Did you know?

Did you know you can make baked potatoes in the crock pot? Yep, I am here to make your day.... simply wrap them in foil and throw them in the slow cooker for 8 hours on low. I had no idea but am so happy to learn this little tid bit.  I hope you are too.  Happy Monday, Paper Peeps.

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...
1. Sun is shining big and bright.
2. I have a bit of time to myself today and I am happy about that.
3. Half way through 50 Shades of Grey. Can't wait to blog about it.
4. It's Mother's day weekend.
5. In-laws are on their way to spend a few days.

Happy Friday!

My Cub Scout

It's been a busy week here at Paper Mom headquarters.  Our little Cub Scout made his first communion in grand style.  The kid thinks he is a rock star in more ways than one.  Grammy and Grandpa came to visit and life was good (and crazy) all week! So much so that my little cub scout came running to me this morning tears in his sweet eyes and said, "I don't want them to go.  I am going to miss them.  He then asked me, "WHY ARE YOU MAKING THEM LEAVE?"

It was beautiful and sad and silly all in one.... poor boy.

Trust me, those who know me well, know I am not making them leave.... a little mommy love for the mommy makes me a happy daughter.  I wish they were here every day.    The good news? we will be on our way to visit in nine short weeks.... yes, only nine weeks so that is the best way to say goodbye.... see you in just nine short weeks, I love you.
xoxoxo

Five great things

Five great things about today. . .
1. Got 50 shades of gray.
2. Day number 3 with parents visiting.
3. Cub scout makes first communion in the morning
4. Girls are pitching tonight and my parents will be there to watch
5. Went shopping with my mom, always love that.

Doggie doo-doo and don'ts..

Now this is a good one...

This afternoon while waiting for the kids to arrive on the school bus, a woman pulled into the bottom part of my driveway. I wondered who is here.... she quickly unpacked her dog on a leash, brought him to my lawn to poop, scooped him up, unloaded him onto the passenger side seat, jumped into the car, backed up and drove away. I am not kidding. I think I was in shock watching it from the window. Seriously, is there no doggie etiquette today?

Go Ahead - Call me a Crafty Diva!

I've been wanting to make this for months!
I finally pulled out the sewing machine....
Let my daughter pick out some fabric and made a tote (with liner) for my little girl (who isn't so little).
It's a little messy upon serious inspection but overall I am one proud crafty diva.  For a girl who doesn't know how to sew... this one was easy peasy.  Thank you - You Tube.

Joyce if you are reading this.... I hope you are proud of me... you are my sewing hero!

The good news is.....I have more fabric, because fabric is like paper.... beautiful patterns and textures.... it could be addicting.....
Check out my photos... and feel free to leave rock star comments - because there is no denying it.... I AM SO PROUD OF THIS LITTLE BEAUTY!

Morning Routine

So I feel the need to start this post by telling you.... I love my kids, they are my world, my life, my joy.  I really do love them.  Now that being said, when a mom like me has a morning like today, it's easy to forget I have kids, wanted kids or love kids.  I got ready this morning with no children present.  Not my kids, not his kids, no one under the age of 18 in the house this morning.  Do you know what that means?  No fighting for the bathroom, no trying to wake up sleepy heads, no having to butter toast, scramble an egg or pop a pop tart.  I didn't have to yell or raise my voice, I didn't have to trip over a back pack or find lunch money.  Instead I leisurely watched the Today show, took a hot, long shower with smelly body wash, lingered over a cup of coffee and took the time to actually pay attention to applying my make up.  I used mousse, a hair dryer.  I remembered my medication and wore matching socks earrings and bra and panties.  Ahhhh. . . .  life is good when you can breathe before you start your workday.    After all that and I was still a few minutes late to the office but this time for good reason.

Two Scary Moms...

Yesterday I met her...
and she is not scary at all.
She's quite lovely, and pretty and sweet too-  Ms. Jill Smokler, you know her as Scary Mommy from scarymommy.com

Her new book is funny with a capital F.  Speaking of F, the F-bomb was flying high but all used in the correct context!  She did a reading, took questions and signed books!  It was a blogger's dream and plenty of bloggers were there to show support!

I've met lots of authors, (shall I name drop with NY Times best sellers Sebastian Junger and Wallly Lamb?) I've seen many readings (too many to list), I work in a library don't forget.... but this time I admit, I was giddy and star struck.  My face was hot, on fire hot, so much so that I was convinced I had blotches all over me.... My lips were sort of shaking in this picture.... I know it's ridiculous but seriously, it's scary mommy.

I'll be honest, the World's Greatest Husband, didn't quite get it but went along with me for the ride.  He's a keeper.

Opening a bottle of wine - Quite a task!

I am not a drinker.
But I do have a reoccurring wine memory of when I was divorcing....
After many battle royals with the ex, I wanted a glass of wine, I only had a cheap 99 cent key chain wine opener during those days.  I would struggle until I simply wanted to gnaw at the cork.  Some nights I remember cutting through it with a knife and having to strain the wine.  Much like the marriage, always a struggle.  I just simply wanted my glass of wine to unwind.  Then one day a girlfriend changed my life and turned me on to the Pampered Chef wine opener.  That thing is magic and it a must have gift for any of your girlfriends who may be going through a divorce (trust me).  I thought my wine opening problems were solved for life.... until tonight.

My kids are gone.
His kids are gone.

The World's Greatest Husband picked up a shift at the hospital, he's gone.

And all momma wants is to finish the Easter bottle of wine.  I had to giggle because even with the magic opener near by, the cork was stuck.  I think we jammed it in too far last night, just so it would fit on the fridge shelf rather than the fridge door.  I had a flashback.... started to sweat a little, I actually thought could I call my husband and ask him to come home for a few minutes and open this sucker for me? Instead.... picture me with the bottle between my knees, both hands pulling at the cork considering (only for a second)... could I pull it out with my teeth?  No it wasn't pretty, it wasn't dainty but I am enjoying a glass of wine as I type.   Priorities Paper Peeps, Priorities....

Vacation Reading....

I love to read but honestly in my life that luxury is limited.  Except for yesterday.  I started a book and finished a book, in one day!  Granted it was only 195 pages but it was an Easter day treat that is not the norm.  3 of our 5 are not here so it changes the pace of life for a few days.  Selfishly, I will say the break up of routine is just what I need.  Our springtime calendar moves at an incredible pace, shuttling five little butts from activity to activity makes my brain spin.  So I will welcome a week where the shuttling, the noise and the cooking and cleaning are all taken down a notch and I can read a book (in one day!)

Now for the book....
Once Upon a Secret - My Affair with President John F. Kennedy and its Aftermath by Mimi Alford.  It was a fast read and an intriguing read.  Since our visit to the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston a few months ago, I've wanted to read this book.  It's more a story of a woman's journey in finding herself, finding peace and moving forward with a lighter heart rather than gossip, scandal and infidelity.  Although it's all there if you want to read it that way.  Faithful readers know I love to learn about the journey us woman take and that was my focus as I read Mimi's account of her White House years and life.  She comments that she is a footnote to a footnote in history not exactly headline news but with hungry media attention anything and everything can become a headline.  I don't agree with the affair she writes of, I was put off by the casualness of sleeping with a married man and the power plays that seemed to be in the  bedroom with them.  I understand her struggle as a 19 year old girl, she was in over her head motivated by power and sex. Later in the book,  her pastor friend and boss Tom explains sex as a 12 letter word - Faithfulness.  A few things did stay with me as I read each page when you are somewhat of a society family, attend prep schools and are connected, opportunities present themselves.  I guess I always knew that but this book made me think about that.  It made me connect to Father Tom's homily  a few weeks ago, He said, "you become who you hang out with."   It also made me think about my girls.  How strong and smart I want them to be.  I don't want them to have to sift through so much of the craziness of life, to find their own peace - I want them to be smarter and brighter and more aware, than us.  I don't want them to have to maneuver the trials of life, hurt, secrets, or shame to somehow, someday get to contentment and happiness.  That's the journey of woman that I am intrigued by.  We all seem to have stories, rights of passage.  I am not sure it plays out that way for the men in our life.  As Women, even when we have a twinge of the trials that may lie ahead, even when our girlfriends and our mothers send subtle or in our face warnings we still take the journey.  I guess we can only hope that the journey and peace are all worth it in the end or at least make a good book.   Mimi Alford shares her footnote with the world in an effort to move forward.

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...
1. No school
2. No work
3. Sun is shining
4. Car getting looked at
5. School vacation begins

Happy Easter Paper Peeps!

Five for Friday

Five great things about today. . .

1. Watching the Muppets at the Library today
2. Daughter got a fresh new look with 4 inches cut off her pretty little head.
3. No school today
4. No cub scouts tonight.
5. It's the weekend.

Have a great weekend.

First Confession Revealed

Our cub scout makes his first confession on Saturday morning.  When he was discussing this with his sisters it was revealed that one sister marched into the confessional and admitted to eating three muffins instead of the two.....  and for that she had to say a few Hail Mary's according to her, "not a big deal, it's easy"

Scary Mommy has a book or is it a mommy bible?

Paper Peeps - Listen Up. . . .
Scary mommy is you.... Scary mommy is me.... her book hits stores next week and we all owe it to ourselves to belly up to the bookstore and grab a copy.  Read the  first two chapters posted at her site and get a taste of what this mommy fun is all about.  She will make you laugh, cry and basically feel normal.  She is visiting an hour from my home on her scary tour and I am counting the days.  Check out the book trailer, have a giggle and know it's all okay. . .

Parents of the Year!

We are certainly scarring our children with their birthday celebrations.... not intentionally but year after year, it's happening.

Last night while celebrating our little cub scouts 8th birthday he declared - Now, I want an eight candle on my cake, none of this creative math on the cake.  Seriously, he said it.  I am not kidding.  That is because on occasion we have to do creative cake math... like a number 5 candle plus 2 single candles or a number 9 candle plus two singles.... you get the picture, one year we even had to do subtraction.

In addition, this past December the World's Greatest Husband and I both searched and searched and finally put the one and four candles on the cake for our 15 year old.  What were we thinking?  Calling a 15 year old 14, doesn't go over so well.

One of our eleven year olds received a bike last August.  Well it was an IOU because she specifically wanted a yellow bike which we were on the hunt for but had not found.  um, we still haven't found it...  It's become quite a joke in our house.... so much so that the kids were joking with the cub scout last night, stating I hope it's not a bike as he started to open his gifts.
poor girl.

Now today our oldest child turns 17.  My husband who is home sick was still a trooper and got our high schoolers up for school, sick and all.  My husband gets our birthday boy (yes we have 3 family birthdays in March) up and out the door for school without ever wishing him a happy birthday.

Yep, pretty much going to hell over this birthday stuff.

Singing and Laughing

I had a little giggle today.
Driving home from Target I listened to an NPR interview with Elmo, the sweet, little red Sesame Street monster that everyone loves.  It made me have a happy heart.  While at an intersection the NPR show played a clip of Elmo singing, with it being a warm day, I had my windows down and I was rocking it out with Elmo until I realized a man standing on the corner was having a good giggle on me singing my heart out with Elmo.  I believe he was looking for the car seat of a little one in the back, the laughter clearly came when he realized there was no little cupcake singing with momma.  Sometimes it's good to laugh at yourself.

I can't tell you the countless times when the babes were little that I would finally sneak away to the grocery store without children and I would sing to Barney, Lori Berkner or the Wiggles all the way to the store before realizing, wait..... there are no kids with me I can listen to grown up radio.  Over the years the music has changed... the High School Musical CD, Selina Gomez and Justin Bieber.  These days I take a stand and really don't let them change the NPR setting - well, a lot of good that did me today, eh?

Five for Friday

I asked the World's Greatest Husband to be my guest blogger for Five for Friday -Five Great Things about Today... here is what he came up with.... SILENCE.... still waiting.... waiting.... waiting..... he has his head down in the newspaper.... so much for guest blogging....I can't wait all night.....
Here are my thoughts- Five great things about today....
1. Loved the peanut butter cookie that my husband brought home for me.
2. Grocery shopping on line is really a lifeline - I am so happy to have found.
3. Nothing makes me happier than a bargain..... um like a 14.99 spring jacket bargain.
4. Bought a new shade of lipstick.  It's a bit more bold than I am used to....
5. Friday report cards make me a very proud momma.... Those kids amaze me with their academic achievements!  Yippee for them.... Yipppeee for us.... let's hope it always stays this way.

Happy Weekend Paper Peeps...

Under Lock and Key

Apparently my little cub scout has some big secrets.  I found his journal on the kitchen table this morning.... that is one large lock for a little journal. I guess with three sisters, he has to protect his thoughts.

Life... oh life.... life, life, life....

My life is pretty darn wonderful.  Except today, today I want to suck my thumb in the corner of the bathroom while rocking back and forth humming at little do-wa-ditty.....

and all that on the warmest day since ugly winter arrived, who would have thought it? Well sometimes you just can't predict the feeling of crazy.

Here is a funny that despite the gloom of today, made me giggle....

While our oldest daughter was checking out the frozen meat I had left out to defrost for dinner she looked at me with big eyes and said, "Really? No way, really? Oh my God, really? Seriously? We are eating real LION for dinner?"  I quietly corrected her that we would be having pork loin not lion.....

I hope your day is going well.  I am going to self medicate with a few samoas.... or trefoils.... or possibly thin mints because on top of the TEN boxes we ordered, my sister in law told us to keep what she ordered.... so there you have it.... paper mom is not only cranky today but she's fat too.

Looking forward to bedtime.

five for friday

only one great thing for today....
the grant is submitted!
Yippeee
yahoo

Flat Stanley Project

Is it odd that I am  excited about my Cub Scout's Flat Stanley project?  When my daughter was in 2nd grade her teacher did not do this fun project.  I was sad as all the other 2nd graders were talking about it.  This year... we are in.... Mrs. MacDonald is all about the Flat Stanley project.

For one week Flat Stanley is to go on Paper Mom family adventures.  Every night my little cub scout has to journal about Flat Stanley's day he informed me that it can be fictional or real.... Yesterday he skateboarded, got to sit in the front seat of the car and played floor hockey with the World's Greatest Husband.

If I could get him to cook dinner, do laundry and dishes I'd be all set.

Life is Fragile, Pray Hard

Life is fragile.

We all move at an incredible pace and then you learn of something that makes you stop and take note.

Someone dies, someone loses a job, someone is diagnosed with cancer.

Life is so darn hard on a a good day never mind those days when your heart aches and you have to find every ounce of energy just to get out of bed and face the day.

This week at church Father Tony spoke of  "prayer" you know that is one of my favorite topics.... I am so intrigued by how people pray, when they pray, why they pray.... my prayer obsession could be viewed as a little odd, if you lived inside my head.

I pray in my head all the time.  It's random, it's planned, it's thankful, sometimes it's quiet and sometimes it's loud.  Sometimes it is what gets me through the door at work, through an argument with tweens or to finally shut my brain off and sleep.  I have seen the power of prayer, felt it, needed it and depended on it.  I am a divorced woman, remember?

Hail Mary's when I fly on an airplane are a given.
Squeezing my lovers hand during the "Our Father" at church each Sunday, a necessity.
Naming my family members (it's like a race in my brain for me to say as many as I can)  before the church replies "Lord hear our prayer" is a little game that makes me giggle.

Prayer is powerful.  Like this blog, it's one of the only things I own, all mine, in heart, in my head and in my thoughts.

Life is fragile, pray for those who need support to face the day.  You never know who that might be on any given day....

Paper Wreath for Spring!

Spring is coming and my new wreath proves it! Do you like it? It's easy peasy to do....

A Sad Day for Fans of Davy Jones

I am sad to read about Davy Jones.  I am smiling at all the 40 and 50 something mom's that are commenting on the fond memories of  "The Monkey's" and their tween love affair with Davy.  I once had an up close and personal experience with Davy Jones.  Many years ago I was planning a fundraiser event at a venue within the Mohegan Sun Casino and Davy was appearing the same night.  The staff and guests were very involved with his arrival and appearance.  Apparently he has fans that camp out like crazy women waiting to get a glimpse, wave or a kiss.  They were everywhere! They even crashed our fundraiser (I didn't mind, they spent money at our auction)
Hmmmmmm.........
Now why do you think I related to this little display of fan craziness?
Yep, because Rick Springfield Fans are the same darn way.
I can remember Rick's last appearance at Mohegan Sun.  I heard he was having a drink at one of the bars and I too wanted to case the joint and stalk the man (oh wait, I did do that the night I met him in Rye, NY)

Yes, I post this picture as often as I can....

Now honestly, I related to those crazy Davy Jones Fans that night and today, although our guy is different our tween love for the rock star remains the same and lives with us forever.  So today I feel sadness for all the fans, all those crazy fans who have spent a lifetime loving this special performer.  I get it.  I feel it.  I wish them peace.  and as far as Rick? I wish him health and happiness.

Lent - give up something or add something?

Did I tell you what I gave up for Lent?
Well, I didn't give up anything....
I added something.
HaHahaHa that coming from a woman who doesn't have time to poop.
I am writing a personal handwritten note to someone I care about everyday single day during Lent.
A note of thanks, a thinking of you note, a happy to know you note... you get the picture.  The World's Greatest Husband said it nicely on the way to church, our kids were frantically deciding what to give up because their CCD teachers would be asking at Sunday school - He said,  "sometimes you show sacrifice by adding something to your day."  So there you have it... I am adding a thoughtful exercise, an expression of love to those I care about in the hope that my peaceful Lenten heart will secure my place in heaven and make those receiving my notes feel special.
A good deed all the way around...
Want to join me?

Don't you love my new biz card?

Sometimes it's the little things that make life good.  I was thrilled to receive my new business cards in the mail yesterday.  My blog isn't really a business, more like therapy but I often give out the address and wanted a pretty way to do so.... so here it is...

So me, don't you think?

If you are visiting because I handed you that pretty little card, thanks for visiting. In my crazy life with five kids and blended bliss -  the only thing that is all mine, all me, is this darn blog!  I share the food on my plate, my time in the bathroom and just about every ounce of energy I have with my family, my job and my home.  Most days my posts usually share too much, which makes the World's Greatest Husband cringe a bit but I have been known to make other mom's like me.... giggle.  If you are a 40-something (well let's be specific why add years? 41)  mom & step-mo like me, you may find peace in reading the scary details of my life just so you can feel better about your own crazy story.  I hope you will read on Paper Peeps..... Life is Good!

Five for Friday

It snowed today... so it is hard for me for find five great things about today...
1. A few families coming over for dinner tomorrow so my house will be clean soon!
2. found some heavyweight dish towels (yes, that makes me happy)
3. Ordered the World's Greatest Husband his birthday gift.
4. Renewed my BJ's Wholesale membership today (with a coupon!)
5. My daughter is playing softball - it's been a struggle but she is on board! (I think!)

30 hours with my guy...

So we decided to go on a little post Valentine's Day adventure.  We didn't really have a plan other than we packed a bag, had childcare and a need to be alone.

$70 for a tank of gas
$25 for breakfast at the World's Greatest Husband's favorite diner
$10 for a cookie, coke and and a corn dog
$5 for a bottle of water and change for the parking meter
$25 for a few small prizes at the outlet center
$3 for a cup of coffee
$25 for the valet in the North End
$115 for dinner at Lucca
$120 for a room just outside the city
$20 for two tickets to the JFK Presidential Library
$16 for lunch at the snack shop


Spending 30 hours alone with the World's Greatest Husband in Boston Priceless.......
I love that guy!

Reverse Bucket List

I love when Mama Kat's writing workshop strikes a nerve.... this one certainly did....
Create a reverse bucket list - the top ten things you never want to do.... here are my little lovelies....

1. Return to Eighties Fashion
I never want to feather my hair, wear leg warmers or figure out parachute pants (again.)
2. Play Trivial Pursuit
I never ever, ever want to play Trivial pursuit with my husband.  He claims to be the king of this little game and I am not up for the defeat or bragging rights that his win would inflict on me (possibly for years to come)
3. Divorce
Did that once and it was ugly and seriously took precious years off my little life.
4. Girl Fight
I would totally lose.
5. Camp
Let me be more specific, camp outdoors with my little cub scout's pack or den.
6. Sing
Out loud, in public with an audience of any kind.
7. Get a Tattoo 
So not me.... not to mention the pain part.
8. Prepare for a Math Test of any Kind
My fear of math has only grown with age - I got a 2nd grade math problem wrong while offering homework help this week.
9. Drive a School Bus
God bless all those who can with a happy wave at pick up and drop off.

Do you have anything to add?

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...
Visited A.C. Moore, Michaels and Joanne Fabric all in one day!
Major work event secured with date and special guest.
Cub scout got 100 on his spelling test.
Saturday art class in cancelled due to projected snow - that means we can sleep in!!!!!
World's Greatest Husband went grocery shopping last night.
Bonus - bumped into an old friend on my shopping trip... so good to see her!

Have a good weekend paper peeps

Winter

I've blogged about my dislike of winter for years.
I hate winter.
I hate snow.
I hate the the cold temperatures.
The only thing can somewhat tolerate is winter fashion.  I like wearing scarves. It is a fashion staple I enjoy.

Recently I realized my dislike with the season isn't really about the snow, freezing rain, and cold temperatures.  It's about the unpredictability of the weather.  Now, you are never ever going to hear me say "I love winter" but if there was a winter to love, it would be this one. Everyday the temperature is 40 or above I consider it a little gift from God straight to me.  Now that being said, I still hate this winter.  I still dread my winter days, bundling up, scraping the windshield and god forbid - getting the kids ready to go out and play in the snow.  Therefore my seasonal disorder is more about waiting for the other shoe to drop or snowflake to fall.   The unpredictability of New England weather.  I truly need to move to Marco Island where the biggest question of the day that relates to weather, fashion and lifestyle is....
what color flip flops should I wear?


42 more days until spring and yes, I am counting

Five for Friday

Five great things about today - really I only need to document one....

1. Laughing, drinking coffee, shopping and feeling sane with my dearest college bestie.

Oh Life

I've struggled to keep up with my daily journal...
Yes, I start them...
At the start of the new year I was intrigued by the one sentence journal...
Yes, I start them...
Now, I am on to a new type of journaling and wanted to share...
visit www.ohlife
This journal is online with a daily email "kick in the pants" reminder.
Every evening an email arrives asking "how is your day going?"  simply reply to the email and your journal is kept.
Yes, I start them....
Let's see where this one goes....

Pinterest & A 12 Step program

OH MY - - - 
Pinterest is so addicting
I am sort of scared as to where this might lead.  My son is home sick today (he seems to be having a reaction to something) with horrible hives.  My poor little cub scout.  This has given me the opportunity to surf the super highway of mommy heaven... pretty things on pinterest.... My boy is happy watching television without having to fight his siblings for the remote.  I am thrilled to be pinning away.  We are making the absolute best of a bad situation.

five for Friday

Five great things about today:

1. New iphones on the way!
2. A rainy day - perfect for cleaning my house - Now I have to find some motivation
3. Trying hard to see some professional positives. Reflection is a powerful tool.
4. Fresh, clean, new sheets.
5. Date with the Worlds' Greatest Husband tonight....

Hope your day shines and weekend sparkles.

The life of a Step-Mo

In an effort to be the best Step-Mo around I am reading Dr. Wednesday Martin's book Stepmonster.  I am enjoying it.  It is nice to share and learn from another Step-Mo and it's nice to know I am not crazy.  I'll blog more but for now, go get the book.  I am amazed at the assumptions we have as Step-Mo and ex-wife and biological mom.  We really do ourselves no favors as women.  Yesterday I shared a snippet of the book with the World's Greatest Husband and he gave me the sweetest compliments about my journey as Step-Mo. His words made me feel like a Step-Mo rock star.   Yes, there are many reasons why I married him and he is clearly one of the reasons why this family of seven works!  This path is not easy, glamorous or what I had ever imagined for myself - - -  but possible with him by my side.

As I looked out my bathroom window last night and saw the glow of the freshly fallen snow peacefully lighting up the night.... I almost said it..... almost. 
But then I thought better of it and went with....
How will I get to my 9 am meeting if school is delayed?
It's so cold, the driveway will be an ice rink.
We don't have any ice melt in the garage. We will slide down the driveway to the bus stop.
When will the plow guy get here? Will he even come? and do I even have $30 in my checking account right now to pay him?

So for the record, I continue to hate winter especially now that the snow has fallen.

Princess Diana

Do you remember watching the Royal Wedding?  Not Kate and William, I am going back… old school….remember Charles and Diana?  Ahhhh, the People’s Princess, Lady Di.  A woman of style, class, beauty and grace.  She was truly a beautiful woman.  This week I had the biggest treat.  A girl treat.  A mommy treat.  A ladies only treat….

I had an opportunity to visit Diana a Celebration an award winning exhibition that chronicles the life and work of Princess Diana.

So believe it or not I was actually able to sneak out of the house twice this week with two gal pals.  We had the day planned for last Sunday but the wait for the exhibit was two hours.  We decided to grab a bite to eat and visit the exhibit on a week night when the line wasn’t so overwhelming (good choice but honestly our dinner date took longer than it would have been to wait in line and visit the exhibit) BONUS FOR ME – two nights out.

The exhibit was one of those moments of wonder and joy.  It was delightful and made you love Princess Diana even more.  The wedding gown was stunning.  The 28 displayed suits, dresses and gowns? Breathtaking.  It was a feel good, girlfriend kind of day.   

Visit the website to learn more and watch a video clip.

Lucky me

Lucky Me

I was dreading my doctor’s appointment today.  The thought of having to face the number on the scale and the woman who has been so supportive of my weight loss in the same moment was not something I was looking forward to.  Guess what? My doctor didn’t weigh me and the nurse didn’t weigh me either.  No one asked me to step on the ol’ scale.  Seriously, did they forget?   I wasn’t about to remind her I practically ran out of the office hoping she wouldn’t run after me and announce “oh we forgot to weigh you”.  I was happy to not have to face the music.  Well actually, I am ready to lose it.  I am sick of the few extra pounds I’ve packed on.  But not having to explain my constant chewing throughout the holiday season was a relief that I wasn’t expecting… Yippee for me.   Silly little thing but it made my day a good day.

Dear Governor Malloy - With Thanks - Paper Mom

Dear Governor Malloy,

Well it’s your one year anniversary and traditional gift giving etiquette lists paper as the appropriate anniversary gift so in the spirit of tradition, I think it is only fitting to celebrate with an anniversary PAPER Mom post. Get it? PAPER? PAPER MOM?

From a rowdy town hall meeting in Norwich  (see my Paper Mom votes for Malloy post on 3/10/11) to a family field trip to the capitol ( see my Paper Mom meets the governor fun day post on 4/21/11 )  to a calculated anniversary discussion, our paths have crossed again.  A year later, I have to say – I am still a Governor Dannel Malloy fan.  A bit older, smarter and settled, I write to say thank you.

   

I walked out of your Town Hall Meeting  last March encouraged,  it served as a little government pep rally for me,  but as the year went on I became cautious and I would go so far as to say, fearful.  Like the spouse of many state employees, I spent many nights worrying about the stability of the World’s Greatest Husband’s position.  I have worried for the growth of our town knowing that funding is a constant issue, what does that mean to our five kids and their education? Will our Library have to once again close for two weeks?  Will our most fragile citizens and the organizations that support them have an opportunity to grow and strengthen so we can be a stronger community?  Yes, even with our busy life with five children, I find lots of time to worry. 

The truth is, a year later I feel hopeful.  I can’t entirely explain it because we still struggle to pay our bills, our city budget remains fragile and my kids are still picky eaters - But I am hopeful.  Maybe it’s the spirit of the New Year and my renewed mind-set that life is good.  Whatever it is, I’ve made a choice to focus on the positive because where does the negative get us? 

Tonight’s conversation was well done.  Ray Hackett and the Norwich Bulletin facilitated a smart, civil, spirited opportunity to reflect on the past year.  For me, that went beyond politics.  The audience was filled with community leaders, decision makers and area notables.  I can only hope that they too felt hopeful because collectively we can work together to make Norwich and Connecticut a better place. Thank you for all the long hours, tough decisions and courage to act.  It is not an easy job.   

Fondly,

Paper Mom

PS – No need to worry about spending any additional time in an emergency command center due to major weather problems.  The World’s Greatest Husband had our snow blower fixed and that guarantees – NO SNOW. 

Focus on 2012

With a sick kid home from school the past two days, I've been able to surf the web and get my fill of new years goal setting thoughts, resolutions and new ideas.  I guess it is the perk of having to be home with a kid who has had a fever.  

I've given an enormous amount of thought to the energy that we put out and the energy that comes back to us.  I am a believer in this.  I could go into a long explanation that references my down and out divorce days and then the days where I began to see things with clarity and how that changed my world or I can skip the details and just repeat ...... I am a believer in the energy we put out and the energy that comes back to us.

So I am focusing on one word for 2012 - LUCKY 
and one symbol :

I chose the word "Lucky" because sometimes I can forget how wonderful my life really is.  I have many things that make me a lucky lady and I don't want to lose sight of the "Good Life" that I live.  I also know that when I pay attention to feeling lucky - more luck will come my way.  My new phrase to the World's Greatest Husband?  This is our lucky year.  I think he may be taking it in a different context but I will let him roll with it for now.

My symbol, the heart, is to always remind me to bring love to my day, my work, and my family throughout 2012. My heart is big but like most woman I have things to learn, strengthen and protect.  

So much more to say and do but I'll leave it to my "lucky heart" for now......

This was read at my high school senior night 23 years ago.  Words to live by, via Mrs. Papandrea:

THE STATION

By Robert J. Hastings

         TUCKED AWAY in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves
on a long journey that spans an entire continent. We're traveling by train and, from the 
windows, we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at
crossings, of cattle grazing in distant pastures, of smoke pouring from power plants, of row
upon row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of city skylines and
village halls.

    But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination--for at a certain hour and on a
given day, our train will finally pull into the station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands
playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So restlessly, we
pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

    "Yes, when we reach the station, that will be it!" we promise ourselves. "When we're 
eighteen. . . win that promotion. . . put the last kid through college. . . buy that 450SL 
Mercedes-Benz. . . have a nest egg for retirement!"

    From that day on we will all live happily ever after.

    Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no station in this life, no one earthly
place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy. The station is an illusion--it
constantly outdistances us. Yesterday's a memory, tomorrow's a dream. Yesterday belongs to a
history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday's a fading sunset, tomorrow's a faint sunrise. Only
today is there light enough to love and live.

    So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn't the burdens of today 
that drive men mad, but rather regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and
fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.

    "Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, "This is
the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

     So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more
mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener.
Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we
go along. The station will come soon enough.

Happy New Year- it's 2012.  Did you know this is going to be my lucky year?  I am not sure exactly in what way and I am sure I will have to give myself constant reminders but today, I feel lucky. Mostly because I just woofed down a KFC pot pie.  Yep, my year of no fast food has come to a close.  It's a new year with new thoughts, hopes and wishes.  This year I will make an occasional fast food stop.

This year I am not entirely sure what I am giving up but I know what I am saving..... my change.
I am going to save my change in a jar for a whole year and see what cha-ching happens on January 1, 2013.
and I am also vowing to enter all those customer survey contests for gift cards that are printed on the back of my retail receipts.  Hopefully my lucky duck feelings will ring true and I will win.

I'll post more on dreams and new year wishes over the next week but I wanted to share our new years experience from last night.....  Let's see, if I had to sum up the evening in one word? I guess I would go with YUMMO- Is that a word?  Well it is if you visit Buon Appetito in North Stonington.  The World's Greatest Husband and I found ourselves with not one of our five children on New Year's Eve (the first one we've celebrated alone in five years) and decided to ring in the New Year with dinner and a movie.  Buon Appetito has been on my "must visit" list since they opened last February and I would have to say, I hope to visit again before THIS February.  It was delicious.  It was on my pizza tour list but we didn't go with pizza for the glitz and glamour of New Years.  Instead we had their tasting menu. The first course was Arugula Salad with shaved fennel, goat cheese, toasted walnuts and my fave- balsamic vinaigrette.  2nd course: Truffle Ravioli with Sweet Sausage, Lentils, Spinach, Mushroom Cream (to die for) 3rd course: Surf 'n Turf - Grilled Strip Loin, Shrimp Scampi, Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Sauteed French Beans and finally Fallen Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato and Whipped Cream. It was delightful.  Our waitress was right on the mark - She was attentive, assertive and kind all in one.  The owner, stopped over and made sure everything was to our liking with more than one go around and offered me a coffee on the house.  So the experience exceeded my expectations - you know I am all about the customer service and Buon Appetito does it right.  The food? excellent and yes, the World's Greatest Husband agrees with me on that one 100%.  But the real joy of the evening was the ambiance.  The place is gorgeous.  They have worked hard to make a pretty, comfortable, welcoming dining room.  Again, I am a sucker for all things stylish and warm and again Buon Appetito does it with class.   I am thinking this place has World's Greatest Husbands 50th Birthday Party written all over it.  Visit their website and see the beautiful dining room and menu.

From one wonderful experience we went on to one intense experience.  The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.  A long movie that had my attention, it was well done and now I must read the book.

Home by 10:30 ready to watch the ball drop on our new television with champagne.  A perfect ending and beginning to a new year.

Much love, health and happiness to you in 2012

Five for Friday

Five great things about today-
1. We are purchasing a new Television.  Yippee, hurray, yahoo.
2. Resolution season is looming.  I have some serious work to do. I love the feeling of a new year, new opportunity but I need some plans on paper for it to take shape.
3. One day closer to a pot pie at Kentucky Fried Chicken.  I gave up fast food for the past year and Sunday I am going crazy with a trip to KFC.  I am so proud of meeting my goal.  I wasn't a huge fast food queen but it was a struggle on occasion.
4. One day closer to my new life of eating in moderation and exercise.  I've been pigging out for months, I am sick of it. My hard work of losing 30+ pounds is slowly going away (right to my hips).  In 2012 I want to be 50 pounds lighter.  There, I said it.  whew.  Now I have to do it.  (after my KFC splurge)
5. Husband is working at the hospital tonight, that means I have the new TV all to myself. (heheheh)

Paper Mom Holiday Updates

Paper Peeps - What a Christmas Holiday it has been.  Here is the update--

First off, remember our holiday links for good deeds? Well our amazing kids completed 37 good deeds!  It was a wonderful experience that I would recommend for all!  Our kids truly found joy in helping others and making a link on our paper chain for each good deed.... they encouraged one another along the way.  I am so happy that we added this little ditty to our list of  Christmas traditions.  I did give one link to our teenage daughter for keeping her thoughts to herself.  - maybe a stretch for the typical "good deed" but the right course of action for the moment none the less.

Remember our little trip to Kringle Candle in November?  Well I have three updates... during my recent ladies only Christmas of Gold Party I had lots and lots of compliments on my home smelling yummy!  I proudly told my Kringle story to those who hadn't heard it (or read it. Can you believe some of my gal pals don't read this blog?)  The funny thing about that night was when I put out my candles I really did appreciate that they were all white and not a colorful rainbow to compliment the fragrance at hand.  I admit, when I first read about the candles being all white to remain decor neutral I thought that was a stretch in marketing........ ladies, it is actually quite nice.  I have enjoyed the white, it oozes class.    Lastly, I just finished up my first jar candle and put it in the freezer to clean out the wax so I can use it as a decorative jar and hey guess what? Easy peasy, wax popped out and now I have a beautiful glass covered jar to hold some pretty ribbon on my craft desk in my craft room (which is under a major transformation right now).  Did I mention that my mother sent us a candle for our anniversary after reading my blog?  Somedays I swear she is my only reader, I am just glad she pays attention.

The best Christmas present?  Our teenage daughter created a homemade card for each of us and it truly was the best gift she could have given.  I was filled with love to know that our blended family lines blurred with her loving sentiments.  At bedtime all three girls said this was the best Christmas ever and suddenly my Holiday stress melted away.    I slept well.

Now this week has taken a turn.  The World's Greatest Husband's three are with their mom for the rest of the week and my two are with their Dad for a bit.  We are living the life of newlyweds - - -

Proud Paper Mom

Indulge me....
I am having a proud Paper Mom moment.
My 6th grader got straight A's on her report card.
She is the first of our bunch to ever do this.
I am very, very proud of her.  Not only has she successfully adjusted to middle school, she did it with straight A's (ok had to write it one more time). We are quite lucky here, all of our children do well in school.  I am proud of each of them.

We are lucky and I do know it and I thank God everyday for it.  Yesterday I witnessed the pain of a fellow mom while attending Bob's Discount Furniture's Mega Blood Drive at Foxboro Stadium.  It broke my heart.  As I stood in line to get the autographs of beautiful Patriot cheerleaders I overheard a conversation of a mom that has a child on the autism spectrum.  She was visiting the Red Cross resources information table.  She spoke of the struggles she has and the beauty and strengths of her nine year old child.   She was frustrated, sharing that she often falls between the cracks of services because of her good job and salary.  But the woman needs a break, her only down time occurs when her ex husband is in the picture and that sounded a tad unreliable.  When the Red Cross worker gave her the number of someone to call for social services and possible respite, the mom teared up (me too) she was so grateful with the hope of of a helping hand.  The Red Cross is an amazing agency and yesterday's blood drive was quite an operation.  It was nice to be a part of this event, considering it is the season of giving.

This little story relates to all the stress we mommas are feeling with the production of Christmas.  I recently listened to a step mom's toolbox recording and the theme was - take care of yourself.  As I get older I realize, if I am not nurturing my soul a little bit along the way, I am not nurturing the soul of the five kids I am trying to build.  It is hard to find ten or twenty minutes every so often to do something that makes me happy, something that is all about me, me, me.  I guess paper crafting is it, maybe reading before bed or a quick phone call to my mom.  It doesn't happen all the time but when it does, it centers me.  The woman I spoke about above, has added struggles and I can only imagine how badly she needs "me time".  I hope she finds a few minutes to center her soul this holiday season, I hope we all do --- Shopping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, parties, presents, wrapping all while doing our regular routines of working, lessons, homework and life can make a grown woman nutzo - Hang tough my friends----- it will all be over soon ---- make memories in the meantime.

Five for Friday
Five great things about today...
1. Chaperoning the school field trip to the nutcracker
2. Starting the day at Target
3. Office Christmas party night.
4. Kids are excited for their favorite sitter tonight.
5. Christmas is finally unpacked.

Have a good day paper peeps!

Ba humbug with a giggle.

Ba-humbug

Recently my 11 year old was complaining while christmas shopping.

I looked her in the eye and said, "BA-HUM- BUG!"

She looked confused and asked, "What is that, Spanish?"

I can't make these things up - seriously.

The lady walking by heard the whole thing and we both had a good laugh like all fellow mothers should....

Christmas Photo Card Stress

Are you familiar with ordering photo Christmas cards?
Have you too broken a sweat as you try to line up all the kids and say cheese?
There is always one that looks away or is cranky - I have five of them.... kids that is,  and I spend all year trying to capture that darn Christmas card picture.  I must admit, I got one in August.  One perfect picture, everyone has good hair, nice smiles and the lighting of the sun setting on the beach made it a keeper in every way.  I was happy.  To my amazement and delight - we captured another acceptable one this past Sunday at the tree farm, complete with the old man in the red suit, this time all seven of us.    So I bit the bullet and decided on a card that has three spaces for three different photos.  I opted for my two keepers and a loving one of me and the World's Husband to go in the middle... ya know, the middle one representing the glue that keeps this circus together.

I practically skipped into the store knowing that this year our card will be a stunner! I ordered and eagerly awaited my print job.  tick tock, tick tock one hour passes and it's time.

The photo tech actually said, "your card really came out nice" as I waited to pay.  I rip open the package and gasp... .to my absolute horror, I didn't include any text on my fabulous card.  I just pressed print with no closing such as: With Love, or Warm Holiday Wishes.... it's just blank... yep, just blank - no names, no closing, no nothing.... except for three fabulous family photos at the top.

The whole point of the pre-printed family photo card is the fact that you can order 100 of them covering the long list of old high school friends, family, college roommates and former co-workers and NOT HAVE TO SIGN THEM.... although not a warm note, the pre-printed card acknowledges warm holiday greetings for the busy mom on the go... God invented this for women like me.  YA, WELL not this year, maybe next.  I've got to go now... I have 100 cards to personally sign.
With Love,
PaperMom, The World's Greatest Husband, Kid 1, Kid 2, Kid 3, Kid 4 and Kid 5
xoxo

Five for Friday

Normally I publish my "Five for Friday - Five great things about today, on Fridays"
Because yesterday's post with www.mamakatslosinit.com was centered on the number five... I thought I would break away from routine and bring you five great websites to visit.   As you know, I am a sap for love, inspiration and all things good in life.... the following websites have made me cry and basically feel good about love, marriage, life and the power of family.  I hope you will visit them and find that special place that makes you have a grateful and peaceful heart. Have a great weekend Paper Peeps.
www.motherglow.com
www.ringonthefinger.com
www.welcomehomeblog.com
www.fuzzyfeelings.com (and I am not an animal person)
www.feelgoodblogs.com

Special thanks to Leelou blogs for introducing me to this website goodness.

Some Important Things About Me

Five Things with Mama Kat

Five things you don’t know about me:

1. Sometimes I drive all the way across town to the gas station that pumps gas for you just so I don’t have to get out of the car. 
2. I sometimes wish my kids were grown and out of the house and because of that wish, I often pray to be a better mother.
3. I keep laundry all over the basement floor as I sort and get to each pile.  And yes, most days there are piles!
4. I only floss the week of my dentist appointment.
5. I have favorite statues that I’ve named in church.  One is my grandmother, Nana and one is my old friend, Douglas.  I find peace in the fact that I can give them a minute or two in my head and heart, each week during mass. … and some weeks, I swear they blink at me.

Five things I am knowledgeable about:

1. Martini’s – just ask the World’s Greatest Husband, I’ve perfected a few of them for him over the years.
2. What my kids will and will not eat.  I can call that one from a mile away
3. Paper crafting. I’ve watched way too many hours of you tube tutorials on how to fold, glue and create.  I’ll also add that I am very knowledgeable about the store layout and inventory of Michaels craft stores.  An important skill on holiday’s such as Black Friday or one day sales.
4. The World’s Greatest Husband would chime in with “kissing” He is so sweet always telling me I am the best kisser, he often sends thanks my seventh grade boyfriend.
5. The structure and components needed in a good bathing suit as well as the frame of mind, time and money needed to purchase one.

Five things I know nothing about:

1. Computer networking, wireless systems, updating, downloading and syncing.    That is why I call the World’s Greatest Husband my “computer boy.”
2. Many of the ingredients in Bon Appetit magazine.
3. Vacuuming the pool – I can’t even begin to grasp how that gizmo, hose and pumpy thing work to suck out the dirt, did I tell you I live with my “pool boy?”
4. Apparently I know very little about 6^th grade math and our stressful homework sessions continue to prove that one!
5. Illegal Drugs.  I’ve never understood the desire to do them or the power of them. 

Five things I believe

1. When love is true, it brings out the best in you.
2. We are all stronger than we think we are.
3. A clean closet can make you think a bit clearer.
4. The magic of a good night’s sleep.
5. The best cleaning gets done when one is angry.