Mo & TJ Get Engaged!



You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.
~ Dr. Seuss

 

 

Two Mondays ago my beautiful sister in law got engaged to a wonderful man and my soon to be brother in-law TJ.  To say that JMS and I are overjoyed for these two would be an understatement, as it has taken me two week to gather my thoughts and get myself together to write this post. 

The picture below is the first one that was ever taken of Mo and I.

 It was the first weekend I had met Johns family our senior year of college.  I remember being so excited to meet her, and anxious whether or not she would like me.  She was attending school at UT at the time, and the second I met her I immediately loved her.  See Mo Mo is one of the kindest, genuine, talented, generous, and sweetest people I know.  She is beautiful inside, and out and has an absolute heart of gold.  It is no wonder TJ fell in love with our sister. 


Over the years I have realized how much I love, appreciate, and value Maureen as a sister and friend.  She is truly the sister I have never had, and I feel so blessed every day to have her in my life.  One of the things I appreciate most is her ability to agree to do almost any crazy idea I put her up to.  Hence my naming her Paula Dean circa Thanksgiving 2010 and forcing her to be in my Julia Child home videos.  This was a picture from our first taping ever.  It took a few times but Mo quickly got a hang of what  I was looking for in our home videos and has been a great sport ever since.

Our debut performance:

We have had so many amazing memories over the years and it brings tears to my eyes as we celebrate this special memory of you and TJ getting engaged and all the excitement we will have leading up to the big day!  These are pics from some of my favorites:

Big East Tourney 2010...Jacks first kiss

Destin 2009

New Years!

Making friends with Nashville's finest

Music City Bowl Fun!

and of course Palin's 1st Birthday

Christmas 2012




 

Jack calls his aunt "My Mo".  He LOVES his auntie Mo, and smiles bright when we show him her picture and when he sees her beautiful face.  He is lucky to have such an amazing aunt and godmother.  Jack's "Mo" is sweet and generous and is going to be the best mom herself someday.  She is so generous not with just with the things for Jack,  but the sweet words (books) she writes to both him and John and I in the cards she gives us.  I have a special box of all the cards Mo has ever given to us, and in each one she writes the sweetest words that sometimes are just great to look back on when you are having a tough day.  Her genuity and ability to make others around her feel special is I think just a trait of the Semeraro family, one I see in my husband and in her that  I value so much.  

Jack meets Auntie Mo

Destin 2012

Bath Time w/ Auntie Mo

Jack's Christening

Jack's first hair cut

Even though we are farther away then we all would like to be, the bond we have is special and unmatched.  Bottom line Mo I love you and am so incredibly happy that you have fallen in love and are marrying your best friend.  It is the greatest gift that you will ever receive.

Now onto TJ.  TJ just a few short blog words to you.  While you had Mo at Tinkerbell, you had me at our laundry room discussion.  And then  the Destin "Semeraro Family Initiation" also helped you along. I will refrain from posting any additional pictures on that topic.  Just kidding, with all seriousness I am so happy that you are going to be a part of our family.  You are the perfect match for Mo and I am pumped to have a new brother in law to be!  Let the party begin!

TJ Meets Jack

I love you both and wish you already a lifetime of happiness, enjoy every second of this special time!

Beautiful

This is awesome.  We are all our own worst critics.  I know I am mine, sometimes it just takes something like this to open all of our eyes. 

Powerful Woman Inspiration

I just finished reading Sheryl Sandberg's book "Lean In".  I have read a lot of business books in my day and I don't know if it is just the stage of life I am in that made this book fall into my "favorite business book" of all time category or just the fact that I felt like Sheryl was writing the book for me and we are now secretly best friends.  Bottom line this had such an incredible effect on me that  I had to share today and keep in my blog archive to look back on when I need a quick pick me up.

I highly recommend this book to ANY working mom out there, and any working dad for that matter.  While many might think this is  a book only for woman, if  a man hasn't figured out some of the feelings his working wife goes through then, this will surely help navigate the waters of emotion. 

While "Lean In" touched on the points of being a working professional woman and the challenges woman have to navigate in today's work force, it also touched on family and balance.  I felt very lucky reading through those chapters before bed last week and staring at John thinking to myself  (as I do often) "I hit the jack pot with this guy".  See when I married JMS one of the things that I loved about him was his undying support of my career. (Eyes well up as I write this) It is certainly not easy for him having a wife that travels, while he balances his demanding work schedule yet makes sure that our prized little boy is number one. Sometimes I wonder which is harder.  JMS having to do it on his own a few nights each week or the emotional roller coaster I go through being away sometimes.  Both are not a win, but it is a sacrifice we make for the life we want to lead. Sometimes  I joke and say our teamwork is the way it is because JMS tolerates my highly opinionated personality, but the truth is we respect, support one another, and have the same vision for our life.  The statistics that are pointed out in the book regarding the benefits of 50/50 marriage and high paternal involvement in childrens lives are amazing.  While the struggle is often times regarding balance in a dual breadwinning household, there are many things that point in the direction of couples having the understanding for one another and a father involved as being more productive to our childrens growth. 

  Yesterday would be a perfect example.  I was traveling to Houston for the day and at 5:15 I was in the car driving to the airport to catch my flight home.  I called John and Jack was crying in the background and wouldn't stop.  John was there trying to figure out what he wanted,  I had him put me on speaker and belted out the Itsy Bitsy Spider to see if maybe my voice would have any impact, while telling John to get the Advil because obviously from a 1,000 miles away I figured he was probably teething.  There was a hurried I will call you back and I sunk down in the back of the town car wanting to cry for not being there.  An hour later I got this picture, and text "He's back to normal"

 Obviously he was going to be since super dad was in charge.  In moments like that I am then reminded how blessed I am for having a husband that helps hold our balance together.  A few of the quotes that really hit home from the book are below. 

"Fear is at the root of so many of the barriers that women face.  Fear of not being liked.  Fear of making the wrong choice.  Fear of drawing negative attention.  Fear of overreaching.  Fear of being judged.  Fear of failure.  And the holy trinity of fear: the fear of being a bad mother/wife/daughter" 

The above quote is on page 24 of the book and after I read it I was like jeez louise the part about the holy trinity of fear...yep that hit home.  I realize that while the other fears are not ones that I particularly have but the mom/wife one definitely is and one I struggle with.  Reading this book made me feel better and more confident about this point.  


My favorites from Sheryls speech at Barnard:

"You are the promise for a more equal world.  So my hope for everyone here is that after you walk across this stage, after you get your diploma, after you go out tonight and celebrate hard then you will lean way into your career.  You will find something you love doing and you will do it with gusto.  For the right career for you and go all the way to the top"

Such a powerful statement and so true.  I had the opportunity to speak at the NCAA a few weeks back and one of my top 5 pieces of advice was the same as Sheryls.  If you are not doing what you love, or trying to find something you love to do then it makes things a whole lot harder.  I feel like one of the biggest mistakes people make is not finding a profession they truly enjoy.  Then when I say you should change it the list of excuses starts.  All I know is that balancing work and a family is hard enough, never mind if you don't like what you were doing. 


"I hope you find true meaning , contentment, and passion in your life.  I hope you navigate the difficult times and come out with greater resolve.  I hope you find whatever balance you seek with your eyes wide open.  And I hope that you have the ambition to learn in to your career  and run the world."

Balance is the key, and intentional quality time.  I realized as I read through this book that I need to be more intentional with my time that I have with my family.  While I know this in my head sometimes my actions may not be the same. 

There are just so many quotes I highlighted and dog eared in this book that I will continue to turn back to.  All I have to say is thank you to Sheryl Sandberg for writing this book, it has made a difference in my life and  I hope my readers will go out and pick it up and it will make a difference in theirs.

Bostonians...Cut From The Same Cloth

September 1, 2011 I was standing in the stairwell that led up to the Bentley cafeteria, next to my teammates roommate Britney looking down at the footage of the second plane hitting the world trade center.  Yesterday afternoon I was sitting in my car in Lake Wales, FL waiting to go into a meeting when I learned of the bombings in Boston.  If I still lived in Boston I would have been at the marathon as I had been so many years before.  The emotions of fear, sadness, and disbelief were even stronger then September 11 because Boston is where I am from.  My immediate thought like others was to make sure friends and family were not near the blast and were safe. Next to pray for those that were suffering both physically and emotionally. To pray for those first responders and heroes that were running in, while others were running out.  Thoughts for those that were enjoying a beautiful day in Boston that was disrupted so innocently by terror.

Last week I wrote about the spirit of sport at the Final Four.  This week I write about the spirit of sport as it relates to the Boston Marathon.  For those that live outside Boston you have to get the picture in your head of what the Boston Marathon means to the city and the people of Massachusetts. It's one of the most highly anticipated days of the year.  Picture thousands of talented athletes whether they are 3 hour finishers or 6 hour finishers together at the starting line of the tree lined streets of a tiny, beautiful suburban town found in many places across America.  Their charge and motivation is to make it from that tiny little town to the big city of Boston along one of the most challenging marathon running routes ever.  But the beauty of this race is that unlike many other marathons for 26.2 total miles the route is fully lined with families, friends, spectators, watching athletes endure and being inspired by their strength and perseverance to make it through.  Marathon Monday is a day were New Englanders, Bostonians, and people from around the world come together to support one another.  The firefighters outside the stations in Framingham, the woman from Wellesley College cheering (notably the loudest point along the route), the crowd at Heartbreak Hill as these runners endure the most brutal part of the race after already running 20 miles, and then running through to the end down Beacon and Boylston and what  I can only imagine as complete euphoria as they cross that finish line.

See I have never run the marathon, to be honest up until one of my good friends Jaime and her father ran the marathon in 2005 I was a spectator that jumped from bar to bar and viewing point to viewing point cheering people on.  But the year Jaime and her dad ran their first marathon was the year that my seriousness  and excitement about the true meaning of the marathon changed.  My two favorite years of the marathon were the years I loaded up a mini van with Jaimes husband, sister, mom, aunts to race to viewing spots every three-five miles and cheer them on.  I admired the strength and determination of all the runners, but being part of the Petsch/Lundgren race team was pretty cool.

 I remember seeing runners after the races, admiring their metals, not admiring their limping around (because the poor people were in pain, hence my desire to not run a marathon), and seeing the smiles on their faces of accomplishment.  That is what the Boston Marathon is about.  It is another event where the spirit of sport is at its finest.  Where spectators are passionate and cheering and fleeting from the stress of life and whatever worry they may feel during these happy moments.  It is an innocent, pure, and joyful occasion. 

Yesterday was a reminder of the dangers we face as a nation by those that are filled with hatred, but also of the spirit of humanity and those coming together through thoughts, prayers, rescue, kindness, unselfishness.  It is in some of the darkest hours that some of the most beautiful moments of camaraderie and support of people shines through.  Last night when President Obama addressed the Nation he said

"Today is a holiday in Massachusetts — Patriots’ Day.  It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the  earliest days of our nation.  And it’s a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in a spirit of friendly competition.  Boston is a tough and resilient town.  So are its people.  I’m supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. "

While you will rarely find me quoting our President, the line where he says "Boston is a tough and resilient town and so are it's people" that sure as heck is right.  About 6 years ago when I was working for Covidien one of my good friends I worked with always  use to say that people from Boston were "Cut from the same cloth". It is so the truth.  Bostonians are passionate about who they are and where they are from and maybe a little cocky at times in a good way.  People are proud to be from Boston, and no matter where you go across the country if you are a Bostonian and see someone with a Sox hat on your are instantaneously ready to have a drink with them.   I will tell you right now as our Nation stands together and rallies around a city that  I love and cherish it makes me even prouder to be from Boston, but to be an American. It also like many others wants me to send the message that I am sure many people  I know up North said and felt last night.  Don't f*#& with Boston, or America for that matter because we are one strong nation and city and we will persevere together.

Family Time

Over the weekend we also got the opportunity to catch up with extended family in Athens!  Aunt Charlene and Uncle Allen put out a spread, and we got to hang with the Martin/Forbes clan for the day.  Jack got to hang with his cousin for a few days and had plenty of fun playing with everyone.  It was a treat to spend time with family we never get to see and watch our children play together.  I got to pick Angela's brain as a super mom of four and Kathryns as a teacher.  I thank them both for their words of wisdom. 

Luke and Jack are the same age and I just can't get enough of their cuteness!  So happy we all were together, such a simple pleasure.  The pictures are priceless, and sweet.  It is definitely hard to get five kids looking in the same direction.

The Best One I Got

Wish These Two Could Play More Often



Mommas And Their Babies

Good Game Going On

Hugs

Family Picture

RISE TO THE OCCASION!

The past three months have been tough.  JMS and I have been putting in long hours at work, long hours with the fam, and virtually running on fumes half the time.  Albeit doing it with a positive attitude and perseverance like no other.  But this post is about our spontaneous, relaxing, and fun trip to Atlanta this past weekend.  When the Cards won last Sunday evening I decided we were going to the Final Four no if, and's, or but's.   I had a feeling we were going to win it all, (I have my bracket to prove it).   I am so happy we decided to take the plunge and go.  It certainly is a lot harder to take spontaneous trips with a toddler, but we did it.  3 pieces of luggage, a stroller, diaper bag, travel cribs, car seat, and two lap top bags later we made it to HotLanta.  Jack loved the plane ride and looking out the window and saying airplane.

We were greeted by Papa and Nana who kidnapped Jack shortly after we landed and brought him to meet some more of the Martin side of the family  over in Athens.

The Final Four Saturday was awesome.  We spent the day taking in the sites and festivities all around Centennial Park and the Georgia Dome.  It was an amazing fan atmosphere and the NCAA did an awesome job organizing all the events around the games.

 My favorite part of the weekend was obviously the Cards winning, but even more so taking in every second of each game, and the fan experience.  I love the spirit of sport and of competition.  What I love about college athletics is that it encompasses the true meaning of the spirit of sport.  Passion, skill, hard work, excitement all laid out on the court to determine who wins. Sometimes I feel like with professional sports the true spirit of sport fades for many athletes and is instead replaced with greed and the want for more money or fame.  While the spirit of sport may refer to athletes in many ways it refers to fans as well.  The spirit of sport brings fans together and gets people pumped up for something.  During those games every person in the GA dome was passionate about their team, and in that moment the only focus was on cheering on their team. Trust me the girl from Syracuse in front of me was extremely passionate.  She also made me want to cheer for Michigan because I decided ten minutes into the Syracuse game I wouldn't make it through the National Championship if she sat in front of me.  During both games all thoughts surrounded basketball and for once it almost felt freeing.  I  realize how much time I spend worrying and thinking about everything else it was nice to just focus on one exciting moment after another. 

We headed over to Bracket Town before the game on Monday and Jack loved it.  He slam dunked, played defense, and posed with gladiators.  The kids a rock star.

Then it was Monday night, past my bed time, and the game began.  It was the best 40 minutes of college basketball I have ever watched.  Every second, every shot, every basket people were  screaming from all sides of the dome.  It was simply awesome and will go down in history as one of my favorite memories with JMS and also with Joe and Karen!  To top it all of Mo and TJ got engaged which made it that more sweeter. The Cards prevailed, my voice is still lost, my fingers bend funny when I try to throw up the Louisville L, and I am drained as all get out.  Yet I am surprisingly refreshed and happy.  It is amazing what a little spontaneity and the spirit of sport can do for the soul.  Yay Cards!

And Then...He Was 18 Months Old

This picture about sums you up right now Jack Jack.  Happy, smiling, and on the go, go, go.  In the past thirty days your fast walk has turned into a mighty fast run that is keeping your dad and I on our toes.  We takes turns chasing you around whenever we are out, and although you are certainly exhausting you get more fun every single day.  The highlight of this month was Easter, and of course the Cardinals winning the National Championship.  Easter was so fun this year.  You were adorable running all over the house finding eggs and throwing them into your special Easter basket.  I had the chance to spend a few hours at school with you volunteering for your class Easter egg hunt.  It was such a special memory for me and I hope to do it each special holiday and be there with you. I love all holidays but they are even more fun as you become aware of what is happening around you.

 Over the past week we traveled to Atlanta for the Final Four and National Championship game.  While it was kind of a little, spontaneous opportunity for your dad and I to have some time we got to spend two full days with you enjoying family and the sites.  It is amazing to me how at 18 months you are assertive, persistent, and sometimes more fearless then I would like you to be.  We went to NCAA bracket town on Monday and you just kept running onto the big court, trying to grab a basketball, with 6 foot tall men running all around you. Luckily we found a vacant court so we could let you run loose, but boy you were making me a bit nervous. 

This month you have continued to add to your vocabulary and add some great new skills. You can repeat most words we ask you too, and I just am obsessed with hearing your sweet little voice.  You have taken a liking to salsa and pretty much love to dip any type of cracker or chip into anything that is in front of you. 

Your well visit is next week and I can't wait to see how much you have grown.  You continue to amaze me every day and I love you more then anything my sweet little man.

Happy 18 month birthday!

Kevin Ware Interview on Letterman

Kevin Ware is the man, and so is Letterman

Go Cards!

The last time we saw Louisville play in person was during the 2010 Big East Tournament.  I was 2 1/2 months pregnant with Jack.  Mo was still dancing for the Ladybirds, and it was actually my first Louisville basketball game I had been too.  I became a Louisville fan because of two reasons.  1.  Pitinos books are some of my favorites. His quote that how he recruits players with  "A PHD, passion, hunger, and drive" is one that I use all the time. I have used it in interviews to describe my goals for my career, I have used in presentations, and have it posted in my office.  I love the quote because that is what life is about and I believe by having those three qualities will always lead to success. Reason 2, it is John's favorite team so obviously I love them.

In four hours we are headed to Atlanta for the Final Four.  I am beyond excited.  It is going to be awesome, and a memory that we will never forget.  This is my online cheer for the Cards, and for memories, and for passion, hunger, and drive!  They are going to win it all....I can feel it!

Happy Friday peeps!

Auntie Mo giving Jack his first kiss!

My sister in law is so ridiculously talented

 

What Makes The Difference?

Do you know what makes the difference between a .300-hitting baseball star with a multimillion-dollar contract and a .260-plus player making only an average salary? Less than one additional hit per week over the course of the season. And you know what makes the difference between getting that hit and striking out? About one quarter-inch up or down the bat.

 

 

Doing little things to make a difference each day will result in long term success. Thanks JMS for the inspiration this morning.

Easter

Easter weekend was wonderful.  I love having a little boy to make holidays even that much more fun.  Jack loved hunting for Easter Eggs.  He is such a focused, serious little man when it comes to completing tasks.  His focus is remarkable and it makes me think he is going to be a very good athlete.  The Easter basket toy winners this year were his Thomas the Train and the dancing chicken.  Both grandmothers contributed to the favorites.  I just put Jack to bed with a train in each hand that he would not let go of.  Whatever works right?

Weekends go by too fast!  The Cards won yesterday therefore next weekend is going to be filled with more fun as we head to Atlanta for the Final Four!  To say JMS is excited would be an understatement.  I hope your weekends were great as well!

Checking out the goods

Loved playing a "stay at home" mom for a few hours and volunteering at Jack's school.  It was such a simple pleasure and so fun!

Enjoyed a little mom and Erin time on Saturday.  Oddly after a few drinks people kept saying we had the same dress on which we did not.

Jack was a beach bum Saturday visiting two times in one day!  That also meant two baths to get the sand out of every nook and cranny.

The goods

Where's Jake is the question?  A little post church lunch on the water.

My Easter brunch table, there is just something about a pretty table that I just absolutely love!

Love this face

I read a blog post once about the toddler squat, and I find myself obsessed with taking pictures of Jack in his squat.