was afraid tarantulas would crawl out of my bed onto me. (Maybe it was

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1144848361684011462006-04-12T09:14:00.000-04:002006-04-12T09:26:01.700-04:00

Last night, when I couldn't fall asleep, I let my thoughts drift to an easier time, when I was a youngster. I often do this when I'm feeling stress about my current life and I make up stories about how my life could have been different. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and my family and I wouldn't change having them for anything. But, after saying that, there are times I fantasize about

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1144776683669414752006-04-11T13:22:00.000-04:002006-04-11T13:31:23.693-04:00

It is beautiful out today. Spring has sprung, again. I should be excited that we won't be stuck inside all day. But, now I'm just frustrated. I took my two little ones to the park, I packed a lunch and pictured a long morning playing ending with a relaxing picnic lunch before naptime. WRONG~I get to the park. It starts out okay. My son and daughter are actually playing near each other.

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1144696160204464352006-04-10T15:08:00.000-04:002006-04-10T15:09:20.226-04:00

I am living in a black hole where things disappear to never be seen again. I used to be an organized person. I never, and I mean never, lost anything. Now, I can't find anything. I lose my keys at least 2xday. Sunglasses -- I go weeks without any because they disappear constantly (at least they tend to reappear, although usually on a rainy or overcast day). My last pair of sunglasses were found

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1144438431935635642006-04-07T15:19:00.000-04:002006-04-07T15:33:51.956-04:00

Warning: This post is about my personal dilemma with prayer. It is not meant to demane any specific religion, only to speak to my current struggle.I was raised a Catholic. By this I mean my parents ensured that I got all my sacraments, that's it. I went to CCD, but not to church (except to receive before mentioned sacraments). For a few years in my youth, my mother took me to a Southern

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1144237475343213642006-04-05T07:36:00.000-04:002006-04-05T07:44:35.360-04:00

You know how they say that it's the ones closest to you that can hurt you the most. It is so very true. My little 3-year-old daughter can make me so happy one minute and then be so hurtful the next. I know she's only three and doesn't know for sure what she's doing, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. I can only shudder at the power she'll have when she's a teenager and really knows what

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1144022942658794952006-04-02T20:02:00.000-04:002006-04-02T20:09:02.680-04:00

Well, thank you for the supportive comments regarding my in-law predictament. I should let you know that I cancelled the egg hunt not too long after I wrote my last post. My daughter had been cranky all morning. After telling her for the upteenth time, in not the nicest tone a mother coulduse, to stop whining, she told me her head hurt. I felt her forehead, and, lo and behold, it was warm.

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1143897156232318542006-04-01T07:55:00.000-05:002006-04-01T08:12:36.246-05:00

I haven't written much about my in-laws which surprises because they are chock full of stories. My close friends say there's a book in there somewhere. I should just say I am not one of my in-laws favorite people, nor are they mine. I do get along with my husband's one sister and her family and my husband's brother/wife. However, I've had several exchanges with my mil, fil, and other

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1143636314840854452006-03-29T07:35:00.000-05:002006-03-29T07:45:14.860-05:00

Well, I leave for Florida in less than 3 weeks. About 3 weeks ago, I told my husband that it's time we start to eat better in preparation for looking at least acceptable in our swimsuits and shorts. Since that time, I've been eating like a mad woman. I eat my lunch and what the kids leave over in their lunch. I eat cookies and cake and candy at least once a day (more likely twice). I've

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1143406693903955292006-03-26T15:52:00.000-05:002006-03-26T15:58:13.916-05:00

Well everyone, after I published yesterday's post about Soduku, I spent a quiet evening watching the fourth Harry Potter movie. It was EXCELLENT!! Even my husband liked it and he's not a Harry Potter fan. Anyway, after the movie, I was feeling pretty good so I thought I'd give it another try at Soduku. I was sucessful. I finished not one, but two. I was feeling quite confident, so I

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1143324711770302402006-03-25T17:03:00.000-05:002006-03-25T17:11:51.786-05:00

My husband has recently gotten into doing those Soduku puzzles. Do you know what I'm talking about? Those number puzzles where you have to put the numbers 1-9 in boxes and rows and not have any repeats. Well, I bought him a book of these puzzles. Last night, we didn't feel like being in each other's company (another story, another post maybe) and there was nothing I wanted to watch on TV. So

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1143118880852592542006-03-23T07:50:00.000-05:002006-03-23T10:22:15.273-05:00

My little 3-year-old daughter has her first crush (well, second, if you count her fasination with Go, Diego, Go). And, she seems to like older men. My little girl goes to preschool 2xweek. Once in a while, her teacher brings her son, Jack (age 8) to school with her (I guess when he doesn't have school). This has happened twice this year. Let me tell you, my daughter is a different woman when

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1142993132830257872006-03-21T20:52:00.000-05:002006-03-21T21:05:32.843-05:00

My name is Nicole. I am a neurotic stay-at-home mom of two little ones – one girl, one boy. God grant me the serenity…….Is this how it would go at an AA meeting for moms? Would it be called MA – Mother’s Anonymous? I sometimes wonder if there should be such a thing, a place for moms to go to kick the guilt habit. How many days are you guilt-free? Today is the first day of my guilt-free life.

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1142441947535509772006-03-15T11:58:00.000-05:002006-03-17T11:10:45.243-05:00

I read a post at True Jersey Girl who did this writing exercise. I thought it looked great and wanted to give it a try: I am from flannel pajamas, from Dove soap and Peter Pan Peanut Butter. I am from the a plumbing disaster that has a park-like atmosphere. Crumbling walkway to a brand new front door, welcome to the playroom of disaster. I am from the misplaced tulips and daffodils straining

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1142433185222765782006-03-15T09:22:00.000-05:002006-03-15T15:03:41.576-05:00

Well, I've been struggling with a parental "crisis" of my own over the past week. I didn't know if I should write about it, but since my father has made the newspaper, I guess it's not a secret. My father has recently been having marital problems with his third wife, that's right, I said third wife. He has been "struggling" with whether to leave her or not. Well, on Saturday, which was

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1142010973633610632006-03-10T11:59:00.000-05:002006-03-10T12:16:13.646-05:00

I'm Sorry -- these two little words should be easy to say, especially to someone you love so much. But, I find it difficult to say sometimes, especially to my husband. I'm not really sure why. I spend a great deal of my time worried that people are angry with me. If I don't get the exact tone from them that I expect, I wonder what I said or did to upset them. If I don't get a call back

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1141905076737300982006-03-09T06:37:00.000-05:002006-03-09T06:59:28.033-05:00

I spend most posts complaining about motherhood. But, there are some really great times that put a smile on my face. Either my kids do something or say something that really makes me happy. I'd thought I share a few from the past couple of days. 1. I took my two little ones to see Doogle yesterday (not a great movie). Before the movie started, the theatre runs a bunch of ads, trivia

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1141693655111667772006-03-06T19:51:00.000-05:002006-03-06T20:08:02.616-05:00

Today, I had an emergency at Babies R' Us. I was shopping with my two little ones for a baby shower gift. After they cooperated and let me find what I was looking for, I decided to let them play in the toy section. There was my first mistake. My daughter made a beeline for the tricycles that she likes to ride around the toy section. I thought it would keep her busy for awhile. Unfortunately

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1141615955233190832006-03-05T22:24:00.000-05:002006-03-05T22:32:35.246-05:00

What does being a crazy hip blog mama mean to me? Well, I'm not sure I fit the category. Crazy, yes as I've been told by past boyfriends, occasionally my husband, and even my daughter. Hip, not sure, my big idea of a night out of on the town is a Tricky Tray?? Blog, not yet as I haven't figured out how to make a beautiful web page which is very personal to me. I have a standard template

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1141600673937013512006-03-05T18:07:00.000-05:002006-03-05T18:17:53.950-05:00

This Winter has really been rough. I don't even mean the weather. It just seems that we are totally bored!! I think I'm going to go insane. I used to look forward to the weekends. My husband was home and we would do something fun as a family. They were like mini-vacations (as far as vacationing goes w/two little ones). But, lately, I'm just aggravated and STILL bored. Instead of doing

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1141409738197880052006-03-03T13:05:00.000-05:002006-03-03T13:15:38.210-05:00

I am frusterated with my 20-month-old son. He is the cutest (And, I'm not bias) little boy in the world. He is sooo cuddly. He always wants to hug me and give me kisses. The other day, he grabbed my two cheeks with his hands and planted one big kiss on me. He didn't want to let go. It was quite a moment, such passion!! The little girls are in trouble when my loverboy here gets of age. But

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1141232361335816352006-03-01T10:16:00.000-05:002006-03-01T11:59:21.346-05:00

I want to renogiate my mother's contract. I must not have been awake when they told me the demands of the job. Here are my demands:1. I want 6 sick days. This means, I want 6 days where I get to stay in bed if I don't feel good and someone else cares for my kids. There is no letting the kids play in the room, climb on me, and there are no questions about what to do with them. 2. I was two

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1141126950555963202006-02-28T06:38:00.000-05:002006-02-28T06:45:38.476-05:00

Well, I've started writing everyday, as I was encouraged to do by some of you (thanks, by the way). I've written some cute little anecdotes about the playdating world. I've really enjoyed doing it. So, even if nothing comes of it, I've got myself a new hobby. What I was interested in was some of your ideas about playdating. I was going to post some questions and hope you all could give me

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1140929931587966412006-02-25T23:42:00.000-05:002006-02-25T23:58:51.600-05:00

I've been struggling lately with monotony. I love my kids and I love to watch them play and learn. That being said, 24/7/365 with nothing else to focus on is quite monotonous. So, I've spent the last couple of months "exploring" different things for myself to do. Something I can get excited about, spend time doing, and be proud of. I've gone from blogging (which I do enjoy) to researching

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1140785047389817272006-02-24T07:41:00.000-05:002006-02-24T07:44:51.586-05:00

Well, I'm back a day early from Boston. My two little ones got sick and we decided to come home yesterday. We had a rough Wednesday night. My daughter kept coughing and waking herself (and me) up. Plus, she was very congested. I tried to set her up on her own two pillows so her head would be raised. But, of course, she felt the need to share my pillow with me and spend the night coughing directly

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1140523992420980162006-02-21T07:04:00.000-05:002006-02-21T07:13:12.436-05:00

My husband and I had our "date" this weekend. We had a great time. We did some shopping, went to lunch, and then to the movies. Capote was an excellent movie -- well acted and riveting. My husband and I were able to talk -- some about the kids, some about other things. It was good. I didn't feel like strangers anymore. We agreed to both try to be nicer to each other and to spend time

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1140450547178269182006-02-20T10:41:00.000-05:002006-02-20T10:50:56.553-05:00

Dear Anonymous (You know which one I mean),I have noticed that you have left some rather judmental comments on my blog as well as some other mothers' blogs. I have some things I would like to say to you directly.First of all, I believe as mothers, we all know that we are blessed beyond belief to have children. However, that does not make parenting easy. It is the most difficult thing I've done

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1140008763879695372006-02-15T07:58:00.000-05:002006-02-15T08:06:03.890-05:00

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day. My day went better than I thought it would. My kids behaved MOST of the day!! I guess it was their present to me.As is our family tradition, my husband took us all to the diner for a Valentine's dinner. (We've been doing that since we started dating 11.5 years ago!) It actually is a very nice tradition -- It's not crowded and you don't feel rushed

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1139833115607836112006-02-13T07:08:00.000-05:002006-02-13T07:18:35.620-05:00

I know that relationships are supposed to have their ups and downs. I've been married to my husband for 6.5 years and we've been together for 11.5 years. We've had our ups and downs, but it always seemed like the downs were short and the ups long. Well, recently the downs have lasted and lasted and lasted. We communicate very well and talk about our feelings ALL the time. I'm sick of talking

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1139518210675266822006-02-09T15:41:00.000-05:002006-02-09T15:50:10.686-05:00

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my 3-year-old daughter goes to preschool from 12:30-3:00. And, during that time my 19-month-old son naps. Now, let me tell you, I live for these afternoons. Unlike a responsible parent, I lay on the couch, read or take a nap during this time. I've even told my husband, who dutifly calls me around 1:00 everyday to see how things are going, not to call on these days.

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1139330365311302182006-02-07T11:32:00.000-05:002006-02-07T11:39:25.320-05:00

When my niece first started to talk several years back, she would come out with some doozies! My mother-in-law, who is her primary caretaker during the day, would say, "I don't know where she gets this stuff. It must be those Olsen girls in those shows." Now, first of all, do we believe a 2-3 year old is watching the Olsen sisters? That's weird in and of itself. But, I can picture my

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1139187693061195582006-02-05T19:50:00.000-05:002006-02-05T21:07:39.116-05:00

I recently read a list on someone else's blog and it made me smile. I often feel like I'm not interesting, being a stay-at-home mom of two little ones. So, I thought I'd challenge myself to come up with 100 things about me.1. I saw GREASE in the movies 8 times when it first came out (I must have been 5!)2. I saw GREASE when it came out for its 20th anniversary (with my dad).3. I always wanted to

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1139152743318792572006-02-05T10:12:00.000-05:002006-02-05T10:19:03.326-05:00

Yesterday, my husband and I took the kids to see my brother-in-law's first house. Let me just say -- it's quite the fixer upper. I'm not sure why they would buy such a house. I think it's this crazy market and it's all they could afford. But, there are pee stains all over the floor which they are trying to get up w/vinegar. The walls are disgusting. I was a little afraid to walk up the

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1138998412864782662006-02-03T15:19:00.000-05:002006-02-03T15:26:52.873-05:00

Well, my 3-year old daughter had a playdate today with her friend. Things were going well. I was able to spend some time working on creating a new BLOG with my friend and we thought things were going well. That was until we decided to go upstairs. Then, my daughter's playmate wanted to play in her room. Of course, my daughter refused this, shutting the door in her friend's face. I saw my

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21923728.post-1138991552628935542006-02-03T13:31:00.000-05:002006-02-03T13:32:32.626-05:00

Here I am starting my second blog where I can really be honest. No family members allowed!!!!

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146290376205588410noreply@blogger.com0