The Guys Behind The Blog | March 2017

Just like I love interviewing Noah every month for The Kids Behind the Blog, I also love hearing from Chris each month.  This month's questions were interesting.  Some of these were kind of hard decisions to make.  I think this was the first time we actually discussed the questions in person instead of me just emailing him the questions.  When we were out for my birthday dinner, I started going through each of the questions and thought it was pretty funny hearing Chris' immediate reactions.  He also got to hear my opinions on the questions too.  I'm thinking we will have to do these interviews in person going forward.  

So here we go... the questions for March:

1 // Would you rather have your dream job and make less money or have a job you hate but make tons of money?

Job I hated but I made tons of money. I'd enjoy myself on weekends with my tons of money! haha

While I think having both is possible, if I had to choose I'd pick the same.  

2 // Would you rather play a hero or a villain in a movie?

I'd rather play a hero in a movie. They're loved by everyone!

I agree, though a villain is probably more fun to act.

3 // Would you rather always have to say everything on your mind or never be able to speak again?

I'd rather say everything on my mind. A la LIAR LIAR. 

This kind of surprised me because I find Chris is really good at filtering what he says and keeps a lot of his opinions to himself.  I can't imagine him saying everything on his mind!

4 // Would you rather go back in time and meet your ancestors or go into the future to meet your great grandchildren?

I'd like to go into the future and meet my great grandchildren. I'd love to see their flying cars and drones and other wild technology too!

I feel the same way! I think it would be so cool to meet my future great grandchildren.  We can already read stories about our ancestors but have no clue about the future!

5 // Would you rather swim in the Arctic Ocean with nothing but a swim suit (no wet suit) or walk through the desert in the middle of the summer having to wear sweat pants and a sweat shirt?

I'd rather walk in the desert with sweat pants and a sweat shirt. I'd be hot but the question doesn't say anything about being able to drink lots of ice cold water!   

I have to agree!  And I love that he thought of a "loop hole".

6 // Would you rather live like a king but have no friends or family or be homeless with your friends and family?

I'd sadly rather be homeless with friends and family. It would get very boring very quick if you were a king with zero friends and family.

I'm glad this isn't a choice we actually have to make!

As usual, I'm linking up with Crystal from Hall Around Texas, Elizabeth from Chasin Mason, Evelina from Fortunate House, Jamie from Cocktails and Carseats, and Jessica from Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom.

The Guys Behind the Blog | February 2017

Just like I love interviewing Noah every month for The Kids Behind the Blog, I also love hearing from Chris each month.  I especially like how the questions are usually related to an upcoming holiday :)   

February 7, 2010 (our 1 year dating anniversary)

So here we go... the questions for February:

1 // Name two things your wife has taught you.

My wife has taught me about all of the fun things families can do together, such as picking apples, strawberries, or pumpkins or going on a hayride or doing a homemade craft. She has also taught me that things need to get purged or donated every year if you're not using it. 

I couldn't help laughing out loud when I read this answer!  I guess my purging sessions have really made an impression on him! 

2 // What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

Favorite part of the wedding day was probably walking into the reception as husband and wife to all the cheers from our family and friends.

Yes, that was a pretty cool and surreal moment!

August 28, 2010

3 // Valentines Day is usually more about the girl... but tell me, what is something YOU would love to receive on Valentine's Day?

I love receiving homemade photo cards with memorable pictures on them. 

I love getting photo cards from Chris too!     

4 // What was the best date you and your wife ever had?

Best date was probably our California trip in 2011 because it was my first time there and we did so many cool things and saw such cool landmarks and such. 

I then told him that while California was super fun, I'm not sure we can classify it as a "date".  So then he changed his answer to the Rock of Ages movie. I would probably have to say anything Rock of Ages is good in his book... the movie, seeing it on Broadway, to even seeing it performed in our own town.  

5 // If money was no option and you could go anywhere in the world with just your spouse, where would you go and what would you do?

I'd want to go to Australia if money was no object. It's a place I've always desired to go to. 

I definitely want to go to Australia too.  But considering how far away it is I can't imagine not taking Noah with us.    

6 // Valentine's Day - Hallmark Holiday or Real Holiday?

Hallmark holiday. 

I guess I should be happy we still celebrate considering his feelings ;)

7 // What is your favorite romantic comedy movie?

Not really a romcom fan. Maybe Fever Pitch since it was also about baseball.

Funny thing is I think this is one of the few romantic comedies I haven't seen.  

As usual, I'm linking up with Crystal from Hall Around Texas, Elizabeth from Chasin Mason, Evelina from Fortunate House, Jamie from Cocktails and Carseats, and Jessica from Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom.

Guys Behind the Blog

Last year, I started interviewing Chris each month and linking up with Betsy from Heavens to Betsy and Laura from According to Laura Jean for their The Guys Behind the Blog series. I really looked forward to it each month and was pretty bummed when they decided July was their last month. That's why I was so happy to find out that Crystal from Hall Around Texas, Elizabeth from Chasin Mason, Evelina from Fortunate House, Jamie from Cocktails and Carseats, and Jessica from Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom are keeping the link-up alive... and even more thrilled that it will be continuing in 2017!

So here we go... the questions for January:

1 // Are you a New Year's resolution person? Why or why not?

Yes, I do make New Year's resolutions which usually revolve around going on a diet and more times than not, those resolutions fall flat by February. 

2 // Do you like colder months or do you prefer the warmer months? Why?

I like warmer months better. Love to wear shorts outside. 

3 // Have you been skiing or snowboarding? If so, did you enjoy it?

I used to snowboard and it was fun, but after a bad fall on an icy slope, I stopped snowboarding. 

4 // Where is your favourite winter vacation you've ever taken?

Favorite winter vacation was probably the first cruise Meghan and I took together back in 2009. We're still in contact with two couples we met there and have seen both sets in NJ since the cruise, which is impressive.

5 // If you were paid $100,000 to stay in a cabin in the mountains (in the winter) with no internet or TV for a month, could you do it? How would you spend your time?

As long as work was ok with it, I do think I could live in a cabin for $100k for a month. I'd do a lot of reading (books and magazines) and play lots of board games.

The Guy Behind The Blog | Christmas Day Moments

Earlier this year, I started interviewing Chris each month and linking up with Betsy from Heavens to Betsy and Laura from According to Laura Jean for their The Guys Behind the Blog series. I really looked forward to it each month and was pretty bummed when they decided July was their last month. That's why I was so happy to find out that  Crystal from Hall Around Texas, Elizabeth from Chasin Mason, Evelina from Fortunate House, Jamie from Cocktails and Carseats, and Jessica from Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom are keeping the link-up alive!

photo credit: Kristen Boylan Photography

So here we go... the questions for December:

1 // How do you spend the holidays? Any favorite traditions that you had growing up that you like to share with your family now?

I spend the holidays opening presents with family on Christmas and usually having family and birthday get-togethers since my dad and I have a birthday a few days after Christmas. Those are the main traditions that I want to carry on.

We definitely still spend the holiday with family.  Since both of our parents live nearby (within 10 minutes) we make sure to split the holiday - Eve with my family and Day with Chris' family.  Chris always takes off the week between Christmas and New Year's and we often do fun things as well as get together with Chris' extended family and celebrate his and his dad's birthdays.  You can see some of our favorite traditions at the end of the post.

2 // Do you prefer to have a real tree or a fake tree?

In the past, we always got a real tree each year, but they required a lot of cleanup and needles were everywhere. Now that we've gotten a fake tree, I can get used to this for the timbering.

While Chris and I both grew up having a real tree (my family went back and forth), both of our parents now have an artificial tree just like us.  It really is easier in my opinion, but if Noah ever requests a real one I think we may try it.  

3 // How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa? Did someone ruin it for you or did you find out on your own? Do you play Santa for your kids?

I think I was around 5 or 6 when I stopped believing in Santa and unfortunately my younger brother spilled the beans to me. One of his friends had told him! We do play Santa for Noah.

While I hope Noah lasts longer than 5 or 6, I can't really say that I believed for much longer than that either.  My mom had a policy that we ever asked point blank she wouldn't lie.  I think I asked in kindergarten.  We definitely play Santa for Noah and even do the whole elf thing.  It's even more fun being Santa as an adult!

4 // What's your favourite Christmas movie?

My favorite Christmas movie is A Christmas Story.

5 // Office holiday party - take it or leave it?

Office holiday party - take it. My company always goes to interesting places and has cool events or themes, so it's always fun to check it out.

Chris' work really does throw some pretty cool parties.  Unfortunately, spouses aren't invited.  This year they had it at Tavern on the Green and check out these crazy workers they hired for the event!

Bonus Question:
6 // New Year's Eve... quiet evening at home or go out and party?
New Years Eve - was fun to go out when I was single, but it's fun to stay home or to go to a local friend's house now.

Chris and I have been on a cruise for New Year's and have gone out with friends before having Noah.  Since having Noah, the most we do is go to a local friend's house who also has kids, and we are still home by 10pm!  

And speaking of Christmas traditions, here are some photos from our Christmas Day with Chris' family this year.  We headed over around noon for more gifts and a Christmas dinner.  Some of my favorite moments are the ones that happen each and every year.

In Chris' family, Noah's Uncle Justin acts as "Santa" and picks gifts from under the tree to hand out to everyone.  This year, I suggested that Noah be his little helper.  They each had their own little stools, and Noah got really into helping his uncle with this important job :)

Each year, I take Noah to the paint your own pottery studio to make a gift for both sets of grandparents.  This year, we chose a plate and made his handprint into a Christmas tree.  He even wrote his name all by himself with the pencil and then helped me trace over it with the paint.  It's amazing to see how much his hand has grown and how much more he helps with the gift each year!

I also make a Shutterfly calendar for both sets of grandparents, and this year I even made one for Chris' grandmother.  It's always well received and we love looking through the photos for each month and reminiscing over the year.  Noah's favorite part this year was going through each month and saying "any birthdays?".  In this photo he's pointing out that Daddy has a birthday in December... which is tomorrow!!!

Uncle Justin has really been into buying gifts for Noah recently.  The fun part is that most of the toys he played with as a kid are really popular once again.  Like Ninja Turtles, Transformers, and all the superheroes.  Chris and Justin grew up playing army men, so Uncle Justin bought Noah tons of army toys... I honestly think Noah now has every set they make!  They then spent the afternoon showing Noah how to set up the army men and took turns attacking each other's side.  It was so cute to watch!

And speaking of toys getting a second life, here's a photo of Chris and his brother back in 1984 (the year I was born!!!) with their Flash and Green Lantern figures.  And while Noah isn't playing with their old figures, he does have his own new set that he absolutely loves to play with.  Chris found the old photo and we decided it was time to recreate it with Noah this year! Noah called dibs on Flash, so Chris had to pick a new superhero (Aquaman) to hold this time around :)

1984, 2016

What are some of your favorite traditions?

The Guy Behind The Blog

Earlier this year, I started interviewing Chris each month and linking up with Betsy from Heavens to Betsy and Laura from According to Laura Jean for their The Guys Behind the Blog series. I really looked forward to it each month and was pretty bummed when they decided July was their last month. That's why I was so happy to find out that  Crystal from Hall Around Texas, Elizabeth from Chasin Mason, Evelina from Fortunate House, Jamie from Cocktails and Carseats, and Jessica from Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom were going to keep the link-up alive! I linked up with them for the first time last month and I'm excited to be back again for November!

So here we go... the questions for November:

1 // What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? What is your least favorite?

I love stuffing, but the Stove Top version. I dislike cranberry sauce and gravy the most.

Chris' mom is a really good cook, so I thought it was pretty funny that he prefers the Stove Top version.  I have never been a stuffing fan, but we grew up eating Stove Top at my house.  Though I have found a stuffing recipe that I really love, so Chris didn't get his favorite last year or this year!  It's also funny that Chris doesn't like gravy or cranberry sauce, since I love both and always serve them (though they are both out of a can!). 

2 // What is a Thanksgiving tradition you liked growing up that you want to continue with your family? 

For example: Do you eat super early around 3pm or regular dinner time around 6pm? Do you watch football? Do you all go to a particular family member's house? Do you nap after the big meal?

Eating Thanksgiving dinner around 4 PM and then watching football has always been a tradition.

Thanksgiving is the one holiday that seems to change every year for us.  Chris' parents are often in Cancun for Thanksgiving, but when they are home we usually celebrate with them.  This year they will be gone, so we will be celebrating with my parents.   Since it's just the 5 of us, and we just did the big turkey dinner for Canadian Thanksgiving, we are opting to go out this year.  A delicious meal and no hassle.  If we can throw some football into the mix, I think Chris will get his wish... sort of.  

3 // What are your thoughts on Black Friday shopping? Yay or nay?

I dislike Black Friday shopping. It's usually outdated tv's and other things that I don't really need anyway, and I'm not going to wake up at 5 AM and fight crowds to save a few dollars.

I'm not a fan of Black Friday shopping either.  While Chris doesn't like going to the actual stores, he definitely holds off buying Christmas gifts until he sees if they will be marked down online that weekend. 

4 // If you had it your way, would you set up your holiday decorations (Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah, etc.) before or after Thanksgiving?

If I had my way, I'd setup Christmas decorations the first weekend in December.

While I don't put the decorations up super early, I definitely like to put them up right after Thanksgiving.  I usually plan it that the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we are hanging the outside lights, putting up our artificial tree, and getting the big items up.  Then I spend that week adding the little touches.  

5 // What are you most thankful for this year?

I'm most thankful for a happy and healthy immediate family of the 3 of us, as well as our 4 parents.

I couldn't agree more!  

The Guys Behind the Blog... It's Back!!!

Earlier this year, I started interviewing Chris each month and linking up with Betsy from Heavens to Betsy and Laura from According to Laura Jean for their The Guys Behind the Blog series. I really looked forward to it each month and was pretty bummed when they decided July was their last month. That's why I was so happy to find out that Crystal from Hall Around Texas, Elizabeth from Chasin Mason, Evelina from Fortunate House, Jamie from Cocktails and Carseats, and Jessica from Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom were going to keep the link-up alive! This is the first month with the new co-hosts and I'm so excited to participate, that you are getting two blog posts today!!!

So here we go... the questions for October:

1 // What was your most favorite Halloween costume and why?

My favorite Halloween costume was the Mets catcher costume circa 1986, which was the one year during my childhood that they won the World Series. I ended up being a catcher for a number of years after that.

2 // Haunted Houses - love them or hate them?

Haunted houses are okay, if they don't take it over the top and try to scare the daylights out of people.

3 // What is your favorite scary movie of all time?

I don't really like scary movies so I wouldn't have any to name.

I don't like scary movies at all either, which works out well for us!

4 // If you had to attend a mandatory dress up Halloween party this year what would you go as?

If I attended a mandatory dress up Halloween party this year, I'd dress up as the Hulk.

and match Noah???

you can see all of Noah's costumes here

5 // Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?

I do believe in ghosts because I've heard ghost stories over the years and they seem very believable and realistic and not too far fetched.

I love how I learn something new about Chris from these questions each month!

The Guys Behind the Blog | July 2016

I'm back again today with another installment of "The Guys Behind the Blog". I love that each month I get to interview both Chris (here) and Noah (with our new "The Kids Behind the Blog" link up.)  

This month, Betsy and Laura left it up to us to come up with the questions!   Chris and I went back and forth brainstorming some ideas and finally settled on doing a somewhat "childhood" theme.  I love comparing Chris' childhood and interests to Noah's!  

What was your favorite TV show as a child? What's your favorite TV show that Noah watches?
Favorite tv show as a kid was GI Joe (cartoon) and Dukes Of Hazzard (non-cartoon). I like the Octonauts because it's the show that Noah is the most into currently, so we can play with the different characters before, during, and after the show.

What was your favorite board game to play as a child? What is your favorite board game to play with Noah now?
Favorite board game as a kid was Sorry, and then Monopoly when I was in my teens. My favorite game to play with Noah right now is probably Loopin' Louie because it's a game that I never had as a kid and it's cool to see his hand/eye coordination to make sure Louie doesn't knock over his chips.

Who was/is your favorite superhero and why?
I used to really love Batman growing up. I'd watch the old Batman tv show from the 1960's with Adam West and Burt Ward. It was fun to see him battle all the bad guys (Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, etc)

How did you spend your summers growing up?
I'd play outside a lot in the summer and go to the beach as well as the town pool or even the man-made lake we joined for a few years. As you can see, it was a lot of things that were outside. We'd occasionally play Nintendo too, but that would be at night or on rainy days, haha.

How do you think Noah is similar (and different) to you as a child?
I think Noah can be a little shy in some situations, so that's similar to me. He's different in the sense that he has so much technology at his fingertips (literally) that he can lay in bed and watch tv shows on his iPad. I don't think I even had a tv in my room until I was maybe 7 or so, and I didn't get a VCR until years and years later and Noah has maybe 100 shows pre-saved on the Tivo so he can literally watch anything he wants. When I was little and watching tv, I'd either look to see what was on in the TV Guide or else I'd switch to the channel that scrolled what was on.

The Guys Behind the Blog | June 2016

I'm back again today with another installment of "The Guys Behind the Blog". I love that each month I get to interview both Chris (here) and Noah (with our new "The Kids Behind the Blog" link up.)  

This month, Betsy and Laura switched it up again by shifting our attention to some other guys behind our blogs — our own dads!   I have to admit that I first asked Chris all these questions and then went back and read the "instructions"... I've always been bad at that!  Despite having Chris do some unnecessary work, it was fun to include my dad this month, and it was interesting to read his responses.  

1. What did you have as a child that kids today don’t have?

I had the freedom to roam around the farm without supervision and without worry about my safety. From the time I was 5 years old I would get up in the morning before anyone else was awake, pull on my shorts and a T-shirt, greet my dog Jinx and together we would take off to enjoy nature (pollywogs, pussy willows, streams, water etc).

I definitely can't imagine Noah being able to do that in 2 years!

2. What did you want to be as a child when you grew up? 

I wanted to be a scientist. I loved the natural world and I loved being alone.

He ended up being a chemical engineer, so I'm not surprised at all!

3. What three adjectives would you use to describe fatherhood? 

Be a responsible provider, encourage children to follow their dreams and enjoy the whole process. (Not exactly adjectives)

4. How many years have you been a father and how many children do you have? 

47 years as a father with 4 children, 4 grandchildren

5. What is one piece of advice or wisdom you would like to pass on to your children? 

Be your own master, if it feels good do it and some people need a good smack.

I laugh at the last one because I've never seen my dad hit anyone or anything in my entire life.  

The Guy Behind The Blog | May 2016

I'm back again today with another installment of "The Guys Behind the Blog". I love that each month I get to interview both Chris (here) and Noah (with our new "The Kids Behind the Blog" link up.)  

This month, Betsy and Laura switched it up a bit with some Would You Rather questions, and I have to say the choices are pretty funny.    

1.  Would you rather have to wear your swimsuit to work OR have to carry around a large beach umbrella open all day at work?

Swimsuit to work. Considering I've worn shorts to work a few times in the summer and my office is very casual in the summer, no one would even bat an eyelash.

2. Would you rather play on an MLB team OR get to tour with your favorite band all summer?

Play with an MLB team. I think it would be so fun to play 81 home games plus travel all over the country visiting opposing stadiums and being on tv nightly.

3. Would you rather go to the beach and forget your towel OR go to the beach and forget your sunscreen?

I'd rather forget my towel. I burn if I don't have sunscreen.

4. Would you rather take a week-long vacation to anywhere in the world OR take a month-long vacation but have to stay within 100 miles of home?

Week long vacation anywhere in the world. Month long vacation is way too long and I'd miss too much work.

5. Would you rather get to have as much ice cream as you want this summer, but only be able to get vanilla OR only get to have ice cream three times this summer, but you can have whatever flavors you want?

I'd go for the vanilla as much as I wanted, since I like vanilla. I really wonder what Noah would say since he converted from vanilla to chocolate recently (ask him and insert it here as a follow up, lol)

The Guys Behind the Blog | April 2016

I'm back again today with another installment of "The Guys Behind the Blog". I love that each month I get to interview both Chris (here) and Noah (with our new "The Kids Behind the Blog" link up.)   

This month, Betsy and Laura came up with some pretty nostalgic questions.  While none of Chris' answers surprised me, they really remind me of what a great man, husband, and father he is!  

1. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?
I love playing outside whether it's with sporting equipment or on a playground, etc

2. What does family mean to you?
Family is togetherness and fun and love.

3. How would your family or closest friends describe you?
They'd describe me as pretty laid back and a fun guy to be around and a great dad/husband/etc.

4. What’s your fondest childhood memory?
Playing baseball and football until 9th grade were my fondest childhood memories. I'd love to put the uniform on and always find my parents and relatives in the crowd.

5. What words of wisdom would pass on to your childhood self?
I'd pass along a word of wisdom to my childhood self to try to have as much fun as possible.

The Guys Behind the Blog | March 2016

I'm back again today with another installment of "The Guys Behind the Blog". I love that each month I get to interview both Chris (here) and Noah (with our new "The Kids Behind the Blog" link up.)   

This month, Betsy and Laura left it up to us to come up with our own questions for the men in our life.  After a little thinking, I decided to come up with a few questions and asked Chris for his input on some things he'd like to "share".  Let's see if you can guess which ones I came up with versus Chris.

1. What was your first car? If money was no object, what would your dream car be today?

1990 Jeep Cherokee, 4 door, red. Bought it in 1996. At the time, it only had an FM/AM radio, not even a tape player! I quickly updated it to have a 12 CD changer, back when those were cool. If money was no object, I'd probably buy a $2 milliom Bugatti Veyron. 

2. What was the first concert you went to? Is there anyone you'd love to see in concert now?

First concert was Lollapalooza in 1996. Metallica, Soundgarden, Wu-Tang Clan, Rancid, etc. I would like to see Guns N Roses in concert during their reunion tour. That could be a cool show. 

3. If you had unlimited money, how would your life be different?

If I had unlimited money, I'd have a massive secluded house with all the possible features and amenities you could imagine. That would include a private plane where I could fly off to any location at a moment's notice. Plus, I'd make sure all of my family and friends were taken care of as well.

4. If you could live anywhere (besides where we currently live), where would you choose?

If I could live anywhere, I'd probably pick a location that always had nice weather, like a tropical island.

5. Who would play you in a movie about your life?

I would have to say Matt Damon could play me in a movie. That wouldn't be so bad.

The Guys Behind the Blog | February 2016

I'm back again today with another installment of "The Guys Behind the Blog". I love that each month I get to interview both Chris (here) and Noah (with our new "The Kids Behind the Blog" link up.)  

Since there will be 29 days this month, Betsy came up with questions that all have to do with Leap Year.

1. This year is Leap Year — what are you going to do to celebrate?
Since it's a Monday, nothing. I'll be working.

2. If you could create an obscure holiday, what would it be and why?

I'd create "act like a kid" day because I don't think enough parents out there act silly and goofy like a little toddler.

3. Have you seen the movie Leap Year? If not, tell us about another romantic comedy you have seen.
No I haven't seen Leap Year. All romcoms that I've seen in the last few years have usually been date nights and not my choice of a movie, so I don't remember much from them, unfortunately.
Me: Would you consider Trainwreck a romantic comedy, because I think that's the last movie we saw in the theater :)

4. Tradition has it that women are supposed to propose to their men on leap day. Would you (or did you) say yes if your girl popped the question?
Sure, I'd say yes if Meghan popped the question.

5. If you had to have a special event take place on leap day, what would it be (ex: wedding, birthday, birth of your child, etc)?
I wouldn't want any special events take place on leap day because I don't think it's fair for a child to have that day as a birthday and only get to truly celebrate it every 4 years.

The Guys Behind the Blog | January 2016

I'm back again today with another installment of "The Guys Behind the Blog".  This month, Betsy decided to mix things up a bit and have the guys do kind of a "currently" post, like so many bloggers do.  I did have to explain to Chris that the answers did not have to reflect what he's doing right at this exact moment, but once he knew what was expected, he did really well (in my opinion)!  I really like this new format and I enjoyed reading all of his answers!  

Watching: Goldbergs, Superstore, and Shark Tank

Reading: only business/finance/car magazines lately

Listening to: podcasts... mostly Adam Carolla, Jim Florentine, and Clark Howard

Dreaming of: Turks & Caicos vacation

Eating: grilled chicken and pasta

Learning: a new computer system at work that should make parts of my job easier

Wishing: I had a 3 day weekend every weekend

Obsessed with: my Tivo app on my iPhone so I can watch a ton of tv shows on the train

Loving: Noah taking some occasional naps so he wants to play with me until pretty late a few nights a week

Planning: some long weekend trips in 2016

And as much as we all love reading all about the "guys behind the blog", don't forget about our new series "The Kids Behind the Blog"!  We will have our first linkup on Wednesday, February 10th and we would love for you all mama bloggers to participate.  You can read all the details here.  #TheKidsBehindTheBlog 

And since Chris shared what he's been up to, I also wanted to share some books that I've been reading  this month.  One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to read one book a month.  I started reading "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio right away and I finished it in under a week.  Even though it's technically considered YA, I really enjoyed it (who am I kidding, I love most YA literature!).  I think it shares an important lesson we could all learn, not to judge a book by its cover.  It was sweet, funny, and even had me in tears at parts.  I would definitely recommend reading it!  

Since I didn't see the point in waiting until February (since I said one book a month) to start another book, I dove right into another friend's recommendation, "The Rosie Project" by Graeme Samson.   It's about a very scientific man (reminded me of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory) who has a hard time dating and decides to create a survey for potential dates to see if they'd make a suitable wife.  His plan is thrown for a loop when he meets Rosie, who doesn't meet any of his criteria.  I really liked this story, even if it has a predictable "love story".  Another quick read that I recommend :)  

I'm linking up with Stephanie's "Reading Wednesday" and can't wait to see what books I should read next!  

What have you been up to this month?  Read any good books that I should add to my "must read" list?

Happy Birthday Chris! | The Guy Behind the Blog

Just stopping by to wish my wonderful husband, Chris, a super happy birthday!  We will be spending the day as a family and going out to dinner with his parents tonight to celebrate not only Chris' birthday but also his dad's.  

from Chris' birthday last year

And since today is Chris' birthday, I thought it would be the perfect day to share a little more about Chris for The Guys Behind the Blog link-up.  

1. What's on your Christmas list this year?

The big gift on my list this year is a remote starter for my car. I leave for work very early in the morning and having my car warmed up when I go outside will be very convenient.  Also, when I get off the train on cold days I can also save time by having the car already warmed up by the time I get to it.  Other things on the list are smaller items like iPhone headphones, socks, etc.

2. Did you believe in Santa as a child? Do you have any funny Santa stories?

I did believe in Santa and I'm embarrassed to say that the whole Santa isn't real thing was ruined by my younger brother who was 2 years younger than me and who found out at school and then told me.   I was at the point where I was having serious questions about the validity of Santa, but my brother put those questions to rest.

3. What is a Christmas tradition you hope to pass on someday?

The Christmas tradition that I hope to pass on is doing the advent calendar because I think it's a great build up to Christmas day and even when Noah is older we can find fun and unique items to put in the calendar to count down to Christmas.

4. Do you open presents on Christmas morning or a different time?

Christmas morning is when I open presents, unless I'm seeing people that I won't see at all on Christmas, then I make an exception.

5. What is your favorite Christmas song?  Movie?

My favorite Christmas song is Jingle Bells because it's such a classic.  My favorite Christmas movie is A Christmas Story.  I've watched it literally every year since I can remember.

The Guy Behind the Blog - November Edition

In hopes to share some more random information about Chris, I'm back today for The Guys Behind the Blog link-up.  And I have to say that these are Chris' favorite questions so far!  Ask a guy his opinions on sports and he will talk for days!

1. What sports did you participate in as a child? What sports did you watch growing up?

I played nearly every sport possible when I was younger. Baseball ages 4-13, football ages 9-13, baseball ages 5-12, soccer ages 4-11, golf age 13-on, tennis ages 13-on.

2. If you could line up your ideal Super Bowl, who would be facing off, where would they play and who would you pick to win?

In the ideal Super Bowl, I'd want the New York Giants to face the New York Jets in Miami, Florida. It would be fun to go see the two teams that literally share a stadium compete on the grand stage against each other in the Super Bowl. It would remind me of 2000 when the Mets played the Yankees in the World Series.

3. Do you prefer the summer or winter Olympics? If you could participate in one Olympic sport, what would it be?

I love both the Summer and Winter Olympics, but I prefer the Summer Olympics. I love the track & field, swimming, basketball, tennis, and even gymnastics events. If I could participate in any Olympic sport, I'd have to pick basketball with the Dream Team, back in 1992, or even the present.

4. What is your favorite food to eat at a sports party (ex: World Series, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, etc.)?

My favorite food to eat at a sports party is probably buffalo wings. They're so messy but they taste so good!

5. Who is your all time favorite athlete and why?

My favorite all-time athlete is probably Mike Piazza. He was picked in the 62nd round of the baseball draft back in 1992 (the 1,390th pick!) and it was basically as a favor because his dad knew the Dodgers coach Tommy Lasorda and asked him to select his son. He went on to become one of the 5 best catchers in history. He ended up being traded to the NY Mets in 1998 and becoming a huge fan favorite and the face of the Mets for years. I was a catcher back when I was younger so I always liked watching and rooting for catchers.
    

The Guy Behind the Blog - October Edition

In hopes to share some more random information about Chris, I'm back today for  The Guys Behind the Blog link-up.

1 // We’re headed into fall, which means cooler temps for most of us…are you a warm weather or cold weather kind of guy?      
I prefer warm weather.   I'd much rather wear shorts and a polo shirt instead of a winter jacket and heavy clothes.

2 // What's the best Halloween costume you've ever worn?    
My best Halloween costume was when I was little I dressed up as Dracula with the white fang teeth and the cape and the fake blood and makeup.

3 // What's your favorite Halloween candy?    
I'm a sucker for candy corn, but the original white, orange, and yellow ones.

4 // What are your favorite parts of fall (ex: football, the weather, Thanksgiving, etc)?     
I love watching football and throwing the ball around at either a tailgate party or in someone's backyard.

5 // How do you feel about pumpkin spice lattes? (As a joke question hahaha)  
M: Chris thought I added the joke part at the end lol.   
I've never had a latte or a pumpkin spiced latte.   I do like pumpkin flavored beer and pumpkin donuts though.

The Guy Behind the Blog - September Edition

In hopes to share some more random information about Chris, I'm back today for  The Guys Behind the Blog link-up.   This month the questions were reader submitted... so enjoy!  

1 // What's the silliest thing you and your significant other have needed to compromise on?

Probably tv shows when we used to only have 2 Tivo boxes and could only record 2 shows on each box and sadly we'd have 5 shows that we wanted to record at the same exact time.......

2 // If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 must haves would you bring with you?

3 must haves on a deserted island would be Meghan, Noah, and a tv that got great reception.

3 // Talents aside, what is your dream job?

My dream job would be test driver at either the Lamborghini or Ferrari plants in Italy.

4 // What are three things on your bucket list?

Three things on my bucket list are to visit Hawaii, Australia, and to throw out the first pitch at a major league baseball game (as long as I do it and don't choke and miss the catcher).

5 // What kind of date is your favorite to go on with your significant other? (Romantic, fun, spontaneous, etc.) 

My favorite kind of date is eating dinner outside at a local restaurant and enjoying the weather in a relaxed environment.