A New Low

Motherhood hit a new low at 7:23 this morning.  I had to use a hair dryer to dry my daughters school shirt.  Yep, that shiny new dryer can't get here fast enough.... If you are looking for me this weekend, I'll be in the basement catching up on the laundry.

five for Friday

As I stood in the pouring rain watching my kids march around the field for opening day of little league, it dawned on me that I didn't post Five for Friday... so here are five great things about today... Saturday style.

1. Our older kids return tonight.  I can't wait to hear all about their Disney adventures.  I think I will greet them with a kiss, hug and a reminder that YES, they will be going to school on Monday.
2. Let the season officially begin... yes, it's baseball and softball people.  Get ready, the party starts now.
3. Our dryer broke this morning...  not a great thing but it will lead to a great thing if we can figure out a way to buy a new super duper one!
4. Husband offered to go to the laundromat today.
5. One more page to complete my nieces scrapbook!  It's taken a year to do... 

It's Saturday, it's raining, vacation is winding down, the dryer broke, Wal-Mart sold out of egg dye, Easter is tomorrow and the bunny hasn't shopped yet, It's 40 degrees out and I am tired because our cub scout has  been up in the middle of the last three nights...  But Paper Peeps, chin up, life is good, my husband is at the laundromat! He obviously knew my breaking point.  I don't call him the World's Greatest for nothing.  Heres to a great Saturday and a peaceful and blessed Easter day!  Happy Easter Paper Peeps.

Paper Mom Meets the Governor - A Fun Day!

Well yesterday was a BIG day!  Remember a while back when I posted about my affection for Governor Dannel Malloy?  Well “his people” contacted “my people” and today we were able to visit with the Governor himself.  It was a thrill and a memory for both me, the World’s Greatest Husband and three out of five kids.  But let’s not kid ourselves; I was the one with stars in my eyes.  Our oldest two missed all the action because they are making big memories with Mickey Mouse as they march in a few parades where the weather is much warmer.

 So our little trip started off like any special family event that “us moms” know all too well… a few arguments about what to wear, what not to wear and early morning showers for all. Despite the sassiness of two tweens we did manage to get out the door and arrived early on dear Dannel’s doorstep.  I felt sort of like royalty when the front desk called up to the Governor’s office to announce our arrival.  Minutes later we were all sitting and chatting like old friends.  He was warm, interested and sweetly trying to draw out our three shell shocked kids.  Our cub scout was the most comfortable.  Which by the way confirms my motherly instinct that my kid may actually be the governor one day!

A picture here, a picture there… and out the door we go. 

On our way out we were greeted by Governor Malloy’s right hand man, Roy Ochiogrosso he clearly stated he is a Paper Mom fan (at least for the five minutes he read my post.)  At this point I felt a little woozy from the whole experience and my tendency to rattle on (and on) seemed to take shape.  Silly, silly Paper Mom, I really need to learn how to shut up sometimes.  He was kind and also made the kids feel like rock stars.

The icing on the cake? This is where the story gets good!

I of course went directly to Wal-Mart to develop my photographs.  I hemmed and hawed, should I be so bold to print a 5x7 of me and the Governor for my desk? After some debating in my head, I went for it and ordered 1 – 5x7.  When the Wal-Mart associate, who called me over by name (you know how I love, love, love good customer service) and said he made a mistake and accidentally printed an 8x10 of me and my husband, I didn’t think much of it.   Many of the photos being printed were of me and the World’s Greatest Husband (this print job included photos from Christmas through today).  He then proceeded to open up the folder and show me the mistake.  I blurted out… that’s not my husband, that’s the Governor!  His reply? I thought he looked familiar.   

It's School Vacation Week

Staring at the blank screen knowing this is the week to blog but not knowing what to blog about.  It’s not like my life isn’t full of humorous moments or crazy tales…. 

But, what to write? 

I’ll start with a list of my top ten items that I would do if this school vacation week wasn’t about carting around kids, coming up with kid friendly activities and cleaning the house….

1.  I would go to the outlets from 9am to 9pm after claiming my winning lotto ticket!
2.  I would drink wine as I take a bubble bath and read a book.
3.   I would stay in my pajamas all day and paper craft.
4.  I would drive to Massachusetts visit the Vera Bradley outlet and hit every paper specialty store between here and there.
5.  No cooking, no dishes, no laundry.
6.  I would spend an entire day on the internet, reading blogs, reading crafty posts and spending a lot of time on Martha Stewart, Food Network and  the Lands End websites
7.   Nap, channel surf and in general be a slacker.
8. Manicures, pedicures, massages and a “re-do” on my “too dark” hair color would all make for a good day
9. Purchase and sleep in new pajamas .
10.  Walk in the sun with Rick blasting in my ear

So in the scheme of things, all minor luxuries but luxuries I don’t participate in very often…. I am not complaining, life is good and I am glad to have a break of our traditional routine.  A girl can always dream, right?  Have a good day.

Five for Friday

Five for Friday - Here are Five Great Things about Today:
1. Vacation starts today!
2. It has been a very, very, very busy week.  Last night our teenagers at dinner at 10:30PM, and I am not kidding!  So Friday has never felt so good...  although the calendar is full for the next vacation week, it will help to have time away from work.  My brain needs a break.  My focus needs to be refueled.  
3. My kids and his kids are gone for the next 48 hours.  That comes at the exact right moment because after this week, I am not sure of the World's Greatest Husband's name..... 
4. Going to the movies this weekend.... 
5. Spent the morning with my step daughter.  She is sick.  Even though the circumstance wasn't fun our time together was nice.  We giggled and snuggled until her mom came to take her to the pediatrician. 
6. BONUS:  Finishing a special scrapbook for my beautiful little niece.


Have a good weekend paper peeps.... 

The obvious...

Sometimes the obvious is not so obvious....
While shopping this weekend I stumbled upon a deal that couldn't be beat... men's extra long ties for $6 at JCPenney.  The World's Greatest Husband insists on an "extra long tie." Although the selection isn't as good in the extra long tie market and the prices are higher... I am always hopeful.  The clearance ties were all solid silks, see what I mean? variety and style gets lost in the extra long tie arena no snazzy patterns.  So fuschia, teal or purple are my choices.  I stood there for 20 minutes debating.... bright ties, solid ties, cheap ties.  I decided on the purple, which was the deepest and less bright of the three.  I felt unsure, uneasy and a bit tentative when unveiling my super bargain.  Only to my surprise and delight, the World's Greatest Husband announces...
Oooh, my school colors... perfect.
Hahahah!  I never thought of the fact that the man is an administrator in a school where the color is PURPLE!  Perfect for spirit day, game day and graduation..... sometimes the obvious is not so obvious and when the obvious is on clearance, all the better!
Happy Monday Paper Peeps!

Five for Friday

Five Great Things about Today!

1. It's Friday! It's Friday! It's Friday!
2. Picked up some great books at our library book sale.  Spent $10 and got a huge armful of books.
3. While at the Library I also picked up some books I had reserved from other libraries.  I am so excited to read these books! Entertaining, craft and decorating books seem to make me happy. When I reserve from other libraries, I call it "shopping"  it reminds me of when I surf amazon but it's FREE!  
4. Bought a little easter tree to hang some paperly tags, stickers and calling cards on.  I think this will offer the perfect little display for those personalized pretties!  
5. It's warm outside.  

Another author to love...

I just finished reading Playdate by Thelma Adams.  I heard about this book while listening to Faith Middleton on NPR.  She knows how to pick em!

Ok ladies… I started reading while waiting for my 16 year old son to finish up a physical therapy appointment and I think I was blushing.  I kept the book tight on my lap, not to show a soul the cover.  I started to sweat a little… maybe because my kid was nearby or maybe because I felt like it wasn’t lady like to be reading such details in the middle of a busy waiting room?  Yep, this book has a few scenes that made me feel like a college girl again.  When I shared the first chapter (yes, I said first chapter!) with the World’s Greatest Husband he said, “Hmm maybe you should read to me at bedtime”  I must admit, he made me chuckle with that one!

Anyway, the book was well done.  It was a quick read full of drama and tantric sex.  I enjoyed this little escape and other than not wanting to share the book cover with my five kids, I am happy to encourage you to grab a copy and get lost in a little house wives or should I say house husbands….. drama.   More importantly you can dive into a story that examines modern day parenting while exploring the balancing act of marriage, family, work and self, truly a balancing act that we all struggle with.  You can follow Thelma Adams on Facebook and Twitter.  

Blog, blog, blog... I need my blog...to keep me sane.

It's Monday at 8:17am.  It feels like Wednesday 9:30pm.  I've done more than what should be legally allowed for a Monday morning!


I have many posts floating in my head.... now if I could just carve out a few minutes this week to blog about:


Oprah - Did you watch Master Class?  seriously, this woman brings goosebumps to my soul every single time I pay attention to her.  I wanted to take notes.... lucky for me I have it on my DVR.


Grey's Anatomy  - Did you watch the music video episode.  What were they thinking?  I watched because that is what I do but it seemed sort of silly.  Callie has a nice voice and I thought she looked amazing.  I did burst into sobbing crying at one point.  I am not kidding, it sort of shocked me... but they sang a song that made me think of an old friend and it was sort of too much for me to handle.  So I guess they did ok if the episode evoked that much emotion out of me... but I still vote for silly.


And the post I know you are waiting for.... 
We made the high school baseball team and softball team.  Softball for little girls starts this week and baseball for the cub scout starts on Sat.  Yep, it's my favorite season.  I think just the thought of spring makes me tense and moody.  Get ready for those fun, stressful posts... I've already had one breakdown.  


Ok Paper Peeps, have a good week.  check back soon.  I hope to blog to keep me sane this week.

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...
1.  School basket fundraiser tonight - really hoping I win a Keurig for the office.
2. cub scout fun tomorrow... and 50 degrees to boot!
3. I grocery shopped at the store... no online order.  stressful but completed.
4. thinking about relay for life... what do you think? want to be on a team together?
5. Got a great party idea brewing for April....

Have a good weekend....