Sometimes motherhood wears us out....

Sometimes being a mother wears you out.
Four of my children were getting along so nicely.  I was enjoying the laughter and spirit of the moment.  It was perfect.  I knew I could fly to the store to buy adhesive for my paper project without a problem --- they were happy, they were getting along, I was sure that there would be no blood shed, tears or fighting.... I can go shop for twenty minutes in peace.... I simply felt it in my heart. It was my chance to break away.

Sometimes being a mother wears you out.
Five minutes into my shopping trip I had a thought...... the kids were eating grapes and laughing when I left.  Someone might choke on a grape.

Sometimes being a mother wears you out.
I pull into the store parking lot and enter the store.  7 minutes , 8 minutes, 9 minutes.... in only 10 short minutes I had created such a panic for myself I was convinced that someone would be choking on grapes because of all the laughter and silliness.  My peaceful heart had turned into a full blown, get in the car and speed home just to make sure all was ok.  I kept glancing at my phone, knowing that someone would surely call if the choking began.  Down the hill, up the hill, zip into the driveway, no ambulance, no phone call........ it's all ok.

I think I am nuts.

A New Christmas Tradition

I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a new holiday tradition that promotes the reason for the season and I think I've found it.  The Paper Mom household is all about good deeds during Advent.  I've challenged my family to "do good" for others.  Every time they do a "good deed" or witness a family member doing a "good deed" they are to make a link on our paper chain.  It is my hope that they will find good in their heart as well as others and make an effort to help, be less critical and take a risk.  I wonder how long we can make this paper chain go....

The World's Greatest Husband kick started the chain with two good deeds on our date last night....
 - he called the police to report a stranded elderly motorist in town.  AND
 - When leaving a tip at the casino last night he apologized to our waitress that some of the tip was in quarters. Yup, he's a keeper.

Black Friday Random Thoughts

Every Black Friday I miss my mom.  We shop so well together it doesn't seem fair to be 1200 miles apart on this important sale day.

Every Black Friday I wish I had a sister.  It seems as though moms, sisters and 4AM shopping are about as American as apple pie.

So I slept in but ventured out at 10 am this morning.  What shocked me the most? everyone shopping on their cell phones.  Seriously what did we do before we had instant, immediate contact to ask what size? - what color?

I don't think I captured any great Black Friday deal but I did find cute styrofoam snowman coffee cups for my morning coffee this holiday season. That makes me smile!


Five for Friday -
1. Shopping Day 2. Date Night 3. Fifty-five degree day 4. Snowman coffee cups 5. Paper deals at TJMaxx.

delightful day at Kringle Candle

The World’s Greatest Husband and I have a “special time” often we text or call when we take note of the clock ticking 11:11.  It’s a quick I love you that says… I am thinking of you and it means the world to me.  I simply cannot take note of 11:11 without thinking of “my guy”.  Many, many months ago we took note of the date 11/11/11 and decided it would be our special date day!

We shipped our children off to their other parents and we were on our road trip adventure! We decided to visit the flagship Yankee Candle store in Deerfield, Ma.  I must admit, my heart started to race as we approached exit 24.  I practically skipped into the store.  The World’s Greatest Husband was a good sport and smelled a few candles as we started to make our way through.  Ten minutes in… the store lost power.  We found a place to sit in the dark wait it out.  20 minutes later we were told to leave our merchandise and make our way to the exit.  A transformer down the road was on fire, it would be awhile.  I thought I might cry.

On our way to Yankee we saw a billboard for Kringle Candle.  Because my husband didn’t quite know what to do with me and my disappointment he suggested we check out the place on the billboard.  Readers, do you know Kringle Candle?  During the twenty minute drive I was convinced that it was going to be a road side stand that would never live up to the shopping experience I had just been forced to leave. 

To my delight, Kringle Candle is now my favorite shopping experience and I encourage you to go visit and experience it for yourself! 

Kringle Candle is a new candle company founded by the son of the Yankee Candle founder.  Let’s just say, those Kittredge men know their product, pay attention to details and make women like me, sing Tra La,La,La!  A  clean, bright, shopping complex complete with candle store, Christmas Barn, old fashioned toy store and The World’s Greatest Husband’s favorite, a chocolate shop was truly more than I could have ever imagined.  A beautiful new restaurant The Farm Table opened for lunch that very day! The entire property is sort of like Disney World for mom’s who love pretty things!

So what impressed me at Kringle Candle?  The list is long…… I love pretty, thoughtful things and the store displays were beautiful.   As a marketing junkie, I thought the store merchandising seriously made me want to move in.  In addition they do a fabulous job of telling their story and explaining their product line both through their employees, signage and publications.  As you know, I take note of customer care.  Kringle Candle has it down pat!  The staff was attentive and ready and willing to help, friendly and kind.

 

I must admit, I didn’t know about this company, which surprises me.  I am usually up on products like this.  I didn’t want to go crazy on candles because honestly, I didn’t know if I would be pleased with the product.   I am particular about my candles.  I should have simply trusted my gut as I shopped because………The product is fabulous and I should have known by the beautiful store and excellent service.  It’s simply top notch.

With our five kids and busy life, I am not sure when I will get back to visit but - seriously, it is a day trip worth having.  If you can’t jump in the car, visit the website to learn about Kringle Candle

Snowtober

My goodness what a Halloween!  We weren't sure if we should quickly revamp our costumes to be snow plow drivers, skiers and snowmen.  We thought of making a snowman and replacing the head with our jack-o-lantern only to follow up that fun with sledding in costume.  We can already say "It's a crazy winter"  and it's only November first!  My, oh my!  You've heard me say it before and you will here me say it again.... I hate winter...... but by far, my mother had the best comment yet...... when complaining about the weather she said it best......."You got to get out of there!"

I will say a prayer that power is restored quickly to all those without.
and sending belated good birthday wishes, prayers and love to my Dad.