100 Things About Me

Here it is - I promised I'd get it done and, well, a month later I have. Good luck reading them all!


1. I was born in Detroit, MI on June 6, 1975.



2. I am a Gemini - and probably live up to that in every sense.



3. I have 1 sister - Colleen....she is 2 years younger.



4. I lived at 37232 Vita Marie until I was 14, that's when I moved to Texas.



5. My 1st best friend was Tracey Fletcher. We met in Ms. Martin's 2nd grade. We still keep in touch to this day.



6. I tried to climb the fence and run away when I was 4. I didn't get very far.



7. I have played the piano since I was in 4th grade. I didn't want to take lessons.



8. I now play piano to earn income. Wow!



9. I was an Ottawa Chief, Algonquin Eagle, Shackelford Patriot, Lamar Viking, North Texas Eagle, and Texas Woman Pioneer.



10. In middle school I loved New Edition and I knew all their songs by heart. I've seen them in concert 1 time. I can still tell you all their names too.



11. I was never athletic. My parents tried to get me to try out for basketball in middle school and swim team in jr. high. I was never athletic.



12. I've been to all 5 Great Lakes.



13. I do not like swimming in lake water - yuck and scary.



14. I've broken my left arm, 1 toe and 1 finger.



15. I took ice skating lessons once....but I'm too scared to go ice skating now.



16. A friend tried to take me rollarblading 1 time....I wasn't good at it.



17. This is harder than I thought.

18. Seriously, what else do you want to know?

19. I loved highschool.

20. I was in show choir - and I had so much fun.

21. I still live in the town where I went to highschool.

22. I knew I wanted to be a music therapist when I discovered it in Ms. Key's Health Occupations class in highschool.

23. I was president of a music fraternity for women.

24. I lived in Enid, OK for 6 months - I don't want to go back.

25. I met my husband while in college - but not the same college and married him 3 years later.

26. I love to eat out - but not with kids.

27. I love to travel but I've only left the country 3 times - Canada, Cancun and the Bahamas.

28. I don't like certain words - like "moist".

29. I don't like smacky eating noises either.

30. I've always had a nervous stomach.

31. But I do not get nervous when I play piano for other people or at church in front of 100s of people.

32. But I do get nervous if I have to sing a solo in front of 100s of people.

33. But I sing everyday in front of classrooms of children and teachers and I do not get nervous doing that. Go figure.

34. Once I make a friend - I typically remain friends with them for a long, long time.

35. I've had 2 dogs for pets - both Beagles

36. their names were Bailey and Nelly

37. Nelly drives me to drink

38. When I go to the salon - I like to get my hair blown dry but I don't like it when they wash it....it hurts.

39. I like to change hairstyles as often as I can.

40. I even got a perm a few years ago.

41. I do not like to eat leftovers

42. I'll throw food away if it's even close to the expiration date. I refuse to eat it on the day or a few days past the expiration date.

43. I've had salmonella one time. I never want it again!

44. I like to bake more than I like to cook...although I'm beginning to like to cook.

45. I've taken 3 cake decorating classes. And I love to decorate cakes...but I don't have time to do it all the time.

46. I feel weird charging people for cakes I make.

47. I don't like messes or things out of place. Having children hasn't really helped that.

48. My favorite Saturday or Sunday morning is to wake up, stay in bed and read an entire People magazine with no interruptions.

49. I do not like breakfast.

50. I do not like lunch meat at home - but a sandwich from a restaurant is good.

51. I love to "do lunch".

52. I love to play video games ever since my Dad got an Atari.

53. I would love to go to Europe.

54. Especially Ireland or Scotland and Italy.

55. I will probably never have enough money to do so.

56. I would love to run a marathon - but not that bad that I'll do anything about it.

57. So, I guess I admire those that can run a marathon.

58. I once was a candystriper at a hospital.

57. I love to sleep in my own bed. And I love covers over me.

58. I hate that I have to wear contacts.

59. Kids with disabilities don't scare me - they inspire me.

60. I love that they love music therapy.

61. I'm glad I can use my gifts to help them and make them smile.

62. I wish I had time to finish Evan's Christmas stocking.

63. I like to keep my fingers/hands busy - that includes what I have already mentioned - piano, guitar, video games, cake decorating, scrapbooking (have I mentioned that yet) AND cross-stitching.

64. I cannot do most of those things with little kids around.

65. I LOVE the internet.

66. I'm loving the blog thing

67. I was scared to try it

68. and I'm not sure I'm good at it

69. But it sure is fun.

70. I wish I had seen all the episodes of Sex and the City

71. I LOVE candy!!! Chocolate, gummy and hard candy are my favorite.

72. I think smoking is really disgusting. I've never smoked - okay, I took a puff once...but it was gross.

73. I've never done any drugs.

74. I believe in the Catholic church or, at least, having faith in something!

75. My husband and I were both Catholic so we didn't have that "issue".

76. As I'm getting older I'm becoming more and more afraid of heights.

77. I took pre-natal vitamins every day when I was pregnant with the first

78. I didn't take a single vitamin when I was pregnant with the second - don't judge me, he's fine!

79. I did not particularly like being pregnant

80. I will hopefully not have to do it again.

81. But I'm thankful for my 2 beautiful boys

82. Sometimes I don't think I'm old enough to have the responsibility of 2 children...other days I feel too old to have 2 children.

83. I'm loving facebook and reconnecting with old friends from highschool and college.

84. I'm really not that interesting

85. If you've read this far - congratulations

86. Okay, what else...

87. I wish to grow old with my husband

88. I hope I never have to date again.

89. I had the most beautiful June wedding

90. Sometimes, I'll coordinate what I'm wearing to the event so that the pictures look cute when I scrapbook them - that was for you Lindsey!

91. I've tried to be a good listener to my friends.

92. I've tried to be a good mother to my children

93. I've tried to be a good wife to my husband

94. I've tried to be a good daughter to my parents.

95. I've tried to be a good sister to my sister.

96. I've tried to be a good music therapist for my students

97. I've tried to be a good student for my teachers (mostly).

98. I hope you enjoyed

99. reading the 100 things

100. about ME!

Check out my Slide Show!

I'm experimenting with a new slide show site. Do you like it???? Oh MYGOSH! I just realized this is my 100th post - look out for a traditional 100th post with the 100 things about me....it might take me awhile to do it - but I will!

Our Graduate

On the one hand, it seems kind of silly to have a graduation ceremony for a little boy leaving Pre-Kindergarten, but on the other hand it is quite symbolic. Brennan is officially starting Kindergarten in the fall, the beginning of his years in education. This ceremony marked the end of "pre"school years. Now, granted the kid has been in "school" since he was 3 months old...and yes, we prefer to call it school rather than daycare. And he has learned so much already it just astounds me. But this is the beginning of him really growing up. I have to admit I did tear up a bit at the ceremony. He looked so handsome and grown up walking down the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance. He was sooo nervous too - he didn't want to go up on stage. He pulled it together and did a great job, walking up when his name was called and shook his teacher's hand and then posed while we took pictures. He stood there so niceless and I was thinking how fast time would fly until we were at his high school graduation, wondering where the time went. But then I watched as he started goofing with the kid standing next to him as they used their "diplomas" as spyglasses and swords. I was reminded that he isn't all that grown up yet and I still had some time with him before he didn't think I was cool anymore. Thank God! Congratulation Brennan! We love you and we are proud of you!

My Review of Personalized 2 Piece Luggage Set

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

It's hard to find adult quality luggage for kids...so we made our own! We used premium materials, hardware — even inline skate style wheels — to last a childhood's worth of adventures. Loaded with thoughtful features to make travel easier on kids, like huge outside compartments that kee...

Personalized 2 Piece Luggage Set

Exactly what we needed

By Jen from Arlington,TX on 5/23/2008

4out of 5

Pros: Durable, Strong Construction, Easy Use, Portable, Easy Setup

Cons: Poor Construction

Best Uses: Toddlers, Infants, Travel

Describe Yourself: Parent of Two or More Children

The rolling suitcase is great! Seems very durable and spacious. The blue colors aren't too babyish so it could be used a long time. The backpack is a bit small....it can hold one change of clothes and maybe a toiletry bag. But it would be good for some books and small toys for a plane or car ride. The zipper on the backpack is a bit wonky because of the cording but maybe it just needs to be broken in.

(legalese)

My Review of Dripstik

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

No more messy, drippy, dropped ice cream cones! Mom-invented Dripstik not only catches melting ice cream before it starts dribbling, it makes treats easier to hold. Self-standing, too, so kids can rest it upright on a table. One end holds assorted-size ice cream cones; the other holds frozen treats...

Dripstik

Great idea

By Jen from Arlington, TX on 5/21/2008

3out of 5

Pros: Easy To Use, Easy To Clean, Durable

Cons: Slot not deep enough

Best Uses: Toddlers, 4 and up

Describe Yourself: Parent of Two or More Children

I thought this was a great idea! I wish the slot of the popsicle end was deeper because the popsicles are a bit wobbly and don't seem as secure. They do catch the drips - until they tip the drip stick to eat the end of the popsicle and it dumps out on them. Definitely better for 4 and up. My 1 1/2 year old could hold it and it caught the mess....but he would tip it and all the juice would spill out. Defeating the whole purpose. But he felt quite independent using it by himself. We have not yet used it for holding ice cream cones. I don't make too many of those at home...so I need to remember to bring these products with me when we eat ice cream.

(legalese)

Adult night out, Six Flags, Ranger Game, oh My!

The past few days have been pretty fun-filled. We are blessed to have such social calendars - HA!!!!

Saturday night was the bi-monthly adult night out with the friends. It's our new tradition that I hope we will keep up with. We all get sitters for the kids and one couple plans the night out (or it's a group effort) but it does get accomplished. This time we went to the Blue Goose on Greenville for yummy mexican food and margaritas! We then ventured over to the Whiskey Bar on Lower Greenville. Karen's cousin owns it. We had a great time people watching, talking, joking and making fun of each other. The night started out with us being the youngest group hanging out on the rooftop bar and then as the night wore on, we quickly became one of the oldest groups there. Here's a picture to prove we were there.

Sunday was Mother's Day....I slept in until 9am!!!!!!! We met my parents for breakfast (they had the kids), I got these beautiful flowers - 2 dozen pink roses, we went to Six Flags and we met my parents and the Bewley's for pizza. Whew!

Don't I look thrilled to be on this mini (and I mean, mini) train with the boys. I felt like a fatty-boom-ba-latty squeezed in that little car and I thought the wheels were going to bust out from under it, but the boys enjoyed the 3 torturous laps around the track.

Evan exhibited some pure joy....We talked Brennan into playing the use-the-hammer-to-hit-the-thing-in-hopes-that-you-can-ring-the-impossible-to-ring-bell. He won a superman cape. And then that night he put it on after his bath and ran out into the garage naked to show Bryan who was out there working. nice.

We went up into that big orange tower. For those of you that know me well know that I am not a particular fan of heights. In fact, I hate them. But, I sucked it up so we could see what we could see on the top of that thing. Here's a shot of Fun Central - otherwise known as Arlington. That's the Cowboys stadium going up in the background. Wow!And this is me totally freaking out on the inside. All I could imagine was that flimsy, rusty, old, fence busting away as my children leaned on it. Oh god!!!! Can you see my grip on the platform Evan is standing on?

Yes, they still have this big chair at Six Flags. Do you remember getting your picture taken in it?

Brennan wanted to ride the "Conquistador" as his last ride of the day. He also wanted to sit in the back (or the highest point of the ride). Do you see the look of apprehension on my face? He did pretty well....got super freaked out when it was really going but handled it well. Did you know he's tall enough to ride the Shockwave - by himself?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Monday night we found ourselves at the Ranger Game. Evan was in an affectionate mood....Brennan cried because we "almost" didn't get a picture with Captain.

Here's a pic of those beautiful roses I was telling you about.

Happy Mother's Day

I haven't been ignoring this most recent holiday. I have been thinking of just the right thing to post....the pressure, the pressure.

Being a Working Mom can be a difficult job. There never seems to be enough time in the day. The ideas in my head of fun things to do with the kids never seem to happen because I'm just too tired at the end of the working day to do them with them. There is always something else that needs to get done like laundry folded, dishwasher emptied, dinner made, etc., etc. Some times my free time is taken up by thoughts of work or paperwork to complete. I sit at the computer with little hands hanging on my arms wanting my attention, to sit in my lap or read a book. But I think "just give me a minute so I can get this finished."

But I've learned that it is what it is and it is something most mother's share whether you work or stay at home. There is always something to get accomplished and we can never complete all the ideas we have in our heads. I have a teacher friend, who is not a mother, that always has cute crafting ideas she does with her students. I told her how I should do those things with my boys but I just didn't have time. She said "those things are for teachers to do with them, relax, don't worry about it. You have more important things to do with them." How wise. I am thankful for knowing that I can only do so much in a day and a new day will come tomorrow.

I am thankful I know this because of My Mother. She is so helpful to me and my family because she knows that there is only so much time in one day for one person to accomplish them all. She is always willing to help with the kids or bring dinner or listen to me blabber on about this or that. She is a positive force and a supportive being that lets me know I can make it another day and that I'm doing a good job. She is the definition of a Mother.

I am thankful for my husband's Mother. She raised such a wonderful son who has become a loving husband and father. He is an example for his own sons and one I am proud they have. She raised a son that is respectful of women and people, a supportive teacher and proud family man. She is the definition of a Mother.

Mother's raise our future Mothers and Fathers. And for that, we should all be thankful.

Happy Mother's Day!

Music Therapy

Some of you may not know that I am a music therapist. I work in a school district providing music therapy to children with special needs such as developmental delays, autism, Down's syndrome and other's with severe and profound disabilities. It is quite rewarding but can be very exhausting. That is where the name "The Music Mommy" came from - I'm not a SAHM (stay at home Mom) but a working Mom. Many of my teachers ask if I do music all the time with my own children....and you'd think the automatic answer would be "yes". But the truth is...I don't. I mean, I do but I don't. I'd love to have the time to do more and that will probably happen this summer but after doing 4-6 30 minute sessions each day at 2-3 different school campuses...I really don't feel much like singing when I get home. And when I do sing to my kids - the most common response from Brennan was "Mommy, stop singing!" He is better about wanting to sing along now and Evan does love music but I don't sing to them all evening.

Okay, so moving on from my personal, little downfall of being a mom who is a music therapist.....I have a colleague who started her own blog called The Music Therapy Show with Janice Harris. She started the blog as a way to inform other music therapists, general public and people who have experienced music therapy in their own lives or someone's they love. She is so knowledgeable and funny. She actually covered my maternity leave when I had Brennan - and she still talks to me so I guess I didn't scare her off too badly. I'm glad I know her and proud to post her new blog on my blog. She is doing a weekly radio show on blog radio every Saturday. You can listen live or check it out on the archive. So, if you have questions about MT or are just looking to be more informed check out her blog.

Tag: I'm it.

I was tagged by Elaine for a little meme about some random things about me. I've never done this before and I'm not exactly sure how you say it. But it looks like fun!

S0, here goes...The rules are:
1. Post three random things about yourself.
2. In your post, link to the person who tagged you.
3. Tag at least five other bloggers. Let them know you've tagged them by commenting on their blog with an invite to participate

1. I don't like to wear lipstick. I know I look so much better with it on...unlike my typical death-warmed over face. And I get so many compliment when I actual do wear it - probably because they are thinking "hey, she doesn't look like death today and her lips are actual a pink color not blending in to the rest of her skin". So, I've been making an effort to wear more lipstick.

2. I always wished I had long, pretty fingernails. But, playing the piano and guitar on a daily basis is not condusive to pretty nails or even long nails. I've tried the acrylic nail thing - but I could just never keep up with it. So, it is my goal to improve my nail status this summer.

3. I love shoes. But, I really only love summer shoes. They are so much cuter than winter shoes. I love sandals, flip flops, slip ons, patterns, and solids. In fact, I was just thinking that I needed some new flip flops because all mine from the past 2 summer seasons are ugh-ley!!! They are just a little too worn out.

Okay, I would tag some more people but I don't really know anybody else that blogs. And if they do, they don't very often or haven't updated their sites in awhile and they are just too "green" for the whole meme thing. So I'll leave it at that. Thanks for the invite Elaine!

Videos to View

So my Mom has been into using her new Flip Video Camera lately so I have a couple short little movies to share of what she did.

The first video is from the Ranger Game we all went to on April 27th. Apparently, all we did was eat at the game.


The second video is from our adventures at Mayfest in Ft. Worth this weekend. We had a great time there too and the weather was perfect.

Shout out!

So I got a "shout out" or mention on another blog today....can you believe it???? And Elaine's blog is awesome. She's really been working at getting some more traffic her way and she's done an excellent job. She's married to a friend of mine from high school - well, an ex-boyfriend of a friend of mine - but he was always nice to me - so I'll call him a friend. They go to our church and they are so cute with their two boys. Check out her blog if you get a chance.

BTW, Bryan told me I had some small details wrong --- ha, ha!! Once I thought about it - he was right? So, I told him that it changed everything now. Just kidding. Anyways, what I wrote made for a great story. Is my memory going already????