1. Baking is my passion, my past time, my joy.
2. I am a list maker. I excel in life because I excel at list making.
3. I have been accused of being opinionated. I like being opinionated, but I'm nice to.
4. Katie and I donated our hair to Locks of Love this summer. Our hair was short but it was rewarding.
5. I love Suburbia. I love neighbors, kids, mini vans, church, PTO, the ice cream truck and the car line at school.
6. Webkinz is a past time of mine. I win lots of money for my kiddos.
7. I'm easy to make fun of. I don't know why, but it's true.
8. I will always be preppy, even if it's not in style. I like sweater sets, loafers, bobs and pearls. You can make fun of me, that's okay.
9. I can say my alphabet backwards, ask me anytime. I can say all the US Presidents as well, in order. Only ask me that if I'm in an amusing mood.
10. Eric and I both hate yard work. Lord, I pray Eric starts to enjoy yard work. Every marriage needs one person who will spend time in the yard.
11. My children are the center of my universe, as they should be.
12. I spoke in front of 2,500 people. A script was given to me and I was to MC the entire opening ceremony of the Alpha Kappa Psi National Convention which means I went up on stage about 10 times. I did very well. I even had to banter with the keynote speaker at one point. I don't ever want to do that again.
13. My husband is so handsome when he plays with our children, cleans or fixes something. He's not as cute when playing xbox or snoring.
14. I love spin class. Especially if the instructor plays 80s music. Head To Toe by Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam is the best Spinning 80s song. I have no time for spin class, however, but I would go everyday if my first job was not "mom".
15. I love wine, I think it's fabulous. I'm a red wine girl.
16. I am rarely stressed but I do need a calm atmosphere to focus. That's why decorating is important, I want to feel cozy and happy.
17. Pushing Daisies is my new favorite show. Greys Anatomy, Desperate Housewives & Brothers and Sisters come in second.
18. I've been on a Royal Caribbean Cruise and we loved it. I did feel like I could fall overboard, that's a daunting thought.
19. Sound of Music and Annie are my favorite movies and I could watch them daily. If I'm sick, Kate puts in Annie and we watch it in bed.
20. We took our children to Vegas for a family vacation. People have strong opinions of this, we learned. It was amazing, you must rent a car. They can not walk the strip. They saw "Ka", Celine Dion, Hoover Dam, The Bellagio Fountains and the list could go on and on.
21. I prefer Old Navy jeans and Ralph Lauren Sweaters.
22. I collect Lenox Ornaments. I have a lot....I'm embarrassed to give the number.....alright, it's over 100, that's a lot of Lenox Ornaments. I also collect the dated Lenox Annual Holiday Plate. Feel free to buy me anything Lenox that coordinates with Lenox Eternal.
23. I collect wine corks which I enjoy looking at. Long live cork, please stop thinking about those other options. They are not the same.
24. There's no reason for the average person to bake a cake from scratch. Just doctor cake mixes. Those folks are smart and the cakes are great.
25. Eric first kissed me after a Jeff Foxworthy concert (UCF Homecoming Concert).
26. I was in Alpha Kappa Psi. I was a President. I was a District Director and Chapter Advisor post college. Many a wedding resulted from the Nu Chi Chapter. Mine included.
27. If I don't have my cell phone (my Treo Smartphone with email/internet/calendar/to do list) I can't function. Literally. I must have my phone.
28. Christmas weddings are wonderful. Christmas anniversaries are not wonderful. This is especially true if your birthday is also the week of Christmas. It's fairly hilarious.
29. I grew up Baptist but am now Catholic because my husband is Catholic. I thought it was funny that you can buy shot glasses at The Vatican.
30. I am lacking in knowledge about history & geography. I blame my high school. There I said it. It's not me, it's them.
31. I have an obsession with serving pieces. I love them. I have lots. I use to tell Eric I have a normal amount. But, I don't.
32. I write down the funny things my kids say and sometimes I'll read the journal with amazement. My most amazing memory...Kate looking at the Castle in Disney telling me why every light in the castle was on. She knew where every prince, princess and character from Cinderella (the mice included) lived. This happened as the park was closing when she was 3 and I still know the bench we occupied. She was so adorable (still is).
33. I should be a caterer....I think I will be one day.
34. I am naive. I saw "Boys In The Hood" in college and had to ask what the 'hood was. I still ask questions like that often. I pray my kids are also naive.
35. I have yet to see Grease or Gone With The Wind all the way through (I know Tia will cringe when she reads this).
36. I planned a trip to Vegas just because I love Celine Dion. My husband is my hero. He will tell you he did not enjoy Celine. But, he did. (yes, he did)
37. My two business degrees are useful but Business Calculus was a waste of time, just as I suspected.
38. Lazy people drive me crazy. We have a world to manage and improve and there are people sitting around that are not volunteering at school, church or their communities. Why not?
39. Now that I'm a mom, I am anxious (read scared) when driving on a bridge or by water at all.
40. My husband works in the golf industry. His company calls his division "sexy" which I find amusing.
41. I'm a child of the 80s and I adore all things 80s.
42. I took 18 hours the fall semester of my senior year at UCF. Plus I was the President of AKPsi and the Vice President of the Dean's Leadership Council for the College of Business that semester. I did not sleep much. I met Eric that semester so I have great memories.
43. I saw Milli Vanilli in concert the month they were "busted" for lip syncing. We were shocked. Shocked.
44. I'm a better mother in cool weather. I did not enjoy being a mom in Florida.
45. A perfect meal will include pasta and bread.
46. I love Oprah. I have an "Oprah For President 2008" t-shirt. People have rolled their eyes. I love Oprah. I think the 12 pack (my high school gals) deserve to be on Oprah, we're special.
47. I had a kidney stone in the 10th grade. I had two children with no drugs (nothing at all) and the kidney stone was much worse. Much worse.
48. High School was amazing. I hear all people don't agree. I loved it, I loved my friends and we had a perfect little life.
49. My car was booted multiple times in college because of parking tickets. I never felt that I had to follow the rules for some reason.
50. Katie's dance recital day is one of my favorite days all year.
51. I won the "Miss Lucy" award in the 8th grade because I talked and gave advice all the time.
52. My house is brick, my decor is traditional and I aspire to have all my furnishings from Pottery Barn.
53. I don't like salt and omit it from all recipes. Eric never notices and he likes salt.
54. My children never slept in their cribs, not one night. I know, you have an opinion. No, they do not still sleep with us.
55. I love bunko. But the game of bunko is not why I love bunko. If you play bunko with good friends, you likely agree.
56. I didn't Instant Message until this year, and I like it. However, it's a time robber. I exhaust my business partner on IM because I can talk all night, about real estate, my opinion of anything or just nonsense.
57. Eric's parents have blessed me (and their son, of course) with trips to London (twice), Paris, Wales, Venice, Florence and Rome. Their love of travel is deep. They are very good to us!
58. My biggest regret in life: I did not see Madonna in concert in the 80s. What was I thinking?
59. My handwriting is above average. Back when my friends were all getting married, I was the friend that addressed all the invitations in exchange for wine.
60. I'm skeptical of technology. I don't like change, it causes problems for me. Perhaps I am cursed. I pray for status quo.
61. I figured out I was street smart in my college bowling class. They told us our grade was based on improvement. Every one tried very hard that first class but I bowled gutters intentionally. I got an A and I am smart.
62. I am an open book. Matter of fact, this is probably repetitive to many of my friends. I talk a lot! My friends are fabulous.
63. Venice was amazing. We've been to Vegas a couple of time and that made the trip to Venice interesting. There were a couple times I 'zoned' and thought I was in a hotel and then said "Oh, my word, this is not Vegas....this is the real deal". My husband had the same feelings.
64. Music makes we happy. We went to a great restaurant (Cadwalladers) and they had The Fray's Live album on. It made that dinner fantastic. Wine, great food, my husband & The Fray...perfection.
65. My son is an excellent baseball and football player. I have a feeling he'll play college ball. He is serious about excelling in sports and he impresses me so much. He's a natural and just loves it.
66. I sweep my kitchen at least once a day. Children are messy, even well behaved children are messy.
67. I was discriminated against in London because of my red hair. The waiter was rude (nasty is not a stretch) and we had an awful dinner.
68. Baking is how I relax. Last year I baked 1488 cookies (124 dozen) in one day, for Christmas.
69. I don't think babies should ever cry. I know I'm likely wrong but that's my belief. I spoiled my babies and they seem just fine.
70. College was the best time of my life. I love every year of my life. But college, there's nothing like it. Sleep 'til 10ish, go to class, spend your parent's money, go out every night and incur debt. What fun.
71. I hate cooked vegetables. I like raw veggies only. That's not good, I know that.
72. I want to see Victoria Falls, that's just one thing on a long list of things I must see.
73. I have a dirt sensor on my vacuum. I am a clean person but the dirt sensor rarely goes off.
74. Pediatricians have sick and well waiting areas. I think OBs should have a separate area for women dealing with infertility or miscarriage. Sitting in the waiting room with pregnant woman and newborns is cruel. I know that is difficult logistically.
75. Eric is still my best friend. I thoroughly adore him.
76. My daughter is just like me. I think she's going to have a wonderful, happy life. My mom says "This blond hair does not go to waste". That suites Katie and I well.
77. I cried in public when I saw "The Pieta". That was right before we attended Mass at The Vatican in St Peter's Basilica.
78. My childhood was great. My parents are as close to perfect as you will find.
79. I love all things Gingerbread. I think Thanksgiving should be in June so we can celebrate Christmas for 2 months. 1 month is not enough.
80. I am more organized than you, probably. I can say that because most people tell me I am ridiculously organized. It's just how my mind works.
81. I have been a class mom every year since I've had children in school. It's fun.
82. My favorite word is bliss.
83. I love Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom at Christmas and we go every year. It is magic.
84. Real Estate is a tough career right now. Be loyal to your Realtor if they're doing a good job. Your Realtor deserves your loyalty. In case you did not know, I'm a Realtor.
85. I am still very close to my college friends and high school friends. I talk to them daily which I hear is unusual. I keep very busy online.
86. I like quotes. They help me focus. I should probably write a blog about my favorite quotes.
87. Going to bed with an unkept house makes me looney. I thrive in order.
88. I have my son's birth on tape. I had my daughter too quickly for a tape. I loved my quick deliveries, I love midwives and I love the book The Bradley Method of Childbirth. My midwife died of breast cancer, which freaked me out. She was the one that should have detected if I had breast cancer so that was sad to hear.
89. I love a man in a sweater vest, khakis and great shoes. A man in uniform doesn't do it for me.
90. All rooms should have lamps. Never turn on your overhead lighting unless you're looking for an earring or making a beaded necklace with your child.
91. Black and Denim is my favorite look.
92. I don't like the feel of glass. I hate mushy food (grits, cottage cheese etc). I don't like scary or sad movies. I don't like parents that scream "Make Them Pay" and children's sporting events. Yup, I witnessed that recently. We moms were *this close* to talking to the culprit. I was with multiple elementary school teachers so I was ready to hear a good lecture. I love mothers with opinions.
93. Cooking a big meal for your children is overrated. My kids love Healthy Choice meals..... they are healthy and easy. I am a good mom.
94. My Kitchen Aid Mixer is bigger than the mixer at a professional bakery in town. My mom bought me the biggest and best mixer ever and I love her.
95. I didn't find Stonehenge interesting. People tell me I should have.
96. I bungee jumped with a harness around my ankles, right before it was regulated. Now you must have ankle and waist harnesses (boring!). That same week, two people died bungee jumping. One catapulted. That's just stupid. Oh, you probably don't have to ask, but I was not a parent then, I was a college student. I have this on tape.
97. My extreme fear of needles and all things surrounding medical issues is problematic.
98. I take a bath every morning, not a shower.
99. I've been to The Masters with my husband a number of times, so have my children. That's not a big deal if you've lived in Augusta a long time. It's still a big deal to us.
100. We go to church weekly & Katie wants to know if you have to sleep in heaven. If you know, will you update us?
I saw this child while trick or treating and just thought it was the cutest toddler outfit ever!!! How sweet is she? I always look at things and wonder if I could make it and this is a definite yes! Orange tulle with some green and orange silky material and you are set! 
I had lots of fun making food for the halloween party we attended! Here is my gooey snake (pie crust filled with provolone and turkey sitting on lettuce) and spiders on sticks (hard o
ne-- chicken nuggets with spider rings and ketchup). As you can see, whereas my twin has a high talent in actual cooking and baking, I excel more at presentation! I managed to turn frozen nuggets into something that kids and adults alike thought was so cool! One little girl was scared to eat it and we had to explain what it was. Both were big hits and so simple! 
It's Halloween Night. The kiddos are adorable, I fulfilled all my mommy duties: made a special dessert for the kids (not that they needed any more sweets), planned and managed my son's class party this afternoon, carved some pumpkins, bought an easy but fun dinner, roasted pumpkin seeds, lit the pumpkins, handed my husband his one and only Halloween t-shirt and begged him to wear it, perfected the costumes, took pictures & stood by my husband as he opened a bottle of Shiraz.
I drink out of a mug that says this. I use this mug when I'm baking for events or coordinating volunteer events, which means I ignore this line of thinking.
r bikinis and Karen wants what? oh, a grilled cheese sandwich and Julie wants sushi and Kim will have a burger no bun. Thanks so much . . . . Sure, we'll eat in the dining room. We'll be there is 15.' And lets not leave out that they also have movie night once a week (that's them at one) and have consistent parties annually--I do thrive in stability. And we also can't leave out the gifts for the parties, by the way. It's your birthday so here honey, have a new car or a pink golf cart (my current favorite wish list item) or these silly other gifts that we spent all day shopping for because that is our LIFE this week. Enjoy! Name anything you could want from a lifestyle (well, other than the older shared boyfriend bit) and a home and tell me that being a 'girlfriend' isn't the way to go? 
I've never seen less men in my life. But, I haven't been to an Indigo Girls Concert. The men I saw were smiling & carrying HSM merchandise. Which means their smiles were fake because the t-shirt cost $35!
Two days after making my trees, a new Oriental Trading scrapbook catalog arrives and guess what was on the cover? Yes, this was my inspiration! I had been checking out their catalog online and I guess this stayed in my head! Their trees are what they sell and they are on a base and mine are not, I just used the cheap floral cone. And theirs is made of scrapbooking paper but I used ribbon. Anyway, I laughed when the catalog came and had to share this! 
Wow! Back to School is barely down and things are already beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And I am a wonderful consumer and thought that I'd better get ribbon before the best ones sold out. Right. It's the first of October but that's what justified my purchase. That and 40% off. I am not crazy--if it were full price I wouldn't have done it, I swear. Having just moved into a new home also doesn't help me with these impulse buys--the decorating ideas are ENDLESS and I'm beyond excited about have Christmas in our new home! I saw something that turned a floral cone into a cute little tree so I went with it. Once I was done with the ribbon, I couldn't figure out what to do on the top. I had no clue where I saw these trees and wished I could remember so I could go back and look at their topper. Well, I also plan to do a full blown Candy Cane theme since my new dining room is painted red so I had to work some candy into the trees too and putting them on top was perfect! I love my trees! Now I just have to pray that I don't develop an ant problem over the next 2 1/2 months so this glued on candy lasts! 
