Wee Bit

{one} did you buy a christmas tree this year?

No! But we did get a free tree from FedEx’s Trees for Troops!  It is beautiful, and took about 2 minutes to go pick up.  A complete win.

{two} what is your favorite holiday tradition?

I love driving around looking at lights, and all the baking!

{three} do you open your gifts on christmas eve or christmas day?

As a little one, we BEGGED my Dad to let us open one.  He would make us write up contracts, and sign them to secure a present.  Which was almost always a book, PJ’s or a calendar.  Not sure what we are going to do with our little people yet.

{four} at what age did you stop believing in santa claus?

I think around 7.  It was a bit of a relief.  This city girl was not OK with the idea of a man breaking and entering.

{five} do you fill stockings?

I have not done a ton of that yet, but will this year.

{six} handmade presents or store bought presents?

Mainly store bought…but if Etsy counts, then we will have lots of handmade gifts going out this year.

{seven} do you have a favorite christmas meal?

My mothers cheese potatoes… heavenly.

{eight} is your christmas tree real or artificial?

It is real and full and wonderful this year.  We usually had real trees growing up, and the smell makes it all worthwhile.

{nine} what is your favorite christmas song?

O Come All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What a Wonderful Child

{ten} did you send out christmas cards this year?

No, but I have not given up yet! The move has me behind, but I will catch up!

 

Wee Bit from the MIA

{one} if you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

Hmmm.. I just have such a hard time avoiding cliches on this one.  So here goes it…

One… that everyone in the world would go to bed with a full belly and lots of good water to drink.

Two… that my babies would grow up happy and healthy.

Three… that my metabolism would rival that of a marathon runner. 🙂

{two} who is your favorite author?

Tough one… maybe it’s Christmas approaching..but Dickens comes to mind.

{three} what crowd were you involved in during high school?

Like most things, I have a hard time committing.  So I was a bit of a crowd hopper.  I never did the “best friend” thing either.

{four} what is your favorite thing to do when you have time to yourself?

Whatever I want to do at that minute.  A novelty once you have children.

{five} do you have any hidden talents?

I consider myself to have a wealth of talents, that are yet to be discovered. 🙂

{six} can you fake any accents?

I can fake any accent poorly.

{seven} have you ever been mentioned in the newspaper?

I think so.  But I almost hope not.

{eight} have you ever been arrested?

Whoa, thought those documents were sealed.

{nine} what is your favorite job you’ve had?

I think my favorite job was teaching, though I might not have said that coming home from school most days.  I think it would have been my favorite had the following situations not been present: morning sickness and snack time, pregnancy, minimum wage salaries, another round of morning sickness, another pregnancy, two under 2 year olds at home, etc…

{ten} do you have any scars?

Yes, I was nicknamed ” The Emergency Room Queen” at a young age.

*** WE are in Colorado!!!! Pics are soon to come.  We sign our house lease tomorrow morning, and will spend all of tomorrow moving in.  I hope to be back and running in the next few days.  The highlights are: extreme beauty, way too much food, seeing old friends, and all the fun possibilities in the next few years!!! ***

 

{one} if you were going to a remote place and could only bring one CD, what would it be?

Hmmm… I am not good at limiting myself.  But, I think that I could get by with a great soundtrack.  Which one, I simply do not know.  I rather love the PS I Love You track though.

{two} are you generally more of an optimist, pessimist, or realist?

I don’t actually think people can honestly answer this about themselves, mainly because each “title” has a bit of a stigma attached.  I don’t want to say I am a head-in-the-clouds optimist, or a Debby-downer pessimist.. and honestly, a realist just seems to be a bit bland.  But, if I had to pick, I would say realist.

{three} have you ever picked up a hitchhiker? if not, would you?

No, I would not. NO, you should not. NO, I will not.

However, that being said, I sort of admire the audacity of both traveller and transporter.  And in a perfect world, I think it would be a great kindness, and chance to experience different people.  But, if you knew my mother, you would know that she dedicated her life to ensuring I would not do such things, the world is full of creeps after all.

{four} what spice or seasoning is your favorite?

Cinnamon….mmmmmm

And since it’s the season of decadence, let’s say Cinnamon Sugar….. delightful.

{five} what’s your birthstone? do you like it?

June…the pearl.

Perfection.

{six} do you know what your name means?

Brittany= Being from Brittany (France)… my whole existence is a lie.

{seven} what is your favorite breakfast cereal?

I am not a cereal eater.  I will eat it dry, but will not ever eat with milk.  To munch on, I prefer Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

{eight} if there was an extra hour in each day, what would you spend it doing?

Probably much of the same, though I like to think that I would work out or read more.

{nine} if you could turn any book into a movie, which would it be?

The Little Prince… is this a movie? If so, I have not had the privilege.

{ten} if you could go back and play out one day of your life to watch (like scrooge), what day would it be?

I think it would be the day I had my babies.  You want to be so present, but frankly, delivering a baby doesn’t allow for such perspective.  I would love to have seen it all, I didn’t have many pictures of me and the brand new babe, so it would be a great memory.

Hello…Wee Bit

*** I will return to the world of blogging in the next week or so… We are currently in Phase 2 of the Great Move of 2010… We are officially out of Georgia, and in Florida visiting family for the holiday. G and I will be making our 3 day journey West starting Sunday!! We sign our lease on December 3rd, and will be back in the swing of things!

I am still sane… and having a nice visit… people keep talking about Christmas…and I don’t understand… I thought everyone knew we were moving.  And thus, everything( including time) should halt until we have more time.

{one} what kind of camera do you have?

A Canon 50d… and I love it.  I need to name it.

{two} you just won $1000 and you have to spend it on yourself on one item. what do you buy?

Hmm… I think I might buy an Ipad… or a new laptop… or a new lens.

{three} if you had to choose, would you rather live with your parents in the same house forever or 5000 miles away?

Oh dear… I would say…since I am married and have two kids and each of those relationships require my complete attention… I would opt for 5000 miles.  But I am also secure in knowing that my parents would be in constant communication, and would visit often.

{four} is your christmas tree up yet?

Not yet… we need to get in our house first.

{five} do you bring reusable bags to the grocery store?

No..but I plan on it…and can’t resist buying them whenever the chance is available.

{six} which would be worse: listening to the same song on replay for the rest of your life or having to eat the same meal everyday for the rest of your life?

I think both would be equally annoying..since both are needed to agree with the mood of the day…but the food thing could get really bad.

{seven} name 3 things you are thankful for this season.

I am thankful for family, healthy children and a world of possibilities.

{eight} do you dye/highlight your hair? if so, do you do it yourself or have it done at the salon?

Yes…only at a salon… I am not a risk taker. 🙂 I probably only have it highlighted once a year though… but have a strong desire to dye it dark brown with a hint of red… not sure if I am brave enough.

{nine} would you rather watch a movie at home or at the theater?

A theater… I love going to the movies…shows…theater… I just love going out.

{ten} would you rather win $1000/week for life or $5 million all at once?

1000 a week.  That way I could indulge regularly, but not lose my mind. And it would be like winning every week!

Wee Bit

 

{one} do you collect anything? if so, what and how long have you been collecting?

Negative…I go in sprees of throwing away everything not nailed down.  Clutter is not my friend.  Though it always seems to be around.

{two} what is one cleaning tip that you swear by?

Hire help when possible.  Then up frequency of help when possible.

{three} who would you call for bail money?

My parents.

{four} what is one thing you miss about being a kid?

Not thinking about money,

Waking up and having clothes cleaned and in my drawer,

freedom to come /go as I please.

{five} name a few of your guilty pleasures.

Watching senseless television,  getting lost in the internet.  Reading.

{six} how early do you start your holiday shopping?

I refuse to let it become a frenzy.  I will usually devote a day or two to shopping for everyone.

When it stops being festive, I stop.

If I don’t find something that suits a person, I just don’t buy.

I  simply refuse to make the holiday about a list of people I need to check off.

And I certainly refuse to cause financial stress in my family over Christmas.

I don’t usually get in the spirit of the season until a few weeks before, I think it just becomes overkill.

I re-read this and sound like a downer, recent Christmas celebrations have sort of rained on my parade.

This year is going to be great, and probably WHITE in Colorado.

{seven} what is a family tradition that you would like to pass on to your significant other/children?

Playing board games.  Camping.

And playing the State Capital game while on road trips with other license plates.

Can’t wait until kids can join G and I playing the alphabet game on road trips, too.

{eight} what do you consider your greatest achievement?

I am pretty happy I have never used the word “ain’t” in a sentence other than joking.

And I like people.  Most all people.  I wish I knew more people, so I could further my liking.

Meaning, more people around the world.

Because I am certain life would be so much more balanced if we knew people from everywhere.

{nine} what do you do to pamper yourself?

Pedicures.  Massages.  Going to see a movie by myself.

{ten} if you were to start your own restaurant, what would it be called?

Chew with Your Mouth Closed

Ha…who knows.  I don’t think I would want to own a restaurant…some people stress me out when they eat.

 

 

your turn!

Wee Bit of me Wednesday

 

{one} do you still use a checkbook?

Negative.  I mean I finally have a checkbook, but it probably only comes out once a month for kiddos tuition check.

{two} what size shoe do you wear?

I am so inclined to lie…but fine…  I wear a 10…That’s right. It is the reason I hate shoe shopping.  And if the 10 doesn’t fit…well then, I don’t buy.

{three} scary movies or happy endings?

I don’t like scary movies. But most of the dramas I really love aren’t necessarily a “happy ending”.  But I can get sucked into a Nicholas Spark movie any day of the week.

{four} do you prefer spontaneity or stability?

Prefer spontaneity.  Definitely.  Makes me feel alive, like an active participant in life.  Which does not mean I really like surprises, but last minute trips or moves to Europe will always be dreams come true.

{five} what is the most embarrassing cd that you own?

I do not own any CD’s anymore.  But have owned plenty of embarrassing ones before.  NKOTB?  Salt-n-Peppa?

{six} do you watch reality tv?

I am pretty much weaned off of it…but have a few I like.  Survivor, Guiliana and Bill and The Real Housewives of DC was fascinating for awhile.  I like to think I am evolving by watching HBO mini-series now.  We can’t get enough of Dexter right now.

{seven} what is your favorite home-made meal?

My  mothers cheese potatoes…which are labelled with two words that I have HEAVILY moderated in my current diet.  I will never say no to them…never.

{eight} do you have any allergies?

I think so.  Not terrible if we are talking seasonal allergies.  I am not allergic to anything though, except latex, and it is not severe.

{nine} if you could open your own restaurant/store, what would it be?

Hmmm… I think I would own a napping  station for Moms(dads too!).  Military wives would be free!

And I would have a few play rooms and some comfy sleep rooms with TVs.  Glass of wine, and some down time.

I think it could save lives, marriages and sanity.

{ten} would you ever go skydiving (or have you been)?

I really am not drawn towards purchased or forced “highs”.  Would be more inclined to back a bag and travel somewhere different for an adrenaline rush.

Your turn!

 

{one} have you ever seen a ghost?

Negative.

{two} when was the last time you dressed up for halloween?

I don’t know.  I vaguely recall some Pimp and Ho Parties in college, but I don’t think I have dressed up since then.  I was a wee-bit tempted to be a nun when I was expecting. 🙂

{three} what’s your favorite candy?

Tootsie rolls have been appearing often in my thoughts lately.  I am not a huge candy person, but I do love Swedish Fish.

{four} did you have a favorite costume growing up?

Let be start by mentioning that there is nothing in this world (physical world) that I loathe more than BEES.  That being said, I very much enjoyed dressing up like one when I was a little thing.  And A carried on the tradition last year.  Maybe I will bring it back… next year… I am going to need a whole year to get my yoga on big-time.

{five} did you carve pumpkins this year?

Not yet, but I think it is going to happen tomorrow.

{six} what’s your favorite scary movie?

I DO NOT LIKE SCARY MOVIES.

My mother, being the profound woman she is, has always told us to not put things like that in our heads.  Because when you are old and senile you want only good things to think about.  Which I find a lovely thought.  And it gives me a really prolific sounding excuse for being too scared to watch.

{seven} haunted houses or corn mazes?

Corn Mazes…. very much enjoy. Haunted houses are a bit sweaty to me.  So many people are there, crowded in hallways and tiny rooms with fake steam and smelly face paints. And then, when you are adjusted to the stank of strangers, crazy looking people start jumping out. Nope, not for me.

{eight} are you superstitious?

I say no… but I might need to say yes.  I have certain things I do, in situations where I am nervous. For example, I am not a real nervous traveller, but have a sort of “taking off” routine.  Not sure I think anything bad will happen if I don’t, but also not willing to find out.

{nine} have you ever owned a black cat?

Black and white as a child.  Maybelleine- she looked like she had eye liner. On the note of #9, I will notice if a black cat walks in front of me or my car.

{ten} what are you plans for this coming halloween?

Well the U.S. Army celebrates Halloween on October 29th, Friday.  So we will go Trick-or-Treating with our friends in the neighborhood.  Saturday we have a costume party, and then Sunday we will probably take the kids to the festival at their school.  Then Monday, I will put all the candy in a bag and throw it away. 🙂

 

 

 

{one} have you ever milked a cow or a goat?

That is most definitely a no.  I am certain I would not ever try to milk a goat, but with the proper overalls and pigtails I may be willing to attempt a cow. Maybe.  But then I could most certainly not drink that milk.  It is a bit too organic.

{two} what sound does your alarm make when it goes off in the morning?

It, and by it, I really mean they are usually jumping on my bed attacking poor Frances.  Frances, the dog, who since her arrival has decided she should sleep in my bed.  I have been alarm clock free since 4-26-06 when dear J made his appearance.

{three} chocolate milk or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate…mmmmm

{four} what is one of the quirkiest things about you?

Quirky is really only “quirky” in movies, where it is endearing and cute.  I think in real life, and in real marriage, quirky turns to “weird” at a rapid rate.  I digress though…

I would say have some issues with words.  If a word offends me, and many do, I just make up a new one. Which is really more than quirky, but a public service.

{five} are you more like your mom or your dad?

I think I have a pretty good dose of both.

My dad would say I am like my Mom, and my Mom would say I am like my Dad.

My father is a force of nature when it comes to getting stuff done, being responsible/reasonable/logical/smart/ethical.  He is also very thoughtful, and remembers even small details.  He is rather remarkable.  I definitely acquired his less emotional and more logical side.  And, I can have moments, of extreme efficiency and get-stuff-done-edness.  I would say he and I are pretty similar, and we can both drive people nuts with our not sitting still and wanting to “get going” type personalities.  Especially when under the same roof.

He is a remarkable Dad, and Bampy, so I am happy to have the chance to let some of that “stick”.

My mother is saintly at times in her ability for self-sacrifice and concern for others.  She is funny/witty/smart/curious/duty-bound/moral/emotional and determined.  She can be definitely be a force to reckon with, especially when it comes to her people. She is very invested in the lives of people she meets, and I don’t think I have ever met anyone who didn’t like her.   I definitely got my concern for people, and love of the under dog from my Mom ( though a watered down version of what she posseses.)

She is the model of what children want as a mother, so I am very glad my little ones get to have her for a Grammy.  And they are too.

{six} do you sleep with the tv on?

Not usually.  We have a TV in our room, but it is rarely on.  However, when G is not home, I will have it (and all the lights) on, for sure.

{seven} if you were a crayon, what color would you be?

My favorite color is green, but I think I would want to be pink.  Nobody fights over green.

{eight} ross, joey, or chandler?

I don’t know if I am ready to say this.  But, I never watched Friends.

There, it is said.  From my limited knowledge I think I would want to be Chandler though.

{nine} do you play any musical instruments?

When using the word “play” very, very loosely I could claim the piano.  I took lessons when I was little. And can whip out my 2 recital songs.

{ten} what’s the worst thing you’ve ever cooked/baked?

Oh…hmmm… I can’t remember making anything that was terrible….but I do know I make a whole lot of “eh”.

Wee Bit of me Wednesday

{one} grilled or fried?

Grilled.  It’s an aspect of cooking that I am starting to enjoy.

{two} if you could change one thing about where you live, without worrying about money, what would you change?

Hmm…. I live in an Army house…. so this is a bit tough.  But, I do think a change to any place that makes a huge difference is flooring, at least aesthetically speaking.  However, knowing my domestic weaknesses I may opt for a completely redone kitchen, to inspire some cooking.  And an amazing closet, with organization already in place.  Maybe a nice chair in their to sit and ponder as well.

{three} what is your favorite time of day?

Nighttime.  I love dusk.  I love being outside at that time.  However, having children has really given me a love of time that is all my own.  Which, for a stay at home Mom is very limited.  Leaving me reading, computering, TV’ing, relaxing into the wee hours.

{four} what’s your favorite cereal?

Not a big cereal eater.  Which would be the largest difference between G and I.  He would live off of cereal. I actually have never sat down and had a bowl of cereal with milk.  But Cinnamon Toast Crunch is pretty tasty dry.

{five} do you open your mouth when you put mascara on?

Yes, I am human.

{six} if you could make any fictional character come to life, which would it be?

Oh my…. Don Quixote.  I imagine he is the best friend that everyone needs. Accentuating your positive traits, and bringing a fairy tale to life.

{seven} what are your favorite pizza toppings?

Hmmm… in a previous life, when pizza was something I could eat without shame– I would say sausage.

{eight} are you a heavy or a light sleeper?

I am a very heavy sleeper, which is why I do not like being the only adult in the house at night.  However, I am finely tuned to the sounds of my children- and wake instantly.

{nine} what is your favorite board game?

I really enjoy LIFE, or Monopoly.  But can’t remember the last time I played either.

{ten} what star/celebrity do most people say you look like?

I have heard Katherine Heigl.  Which I take as a compliment, and don’t let it go to my head.

Wee Bit of me Friday

{one} what is your biggest pet peeve?

Hmm…. this is not hard to define, but rather hard to explain.  I have issues with noise. Sometimes they can be masked, other times they can cause problems. For example, any saliva-like sound while chewing gum/eating/kissing/talking/nail biting/scratching/WHISTLING!! will force me to leave the room. This can apply to people sitting behind me in movie theaters eating popcorn.  I hear the sound, and literally fixate on the awfulness of the disturbance and can barely focus on the task at hand.

This also applies to people who sing over the radio.  I know this doesn’t make me popular, or even fun to be around, but I feel better getting it out.

{two} what is your favorite dessert?

I really do enjoy a nice bowl of Vanilla ice cream.  However, I do need to mention the Vanilla ice cream with port wine I had in New Orleans again, because it did change my life.

{three} what is the first thing you notice about people?

The way they talk about life/others/their children/work/themselves.  If they talk about money a lot. If they are dogmatic in any direction. None of these are deal breakers, they just stick with me a long time.

I don’t really notice one single feature, but more of a “feeling”.

I have fairly a high opinion of myself in terms of my ability to trust this instinct, and get quite upset when it is wrong.

{four} are you usually late, early or right on time?

Late. Not terribly so, but I really do not like being early.

{five} have you ever fired a gun?

I am not sure. I have fired a BB gun at my grandpa’s house in NC circa 1990.  I don’t like them, really. I am not a huge fan of even moving ours from place to place.  G wanted to get me one, for myself, when he is gone. This made me laugh.  I am about 97.2% certain I could not shoot anyone.  To which people think ” what if they were hurting your baby??” and I am not sure, seeing as though I still harbor ill thoughts towards a 3 year-old who purposefully made A fall at school today, it may be possible.  However, I am not sure my children’s health or psyche would profit any  knowing their Mommy killed/maimed someone.  I know mine wouldn’t.

I apologize for the confusion many are suffering while reading this, knowing I am married to a hunting soldier.

{six} are you right-handed or left-handed?

Right-handed…. does that say something about me?

{seven} which do you prefer: coke or pepsi?

Coke….Diet… and it is a BIG problem.  Do not believe the hype… it in NO way protects ones figure to go Diet.  Yet, I still drink.

eight} do you dance crazy when no one is looking?

Crazy? No.  Awesome? Yes.

J and I have been waltzing around the house since he was about 6 months old, A joins in now.

There is no shame in my game here people.

Turn on some Black Eyed Peas, and watch out!

{nine} what’s your favorite movie snack?

Oh my.  Movie theater popcorn used to be a dream.  But, it simply is the most horrible food choice one could make for their body.  So, I bring along an apple or a chocolatey protein bar.  This was not easy for the first few times.

In fact, the first time I went and did not get popcorn was to see Eat, Pray, Love.  Which I find very meaningful.

{ten} do you scream on roller coasters?

No. When faced with extreme emotional, I become silent. Fear/anger/love/happiness/excitement = quiet. Makes no sense.