Guitar Hero

Who knew that Mike was hiding a secret rocker identify? Thanks to a Christmas gift from Robbie, The Poor Etta's band has been formed featuring lead guitar player Michael Porretta. I can tell that I will now have to become a roadie if I want to spend some quality time with my husband. Luckly, i'll be on the road with my sister Janna, because her husband has too become a Guitar Hero fanatic.......all things concidered they could be doing a lot worse things with their free time!

Mike and his guitar......the night we got back from Coshocton!

Jeff and Mike on tour Monday evening.

2nd generation band member.....Carson decided he would be the drummer.

Thoughts from the Holidays

Mike and I am finally beginning our winter break. The past week has been filled with car rides, trips to relatives, laughter and food. (A whole lot of food.....which might contribute to the fact that we have both packed on a few extra lbs. over the week) We were blessed to be able to spend time with family and friends that we don't get to see on a regular basis.

We spent time in New York with Mike's family. It was nice to catch up with family, see how everyone has changed and to see those people who remain the same year after year. Here are some pictures from the NY trip.

Just a small sampling of the food. This was just part of what was at Susie and Vinnie's Christmas Eve.

The Porretta's Christmas Day, sitting around after a wonderful Italian feast.

Vince, Dom and Mike relaxing and cheesing it up for the camera at Grandma and Grandpa Porrettas.

The day after Christmas we headed back to Ohio and then went to Coshocton to spend time with my side of the family. Dad and Gwen's was on Saturday, followed by the Porteus Christmas......or as Carson called it the 'food party'. On Sunday we spent time at Mom and Tom's. It was great having everyone in one house....including Robbie and Jeni and Grandma Shryock. There were many Christmas memories that we will continue to treasure for years to come.

Tons of presents at Dad and Gwen's. It's fun when there are little ones to spoil!

I think that the Uncles and Dads spent more time setting up the train then JD and Carson did playing with it!

More presents at Mom and Tom's. Mike looks a little overloaded!

The whole 'clan' smiling for the camera.


Today we both got to relax a little in the morning.....well Mike played Guitar Hero....his new favorite Wii Game....and I slept in. Then it was back to the doctor for blood work for me. (I have to say it was nice being away the past week and not being pricked 3-4 times a week). This afternoon we went over to Mike's family in Westerville and exchanged gifts as well as played a great game of Dominoes! (a game we picked up in New York and I have a feeling will be a new Porretta household favorite) This evening the Wells kids all got together for homemade pasta and a Guitar Hero battle. It was so nice getting to spend time with Robbie again. We have always been close siblings....Janna, Robbie and I. Even though Janna and I live 10 miles from each other and remain close it's nice to know that you can be close to your little brother....even when he lives 1000's of miles away in Alaska.

So there is a little sampling of what we did this holiday. In the days to come look for a detailed comparison of New York vs. Coshocton Christmases. I think that you'll find it quite humorous....I know that Mike and I do. I'll try to get that up as soon as possible...but I am going to be selfish the next few days and enjoy spending some quality time with just my husband. It's something that we don't get to do together very often with our busy schedules at work and school and something that we both want/need to do more of. So it might be a few days before the pics and video get up......but they'll be there.

Latest Update

I know it has been a while since we posted. Things have been busy with school. Mike just finished up finals at DeSales and had a band concert a week ago. I just finished the annual Holiday Show at Chapelfield. It now seems like things can settle down a little bit.

We have been in NY for the last few days spending time with Mike's extended family. While the holidays can be filled with stress it is nice to spend time with those that you love and don't get to see often. We head back to Ohio tomorrow......as long as the weather stays good. Then on Saturday and Sunday are spending some holiday time with my side of the family.

We have taken many pictures and can't wait to share things with you. I'll work on getting those up next week when we are home and can actually start relaxing on our winter break a little. The next week should be a relaxing time for us, which we both really need right now. Life has been busy the last month or so, with lots going on to keep us occupied. We'll keep you all up to date on anything new and exciting in our lives, but for now are looking forward to some much needed Mike and Julie time.

Merry Christmas!

Something I NEVER thought I'd say......

Here is something that I never thought I'd say. I feel so bloated right now and uncomfortable and couldn't be happier!! I know you are all thinking what?????? But those of you close to me will know what I mean.

The injections that I have been giving myself the last week if definitly working. Two Fridays ago I had my first ultra sound and my largest follicle was about 6 mm. and there were only about 3-4 of them. The next visit showed a bit of an improvement with follicles being at about 7-8 mm. Well, they upped the medication and today when I went in the follicles were averaging around 15-16 mm. and there were a million of them......or so it seemed. Also my estrogen levels went from 39 the first visit to 203 the second visit to 1326 today!!!! Holly Cow.

So back to my being bloated comment from earlier, when I asked the dr. about it today he said that it was pretty normal...especially if the medication is doing it's job. He said 'think about it like this.....it's like you now have two huge grapefruits inside you....if we're doing are job right.' And by the feel of things.....they must be doing their job.

I go back one last time....hopefully....on Wed. for some final tests. Then the rest is up to Mike and I and then....we'll just have to wait to see! So thanks for all of you thoughts and prayers and well wishes sent our way. We appreciate them all so much. Keep saying them for me and pray that I have another 9 months of feeling bloated!

Christmas Cookies

What holiday season would be complete without a batch of Christmas cookies and an evening of decorating. We have sort of started a tradition( 2 years now...) with the Stanford clan of decorating christmas cut-out together. The evening usually starts with a festive dinner......chinese usually or tacos, and then onto the cookie making. Janna and Mike always complain that my cookies are the 'pretty' ones, while their's lack a certain artistic appeal. I would disagree. I think that Mike'e especially are very artistic....almost Picaso like (he's the one who went crazy and cut off his own ear right.....?) Jeff usually does a couple of cookies and then the boys watch football or play video games.

This time things were a little different because for the first time Carson was old/big enough to help in the decorating. Here are a few of the highlights of the evening.

Carson and 'Daddy' playing a little Wii bowling.

Aunt Julie helping Carson get his apron on.

'Mommy', Aunt Julie and Carson in their aprons. Thanks Grandma Shryock for those, you were a special part of our holiday tradition.

"Mommy" and Carson adding red to yet another cookie.....all by himself may we add.......with 'no help mama'

Uncle Mike decorating the series of 'Fa La La' balls.

Name that tune....with a twist

This morning started off with another doctor's appointment and bloodwork. That usually means a few things.....lots of waiting and usually having to get 'poked' two or three times because my veins roll away from the needle. (would you blame them?)

But the nurses at the lab made my wait a little better by giving me this Christmas quiz. They are a list of Christmas songs with just the first letter of each word of the first line and you have to figure out the song. For example DTHWBOHFLLLLLLLL is 'Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la'. I must say that I thought that I did a pretty good job, but there were a few that tripped me up. I have the answers, but lets see if you can figure them out.

1. GGROBARWHOHCE
2. HAHJCITBTOTY
3. JHTSBRTTT
4. UOTHTRPOJGOSC
5. OTWOIFBTSISD

Here are a few that I got right away. Let's see if you know them.

1. SBRAYLITLSIG
2. DTTSIAOHOS
3. CROAOFJFNAYN
4. GTIOTMOTHAEWGTIOTMTJCIB
5. WWYAMCWWYAMCWWYAMCAAHNY.

Post your guesses on the comment page. If you want the real answers you have to send me an email!

A Mom and her girls...

As thanksgiving comes and goes I am so thankful that I am surrounded by wonderful women in my life. I am blessed to have such great role models to look up to. Examples of strength in times when it seems like our world is upside down. Examples of wonderful loving mothers who have the patience of saints. A sister/friend who I can call at all hours of the day with whatever I need to talk/vent/cry about. A mother who has put up with a daughter that takes her on an 'emotional rollercoaster' over the years and still gives her a hug when she walks out the door....no matter what.

Thank you both for being you and for letting me be me. I love you both and maybe...just maybe.....we'll show up to a holiday event not dressed the same!

My thoughts at 4:00......am

It's 4:00 am and I can't get back to sleep.....so here is what is on my mind..............

Most of you know the struggles that Mike and I have been having when it comes to starting a family.....yesterday we went in for our first blood work and ultrasound tests as we begin hormone treatment. Both of us want this so bad and it seems like everywhere we turn there are babies. Friends are having babies. People we know who are on their 2nd or 3rd....and not trying. While we are so happy for them and wouldn't wish misfortune on anyone it is so hard and I often ask myself.....why me?

Well I have come to a realization. Good things come to those who wait. I know those of you who know me are amazed that I am able to say that! I am realizing that there is something that God wants me/us to learn through this whole process. While we might think that we are ready right as this very moment to bring child into this world it might not be our time. I believe that our time will come......and I am hoping sooner then later!! It is often hard at times to keep up my faith, but I am constantly surrounded by family, friends and co-workers who are a constant support and are always there to remind me of that fact.

So as I continue to go to doctors appointments, get blood drawn, have uncomfortable ultrasounds, and give myself daily shots I know my time will come. And as we go through this Thanksgiving season I am thankful. Thankful that there is technology and doctors now that can help us begin our family. I am thankful for family. When this baby does decide that it's his or her time to enter the world, it is going to have an amazing family to enter into. While it might be a crazy family with many quirks... I know that it is going to be one that it will learn to love and appreciate as Mike and I have over the years. And I think most of all I have a wonderful husband to go through this with. Thank you for going to doctors appointments that you were quite 'ready' for, taking care of 'situations' when I was over my limit and not judging me when I melted down, offering to give me shots when all you really wanted to do was run in the other room and most of all for continuing to love me and care for me through this whole process. I know that I couldn't do this without you.......literally and figuratively! When this little one does decide to make his/her appearance he/she is going to have an amazing dad. Love you.

Getting to Know You.......Christmas Style

I love getting to read these surveys that people send through email (thanks for sending it my way Diane!!!). It is amazing to me the things that you can find out about people in just a few short minutes. So here is everything that you might already know about me.....and maybe a few suprising facts too!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper.....gift bags aren't nearly as fun.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artifical, but may have convinced Mike to get a real one! YEAH!!

3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as possible. I would put it up as soon as it starts to get cold out it I had my way.

4. When do you take the tree down? When I have to go back to school in January.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yuck

6. Favorite gift received as a child? So many.....I would say my cabbage patch Julie (that was her real name!!!) that sang songs.....thank you Janna and my cheese head hat.......thank you Dad!

7. Hardest person to buy for? Robbie....what do you buy the child who can buys pretty much whatever he wants?

8. Easiest person to buy for? Janna

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep! 2 actually.....Porteus Nativity Scene made from wood from the farm as well as the typical ceramic one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.....wait till you see the ones this year!!! Hilarious.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Not possible....I love all gifts.

12.. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas. Hands Down.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Dec. 26th.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yep....but not telling what!!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Depends on who's house I am at. But some of the things that top the list are....cheesecake (mom's), chocolates (dad and gwen's), chicken noodle soup (the porrettas of Endicot, NY) and stuffing (the ohio porrettas)

16. Lights on the tree? Yes. White only

17. Favorite Christmas song? Any and all! Did you know that there is a radio station that plays Christmas music 365 days a year? Go 93.3!!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? To NY every other year and always out to Coshocton

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of Course.....but only if I get to sing them!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither.......a Big Red and Gold Bow!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning.......but I have usually snooped around looking for them before hand.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? It's so COLD!!!!!!!!!!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Gold and Red. We have also started ac collection of Lenox ornaments...thanks to the Porretta Family. Love you Grandma and Grandpa Porretta

24. Favorite place for Christmas dinner? In the risk of incriminating myself I plead the 5th

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I THINK YOU ALL KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT! (that was Diane's answer......and I second that motion)

cakes

So most of you know about my recent venture into the world of cake decorating. By no means are these everything that I have done. Some of these I really like and others like any artist I think could use a little more work. When I get this darn Blogger thing figured out.....I am having issues loading pictures to it....I am going to try and add some more of the more recent cakes.

Beat Michigan Week

In the craziness of what is OSU vs. Michigan week I thought that I'd share a few of my thoughts.

1. I'm so glad that we went to a game early in the season. (this is the OSU vs. OU game. Thanks David for the fantastic seats!) While I love the bucks and the atmosphere at the stadium is uncomparable to anything else, I am glad that I will be inside in the warmth watching this weeks game.

2. Is it possible to eat too many buckeyes (the yummy candy ones) in one week? The jury is in and the answer is.....................NO!

3. I love college football, but always get so nervous for this game. Even though on paper the two teams shouldn't even be on the same field anything can happen. So here is hoping that our boys play like they can and not to the level of their opponets the way they sometimes do.

Tis the Season

Ok......everyone who knows me knows just how much I LOVE the holidays. I honestly think that I would be happy to live the 30 some days from Thanksgiving to New Year's over and over....much like Billy Murray in Groundhog Day. Can you believe that I have already purchased Christmas gifts for about 1/4 of the people on my list? I think I like giving gifts as much as giving them..........but maybe not as much as snooping around and trying to figure out what I got!!

All that aside here are the things that I am looking forward to/enjoying already about this upcoming Christmas

1. The Christmas anytime radio station 93.3. Whoever came up with this idea should get some type of award. I love the idea of turning on my car radio and 'jamming' to White Christmas on the way home.

2. Caroling at Easton. If you are in town shopping at Easton anytime after Thanksgiving be on the lookout for the roaming Dicken's Carolers. I am so excited to get to be able to do this. What is not to love....singing (Christmas carols at that), dressing up in fun costumes and shopping malls.....and getting paid to do it all. What can I say I LOVE Christmas. Here is a glimpse of what to be on the watch for. I'm singing most Sat. and Sun. in the evening and afternoon. I'll put the schedule on the blog closer to Dec.

3. Baking Christmas cookies!!!! Alright, this might be one of my other favorite things to do. I could honestly stay in the kitchen all day long and bake. On the list for this year -
1. Buckeyes.....thanks to Mom's fantastic recipe, no one else's can compare
2. Classic cut outs - I love icing and deocrating them.....and Mike likes eating the icing.
3. Cranberry white chocolate chip cookies (for the church cookie walk).
Not sure of what else I am going to make. But will take suggestions and requests if you have any!


4. Family and Friends. As I said before, I am really trying to keep up on old friendships and putting my relationships first. I am very excited to spend some much needed time with family and friends this holiday season. Mike and I are going to spend time in NY with the Porretta Clan this Christmas. It's always an adventure when we go upstate and we haven't been there for about 2 years know. There are always stories to hear, laughs to be had and more food then one should possibly eat in a week. While I can get stressed out about all the drama that happens I am realizing that every family has it's quirks. In reflecting about holidays gone by, I'm coming to grips with the fact that while those quirks drive me CRAZY sometimes, it's also what makes me love my family. I might complain or stress out about the things that I can't control, but when it comes down to it, I don't think that I would change anything or trade them for the world.

The many faces of Julie

Stress makes you do crazy things. I have discovered that when I am stressed out....about numerous things......the many personalities of Julie come out. Here are a few of the people that you might meet.

1. Crazy exercise Julie. This is me trying to get out all of my frustrations and energy in a very physical way. It might me Billy Blanks leading me through a rigorous Tae Bo work out or it might be hooking up the headphones and hitting the bike trail for a mile or two run. No matter the activity I find that if I am sweating and pushing myself to the max, I am able to push away the stress.

2. Over emotional Julie. This is the Julie that I feel sorry for Mike when she comes around. I get snippy one minute, weepy the next and goofy a minute later. I am SO lucky to have a wonderful husband who sticks by me through all of this. He knows ......for the most part......;o) when to just let me go and rant and when to just walk up and give me a hug. Thanks Mike....I know that I don't say it enough but I love you VERY much.

3. Where is the food Julie. This is the Julie that can down a jar of PB when the stress hits. Oh so yummy at the time....but belly is not feeling so yummy afterwards!!!

While these are just a few of the forms that my stress takes I have realized that when it all comes down to it stress is a part of life and you can't control it. You have to roll with the punches, go with the flow and not let things take control of your life. Life is too short to waste it crying or running all the time, or sweating to the oldies or indulging in that pint of Ben and Jerry's. I would rather spend it in the company of family and friends and the ones that I love.

I haven't done a great job of doing this over the past year......not trying to control the stress I mean. I've neglected spending time with family and friends more then I should have and haven't focused on keeping and maintaining relationships. If that is you.....I apologize and want you to know that I am trying hard to make up for it. Be patient with me.......but I don't have to tell you that.....you always are. Thank you.

Finding Time

I've discovered that when God created the earth, he forgot about 5 hours. I am constantly running out of time to get the things done that I need to. I think that I would be so much more productive if I could just have 5 more hours.

But in wanting 5 more hours of time I realized that I have these questions.

1. Why is it that when you need feel like you need more time it is never there and when you want the time to pass more quickly it seems to drag on forever?

2. If I had 5 more hours in the day how would I really spend that time? Would I use it to work on things for my job....lesson plans, materials, etc. Would I spend more time with my husband doing things that we love and enjoying our time together as a couple? Or would I take that time for me.....to enjoy the things in life that I love and enjoy doing, but don't get done because I either work on something else or am too tired right now.

3. What is really the most important thing when talking about time? Is it your job, your family, your friends or yourself? This is something that I don't know the answer to and I am still searching to find an answer to. I don't know if I will ever really know the answer to it, but I hope some day I will.

Giving this a try

In an effort to get the millions of thoughts that run through my brain every day in some type of order, I am attempting to create this blog. I can't promise that I will give you an update everyday or even ever week. I will however try my best to keep you up to date with what is going on with Mike and I and our crazy lives.

I feel like we are both constantly on the go, especially now that school is starting back up. It seems like one of us is always at a rehearsal or a lesson or going to some type of appointment. We often times get so busy that we forget to reflect on those things that are truly important in our lives.....our family, our friends and each other.

My hope is that my blog will cause me to slow down a little bit, enjoy the little things in life and to not sweat the small stuff. So, as I make an attempt to slow down and sort out the millions of thoughts in my head, I invite you to come along for the ride. It won't be the most glamorous, but I hope that at times you will be entertained.