Introducing My Guest Blogger

I have a very special post this evening. My dear husband, Mark, has kindly asked me if he could put a post on my blog. I actually think he thinks this is "our" blog. I told him to make his own blog if he has so much to say. I think a good title would be "The world according to Mark". Anyway, here it goes (I am a little scared)!!! Introducing, my loving husband, Mark.

"Five Seconds"

When I was playing high school sports, my coaches at the end of every practice would say "Five Seconds." It was a time for us (the students & players) to focus on our goals and reflect on ourselves as "Men for Others." I went to an all-boy Jesuit high school.

I have carried the "Five Seconds" to today. Every now and then I give myself "Five Seconds" to reflect on how I am as a father, husband, athlete, nurse, and person. I also use the "Five Seconds" as a time to think about and pray for others.

With everything going on in today's hectic world we have much to worry about (family, money, work, etc.). But when you think about your problems, there is always at least one other person that has it worse than you. Give "Five Seconds" to say a prayer or give positive thoughts to those that are having bigger problems than you. Give "Five Seconds" and thank God for all that he has given you.

After William & Thomas were born I did alot of "Five Seconds." There was a baby in the NICU about 20 feet from my boys who went to Heaven. I spent all the time thinking about my wife and boys and forgot there were other families in the same or much worse predicament than Karen and myself. I spent "Five Seconds" on that family that lost their child.

You would be surprised on what "Five Seconds" can do.

This post is dedicated to newborn baby Lindsey and her family. God Bless!

Call me Crazy

My husband has been after me to post something new on my blog. I think it is quite funny that he even cares what I have to say on here. He even has some of his co-workers reading this. So for all of you that work with Mark, please post a comment every now and then. You can come out of hiding. I hear so much about all of you andI know you are out there reading this!!! LOL

Anyway back on topic, You can all call me crazy but I have had a burning desire to get a dog. Not just any dog but I want a....Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Aren't they just so cute!! I have eyed them for years!

I think most women my age crave having another baby. Not me, a dog would suffice.

Realisticly, I know this is not a good time. I don't have time for a new dog. My life is crazy enough as it is. Having a 150 pound pooch should be enough. I truly am trying to simplify my life so why is my heart longing for a new doggie???? I keep thinking that I don't even need a puppy. An adult dog would suit me just fine. I am hoping this feeling passes quickly.

I even have names picked out. I like the names Honey or Olive depending on the dog's color.

Sometime's the fun is just in looking so I will settle to desire from a distance right now.

So that's what has been on my mind lately!!! Call me Crazy!

HIT THE BUTTON, HIT THE BUTTON

It amazes me how kids just enjoy the simpliest things. As many of you know, my boys are speech delayed. They have their own twin talk but have not put 2 words together until our vacation. There is nothing like an elevator to bring words out. One of the highlights of our trip (for the little dudes) was the discovery of elevator buttons. As soon as we would open our hotel room door they would go running out "hit the button, hit the button, hit the button". i almost cried when they put 3 words together.

i think being a momo mom really makes every little milestone feel like a huge major deal that deserves celebration. Way to go Liam and Tommy. Won't be long now until i can't wait for you to shut up. Until then keep those words coming!!!!

Here are more vacation pics as promised. More Florida details to come.....

MUCH NEEDED FAMILY TIME

As many of you know, Mark and I work different schedules so we don't need full time childcare. It works out well for the little dudes but not always the best thing for us as a family. Sometimes we both feel like single parents. With that said, we decided to take a much needed family vacation. Planning it was difficult as i wanted to fly and stay at a resort and Mark wanted to drive and stay at a motel 6 (LOL). We were going to Fort Myers Beach Florida where i lived for 2 years (1997-1999). It is a place near and dear to our hearts.

Anyway, we negotiated and decided to drive but stay at
the pink shell resort. I think both our ideas turned out for the best. We had 20 hours each way of family time. The boys did fantastic in the car. Mark and I got to talk and just be together.
The resort was fantastic and even met Mark's expectations which is not always easy to do.

We stopped in Savannah Georgia for a day. I always wanted to visit Savannah after reading 'midnight in the garden of good and evil'. Great book!!! neat city!!!

Here are some pics of our trip. I'll post some stories about it in the next week so check back....here is a preview of what is to come.... 'hit the button', 'catching up with friends', 'pickles', 'chasing the birds' 'Gerardo' and 'boating with bobby'.

All i can say is this vacation totally exceeded my expectations. We will definitely do family trips more often!!!