Every Monday on Mom2Mom, we feature a local mom. If you'd like to be featured or know someone we should feature, let me know.

Today it's Heather Vaz of Apex.

MOM2MOM: Tell us about yourself — kids, family, work, where you live.

HEATHER: I am originally from Texas, went to school in Tennessee (Go Vandy), moved to California where I met my wonderful husband. I now am a stay-at-home mom of two beautiful children - ages 5 (boy) and 3 (girl). We are also in the process of adopting a third child from Ethiopia. We live in Apex (the peak of good living). We moved here 6 1/2 years ago from California and, after some initial adjustment, we absolutely love calling North Carolina home.

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle and why?

HEATHER: Some of our favorite places to go are Lake Pine to feed the ducks. We also love the Durham Museum of Life and Science. Borders is a big hit too as my kiddos love us reading books to them. But the place to be in the Triangle is our street. It is an amazing street with lots of children to play with and truly great neighbors. We built a tree house in our backyard, which is fun for the kiddos.

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite place for yourself in the Triangle and why?

HEATHER: I don't think I have a favorite Triangle place to go. My husband and I really like Daniel's here in Apex. In 2007, we decided we needed a resolution as a couple. We decided that when we went on dates that we would always try a new restaurant. We have really enjoyed trying new places and plan on continuing this tradition in 2008.

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite ritual with your kids?

HEATHER: Friday night is movie night in our house. We rotate and each Friday someone gets to pick the dinner menu and the movie for that night. We all love it and the kiddos can't wait till it is their turn.

MOM2MOM: What did you eat last night? Can you share the recipe?

HEATHER: Spaghetti and meatballs; mozzarella, tomato and basil; salad; bread.
I use turkey sausage and combine it with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and eggs. Combine in a food processor. Make meatballs and cook them in oil till brown on all sides. For a sauce, I use onions, garlic and peppers. I saute them, then deglaze the pan with white wine and then add two to three cans of tomatoes. Then I cook the meatballs in the sauce all day on a low simmer.

MOM2MOM: Care to share your guilty pleasure?

HEATHER: Right now, I am addicted to reading adoption blogs.

To read more about Heather, go to Ethiopia Vaz: Coming to Carolina.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!