"Hanging out with Paperly Peeps"

Just not enough hours in the day… Ever feel that way? I am going to say something sort of dumb… maybe? Uh? I don’t know but here is my simple take on things…..

It’s amazing we all survive.

Seriously, when you add up family commitments, work commitments, school activities, extracurricular activities, civic commitments, blended family dilemmas, grocery shopping, and keeping your marriage HOT, it isn’t easy….never mind trying to find time for yourself.

Are you with me?

Yesterday I was cranky and annoyed, challenged and upset. I came home from work feeling a bit out of sorts and wasn’t able to shake it. Then, I spent the evening at a Paperly Party (Big thanks to hostess with the mostess, Sally!) and I was able to take a deep breath and be with other professional women, other moms, daughters, wives and sisters…. and my attitude shifted, my spirit lifted. Just to switch gears for a bit a time was refreshing and delightful.

Paperly has been a wonderful experience for a few reasons…. Yes, beautiful paper is a joy to sell. (I just received the embossed Crest note card and it made me want to rub it on my cheek, the quality of this little number is impressive) but in addition to beautiful products, the Paperly Party has been an amazing education about women. How we are all so busy, how we often deny ourselves little luxuries, how we all have the same struggles, it may be a different kid, husband, job or activity but we juggle, we balance and we try to strive for success and peace, at home, at school, at work. Paperly has opened my eyes about being a sister, a friend, a saleswoman and a DIVA. Does it sound a little corny, that a little paper networking party for 2 hours can be a quick study on the human spirit? That it can make me feel proud to be a woman? Maybe, but for today, I am going to smile knowing I am growing from the experience. Honestly, it is a power boost to my spirit. Go ahead, call me a cornball! But I prefer Diva!

PEACE

Peace is my favorite word. It is something that comes and goes in my life. It is something I try to concentrate on, be conscious of. A peaceful heart is kind, strong and giving - and not always easy to have.

Peace takes on many different forms for me:
There is the “Give me some peace and quiet” peace that I sometimes want to scream to five kids.
There is the “I feel so settled and loved” peace that the World’s Greatest Husband lets me enjoy.
There is the “Peaceful heart” peace I feel when I see our blended family working strong.
There is the “Peaceful sleep” peace that I feel when we are all tucked in tight after a day of family togetherness.
There is the “Make me an instrument of your peace” peace that I feel when I am in church.

Today I am praying for peace, strength, healing, love, health and courage. It has been a long weekend and a little peace sure would go a long way.

So I found this little prayer that may help keep peace in my thoughts, words, and actions.

Today, my goal is peace.

Today, I let go of any other agenda

and ask that you remove from my being

anything that hinders my experience of peace.
Today, in all my relationships,

I release all that obstructs peace.

In my work, it is peace that I offer others,

for healing takes place in moments of peace.

With my children, the gift of peace

reminds them of what is possible and who they truly are...

My peaceful doodle-ee-doo. 

Five for Friday

Wow, it's Five for Friday already?... Here are five great things about today -
1. It's Date Night.  I need a night with the World's Greatest Husband.  We have had a long busy week and a little alone time is just what I need!
2. I didn't wear my heavy winter coat this morning!
3. The sun is shining and I sent my first ever "e-vite."  This is historical for a Paper Mom... no paper....
4. I actually took an hour last night and sketched and doodled. Oh what fun, maybe I will post one of my doodle-e-doos.
5. Did I mention date night with my husband? it is worthy of two mentions. 
Have a great weekend, paper peeps! or as our 13 year old says... Peace Out Sista -

Favorite books

A gal pal asked me to type up my favorite reads, this is what I came up with.

There is one thing that never changes for our family of seven, our bedtime reading routine. Reading before snoring has become a joy that has been a part of my daily routine since I was a child and now is habit for my family too. It can often be a challenge with so many different reading levels and attention spans; it is a special way to end our day with warmth and love that can’t be described.

One for all ages: Our family favorite, hands down is “The Gulps” by Rosemary Wells and Marc Brown. This silly story is about a family slimming down after eating too many Winky-Twinks and Jiffy Chips. It makes us laugh every time, so much so that we have adopted the silly family name, "The Gulps" whenever we “pig out” at the dinner table.

I’ve read "The Enormous Egg" by Oliver Butterworth several times throughout my life. I remember Mrs. Baigert, my third grade teacher reading it the first time.

Once the kids are asleep, I end my day with a good book too. I have always described my favorite books as those “sappy, mushy, gushy lovey, dovey romantic reads.” My life is busy and demanding, I love losing myself in a love story. Here are my favorites:

"Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks (this author always makes me sob, the I can’t control myself, sucking air to breath kind of crying, I am always afraid I’ll wake my husband with the tears!)
"How to talk to a Widower" by Johnathan Tropper (You will laugh out loud!)
"The Pilots Wife" by Anita Shreve

My non-fiction selections: I love, love, love, craft books, anything to do with paper crafts makes me especially smile. I enjoy home improvement and decorating books, self improvement books, cook books, and professional/career books. I often use interlibrary loans to find what I am looking for. Have you read?

"The Girlfriends’ Guide to getting your Groove Back Loving your family without Losing your Mind" by Vicki Iovine
"The Girls Guide to the Big Bold Moves for Career Success" by Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio
"Paper Bouquet: Using Paper Punches" by Susann Tierney Cockburn
"Everyday Food: Great Food Fast" by Martha Stewart
"Organizing your Craft Space" by Jo Packham

Run, don't walk to your local library

 and check them out!

Tents in the living room...

Last Friday I mentioned Martha’s book Good Things for Easy Entertaining.  I love this little treasure.  Check it out at your local library.  The book is my dream life.  I love pretty things, I love the staging of photographs, I love the “it’s a good things ideas.”  I’ve decided that someday I will live the beautiful life, the staged magazine life, where the sunroom that is now the playroom will be my little reading nook with feminine floral prints and pretty white furniture.  Someday I will live in a house where High School Musical posters will be replaced with real art, expensive art.  Someday I will live in a house where one of the kid’s bedrooms will become my little craft room/study similar to the whimsical look of Mary Englebreit’s studio.  Someday we won’t refer to the hall bathroom as the “kid’s bathroom.”   

Someday, someday, someday, my house will be my little museum, my little personal interior design project.   … With my big family we live far from perfect.  Right now I have two (yes I said two!) kids pop up tents set up in my living room.  I struggle with being “cool mom” who lets kids play in tents, and “Hey, PEOPLE, this isn’t a camp ground!”  The kids have had a ball playing in the tents, so for now- I can live with it.  I just hope after we raise our five children, after we mold them into contributing, kind citizens who have families of their own, we aren’t so poor and tired that we have to live in those tents!  I've attached a few photos to prove it isn't always a campground around here....  I hope your day sparkles...

Love Stamp

I've been having computer troubles.  The World's Greatest Husband is working hard to fix them (even on his birthday!)

Went to our favorite crafty store, Michaels and I bought a new rubber stamp (FOR A DOLLAR!) Here are a few samples. 

Find your Inner Crafty Diva, have you ever visited the Paper Source website (http://www.paper-source.com/)? I love the fresh new springtime ideas.  I try to subscribe to their tag line..... Do Something Creative Everyday. By the way, for a busy mom like me, that sometimes means get up, take a shower, feed the kids and get through the day. 

Blogging 101 - Two posts in one day!

My goodness this little hobby of mine is so much fun! Like many of you, I am new to the blogosphere! But, I LOVE it! I appreciate all of the reader support. Your phone calls, comments and emails really make me feel like the Queen of Blog and honestly, I don’t know much! I am learning just like you. I believe I am accomplishing what I set out to do…… If you read my January 1, 2010 post, I wrote: If this blog creates a shared moment for you & me – paper, family, hopes, wishes, frustrations or dreams it will be worth it.

Many of you have asked how to comment…. Unfortunately, I had some little glitch in the comment process until a few weeks ago when I realized it wasn’t working. If you are interested in commenting just click the comment portion at the end of the post. A box should appear allowing you to make a comment. Go ahead, practice. Say hello, check in, comment…. It makes reading so much more FUN!

Five for Friday

Five great things about this day:

1. It is the World’s Greatest Husband’s Birthday Weekend! I love that man!

Last year I surprised him with a birthday get-a-way. We went to an amazing (seriously amazing!) restaurant, spent the night in a heavenly hotel and enjoyed a kid free weekend. OK LADIES – MY FIVE For FRIDAY IS ALL ABOUT QUICKLY COMING UP WITH A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!!! I have nothing planned. I need great birthday ideas and I need them now!

Five for Friday is a bust…. Help me out! I need your romantic and CHEAP ideas –

Just to not disappoint- Here are five for Friday: 1. Birthday weekend 2. Hubby doesn’t have to work at the hospital this weekend 3. I have a plan for a meatless dinner(I am really trying to remember no meat Friday this Lenten season) 4. Found an excellent blended family blog – blissfully blended (can’t wait to explore them further this weekend). 5. I picked up Martha’s “Good Things for Easy Entertaining” at the library. Gosh, that lady & her team always make it look amazing! Have a great weekend.

Slow your Motor...

One day a week our amazing child care provider visits for the morning. This allows me to be in the office for 6 straight hours. She brings her two toddler boys and they hang out with our kindergartener and put him on the afternoon bus for school (1/2 day kindergarten stinks for any parent who is trying to hold a job!) So Tuesday mornings are a bit more hectic here because I need to be showered, dressed and ready to walk out the door too. Well this past Tuesday, I put on my button down Liz Claiborne smart striped business shirt and it felt weird. I took a double take, I examined my buttoning process for a moment, I felt like something wasn’t right but kept moving… at this point - I still had kids to get on a bus and make my lunch. Two minutes before the Amazing Child Care Provider walks in, it dawns on me, maybe my shirt is inside out, maybe the buttoning process felt wrong because MY SHIRT IS ON INSIDE OUT! Sure enough, I examine the stripes and they seem a bit dull, not as bright as they should be. This simple problem made me laugh and I quickly fixed the issue. We had a good giggle as I walked out the door late for my 9am arrival. But, as I drove to work I thought….. Paper Mom, slow your motor….. if you can’t take the time to process weird shirt buttoning…. It is time to slow your motor…..

Slow your motor is a term that Grammy taught me. I have heard her say it to my kids over the years. It means “stop being so wound up, it is time to be calm and relax.” I have adopted the phrase, especially at bedtime when all our kids are singing or dancing or taking extra long to relax for stories…. I will say…. “What would Grammy say right now?” They will often in unison say… “slow your motor” I realize that this is one of those family phrases that they will one day say to my grandchildren, I have no doubt! So my simple advice for today…. Slow your motor. Feel free to adopt the phrase in your own family.

A Magazine Junkie, Yep- they are made out of PAPER!

So of course, being a paper obsessed mom, you can understand my obsession with magazines? I lead a very busy life. Five kids, a job, a darling World’s Greatest Husband, our life is non stop! I find magazines to be the best source of relaxation. Sometimes I find committing to a book is a bit overwhelming, although I do love to read books (Nicholas Sparks, Anita Shreve, Sarah Strohmeyer). Magazines are snappy and entertaining. I subscribe to “O, Rachel Ray, Food Network, Woman’s Day, Entertainment, Inc., Sandra Lee” and just sent my check for the magazine for those turning 40, “MORE” (ok, just reading that long list makes me feel a little over the top) but it really is my only relaxation! An indulgence? Maybe. I love when the kids are tucked in tight and the World’s Greatest Husband and I are snuggled up both reading for 15 minutes before we can’t keep our eyes open any longer. I love that a magazine is a quick read, I love the stylish photography, I love the quick tips, the recipes and the advice. You can never read enough articles that reference Delicious $2 meals for the entire family, or how to walk off 15 pounds before Easter. This stuff is real life. I recently read a happy little snippet in the March issue of Women’s Day, it talked about …. Happiness. It referenced Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project. A portion of the article encouraged women to take five minutes out of the day and focus on being happy. The article gave a long list of 5 minute fixes for a better day. Strive to be a happiness projector. Here are my suggestions:

1. Blast “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield while driving in the car. Belt it out like the 13 year old you once were.
2. Say a Hail Mary.
3. Write a personal note or letter.
4. Make something.
5. Plan a vacation (preferably to Italy for two weeks with no children)
6. Call your best friend.
7. Take a deep breath, in through your nose, hold it, relax, blow it out through your mouth.
8. Visit your local craft store, write down all the craft books that you would love to own, then go to your local library and find them. Come on, we all know those books have 3 trillion crafty ideas which boil down to three or four that we would really tackle. Save your pennies, check them out at your library.
9. Think of that time that you almost peed your pants you were laughing so hard.
10. Kiss for five minutes.

A Paperly Shout Out!

A BIG thank you to Paperly hostess with the mostess, JULIE!  I had a great time visiting with other paper obsessed ladies yesterday!  Thanks Julie!  Your order, chock full of fun, free and discounted items will be on its way soon!  I appreciate your business.  If you attended the paper love fest yesterday, sign on to follow me.  More fun prizes and contests on the way, but you have to be a follower to be entered.....

Five for Friday!

My Five for Friday
Five great things about today:

• I enjoyed a free FaceBook workshop this morning. Social media is truly amazing, we all need to pay attention.
• I have 2 and half hours of “ME time” this afternoon.
• Getting ready for a Paperpalooza Paperly week! Three parties! What Fun!
• I lost two more pounds for a total of 37.
• Making a sweet and sour shrimp and veggie yum yum for dinner tonight.

Those are my five. Do you have any great things about today that you would like to share? Have a great weekend.

 

78 Years!

Yesterday my friend celebrated her 78th Birthday! She is a woman of distinction, a woman of style, grace and strength. I admire her in so many ways. I love her seasoned take on life. She boils it down to the important stuff like a magician. She can tell me “how it is” or “how it is going to be” in 12.5 seconds! I respect her position and advice, she has raised three boys, loved and lost her dear husband, managed a home, job and business. I trust her.

I am not sure she knows how much I learn from her as she is often simply sharing her life experiences, but to me…. My goodness…. The lessons learned… real life lessons….

• My kids will only be little for a short time
• Value all that my husband and I share, not everyone has our love
• It is only a job, get over yourself!
• Be polished, care for yourself, people notice
• Be gracious, be brave, say what you mean, apologize when necessary
• Be nosey, ask questions, follow up

I could go on and on because with almost every single visit we have, I learn something about myself or our world.

I hope at 78 years young I am just like our birthday girl!

• Speaking about my husband with deep fondness.
• Reading, visiting, doing puzzles and passing them on
• Seeing the goodness in life and in others
• Helping those who have less than me
• Golfing in Florida
• Wearing trendy jeans
• And projecting a sparkling spirit of confidence that touches those around me.

I hope at 78, I am just like her – a woman of style, grace and strength. Not afraid to tell some almost 40 mom, wife and sister what is truly important in life ( in less than 12.5 seconds…..) Happy Birthday Friend!

Six word Memoir

Recently I heard a fun NPR story about the six word memoir project. Have you heard of this? Visit smithmag.net to learn more. It is based upon a simple statement and a question.
Everyone has a story. Can you tell yours in six words?

Its fun to play with…. Here are a few of my first thoughts:

• Love/chaos - figuring out blended families.
• Partners - His loving keeps me sane.
• Make your own f**** dinner!
• Where did YOU put it?
• In the blender surviving & thriving

Six-Word Memoirs: The Video Story from SMITHmag on Vimeo.

Think about it and post a few of your rough drafts.

Creative Ideas for Love on a Budget

The World’s Greatest Husband and I joked that our only date for the next 9 months will be a trip to the movies with the 6 out of ten free movie coupons we have left from his sister’s birthday gift last March. We did our taxes, and the results are not pretty.

While looking for cute, CHEAP Valentine ideas on the internet, I found the best source for fun, sassy and sexy ideas…. Love Actually-blog.blogpot.com. Check it out, you are going to love it!

Speaking of “cheap dates”…. Here is my real life, love actually tip for the money part of marriage…. The World’s Greatest Husband and I have what we affectionately call “money dates”. Honestly, I hate them, they are painful but they keep us on the same financial page. When we were first discussing marriage we identified money as an issue that we needed to partner on. We brainstormed and came up with the “money date”. Here are the rules: Have a money date once a week (ok, I am stretching that… I do try to avoid them if I can) Light a candle. Sit at the kitchen table. Balance check book, create a budget for the next week, look at bills, pay bills, discuss bills and yes on very rare occasions fight over the bills. And, although I don’t look forward to the business part of our little “money date” the social part that we promised to end with makes it all worthwhile. Wink…Wink….

The step mother is sometimes the last one to know...

On Thursday’s I leave work early to shuttle five children to several different activities. Here is a quick glimpse:
2:30 pm leave work 3:00 pm pick up kids 1,2 and 3 from school. 3:15 pm Zip home to change for gymnastics and pick up 8th grader who arrived by school bus. 3:30 pm  Fly over to the high school to pick up teenager and equipment from music club. 3:40 pm Deliver teenager back home to start homework. 4:00 pm Drive like a crazy mom to gymnastics with four out of five children. Make sure our little gymnast feels supported, wave and provide several thumbs up from the parent viewing area, manage homework for the three other kids, think about dinner, text World’s Greatest Husband for ingredients and his ETA. 5:15 pm Arrive home, read mail, start applicances any appliance – dishwasher, oven, washing machine – anything but the margarita maker. 5:15 pm Start dinner, in another post I can get into the specifics of this task- 7 people, picky eaters, you get the drift. 5:30 pm Referee a fight, a discussion, or a dilemma, this may be child 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or children 1 through 5. 5:45 pm Finish cooking and absolutely ask for homework progress reports as this determines if we will be up late with tears.6:00 pm Eat dinner as a family. 6:30 pm Convince children to participate in a chore while getting basketball uniforms on, school clothes picked out for the next day and backpacks packed for any additional homework that needs to be completed while watching the basketball game. 6:45 pm Arrive at gym for basketball: One game at 7p and another at 8pm. 9:00 pm Back home to start the bedtime routine. 10:00 pm Collapse into bed, kiss World’s Greatest Husband and snore.

Ok, so you think that is a full day, right? Well this past Thursday just to add a bit of blended family spice to our life… I couldn’t locate a kid….. Yep, you read that right. I couldn’t find one of our 4th graders. Standing in line at parent pick up – child one? Check. Child two? Check. Child three? Child three? Child three? Where is child three? Have you ever lost a kid at school? Let’s just say... a lot of people get involved … and do so lickety split.
Check the music room, maybe she is practicing recorder.
Check the office.
Stop the buses.
Call the classroom.
Call the wrong class.
Call the right class. … and then I hear the secretary say “Oh, that is right, double ear infection.” She hung up and said, "Oh yes, she was absent today." Why is it that the step mo is always the last to know?

Snow Snow go away....

It’s coming… I guess we won’t be spared with this next storm. The only kind of snowman I really want to see is the kind you build on the beach. I’ll post “real pictures” as we experience the predicted WINTERPALOOZA!

My Craft Space

The Craft Nook is ready for action. Okay, so it isn’t SPARKLING CLEAN but it is picked up and somewhat organized. I have been making book marks like a crazy woman. I’ll send you one if you are interested. I think I will be crafting during the super bowl. By the way, who is playing?

Don’t forget we are in the final days of the Paperly Gift Certificate Give-a-way! Sign on as a follower and be entered to win.

Creativity Keeps me Sane

“Craft time - is me time”... When I spruce up my little creative nook over the garage, I’ll post a photo. Most days the space would scare you. It’s never clean but I truly do know where everything is. It drives me crazy when my kids try to take over this sacred space, I can tell when a magic marker is moved or a piece of pretty paper is misplaced. It is the only place in this house that is “all mine” and honestly, I don’t want their paws on my expensive watercolors or colored pencils. We live in a big house; they can have the rest of it but give me the craft table please! I wanted to share my new little trinket …. Paper clip bookmarks. I’ve made dozens for friends and family. It is the creative therapy that I crave. On Saturday evening the World's Greatest Husband is working at the hospital, my kids are with their dad, my step children will be with their mom after we have dinner, and I feel a serious crafting session coming on…..

Paperly - I hope YOU WIN!

PAPERLY CONTEST
Still time to win a $25 Paperly gift card. Sign on to follow me (over there on the right hand side) by Valentine’s Day and be entered to win a gift certificate. With many parties booked for February, a $25 gift certificate would be a great PRIZE to win!   

Karma is Boomerang

I am reading The Girl’s Guide to the Big Bold Moves for Career Success. It is a cute, quick boost of strength for a girlie that needs a little career coaching. My favorite little line in the whole book is “Hey, Girly Karma is Boomerang.” I love that and subscribe to that thought all the time!

Here is my personal example…. When experiencing the pain and heartache of divorce I traveled down the ugly road that many women have traveled. I felt paralyzed with fear and anger. I was looking at the world as if it failed me and my kids. It was not a happy time. With all the changes I struggled professionally, financially, and personally. That being said, sometimes divorce really is for the best. What I have now learned through experience is that a marriage and a relationship, are meant to bring out the best in you and children are more resilient than you think.

Ok -- fast forward… through each day I became stronger, less angry and more positive. It is sort of sad to admit, but my divorce allowed me to breathe deep again. My mother once described me as being robbed of my spirit, that was painful to hear but it was the catalyst to find it again. I felt change taking shape and one thing seemed to lead to another…. I was amazed at how situation after situation allowed me to stand taller, be braver, reflect and continuously move forward. I felt the Karma working in my favor.

For a woman who once thought she would never date again (who would be interested in me, mid thirties, two kids?) Well, BOOMERANG - I had one most spectacular Valentine’s Days of my life with three flower deliveries from three different men (Shhhh don’t tell the World’s Greatest Husband – it was early in our dating). BOOMERANG – I was feeling pretty darn desirable that day.

For a woman who once thought she was sort of stuck in a professional place for a while – Boomerang – new job, more money. – BOOMERANG – I was feeling smart and sharp that day.

For a woman who once felt tired and worn out…. BOOMERANG – more and more people started to see my spirit shining and I had more co-workers, family and friends telling me – you look so happy. Hmmm, I think that one was BOOMERANG LOVE and probably a little afterglow….

For a woman who was once afraid of owning a home on her own, I fixed things in my house. BOOMERANG – I can do anything. I can manage the snow, the grass, a broken washing machine and painting the basement.

I am not sure if any of this is truly Karma, is that even the right word? I guess my feeling is, when my life started to change for the better, I felt it and others did too, that lead to more strength and more positive things. Eventually I got my spirit back. When we put forth a positive spirit it returns in a big, big, way. If you approach the day with a positive outlook, knowing it is going to be a great day, making it a great day, most likely…. It will be a great day. LET THE KARMA BOOMERANG.

Diarrhea or Diary

The minute the bus pulled out of sight at 8:09 AM, my afternoon kindergartener ran into the kitchen on a mission, he unlatched my daughter's fuzzy pink journal announcing, "I need to see if Sissy says anything bad about me in her diarrhea.” Typical little brother stuff, but the word diarrhea replacing the word diary certainly made me crack up.

A Contest!

Yesterday on Facebook there was one of those little quotes (gone viral?) posted on wall after wall that I need to take heart of: Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget the ones who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

I could go on and on with several examples, from just yesterday, that would support the notion of taking this quote to heart. I won’t share the details as we all have examples right in front of our nose! But it was a good day to be reminded with these words.

Speaking of “Gone Viral”… The World’s Greatest Husband was sweet to reference the “viral thing” when I proudly announced I had 40 hits to my blog. He said, “Wow, you’ve gone viral”. Now 4 weeks later, I am well over 100! So... who is reading? Is anyone enjoying this? Is it really only mommy therapy for me? I said I would give it a month and we are closing in on that timeframe. I’ve had a few of you comment off line and you have made me feel so good about my little project. Thank you for loving me and supporting my little version of self help.

YES or NO?

So here is the thing… vote YES by signing on to follow me. It is a little box over there on the right. It doesn’t mean much other than it feeds my ego and lets me know I may want to consider continuing this. There are no emails or nagging that exists because you sign on to follow. I think it is sort of like becoming a fan of a business or organization on Facebook. In an effort to make voting and following a bit more interesting… I am offering a PRIZE! Did your ears perk up? Anyone who follows me and signs on through FEB 14th will be entered in a contest! Yes, I said CONTEST…. This is getting hokier by the minute!!!! All followers will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Paperly. We all NEED personalized stationery, right? So, if you are attending a Paperly party this month, you will really want to sign on. If you are in love with paper, like me, you will want to sign on. If you are a friend of mine, you will want to sign on. If you are FAMILY, you have to, it’s your duty to love and follow fellow family members.

On February 14th, after a Hot Valentine’s Day Date, I’ll have The World’s Greatest Husband pull a name from those who participate. Good Luck.

Paperly Collection

Next month is a BIG Paper month for Paper Mom!   Paper parties will receive free shipping (four are booked so far!)  I am eager to show off the Paperly collection.  Check out my website for more information. 

www.mypaperly.com/andreakaiser

Extended Family

Our kids think we have a super big family. I guess you can’t deny that… 7 people in and out of this house throughout the week is a BIG family. The idea of blended aunties, uncles and cousins make it even BIGGER. A few months ago we crossed all blended family lines when my five kids attended the birthday party of my former sister-in-law’s (my ex husband’s sister) son, my nephew. In blended families we always struggle with titles. I hate referring to my former sister-in- law as “former” as we were really “becoming sisters” when my divorce was heating up. She has always been a friend so to have the heartache of divorce impact that has never felt right. As for my nephews, I can’t even begin to come up with the proper title. It is still painful not to be involved on the front line of their life. Although we have done well with staying connected, cousin to cousin for sure… it still feels weird at times. Sweetly enough they have still referred to me as Aunt. So what is the right title? Sometimes we need to just leave it alone and let the kids find their way.

The issue of “cousin, aunt, and step family” came up at the birthday celebration. I had a good giggle overhearing the discussion between my step children and my former family. The kids seemed to be neutral on so many fronts, heck this party was FUN and nothing could spoil that, they quickly decided that they would be “step cousins”. That day we were all just one big happy family.

As for me and the World’s Greatest Husband, although our children have this HUGE blended family, we always feel like it is simply “just us”. I grew up with aunts, uncles, and grandparents right down the street. If we needed anything, someone was right there to help and visit. Our sisters, brothers and parents are all far away. We don’t have the “built in - down the street - support network”. I am sad that we aren’t all piling into my mother’s kitchen for a Sunday meal like we did at my Nana’s house. I wish I could load all the kids in the car on Halloween to show my aunts and uncles their costumes. And most of all, selfishly, I wish I could meet up at the mall and shop till we drop. My husband and I feel this loss, but the good news is, our kids don’t, they belong to a big blended family! For all of our kids the “other side of the family is local and connected” so there is no loss, only more folks to hang out with. Hopefully we are all providing a united front and supporting our kids in a way that makes them feel love.

I have always tried to spin the idea of being a kid of divorce with one perk: More people to love you.

**On Saturday night, I visited with family that I haven't seen in two years.  It was so good to recall our childhood family memories and laugh like kids again. To reconnect as adults is interesting. I hope someday our five kids crowd around in one of their kitchens telling funny stories with a ton of interruptions from the many grandchildren I expect to have.

NPR makes me feel smart.

When I listen to NPR I am eager to learn and have this weird feeling in my gut. My emotional response is often a combination of hopeful possibility mixed with a respectful feeling for whatever is being studied or discussed. It is the kind of radio that I wish the “World’s Greatest Husband” and I listened to together. I guess in retirement this will be a possibility but for today it is only shared through text messages. Which brings me to yesterdays show, my 11:35 am text : Listening to NPR about reinventing self and it is making me feel so much better! Now if that isn’t hopeful possibility rolled into one small text, what is? Does NPR seriously know how they are impacting lives?

So here is the quick low down on the show…. Sometimes being laid off from your job isn’t all bad. Most callers felt that the layoff pushed them to explore new opportunities and inventory skills and interests that bring them joy. Unfortunately this career change often meant a serious cut in pay, and many had to struggle to meet life’s basic needs, but honestly I heard the smile in their voices. Folks seemed more in control of their lives and had a lighter and happier heart. I am choosing to only see the positive in this show as a personal shift in situation is on the horizon for me and I needed to hear some positive self talk in my head. I’ve been down and out on the shift, not on top of my game for the last few days. Guess what? NPR (my new radio show therapist?) says that is normal. It is ok to feel cranky about the change. The part that really matters is…. What you do with it, what you do next …. I am not sure where my bright new outlook will take me but here are FIVE great things about today:

• It’s Friday!
• It’s Pajama Movie night at the elementary school
• For the first time World’s Greatest Husband’s ex-wife actually included my name and contact number on a school form ( I am listed as step mo - I am thinking of this title with fondness...step mo, I like it.)
• I am planning to see extended family tomorrow (most of which I haven’t seen in 2 years)
• It’s a pay day Friday.

 Hey Paper Peeps, life is good! Enjoy the weekend.

Motherhood is a tough job

We need to band together… Motherhood is a tough job. So often I am amazed by all that I have accomplished before 8:15 am. If I am truly being honest, I have a love hate relationship with this role at times. I am not going to fill your head with fluff and say being a mom/step mom to five kids is easy, but I will say this… it is easier than my ex-husband and it is a job that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Yesterday we packed up our little army and traveled to my sister in law’s house for the day. I must admit, I view this little adventure as an escape. The pressure of the house and our life disappears because we simply are not on “our turf”. Packing the car is sometimes comical. Yesterday I made sandwiches for all of us so we wouldn’t arrive and ask “what’s for lunch?” I had to laugh, making sandwiches for this crew took an entire loaf of bread. I am not kidding, an entire loaf of bread! (and my sister in law still had to make macaroni and cheese – sorry P.E.)

Everything in our house of seven takes MORE of this mommy… more time, more energy, more dishes, more money, more patience, more love, and in an everyday example….more bread…. I am not complaining. I love our crazy life. If I didn’t choose to laugh, it would be easy to cry.

So this is what I think (or maybe I should borrow Oprah’s, this is what I know for sure…) Motherhood is not easy and “more” is ok when your heart is filled with love. We often fall into the trap of judging one another and situations. I think if we simply embrace the role of motherhood as a united front, understanding that we are all working hard to do the best we can, with what we have, we will be a stronger force in this world. We all know the power of motherhood, let’s make it work for us rather than against us.

 Love the moms in your life. Sometimes we simply need to support one another, MORE.

Me and my two favorite moms....

 my mom and the World's Greatest Husband's mom.

We had a mom's only moment at an art show opening on Marco Island in 2008. This photograph actually appeared in the newspaper. 

What do your "Favorites" say about you?

Recently we invested in a new laptop. It is fabulous! My biggest concern when making the switch was about my “bookmarked Favorites.” I wanted to be assured that the “World’s Greatest Husband” would be able to transfer my favorite websites to our new machine. I’ve been creating my favorite lists and folders for years. I would write them in a pretty blank book before I learned how to bookmark. Now I am a pro and wanted to share a few with you.
Beyond my general favorites, I have folders named: life is so good, Rick Springfield, Places to see, job search, paper girl and shopping.

Here are some of my favorite, favorites, check them out:
http://www.rickspringfield.com/ I’ve loved this guy since 5th grade. I think I’ve seen him 12 times. A few years ago I actually met him after a concert. It was clearly one of the best days of my life.

http://www.pandora-jewelry.com/ I love getting new charms for my bracelet so I need to stay current to advise “The World’s Greatest Husband”

http://www.frontgate.com/  Amazing products that make island living grand. If I win lotto – this is one of my first stops.

Second stop? http://www.winvian.com/  This is an amazing resort, hotel….. I am not sure what you call this place other than really, really cool!

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/  a dear friend turned me on to this guy. I always feel calmer and at peace when I listen.

Of course a paper girl needs a few paper faves, here are my top picks: www.mypaperly.com/andreakaiser , http://www.paper-source.com/ , http://www.felixdoolittle.com/ , http://www.levenger.com/  

http://www.structuralgraphics.com/  this company is absolutely about cool paper in a totally different way. Learn more.

I hope your day sparkles.

Paperly Passion

Shared Paperly with another Paper mom yesterday. It was fun to OOOooo and AAAaaahhhhh with another paper lover. It didn’t take long for her to pick a party date. If you are a paper girl, you too may want to consider hosting a Paperly Party! Not only do you get to visit with friends, ooo and aaaah over stylish papers, but as the hostess with the mostesst …..you get to receive super discounts and free products. Get a sampling of the paperly perfect collection at my website:

www.mypaperly.com/andreakaiser.

PS - We decided Personalized Clip Boards and Flat Notes are our Faves!

World's Greatest Husband

I am married to the "World's Greatest Husband" he is a psychologist. When we first started dating all of my girlfriends would ask, "Do you feel like he is analyzing you?" I've always replied, “No.” Honestly, I've never felt that my husband was comparing me to his Saturday afternoon patients. I think that may have changed yesterday. He announced that he had a book he wanted me to read. When he handed it to me, I proudly announced, “Oh, I’ve already read Who Moved my Cheese.” With a very serious look he said, “Read it again.”

The wonderful thing about my "World’s Greatest Husband?" At bedtime he suggested he read it to me.

I am sure you are familiar with the book Who Moved my Cheese, it is about how we handle change and opportunity.  Ok, so a lot is going on in my life right now... one thing that I hope will never change is the deep appreciation and care that I have for the "World's Greatest Husband." 

Calling all Paper Peeps...

It's an exciting day...

be sure to check out my NEW website.

www.mypaperly.com/andreakaiser

all online orders placed this month receive 10% off.  Are you considering a party?  Let's squeeze it in for January so your "paper peeps" can take advantage of this offer too!

Baby it's Cold Outside!

As I get older, am I getting colder? Last night while talking to my dearest college friend we commented on how cold we are this winter.  It doesn't seem to compare to years past.  Yes, it has been cold, really cold - but our bones are cold, our toes are cold, our fingers are cold.  We have both been dressing like great grandmas wearing our heavy bathrobes over our clothes while we cook dinner and pick out school clothes for the next day.  I've been going to bed with two pairs of socks on (which really impresses the world's greatest husband).  We have concluded that although this winter (and it is only January 6th) has been a bit bitter - this cold thing is the down side of approaching 40... it must be age.  I must publically state - I will turn 40 six months sooner than my dear college friend.  She would want me to clairfy that. 

A 2010 Calendar - Not The Electronic Kind

This past summer I committed to going paperless and use my i-phone Google calendar, this is not easy for a paper girl. Hmmm…. I tried for 6 months and now proudly announce.... I am going back to good old fashioned paper.

As a paper girl, I love purchasing a new calendar. For years I asked for a new calendar each Christmas but in recent years I didn’t want to deny myself the joy of purchasing this important tool for success. I am a paper geek; I need a calendar that is a weekly calendar, one that has thick pages so the ink doesn’t seep through to the next week. Smaller than 5x7 seems to fit my purses best, a durable calendar but something a bit sophisticated too. A few years ago I had the ideal Mary Engelbreit pocket calendar; the paper was thick, the writing space - just right and the overall size - perfect, and the downside? It had a cutesy theme, don’t get me wrong, I love Mary’s work, but a bit of sophistication in a business meeting means something. To pull out a cutesy comic book calendar never felt quite right and my assistant proved it the day she boldly said – “look at you with your little cute calendar” a little smirk and a shrug of love in her shoulders, it was enough for me to realize I needed to burn the calendar.

So now in 2010 my life requires three calendars…. any “family events” into the i-phone because I am “synced” with my husband and if I need him to know an important date, that is the only way. A kitchen calendar for when I am on the phone making an appointment. And my perfect paper calendar book for everything under the sun, the one that makes me happy and feel grounded. Ahhhh, this year it is imitation alligator leather, a lime green little number with gold embossed pages found at my favorite paper discount aisle in T.J.MAXX. The idea of being able to see the year ahead in one simple little book makes me feel organized and ready for 2010. Sometimes it’s the little things.

Back to work and school in the morning.  My mom and I call Sunday nights... our "Sunday night poopie face."  Boy do I have a BIG "Sunday night poopie face" after being off for 12 days.  Tomorrow should be interesting.

Happy New Blog!

It's 2010! I've always loved the hope that a new year brings.  Last night we celebrated quietly.  The first time in quite a few years with no children wearing tiaras and blowing horns. I made crab meat manicotti (from Giada's book) it tasted too "crabby" for me, made yummy martinis and talked about the year ahead.  It's a big one for this paper mom. Many things are on the 2010 horizion.... I will turn the big 4-0, my job is most likely ending June 30th, I am giving blogs and paper a try and of course there is always the loving life of a blended family with two teenagers, two fourth graders and a kindergartener. 

When I think about why I want to blog, I guess it is to share the love of our life, create a few paper sales and keep paper obsessed people like me in the paperly know, and avoid therapy?  I am not sure, let's simply give it a try together, you read it and let me know what you think, let's see if we are still here a month from now. I started reading a blog about a blended family a year ago (shwanda.com) and I swear I cry and I laugh at that email more than I really want to admit. I read it because it is nice to know another family is going through the blended family blender - just like us.  If this blog creates a shared moment for you & me--- paper, family, hopes, wishes, frustrations or dreams it will be worth it.

To all my paper peeps, Best wishes in 2010!

Why Paperly? Why Now?

My love affair with stationery goes way back, my first high school job was at a Hallmark Store. To this day, I believe there is nothing like a good card store, a back to school notebook or a new box of note cards.

I love paper crafts, I love paper magazines, I love gift wrap (don’t even get me started on reversible wrapping paper, there is simply nothing better)! I pay attention to the paper that an annual report is delivered on and noticed when the office switched to a brighter, heavier white in the copy machine. Heck, I love when junk mail is creatively packaged. My favorite aisle in Target is the stationery aisle. When I turn the corner and see those red clearance stickers, I have to catch my breath. I actually have a “paper drawer” in my house and personalized notepads were the favor at my wedding! I could go on and on…Yes, I admit it I am a paper girl – through and through….

So, you can imagine how delighted I was to stumble upon a special paper company called Paperly. Paperly is an at home stationery company. It is a new company with no Connecticut representation…. Until now….Ta…Da…I have signed on to be a Paperly Consultant.

I’ve never been a fan of the at home party scene, but I do feel passionately about this product, and do I have to remind you that I have five kids now? I need to get out of the house a few nights a month. Be sure to check out my website at www.mypaperly.com/andreakaiser. I hope you will consider hosting a party or ordering a special  gift.

Visit Paperly's Website

Check out the new paperly website.

  It is heaven for a girl who is obsessed with paper products and stationery.

www.paperly.com