Ten on Thursday?

I've been REALLY bad about blogging lately. I've been even worse about uploading pictures onto the computer. Just yesterday I pulled out my camera and I've got almost 800 pics on there. Time to get to work this weekend!

1. Do you decorate for Valentine’s day?
Not really.

2. Does your desktop have a picture or computer graphic? Is it organized?
Laptop: picture from our NWW vacation last summer; Desktop: picture of the three of us from my sister's wedding.

3. Do you use a paper planner, electric planner or no planner at all?
At work I use my desk calendar, but that's for work stuff. I've got a yearly planner in my purse, for when I remember to write appts and such in, but mostly just post-its all over the place reminding me.

4. Do you change purses or bags often or stick with a good thing?
I generally switch only twice a year. In the fall and in the spring. I splurge on a new Coach purse (if I'm lucky, at the outlets) about every two years and use it until it's worn out.

5. What’s your favorite YouTube Video?
I don't really have a favorite. I guess anything that's funny and someone has linked to it.

6. Do you use Turbo Tax or a real person to pay your taxes?
We use a real person. Pricey, but good to know we're getting every penny back that we can.

7. How many states have you set foot (or tire) in? Which ones?
Hmm...NJ, DE, PA, NY, MD, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL, VT, CT, RI, TN...so 15

8. How many countries have you been in? Which ones?
I've been to France, England, Germany, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Canada and of course the US.

9. How many pillows are in your house? (Sleeping or decorative)
I'd say somewhere in the the 30-40 range. A lot more decorative than for sleeping.

10. How cold is too cold for flip flops?
Probably temps lower than 60.

My thoughts on life right now:
Thank goodness for snow days in January, however I'll be miserable when I'm still in school later in June.
Time for a nap!

Ten on Tuesday (on Wednesday night)

1. What’s your favorite color to paint your nails?
I never paint my nails. I'd rather go neutral or clear on my fingernails. However, I never go without paint on my toes, but like most others I'd rather someone do it for me!

2. Do you like to sneeze?
Eh, sometimes when it's productive and clears things, yes. But sneezing sort of annoys me, especially loud sneezes. It's a pet peeve of mine. Control your volume! Oh, and don't even get me started on my students sneezing....EW.  :)

3. How often do you fill up your car with gas?
I'd say every week and a half to two weeks probably.

4. Were you named after anyone?
Nope.

5. Have you made any good recipes lately?
Today I made BBQ meatloaf. It was delish!

6. What’s an easy money-saving tip that you use regularly?
I shop with coupons and I try to only buy what's on sale.

7. Would you rather have a sore throat or an ear ache?
Sore throat. Ear aches make your entire head hurt.

8. Do you have any scars? What are they from?
Oh goodness, where would I start. My skin scars really easily. Boo to that.

9. What are you “known for” in your circle of friends/family?
Probably for being uptight. Hah, honestly though, I feel like I don't really stand out or am known for anything. Maybe needing to be right all the time?

10. How do you like to eat your pancakes?
Fresh, hot, and with syrup, no butter. I used to do butter and cinnamon sugar though.

My thoughts on life right now:
I'm tired! :)
Potty training? Eh, sort of, but not full force. Hard to do that when I work. It's sort of pee when you wake up, pee a few times after work, pee before bed. Luckily Aidan really likes getting stickers to put on his chart. He's getting really good at telling us right after he's gone too. :-P

Ten on Tuesday

{Questions borrowed from Roots and Rings}

1. What type of home do you currently reside in?
A house

 2. If you could completely redecorate one room in your home, what room would you pick, why, and what would you do to it?
Haha, redecorate or demolish? I'd redecorate my foyer since it's the entry to our home and doesn't really tell who we are, or maybe it does with it's lack of style and simpleness. If I could bring in the demolition crew it would be for my horrendous kitchen that has not been changed, except to add some ugly tile and backsplash by the previous owner, since the house was built in 1989.  Blech.
It’s probably just worth it to get a new house.

3. What is your favorite place to gain inspiration for your home decor style?
Home decor style? What's that? Let's just say we're comfy cozy here. My house definitely looks lived in, no show room here.

4. What is your favorite piece of decor in your home?
Again, no decor here. Well, I do kind of like the way I sort of redecorated Aidan's bathroom. So maybe the shower curtain in there.

5. What do you want visitors to feel when they visit your home? Do you think your home gives off that feeling?
I want them to feel like they can kick off their shoes and put their feet up on my couch. Grab a blanket, get comfy. Leave your glass by the sink, help yourself to whatever, chances are we won't ask but not because we don't want you to have it, but because it's that relaxed here.

6. Describe your home in one word and explain why you chose that word.
Progressing.

7. What are some predominant colors or patterns in your home?
beige, tan, off white blues

8. What is your favorite room in your home and why?
Proabably the family room, because it's got the comfiest furniture and where we spend most of our time.

9. Do you take a hands-on or DIY approach to projects around your home or do you enlist or hire help?
Sean hates loves when I get into projects that I'm sure I can handle until I actually start the task at hand. We're lucky to have some really talented folks that help us out here and there when we need it. I also have the number of a plumber and contractor on speed dial. :)

10. Where is your favorite place to shop for home furnishings?
Honestly, we haven't bought much furniture. Family room set was Raymour & Flanigan, our bedroom was JCPenney, and Aidan's nursery was Babies R Us. We got our TV stand and end table from Target. Wait, this could totally justify my purchase of a new couch for the living room! And maybe even a dining room table!!! We're in the market for a twin bed for Aidan, but I've got no idea where to look for that. I'm looking for a bed with storage under it, something like this: http://tinyurl.com/jcpbed or maybe this: http://tinyurl.com/pbbed1 or this: http://tinyurl.com/376trk3 .

My thoughts on life right now:
One day I will live in my forever home, where I will love my kitchen and bathroom and most other things. Where a simple change of a throw rug or wall hanging will satisfy me. Until then, I'll continue to organize/clean up/redecorate my 'for-now' house and try and make it comfortable, safe, and loving for my family.

"Two Hugs"

So for a while now Aidan has been doing this thing to 'melt-your-heart' with Sean and I where he's hugging one of us then the other parent leans in and he hugs both of us by the neck and says "two hugs". It certainly doesn't sound as sweet as it feels, but trust me, it totally is the best feeling in the world. Usually he does it when I lean in for my goodnight hug when he's sitting with Sean after drinking his night time milk before bed. Today he did it when he curled into bed with us this morning. It's one of those little things in life.

My thoughts on life right now:
My kid is pretty darn lucky to have two parents who love him more than he'll ever know.
Sean & I are really the lucky ones though, to have a child who we can love and be loved by.