inquiring minds want to know.

for those that have asked, Noah's list is updated for his upcoming 6th birthday. I cannot believe my baby is going to be six.

Please email me if you need the link.

my list.

1. I don't believe in coincidence.
2. I don't get enough sleep. Ever. I only require 8 hours. I typically get 6. :(
3. I hate the smell of cabbage. gag. since I was a kid and I thought my mom was making poop soup.
4. Contrary to popular belief, I am scared of heights.
5. My four favorite words: "I love you Mommy." They are honest. Unconditional. And I am thankful that they can speak them.
6. I think friendship is hard work. Especially after marriage and kids. Some are willing and others are not. I am realizing that time and space will not break some friendships, while the ones I thought were the strongest have crumbled.
7. I am afraid of bed bugs. I have never seen one or been bitten. But just the thought. Hotels just freak me out.
8. I love weddings.
9. I hate my hair. Thin. Straight. Blah.
10. I love when I say to my kids "I will see you in the morning and in my..." they always say "dreams."
11. I love the man I married. I love when he shows that he can be vulnerable and doesn't have to always be strong.
12. I don't have patience for ignorance. I want to be the person that tries to "teach people" and show them the positive side of things, but the reality is if you say the "r" word or if you act like Cerebral Palsy is something you catch like a cold then I simply don't like you.
13. I am a pretty forgiving person. But I never forget. Not even if I want to.
14. I love guacamole. I love when it's fresh and not refridgerated. It's an addiction. And yes, it has some health benefits!!
15. I want to be a better mother. Do more. Make the right choices. Have no regrets.
16. I love the smell of play doh.
17. I know I was put on this earth to be a mother to my children. And to take my experiences and what I have learned to help other parents through their experiences. I just haven't figured out how.
18. I've never seen Goonies. Whoa right?! (people always freak out about this fact)
19. I hate long drives.
20. As painful as it was to dispose of, I no longer own any Tupperware. I do believe it's toxic.
21. I believe Stem Cell Reseach will change our world for the better. I know it can help my son. I know it can help my mother. I would advise anyone not to ever bring this subject up to me unless you are on my side of the fence.
22. I am an ice cream snob.
23. I miss having a basement.
24. I hate carnations and babies breath. cheap fillers.
25. I love sneakers.
26. I am a bit of a perfectionist... a work in progress.
27. I hate the dentist and the gynocologist equally.
28. I wish I were a better writer.
29. I love my husband's and my son's dimples.
30. I like organization. Okay, I LOVE organization.
31. I love cotton.
32. I hate the circus, dog racing, horse racing, horse and buggies, using animals for entertainment and most of all... I detest Sea World. Don't even get me started.
33. I want to rescue a greyhound. Poor doggies.
34. I love that my husband can sense a celebrity from miles away. They could be right in front of me and I wouldn't know it.
35. I love that Reese still has a baby smell. :)
36. I love watching my kids sleep.
37. I am thankful for Angela, Tish and Christina. The best NICU nurses ever. I will never forget their names, their faces or what they did for not just Noah but for me. 84 long days.
38. I am addicted to Nancy Grace in an almost unhealthy way.
39. I do laundry every single day.
40. I love playing pinball.
41. I believe in equality and rights for ALL people. Let my gays get married!
42. Germ-X individually wrapped antibacterial wipes are the best things ever. Thank you Sam's Club.
43. I am bummed that Wally Lamb wrote only one good book.
44. I hate the texture of a banana. Too squishy.
45. I love, love, love US Weekly. Guilty pleasure.
46. I want to learn to take great photos. With a great camera. I need time for classes.
47. I love hearing Noah talk. No matter what he says. I could listen to that boy all day long. And now he sings...
48. I love the smell of coffee and hate the taste. My teeth thank me.
49. I love watching Reese run to me when I get home. Sometimes she runs so fast and is so excited she falls though... :(
50. I don't use one thing I learned in college in the "real world." The skills I learned as a server, however, have come in handy. Multitasking and coordinating.
51. I'm scared to die.
52. I don't like jellybeans or peeps or any other candy that doesn't have chocolate.
53. I am 35, getting wrinkles and have bags under my eyes. bummer.
54. I see deer in my yard almost every single day.
55. I don't like Godiva Chocolates.
56. I have to wear a guard on my teeth at night. Clencher.
57. I would give anything to see my grandmother for one more moment.
58. I love date nights with my husband. Vacations are even better.
59. I believe in wishes. Shooting stars, birthday candle, eyelashes, wishing well. I think the universe gives you what you put out there.
60. I love lilacs. Gerbera Daisies are a close second.
61. On that same note, I am not a fan of roses.
62. I had a dream about a 12 million dollar lottery ticket. Now I always buy one when I see 12 million on the billboards.
63. Tow Ropes should be illegal at all ski slopes. I think I fell 100 times as a kid and then everyone falls like dominoes. It's just wrong.
64. I can only handle two drinks.
65. I love Y & R on Saturday night on SoapNet. Sad, but true.
66. I am a drape critic. The bottom of the window or to the floor. period. A pet peeve.
67. I love XM in the car. How did I live without HLN before?!
68. There are very few friends that know me truly. I can count them on one hand. They are genuine. Lovely. Unlike each other. Loyal. And have seen me through it all.
69. I love SmartWater. Now I think spring water and Aquafina all taste funny.
70. I'm not a great driver. At least I admit it. April and I have nice driving memories. :)
71. I hate cooking. Hate it.
72. I don't have any desire to scuba dive. ever. Snorkeling is much more my speed.
73. I love the rocky coast.
74. I have a love for Orca Whales.
75. I worry way too much.
76. I believe in orbs-- I have photos with them. Google it.
77. I don't like microwave popcorn. I think it's gross. I like to pop it myself on the stove!
78. I try to not put food in the front of the cart (at the grocery store)because that's where the dirty diapers sit. :)
79. I love getting the mail. Especially in December when there are lots of photos of everyone arriving.
80. There's something very relaxing about the denist chair. If only he would leave so I could really relax.
81. I heart Vegas.
82. I love kickboxing with real bags. love, love, love it.
83. I hate to sew.
84. A person's disability does not define them. It's just one component of his or her life. Keep that in check when you speak to someone that has different abilities. I get easily frustrated by this. Noah is a million wonderful things. His diagnosis is just one small piece of who he is.
85. I am incapable of being fake. Truly. If I don't like someone, they usually know it.
86. I like biking, but it really does hurt my butt.
87. I like to wrap a pretty gift with a pretty bow. No sticky bows ever.
88. I love my bed. Up high. Down comforter. Pillow top. Ahhhh...
89. I don't like New Year's Eve or Valentines Day. Never have.
90. I love, love, love Black Friday. Up at 4am!
91. I love the smell of the ocean. The salt.
92. I love the NE Patriots. But Tom Brady has got to get rid of Bundchen for the love of Pete. One of my favorite memories with Joe was the 2001/2002 superbowl.
93. I learned over the past couple years that people on TV can be either very humble and gracious or just as*holes. You would think that some of those people thought they were in a Movie with Brad Pitt or something. It's home shopping for goodness sake.
94. I love chocolate jimmies. Don't you dare call them sprinkles.
95. I love when Joe plays with my hair.
96. I love cool, crisp air in the morning.
97. I have naturally, long eyelashes. For this I am thankful.
98. I think my children are wonderful people with their own spark for life.
99. I love chick flicks.
100. I am thankful for the life I have been given.

food, football and an amazing sister.

Two days and counting. There have been parties all week, but the exclusive parties happen in the next couple of days. We actually secured VIP (I still can't believe we got VIP) tickets to Taste of the NFL. Tom Colecio (Top Chef) will be the host and we will be dining with the likes of Faith Hill, Martha Stewart and several top players to name a few. Joe has already purchased a football and a fresh Sharpie--he will be like a kid in a candy store.

My sister, Heidi, was originally supposed to go with me to this event because Joe had to work. They dropped his HSN airing for the night and so now he can go. Heidi graciously said it would be okay. But now she will be at my house watching my children. Gosh, I need to make it up to her. I need some great ideas because the past has proven that my sister will not take cash, check or gift cards. She's stubborn like that. Any ideas?

Help, help!

finally.

Now that Bush is living back in Texas, President Obama is finally taking things in a new direction. This research could not only help, but cure millions of people.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/23/stem.cell/index.html

love this.

Such a memorable day. Such a wonderful speaker (and speech writer).
In case you missed it, here's President Obama's letter to his daughters:

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours.

In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation. I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other. Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe.

And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.
That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something. She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us.

It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be. I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential. These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world.

And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure. I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

i had a dream.

yes, i had a dream.
that the patriots would pull off some sort of miracle and make it to the superbowl.
unfortunately, that dream is shot.

but i did go the last superbowl when Kurt Warner played. what a game. he's a different man now. more gray, less ego. i enjoyed watching him lose with the rams back in 2002. but this time i think i may cheer the guy on. i can't cheer on the steelers after all.

joe and i will be attending for one of the biggest upsets in superbowl history. we are heading down for all the festivities and may have tickets to a couple of the exclusive parties (fingers crossed). there's nothing like a superbowl. nothing. it was a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! the offer still stands for anyone interested!

here's some superbowl info:

• 12 days and about 20 hours to go.
• Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias, Fall Out Boy & Lifehouse To perform at NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash.
• The Boss. Producers of the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show are looking for 2,000 excited fans to be a part of the on-field audience on February 1. go to tampabaysuperbowl.com
• NFL Experience tickets are on sale now.
• Jennifer Hudson will sing the star spangled banner. love that.
• parties, parties and more parties.
• Stalking players at their hotels. this is almost better than the game.

and hey pats fans, there's always Miami next year.....HOORAY! Another Florida Superbowl!! Start the countdown...

these challengers are champions.

I wasn't sure. When someone has a little boy I think they picture lots of things. Maybe he'll be this or that, but for sure there will be a soccer or baseball game or two. Snips and snails and puppy dog's tails... right? I didn't really have time or energy to think of these things when Noah was born. But that's okay. I got better stuff. I got to celebrate every breath. I celebrated his first poop because it showed his body was working. I rejoiced when he could suck, swallow and breath when he drank his milk all at the same time...a skill that is not easy (I had no idea). I celebrated the first time I heard my child cry. This was the first time I heard his voice and he was over six weeks old. He was finally off the ventilator and it was one of the happiest days of my life. So I never saw it as missing out, but so fortunate that I could see what was really, truly relevant.

And then it happened. Right time, right place. I was reminded that he is a boy that can play soccer, play baseball, do "boy stuff" and certainly be anything he wants to be.

Recently, someone I don't know that well told me of a baseball league called the "challenger league." It is for kids with different abilities and if only all baseball games could be played the way that they play. There are teams and teamwork, but no scores, no practices and no competition. They go, in uniform, and just play to have fun. Even if a child is in a wheelchair he or she can play. EVERYONE gets a chance. And as a parent, you don't have to worry that your child will sit on the bench. I am thrilled. Smiling ear to ear for Noah and for every child that is getting the chance to play. To be accepted. It's a truly wonderful thing.

And then today I get this email. A month ago I had never heard of this league and now I hear it everywhere. It's as though the universe meant for Noah to find this. His first game is February 7th. Here's the information from the email:


ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
to Feature Challenger Division Player, Family in Next Episode

By Communications Division WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.January 16, 2009

At 8 p.m. on Jan. 18 the ABC television program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," will feature the story of a Little League Challenger Division player and his family, who live in Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., and are members of Pen Mar Little League in Pennsylvania District 14.

The segment will highlight the Pen Mar Challenger program and showcase one of the league's Challenger Division's games.

Tune in Sunday night at 8pm--Perhaps while you are freezing in this weather, this can warm you up.

vegas.

I love Vegas. I love the energy there. The casinos, the restaurants and the way it never sleeps (and neither do I). Joe and I headed down there last week -- he went for work and I joined him later in the week. It was fabulous. We stayed at the Palms. I couldn't believe it five short years (the last time I went) how the strip has changed. So many new hotels and construction for even more! Circus, Circus is on it's last leg (who would have thought that place was even still there?!)

What does everyone always ask when you get back? Were you lucky? Yes. We came back with more than we left with so that's always a good thing. Joe actually played some random card game (I think the dealer may have made it up the night before) and in his first hand won $360. He played the one hand and got up and walked. The dealer was shocked! I play roulette...lose and win and lose and win. Once I break even (two hours later) I finally walk. And Joe discovered he loves any slot machine with a wheel at the top. We played them in every hotel!

We had one exceptional dinner at Prime in the Bellagio. If you get the chance and can swing the bill, you've gotta go. It was the best meal we've ever had. I was wishing the next day that we had skipped the bottle of wine (ok, even two days later), but thankfully am feeling better. :)

Joe and I -- dinner at Prime.

We are already wanting to head back. Wonder why it took us five years to return from the last time. Ahhh... that's right. Kids! :)

Don't Waste Your $40.

I hate the circus. Really, really hate the circus. Probably everyone reading this knows this about me. I have been meaning to post this because once you know, you can't look at it the same. This post is in reference to any circus that houses animals. People (acrobats, clowns, etc.) are not where the problem lies. It's the innocent animals that have no choice and are being abused everyday. After reading, you decide: Is it worth overpaying to support a BUSINESS that abuses animals? This includes Barnum & Bailey Circus which has had and continues to have several suits against them due to animal abuse.

"After 25 years of observing and documenting circuses, I know there are no kind animal trainers."

-- Pat DerbyFormer animal trainer

Circuses are considered by many people one of the classic pastimes for children all over America. But there is something terribly wrong with the circus. The circus as a whole is an extremely questionable institution, turning the oddities of peoples into a spectacle. However people are capable of giving consent to participate in circuses; animals are not. It questionable to use animals strictly for exploitation, but to completely mistreat them in the process is simply not okay.

It is standard procedure in the circus to beat endangered elephants with bull hooks and to keep them chained at all times, except when they are being used. As a circus is a business, the primary focus of it is to make money. And to do this, they very often compromise the conditions for the animals. Most circus animals are exotic and require specific diets and living conditions. However most circuses take the approach of what’s easiest and cheapest. This means that the animals are kept confined for long periods of time. Exotic animal veterinarians are not available when they are needed, and if water is limited, animals are last on the circus’ list.

And these are simply the living conditions. The reason circuses keep these animals is so that they will perform at the shows. And in order to do so, the animals must be trained. If it takes a decent amount of work and treats to train a domesticated dog simply to sit, imagine what it takes to train a wild elephant to stand on its hind legs. The answer is early separation from its mother, bull hooks, electric shock, whips, drugging, removal of death, and many other methods. An elephant trainer was caught on tape saying, “Sink that hook into ‘em ... when you hear that screaming then you know you got their attention, " on the subject of elephant training.
An elephant trumpets in agony as Frisco’s bullhook, with its sharp metal hook and spiked end, tears through her sensitive skin. Frisco, a Carson & Barnes elephant trainer, learned the trade from his father, a former trainer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other painful tools of the trade. We applaud trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and acrobats, but let’s leave animals in peace. Sweden, Austria, Costa Rica, Finland, India and Singapore have all banned or restricted the use of animals for entertainment—it’s time for the U.S. to do the same.

Stop supporting animal circuses. Visit animal-free circuses like the Cirque du Soleil or the Pickle Family Circus instead.

If you do attend again, feel free to look for me outside. I'll be the one with the sign.




sources:
http://www.circuses.com/
http://www.peta.com/
Circuses by The Humane Society of the United States
Animal Circuses: Animal Suffering
YouthVoices.net
Animals in the Circus: A Lifetime of Misery

jason.

ok, so who's not addicted to the bachelor?! I am not so proud to say I counted down the days. i love it. Although some seasons are better than others.... let's not talk about the season with the "prince." ughh...

But this season is Deanna's leftovers, Jason. It may not be that exciting of a season because he's not full of himself, trying to get it on with every girl he sees and appears to be a good dad. hmm. How strange, right?!

With the season premiers of Desperate Housewives, The Bachelor, Nip Tuck and Greys (even though Grey's sucks since Izzy started sleeping with the dead guy) I can hardly deal. My TIVO is working overtime as I leave for Vegas in less than two days!

Back to watching the girls scratch each other's eyes out! MEOWWWW.

UPDATE:
Did I just see Deanna in the scenes for upcoming episodes? Was she begging for him back? Are you kidding me??!! Ok, so maybe a little bit of me wants them to work it out. Why did she pick that snowboarder guy anyway?!

moment.

A couple mornings ago I was running around upstairs and heard talking coming from Reese's room. I peered in the door and heard Reese say, "Noah, read me this book" to which Noah replied, "okay Reese." They flipped through the pages and appeared to be reading to each other. No fighting. No screaming. They did not know I was watching. It was all very sweet.