It's Doesn't Matter How Many Times You Get Knocked Down In Life....

I love Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Garner.  They are my two favorite Hollywood stars and I was so incredibly excited for Ben when he won his Oscar the other night.  I never stay up until the end but did so purposefully hoping he would take it home, and to hear his speech.  I loved this clip, it was inspirational.  It made me think of a few people in my life right now that have been knocked down and his words energized me so  I wanted to share.  Life is hard.  A speech like Bens reminds us all that while hollywood stars may have money, and fame....they all scraped the bottom first to get to the top and the path to that Oscar stage has hardly been paved easily for any of them.   Happy Tuesday!

20 Things Mothers Should Teach Their Sons with 3 More Additions

I love you Jack, and promise to be the best that I can be and teach you all of the below in addition to the following.   Live your life with passion, and enthusiasm...both are contagious.  Dream big dreams, and relentlessly pursure them.  You will only live once my little man so make a difference in this world while you are here. 

TWENTY THINGS A MOM SHOULD TELL HER SON

1. Play a sport.
It will teach you how to win honorably,
lose gracefully, respect authority,
... work with others, manage your time
and stay out of trouble.
And maybe even throw or catch.

2. You will set the tone
for the sexual relationship,
so don't take something away from her
that you can't give back.

3. Use careful aim when you pee.
Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young
because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you
to the dishwasher, oven,
washing machine, iron,
vacuum, mop and broom.
Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully
and don't ever start a fight,
but if some idiot clocks you,
please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something
that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly.
Forever is a long time to live alone
and it's even longer to live with somebody
who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do.
This includes her having a successful career
and you changing diapers at 3 A.M.
Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir"
still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts"
is because they're "private".
Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing.
Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason
is always a good idea.

17. It is better to be kind
than to be right.

18. A sense of humor
goes a long way
in the healing process.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.
My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me
spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother
because I might be missing you.



(Credit: +Nino Rostomashvili)

Baby Pics of The Birthday Boy ...Courtesy Of Mama Sem

It is funny I don't think we really spent much time looking through baby pictures of JMS and I when Jack was born to see who he looked like.  My inbox rang with a bunch of pictures to post to the internet world of the birthday boy this morning from my MIL.  I would have to say three things that Jack for certain has of his dads 1. Hair 2. Smile 3. Baby belly........which will surely result in a similar adult physique.  At least that is how the numbers are playing out at Jack's well visits.  I mean seriously 20th percentile for weight and 90th percentile for height has long and lean like daddy in Jack's crystal ball for the future. 

Thanks for sending Karen, my man was cute then and has grown into one good looking man :)

Happy Birthday To The Most Amazing Man and Father I Know

Happy Birthday JMS!  I thank god every day that your mom brought you into this world, and that your parents raised such an amazing man.  You are the epitome of what more men and fathers should be like in this world.  Your humble, genuine, passionate, and caring heart are the core of what makes you so special.  I am so proud of all you have accomplished, and feel honored to be your wife. You are the best dad, and Jack is so lucky to have you as his life long role model. Your smile is contagious and I fall in love with it more everyday.  I love you more then life itself and am so excited to celebrate with you this weekend!  Cheers to 30 my love, the best years are yet to come!

Joy Of The Day 4

 

“Rock your own style

Dance your own beat.

And don’t forget to move your feet.”

- Author Unknown

 

 

 

Sometimes John and I look at each and say at the same time "I want to be Jack".  The joy on his face is one thing when he dances, but I love looking around at all the people watching him with smiles on their face, and clapping for him.  He is touching peoples heart by being Jack and he doesn't even know it. God I love this child, and the man with him isn't so bad either.  Simple Saturday pleasures.



Spring Baby Boys Clothes My Favorite Time of Year

Last night I had to return a few things at the Gap for Jack and was delighted to see some of the new spring line.  I kind of have an obsession with cute little boys clothes.  Mind you dressing a boy, is way easier then dressing a girl because options are limited but here are some of my favorite boy finds of this season.  Sidenote: I do typically wait until end of season with all stores to buy for the following year.  The thought of spending $34.95 on a pair of shorts for an infant is just not happening.  So most of what I am posting  I will be holding out to buy, or until I have a giant coupon. 

StellaEM Haberdashery:  I put this first because I am obsessed with this ETSY shop.  It started out with just bowties but has added suspenders, and soon to be scally caps! All I have to say is Jack is one dapper fella at Sunday mass.

Another ETSY Favorite: Judy is my go to lady for all Jack's jon jon's:

A Mix Of Stores Favorites For Spring/Summer


Scally Cap

Every Baby Needs A Pair Of Nantucket Reds

Add caption

Pink Gingham Button Down


 

Belt, can never find one that works for Jack this is great though

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swim Trunks

 

Rash Guard

 

Jack Loves His Crocs

 

 

 Rain Jacket

 

Baseball Hat

 

Playtime Favorites

 

 

 

 

Terry PopOver

Happy Shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Must Have Subscriptions...Seriously Check Them Out

I haven't shared a few of my most favorite finds lately so I figured while I sit here eating Valentines truffles waiting for John to come home I must share.


EBates : The best idea ever! Earn cash back for shopping online, no annual membership.  If you do not have an account, stop what you are doing right now, and click here to sign up.  I earned over $50 during the holidays just from going through Ebates.  It is seriously awesome.  I learned about it from another blogger, so  I am paying the idea forward.

Stitch Fix : Another absolutely genius idea, which I also got from another blog.  It is amazing how this online community can give you so many great ideas!  StitchFix is basically a membership similar to Birchbox but for clothes. The difference is you pay $20 and a custom shopper sends you five pieces to add to your wardrobe.  If you buy one of them then the $20 goes towards that item, if you just send everything back then all you are out is $20.  It is basically like having a personal stylist. The best part about it is that it fits any budget!  You fill out a profile and voila you are good to go!  Sign up here and then share with all of your friends!

Citrus Lane : I think I am obsessed with all of these monthly subscriptions because I absolutely love getting mail and packages.  It is something to look forward to each month and I can't help but love the anticipation of my Birch Box, Stitchfix, and Citrus Lanebox coming.  Basically Citrus Lane is a Birch Box for kids.  Each month it is a surprise box of really great baby products.  I highly recommend it, and I think it makes an amazing gift, especially for a first time mom. 

Enjoy!

Finding The Balance

In attempt to try and balance everything in my life right now I have been searching for ways to try and make our life easier.  Our schedule is so packed everyday, and so opposite that we need to find a way to be completely organized as a team in order to basically survive.  We have the mornings pretty much down, but when I run down my day this is what I want to accomplish:

1. Spend quality, uninterrupted time with Jack
2.  Have time for just John and I to hold each other and talk
3. Kick butt at work
4. Work out- necessity for stress relief
5. Eat well to feel good

Seems like a short list, but it is amazing how difficult it is to achieve everything sometimes.  Well I should say difficult to achieve 4 & 5, 1-3 are required to happen no matter what.  But 4 & 5 help me be better at everything else.  So how do we tackle all 5?

This is what we are doing and I would welcome ideas on what other people do to achieve their daily goals as I know for fact there are many other people out there that also struggle.

AM: JMS works out 5:30-6:30
- Nicole wakes up with Jack, feeds, dresses, plays until dad gets home
7:00AM I work out
John takes Jack to school

PM: We are still working on and it all comes down to the stress of dinner.  I hate thinking about dinner and worrying about putting a good meal on the table for our family.  I feel like I am always scrambling at the last minute to pull something together and it is always disappointing  to me.  So this week I bought a membership to the Fresh 20.  Basically gives you 5 easy, healthy recipes, with a list of groceries to buy at the beginning of the week.  I am hoping this eliminates the stress of dinner which cuts into my quality time with both John and Jack.  I will keep you posted on how it is.

Dinner is really the only hard part of the PM routine, the rest is easy we play, read, bathe, and rock.  Then John and I try to stick to our role of 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted talking before bed.  That time before turning in are some of the best of the day. 

This is all a work in progress, but I find I need to have something in place to make sure I am finding the balance.  Things have been so exciting yet so crazy lately that the ability to communicate, and be organized seems to be imperative to keeping our sanity.  Anyone else with me?

Love, Love Here We Are

To My Valentine,

You are my love, my life, and my best friend.  As our love has matured, it grows deeper every day and I feel so blessed for the life we have created together. You are the most amazing person I know inside and out.  I appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as our team works through change and growth.  Your support for me, my dreams, and our dreams as husband and wife, and parents I appreciate more then words can describe.  Thank you for loving me the way you do, to a thousand more love days with you.

I love you with every part of me John Michael, thank you for choosing me to be your partner in life!

"Love, love here we are"

NBS

Joy Of The Day #3 & Letters To Jack

"I'll Love You Forever

I'll Like You For Always

As Long As I'm Living

My Baby You'll Be"

 

 

 

 

Sweet Boy,

 

Another month of your beautiful life has flown by, and I find myself sitting here again in awe of how 30 days can somehow allow for so much growth in you.  It seems like everyday you are learning something new as you continue to grow and develop as a little boy.  Moments like the above are but once a day when you and I sit in your room with the lights turned low, and Norah Jones playing on the IPOD while your active little body calms in my arms, and floats off to sleep.  Last night I held you for an hour just staring at you, and kissing your soft skin.  You are such a beautiful baby, and an amazing little man.  Things I have loved this month have been seeing your dance moves get progressively better, listening to you talk about everything and say words.  There is something about your little voice that makes my heart melt.  You have a tendency to say each word twice.  Such as "shoe, shoe" or "ball, ball" or "boat, boat".  It is super cute, at the same time I wonder why you do it haha.  I love watching you dance, since we have moved we have made it a semi-ritual to try and expose you to live music each week and you love it.  You don't care where you are, what you are doing, who is around, who is looking, you just feel the music and I know it brings joy to anyone that has their eyes on you.  I love this about you, and hope you never change.  You are the epitome of teaching all around you that "Life is too short, so just dance".  Grandma brought Palin back last week and it has been so great to see you two together again.  Although you are going through a phase where you are a bit aggressive with P and we need to remind you to be nice to the doggie. 

 

You are such a little string bean.  Finding clothes that fit in all the right ways has been difficult lately.  You are a 6-12 month waist for shorts, but 12-18 months for height.  Tall and thin like your dad.  You have an obsession with shoes and actually picked out your most recent pair at the store which was kind of cool.  You have been on a pushing things around kick, and have been obsessed with your gator walker and shopping cart.  I have also noticed in the past month you have become very interested in all of your cars and trucks. I guess some would say it is just the beginning.  You also are a fan of "choo choo's"  You don't have any yet, but I am thinking the Easter Bunny might bring a little Thomas Train for you.  We have a lot of exciting things coming up over the next few weeks, and I am so excited for the memories we continue to make each day together.  I love you little man!  

 



Jack's First Valentines Party

These babies just arrived at our door and I would be lying if  I said I was not super excited to write these out with the peanut tonight for his class party tomorrow! Yay!

Joy Of The Day

Every morning I read my favorite blogs before I jump into work.  My top 2 favorite blogs are Emphasis Added and Dear Baby.  I have been reading Emily and Melissa's blogs for about two years now, and I get excited each day to read their beautiful words.  Just this week Emily at Emphasis Added posted on her blog about how her mom started a blog to post pictures that she titled "Joys of the day", with a quote attached.  When I read her post I couldn't think of a project more up my alley.  Considering the number of pictures  I take daily, and my love for quotes I have decided that I want to give it a whirl of my own.  Since today is lent and I haven't decided what I am going to give up yet, I figured  I could at least have this as my positive lent project.  I took a picture yesterday and today that are my first two joys of the day.  Thanks Emily for the idea,  I apologize in advance for copying.  But they say copying, is the best form of flattery.  Thanks to your mom too! You all are awesome!

Day 1: Joy of the day...I stumbled upon Jack's shoes walking into our bathroom late last night from a 16 hour work day. The look of them strewn on the floor, so tiny, just made my heart warm.

"I can only imagine where these tiny feet will go in their lifetime. My only hope is that they never forget the way home."

 

 

Day 2: Joy Of The Day

 

"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic and a child's best friend"  ~Henry Ward Beecher

 

 



Addison Miles.....True Inspiration For All Of Us

As some may  remember about a year ago I had shared the news that our cousin Danny and Rachel's little girl Addison had been diagnosed with Leukemia at just 4 short months old.  As I write this I hold back tears thinking about the day that our family found this out and the feelings that I know ran through thousands of peoples soul as they learned of the news.  Although far away the story of Addison rang through what seemed liked nationally in a short period of time.  The prayer warriors have been in full force this past year as Addison, Rachel, Danny, and Abby have been to hell and back again.  Addison is a fighter and as the months unfolded the ups and downs tested emotions to all that surrounded this sweet angel.  Addison went through three bone marrow transplants this past year, and just in the past thirty days the 3rd one took.  I guess they would say the 3rd one's a charm in this instance, yet she still has a battle to fight although the odds seem to be turning in this fighters favor.  She is just over a year old, three weeks younger then Jack and has made an influence on those around her that many wish they could make in a lifetime.  She is what inspiration is about, there is nothing in life that is harder then what this little baby girl has gone through, and I have found myself so many times over the past 12 months when I think I may be going through something tough to be reminded of Addison and give me strength.  But it is not only Addison that is a fighter, angel, and warrior it is our cousins Danny and Rachel.  The admiration I have for Danny and Rachel words can not describe.  As a parent I don't think I could ever muster the strength they have had over the past year, and they have done it with grace, poise, and confidence that one would not imagine to be possible.  For a year we have prayed for Addison, but we have prayed for Danny, Rachel, and Abby as well.  Danny and Rachel I admire you both so much as parents, family, and people.  You are an inspiration for all as well and I want you to know that.  This is where I want to share that Rachel, Addison's mom is going to be shaving her head in March to support the St. Baldricks foundation and research for a cure.  Rachel continues to inspire, and I urge all to join in the fight.  Right now I have so many friends that have new babies, are having babies, are new aunts and uncles, and are just excited to bring new life in this world.  You never know what can happen, it was Addison's four month check up where her leukemia was discovered.  We are not all invincible so we need to join together as one and find a cure.  If you can give in anyway, even if just a dollar it will go a long way.  It is the joining of forces of many both big and small that make a true difference in life.  Do it for Addison, and when you are having a bad day think of the sweet girl in this video and be inspired.

Mimi & Poppy Visit For A Night

It seems like forever since I saw my mom.  About three months to be exact, and I realized when she walked through the door a few Sundays ago just how much I had been missing good ole Deb.  Our visit was too short, only a day but we made the most of it!  Jack was happy to see mimi and made sure to show off his best moves for her.  A few pic from a day we really needed, a little r & r after a few nutty weeks.  I think Jake's face is really funny haha. Sorry poppy!

A Short But Sweet Weekend

A business trip to Half Moon Bay took up a day of the weekend but from when I got home Saturday night, until late last night we made the most of the weekend. 

Starting with  an overdue date night with JMS.  Our first out in the new town and it was so much fun.  We totally live in a vacation spot, and just decided to jump on the tourist band wagon.  We also randomly ran into an old friend, Ryan Morgan from our SAAC days on the street corner.  It was great to catch up, and funny enough Ryan seems to be the person we run into most randomly of anyone we know.  We started out with dinner at Cabana, recommended by my Delray expert Alyssa. The mojitos were awesome! Then headed over to Johnnies to listen to a great band, the plan was to head home by 10 and have only a couple of adult beverages.  A few hours later we rolled in, and were thankful that grandma was there for Jacks Sunday AM wake up call. It was a blissful night with my man, and we made a pact to not let more then a few weeks go by without the much needed mommy and daddy time.

 

 

Sunday was a pure Jack day through and through.  God this kid is a blast, I mean seriously he cracks me up.  I love living life through his eyes.  What I love about Jack is his ability to just bust a move at any time, (even though his mom has a tendency to do the same thing, I guess he gets it from me :) He has no fear, and I hope he always stays this way. From playing with golf clubs, to taking a bath, to playing with trucks this guy just exudes happiness! Love his curiosity!

Doing The Butt......The Baby Butt

I Don't Know What Is Fun About Holding 3 Golf Clubs...But Jack Surely Does

Silly Penguin

The Concentration

and of course good times with grandma!

 

 



Go Owls! Signing Day 2013

Since grandma is in town for the week I had the chance to sneak away with JMS to FAU's signing day dinner.  To say I was blown away would be an understatement.  Until last night I really had no idea what went into the workings of a Division I football team and the cohesive efforts of a strong, motivated team of coaches and support staff to find the right kind of student athlete to be a part of their program.  The hours of work, being away from family, the ups and downs of finding a recruit you love and the anticipation of whether or not they choose your school.  And that is just the recruiting piece, nevermind actually getting a team ready to win big.   It was so fun hearing the excitement, energy, and passion in the room for the Owl's.  From the President of the university, to John's new boss Pat Chun, to all of the coaching staff.  I was fired up for the Owl's every second of that dinner and fired up in general about everything.  Life, being a mom, working, it was more then just a fun signing day and opportunity to be a part of something pretty awesome.  It was lighting an even stronger fire under my bum to get after it!  One of the most memorable quotes from the night that I texted John as soon as the words came out of Coach Pelini's mouth was "You have to have endurance to be a champion".  The words rang so true last night for me.  I will not lie I have been putting pressure on myself since the day I walked through NCP's doors on January 7th.  The kind of pressure that I know drives myself crazy sometimes.  I want to succeed now.  Yet I know that my job is a process, sometimes a long process. Nevermind the rollercoaster of emotions, yet I strive off it. I guess it's just the love of the game.   When Coach Pelini said those words I had to smile, because it was like he was saying them to me.  I know my endurance will make me a champion with work, but the key is endurance making it through the ups and downs and keeping your eyes on your vision and goals.    Bottom line I will never forget my first D1 signing day, every coach that spoke in that room inspired me, and I know they will surely be inspiring their players to greatness in the 2013 season.  I am pumped to be a part of this Owl family!  Hoot Hoot!

This Kid Is Awesome....And He Is Right We All Deserve To Be Awesome

Go Out Be Awesome!

A Long Overdue Congrats Post

This post is long overdue, but it is a congrats and an ode to one of the most wonderful woman I know. My bff ECC is ready to head down the aisle come June and I am ecstatic to be a part of her special day! We will be heading to Athens, Greece to celebrate the nuptials of Mr. & Mrs. Rokas. I am honored to stand by her, just like she stood by me almost three years ago when I married my best friend.  Now she gets to marry her best friend.  This picture was taken on our wedding day, and this was the toast that Erin made to John and I. 

To Nicole & John:

 

First, I’d like to say thank you to Nicole and John for sharing today with me.  It was an honor to stand next to you as your got married. 

Nicole, it’s been almost nine years since we first met at Bentley.  I feel so very lucky to have you in my life.  We have shared so many experiences and adventures together, and you have brightened my life in so many ways.

John, as you know your wife is an amazing woman- one that I truly admire.  I remember at Bentley, Nicole came back from one of her SACC conferences and she was glowing!  She told me she found the man she was going to marry.  And Nicole- you were right!  Everything happens for a reason, and I am so happy the two of you have found your perfect teammate- the person you cannot live without.

Nicole and John- you were both college athletes, so always remember that the two of you are a team.  You will have wins and losses, hard practices and easy practices, successes and failures, but in the end if your goals are aligned, you will be a very successful team!

John, I want to thank you for making Nicole so very happy.  I have never seen her this happy before.  Nicole is very lucky to have you as her husband.  John, please take good care of your wife. 

Nicole and John- I wish you both a very long life together filled with good health, success, and lots of love and happiness.  I love you both, truly!



It was beautiful and classy just like ECC, I only hope my words can be expressed as eloquently as did hers.  I tear up reading her words, and over how happy I am that she has found true love. I don't know how I am going to write a speech that will encompass how I feel about Erin.  She was the first person I met at Bentley during pre-season of our freshman year of volleyball.  She was a stand out from the start, yet the most humble woman I had ever met.  Funny enough I see so many similarities in personality between Erin and John sometimes.  Especially when it comes to humility and genuity.  Over the past 12 years ECC has been the one I have shared everything with, and who always listened no matter what.  We have had so many adventures together, awesome memories, and I know no matter near or far we will continue to do so.  Less then six months until ECC walks down the aisle, so I better start writing now!  I love you Cecilia and could not be happier for you and Kosti!

A Little Town By The Sea

We are definitely getting acquainted with our new town, and really enjoying it.  Each day gets a little easier, more organized, and starting to feel a bit like home.  We have been working hard during the day and enjoying quality family time on weekends. I love how close we are to the ocean and downtown.  There are so many restaurants, cute little shops, great smoothie places, and some type of festival almost every weekend.  One of my favorite new Saturday routines is wheeling Jack in his wagon to the green market.  In just two weeks many of the vendors already know his name.  There may be a lot of tourists down here in So Flo but it does feel like a small little town. 

Love these snapshots from our first few weeks out and about!

Welcome to So Flo!

The Green Market has a band that plays on Saturdays...obviously he loves it

A boy and the Ocean...If only I knew what he was thinking!

The boy loves smoothies

This is the face Jack initially gives to people when they come up to him and start talking in a baby voice it's like he is thinking "What do these people think I am a baby or something, I am a big boy talk to me like one"

A little artsy look for a Saturday night