Five for Friday, Saturday style.

Sorry to have missed our Five for Friday date... it's now Saturday.
Unfortunately there weren't five good things to report.  Only one really icky one.... a 14 hour car ride!


That being said, I love our children, they were laughing, singing and joking as we were stopped and mean stopped on the highway for an hour and a half.  The up side of our long ride? We are all a bit more connected from the experience. 
Let the party begin...

They are Growing Up...

Whew, what a night….

We thought we did a nice, good, happy thing by buying our little guy a new big boy bed….

Um, yeah, not so sure…

My son was so excited, so wound up… between the new bed and his three week vacation he is NUTZO!  He said some crazy things about his new bunk bed….

“I just want to stay up and see the wood”

“I lied earlier, I didn’t need my slippers, I just wanted to go upstairs and see my bed”

Annoyed he said…..“sometimes your brothers and sisters need to go visit their mom” – (and then they can’t see the new bed?)

He ended with “I just don’t think I can sleep, I am going to stay up all night”

My daughter was camped out in his room as a special treat to celebrate the new bed.  She is in the middle of reading Judy Blume’s, BFF.  We have been reading it together and it is half step ahead of her but reading it together has been fun.  As a tween, I devoured every Judy Blume book.  My daughter was also very excited about vacation and couldn’t sleep.  I told her it would be ok to read one more chapter on her own with her book light.  She cracked me up when she got so excited and sat straight up in her bed with a huge smile and and said – “oh my god mom, Stephanie just got her….”  I finished the sentence with big eyes and said “period.”  She followed up a few minutes later “Allison’s mom is pregnant, but it didn’t happen the regular way”  I asked, “what is the regular way?, she replied, I don’t know but that is what the book says”

Oh it was exhausting, hysterical and charming all in one. 

I felt the power of motherhood as I calmed my son down and talked him through like only his mommy could.  As I rubbed his little temples I asked, “is that too hard?”  he whispered "No it’s perfect" and drifted to sleep….

With my daughter…. I felt her grow up before my eyes with just those two little comments.

I need a vacation.

Fear of Math -

I have a reoccurring dream, it involves my high school math teacher, Mrs. Kowalchyk and math class.  The dream goes something like…I don’t attend class for a long time, I have daily excuses, then I have to show up to class and have no idea what is going on.  I’ve had this dream several times over the years and amazingly, it makes me anxious when I wake up.  I think this is how my fear of math blossoms -modern day style. 

I am trying hard not to project this on to my kids.  Honestly, I was an anxious learner.  I didn’t want to make a mistake and still don’t.  I was not a perfectionist, my grades proved that one.  I got by with good grades but I wasn’t the Billy Preble of the class (he was top notch).  It was more the “social pressure” of learning.  I didn’t want to “look” foolish and I didn’t want to feel like I didn’t understand something.  I guess I was trying to be cool?  Looking back it is just about the most ridiculous thing….I was a child, I was in school to learn…. It was the one place where I could have hopefully been comfortable making a mistakes. 

BAD NEWS! - I can already see this blooming in my two children and I am making a public commitment to be aware of this as the new school year approaches.  Looking back, looking forward, it is ok to make a mistake.  It is ok to take a risk and not be a people pleaser…..

Interestingly enough, I have to balance this with the World's Greatest Husband’s learning focus for our children.  He was the “Billy Preble” in his class, and from those high school days he just kept on going until he had a DR. in front of his name.  He is academically programmed in a much more scientific way.  I am the more social, “feeler”, outgoing part of our magic.  I am constantly plugging the leadership opportunities, the extra curricular stuff, it’s the stuff that I look back on my educational experience with fondness…

So hopefully we are creating healthy kids while providing the steadiness of two peeps with different learning styles…. He pushes the math (and checks the homework). He promotes an organized study routine.  I push the creative outlets, writing, reading, art and student council.  He pushes athletics, knowing that team work is important.  I say it is ok to be a cheerleader or president of your college class (Yes, and yes for me).

I will keep reminding myself…. Our school routine begins in only 42 more days.. it’s ok to make a mistake, it is ok to take a risk and not try to please everyone around you…. Please yourself… learn all you can…

Parenting is hard work... it truly should come with a course, a test and a license.  

Paper Napkins Make Me Happy. Wait, is that Weird?

Ok, so maybe I am a little obsessed? 

While visiting the circulation desk the librarian asked if they could come to the party.  I looked at her a bit puzzled and asked, “What party?”

It seems as though I am inter-library loaning a rather large load of entertaining, decorating and style books.

So I love, love, love them…. It could be worse….

Here is my style happy tidbit for today ….

Exhibit A - Where I type my blog posts.

Every morning while I sit on the computer and check email, twitter, facebook, foursquare and my blog (boy that’s a lot of social media) I enjoy my morning coffee from my beloved  keurig (which you know I consider the absolute best appliance ever made on this earth! - It has changed my life for the better.) I take an everyday, standard square napkin, package of 250 variety, and place my mug on the napkin as a coaster as to not mark my pretty wood computer station. (See exhibit A)  OK, the tidbit - In the spirit of being paper obsessed, I admit to owning an inordinate amount of pretty paper napkins….the package of 20 variety.  This morning I decided to use a little sassy fuchsia number instead of the bounty napkin in the holder on the microwave.  It has made me very happy and now this morning I’ve made it official, instead of saving the pretty paper na-kins (as my little brother used to say while growing up) for a special party, I will sit in delight as I enjoy my morning coffee and my napkins – every morning…. 

And here is a pathetic, silly secret; the other day I bought a package of napkins that reminded me of “the look” of my blog.  They are black and white swirly dos and I loved them…. I guess there was a reason for that little find after all.  

Five for Friday

It's Friday and that means.... 
It's Five for Friday....
Five great things about today:
1.  Back to School supplies are out!  I love, love, love office supplies and going to my regular stops like Target, Walmart and Walgreens are now extra special because of that "Back to School" aisle.
2.  It's Pay Day.
3.  My employer is getting some positive press today and that is a good thing.
4.  We have no real commitments this weekend and that feels good. We've been on a roll with hosting lots of swim dates (which we love to do) but... I need to float in peacefully for a Saturday of my own. Yippee!
5.  I can already feel myself becoming a bit anxious over turning the calendar.  August signals the last half of summer and that depresses me.  Love the fall, but hate, hate, hate winter.  I will enjoy today.


Paper Peeps - you guys are the BEST!  Have a good weekend.

Wedding song - second time around.

I am participating in Mama Kat's Writers Workshop.  A fun exercise in trying to work through my bloggers block.... So the prompt is... write about your wedding song....

Our wedding song was “From this Moment On” by Shania Twain.  Why? Because that was the most romantic song our piano player/singer knew.  I had to go read the lyrics after the song was decided upon.  Not the way I normally handle things that will forever be a memory, but hey if that’s the song the guy had confidence in, I’ll go with it.  Lucky for us, the lyrics were loving.  But when the song comes on the radio, I do have to think for a minute, “Wait, that’s our wedding song, I think, right?”

Although the song wasn’t my wedding day highlight it was the most beautiful evening ceremony and elegant dinner party for 35.  Planning a wedding the second time around is much different than a first wedding.  Mostly because the World’s Greatest Husband and I were funding it and it only included our very best, closest peeps.  We weren’t only creating a union of husband and wife we were merging families.  Our five children made a circle around us holding hands while we said our vows (which we wrote ourselves.)  There wasn’t a dry eye in the place as my husband declared his love for me.  Seriously, my husband said it so perfectly, so lovingly, and the best part?  He meant it.  I felt it.  The super best, best, best part? I still feel it, everyday.

There is one line in the song that rings true in my heart -  You’re the reason I believe in love.

hmmm - I wonder what the wedding song was when I married, Mr. past not so good?....I forgot.

Wordful Wednesday

I am playing along for Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus, check her out.  She is my bloggy idol (a mommy to five!)


So I don't normally post personal photographs of my five amazing children but I simply had to share this one...
My son loves a challenge and this presented quite a challenge....

It's been a slow blogging week, I think I am pouting (with a smile) because the Mommyologist and Life Without Pink didn't select me as a "Not So Mom of the Year contestant"...Oh well, I guess it is a compliment and the vlog was fun to do.  Scroll down if you didn't catch it.


Have a sparkling day.

A Day at the Beach - now that's entertainment!

Ok, so I do the summer thing and take my two to the beach yesterday.  It was our hope to meet up with our cousins because they were very brave and were camping out.  I am not a camping kind of mom.  I like to camp where fluffy white robes are complimentary and the spa is just downstairs. Unfortunately we never met the cousins, my cell phone wouldn’t work from the sandy dunes.  We walked the beach a few times but no luck…

Trust me, there was no lack of entertainment by the sea.  I was truly amazed at all that we saw and heard. 

Here are some random observations:

There were three young adults participating in a self-made photo shoot that could have appeared in Playboy.  I admire their confidence but wanted to cover my son’s eyes a few times.

Am I only one without a tattoo? And when I say tattoo, it is more like tattoos…..

The bikini police were not in force.  On one side of this coin I say – “God bless you, you are comfortable in your own skin and that is a great thing. “  The other side of this coin is… mirrors people, mirrors.   And since this is my blog and my opinion – I’ll just state it clearly.  Bikinis should only be worn by the sweet, sweet young and those 20 something hard bodies.  I saw many women my age and older wearing two piece suits, and honestly, they had bodies that truly rocked but their whole presentation was mature and the bikini took away from that hard earned life experience

Two mo-hawks.  One on a young boy the other on a woman.

A confused woman with pants, long sleeves, shoes, socks and her purse.  There is always one in the crowd….

Lots of lovers walking the beach, two lesbian couples, one gay couple and many, many others.  I loved seeing all the loving.  It made me miss the World’s Greatest Husband, who was working hard at the office.

And then… there was the young father that let his two boys swim in their underpants.  They proceeded to dig with soda cans, throw them in the water and then throw sand on all of us.  I think they were just driving by the entrance and thought, let’s go.  They were clearly not prepared like the rest of us…. But hey, those kids had fun too.

The most captivating observation:  A group of women sat behind us.  They were long time friends, you could just tell.  They wore old lady suits, brought umbrellas at were camped out… they reminisced, played board games and ate candy bars.  My daughter kept saying… “Mom, they are eating more chocolate bars.”  I think they earned all that chocolate.  I loved listening in.  They were exactly what I want to be someday… talking about my five kids, my grandkids, not understanding technology and still enjoying the company of good friends sea side.

Ok, enough babble.  I think we will go again next week, it was fun to people watch.

Five for Friday

Five great things about today:

1. Five kids are still sleeping...
2. I was brave enough to step on the scale (thats all I say)
3. World's Greatest Husband is not working at the hospital tomorrow...
4. The kids have a birthday party tomorrow...
5. that means we have a few hours to ourselves....

A Quick Laugh

My kids were camped out in my office while I had a meeting yesterday morning.  Today I arrived to several cute notes posted around my office.  I thought it was sweet and clever.

Sometimes while I am at work I will make a note or two of things I want to blog about or check out on the internet etc... (I write them on my cute Vera Bradley note mousepad)  I had left a little note to self "what makes me a softball mom?"  This note was developed into a post  I wrote a few days ago....   I cracked up today when I saw my daughter had responded to my mousepad scribble with: .... having kids who play softball.

Got to love it!  Simplicity!

And the Not Mom of the Year Award goes to.....

My Very First Vlog!  I was so nervous I thought I might puke!  Heeee!  So here is my entry for the Not Mom of the Year!  This is a contest over at The Mommyologist and Life without Pink.  Two fun bloggers who are thinking outside of the box. 

So enjoy my entry.  Those of you who know me.... know.....I am constantly securing my place in heaven.  This entry may put me a few steps behind, but really... my kids, and the World's Greatest Husband are my world, my joy and I am proud to love them.

PS -My video doesn't mention that I make the World's Greatest Husband check the math homework and when he is working late I have often "conveniently forgot" to check it.  I have Master's Degree but it isn't in mathematics!! 

Seamstress, I am not

Remember the towel I was bragging about? I thought I would share this photo....See what is missing?

Push Tabs -Did you know about these?

I am so excited.  I downloaded the Oprah app on my iphone and learned that I can listen to Gayle’s pod casts from O radio.  I love, love, LOVE Gayle King and have missed her since we decided not to renew our XM radio.  So last night while walking the track, I was in heaven listening to my girl Gayle.   My first comment to the World’s Greatest Husband, “I want to be like Gayle King” and I mean it… she is positive, clever, stylish, kind genuine and oh ya, Oprah’s BFF.  Because we are both divorced mom’s I feel the connection. I feel the love when she talks about her kids and relationships.  Oh I could go on and on… did I mention that when I was a teenager working at a local hallmark store, Gayle would visit on occasion.  Yeah, we are practically sisters.

I am off track here, let me re-group.

While listening to a segment on Gayle’s show, I learned about the book “The Book of Awesome” by Neil Pasricha.  It is a fun book written to remind us of the little things that make our lives sweet.  It is a total “living in the present” sort of book and guess what it has a blog to accompany it!  Check it out here 1000awesomethings.com.  I had many favorites…. You will too….  I liked number 774 – Those little tabs on the side of the tin foil box.  Ladies, I will be honest, in my 39 years on this beautiful earth, I had no clue.  I am not too proud to admit it.  I didn’t know there were tiny push in tabs at both ends to secure the roll of foil properly.  Since listening to Gayle and reading the blog…I have now pushed those little puppies in on every box in my home…. Just sayin…. Sometimes it is the little things that make you appreciate life.

Hope your day is full of push tabs that make you smile. 

Finding my summer blogging groove has been tough.  With the school year, I had a dedicated way of blogging.  With summer, I am all over the place.  I apologize for being a bit wacky in the timing of my posts.

Wanted to share two cool things…

First, look at my fabulous finds yesterday.  I went shopping by myself for 5 hours.  What a treat! I guess I get to cross that one off of my summer to do list.  I found the monogrammed melamine platter for only 3.99!  Everything you see only cost me $11.  I love a bargain.  But what I love more is paper.  I had butterflies in my gut while shopping the paper aisle at the Christmas Tree Shop last night.  I felt giddy with delight.  Almost light headed.  I know it’s ridiculous.  But if a $1.00 note pad makes me happy, does that make me cheap and easy?

Also, the one item on our birthday girl list last week was a hooded towel for the pool.  They fight over the two that we have.  A crafty friend suggested I make one.  I gagged at the thought, sewing is not the craft I am familiar with but that too is on my summer to do list…. So I went to www.makeandtakes.com and found simple directions, bought her favorite color towel and even found  letters to put her name  on the back (when she requested a towel with her name, I almost puked – how the heck do you do that?)  But…. All in all it was easy and fun and I know she is going to LOVE it!  Maybe it will fall apart in the wash, but I think it is all ok!

So in the last 18 hours I have completed two more things on my important summer list.  I’ve even swam 3 times out of 10 already!

Have a good day – and consider leaving a comment, blogging is more fun if you are chatting too!

I am a Softball Mom? Who Knew?

Driving to work I realized somewhere along the way, my dislike for living at the field and carting their little hineys to practice truly isn’t so bad.  I guess it is less about dislike and more about my inner shock.  Simply put, I am amazed that we manage to get 5 kids to and from games, practices and lessons each day.  I guess I just didn’t have the vision that I would be the mom on the bleachers each and every night. 

My top ten reasons why I am officially a softball mom:

1.    1.   I keep a chair in a bag in the back of my car.
2.       Is your uniform clean? Do you have your bat bag, cleats and water? Are two questions I ask on a daily basis whether I need to or not.
3.       I have committed to memory the area league complex addresses and directions to memory or my iPhone.
4.       I’ve subscribed to the notion…. Don’t swim too much today, you have a game later.
5.       8:30 is the new dinner hour.  The World’s Greatest Husband encourages me to pretend we live like Italians.
6.       On occasion, I’ve rearranged work schedules to accommodate games and practices.
7.       I’ve jumped out of my chair to cheer on our team and I’ve been angry with an umpire (silently in my chair, like a reasonable adult.)
8.       I say Hail Mary’s during the game. Often. Mostly when my kids are at bat.
9.       I text my parents in Florida with game updates.
10.   I’ve labeled cheesy fries as a dairy and a veggie.

Our kids are having the summer of their lives.  The 9-10 softball girlie's are off to a championship game tonight.  The winner advances to the final for our district.  It will be a tough game.  I am convinced that along with talent, it is spirit and attitude that help win the game.  Seeing I was a cheerleader in high school, I’ve got the spirit and attitude covered on the bleachers…. Softball talent? Not so much….

Sun and Vitamin D - Get some!

Well most folks return to work today, I have one more day off! Yippee! After a weekend of fun, sun and parties, I am happy to have a day to re-group.  It’s hot, hot, hot here.  So much so the state has identified “cooling centers” I haven’t heard of this in years past but I guess it is a necessary precaution for those at risk.  Stay cool paper peeps.

So all this fun in the sun has led me to do some vitamin D research.  I’ve been deficient on more than one occasion and am currently on an increased daily dose.  Yesterday and today I floated in the pool with the mindset to soak in some bonus vitamin D.  A vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression, weight gain, some cancers, aches, pains, fibromyalgia, weak bones, muscle weakness and fatigue.  So I am not surprised that my levels are low I am always an achy tired mess.  Have you had your vitamin D level checked?  It is very common so next time you have your check-up be sure to ask for a test to check your vitamin D.   So there is my first blogger health tip.  Just call me Dr. Paper Mom.

Ladies, softball may end tonight….funny thing is…. I really, really, really, would love to see the girls win and move on in tournament play.  I know I have my bloggy belly aching baseball posts…. So my hope and wish for a win may be surprising…. But it’s true… Let the world take note, I am officially a “softball mom” wishing for a win! And by the way, did I tell you my daughter caught the last out of the game last week? A pop fly and she caught it, we won.  Yes, I was hail marrying it hard at that moment…. But my girl Mary never fails. 

Try to beat the heat…

Two in one, baby

This weekend we celebrate the Fourth of July and our daughter’s tenth birthday.  Two special reasons to celebrate in one weekend.  We are having a cookout today to mark the occasions.  Although getting this house ready for 25-30 guests is a major undertaking we always seem to manage.  The party is a bit later in the day so at least we won’t be rushed.  Our Easter Brunch several months ago left no time for the slow cooker unless I set my alarm for a crazy hour.

Do you ever visit www.marthastewart.com? OMG (yes, using teenager talk there) it has the most amazing ideas!  I love the site and recently signed up to get the idea of the day.  You can customize for the cookie of the day, the craft of the day, the organizing tip of the day…you get the picture.  When I visit her site I feel like I am immersed in the good life.  Her team makes the tiniest detail mean something special.  Seeing most of her ideas are just about ridiculous for me to even contemplate while living with two teenagers, and three elementary school kids… working and going to the Little League complex every night, the website makes me dream of retirement living, entertaining and time… sweet, sweet time…. I know folks often have varying opinions of dear Martha, I get it…but to sit back and admire the empire she has created is an amazing thing.  When I evaluate how her books, website and idea make me want to create… I think that is…. well to put it like Martha,” a good thing…..”

My daughter and I made these for the party today. We made 12x12 fortune tellers out of reversible paper and turned them into little party peanut dishes. Martha used them for ice cream toppings (chocolate chips, sprinkles and mini marshmallows) you just have to eat the peanuts evenly from each little pocket, because they will tip over….


If  your in the neighborhood today, come on over.

Peace Lily

I am in emergency mode at 5:48 am.  You may think this is silly but I am in a tizzy over my peace Lily.  Yes, the Peace Lily is an easy plant to care for and this one is especially important to me and I just noticed that I have been neglecting the poor girl terribly. 

In 1998 I was divorcing my husband and my best friend arrived at my new bachelorette pad with a small beautiful peace lily.  She told me that I needed to care for myself and the plant while going through my struggles.  The plant has always made my home warm and inviting.  Oddly enough, I reunited with my husband and didn’t really divorce until a few years later.  I knew then (in 1998) but didn’t have the inner strength to face my failing marriage.  I played along got stronger and smarter.

The peace lily has been with me for 12 years.  It symbolizes so much to me.  I know, I know, we are talking about a plant here… but seriously it is sort of like my baby.  I’ve seen her through, I’ve potted and re-potted, I’ve watered and fed.  Not only does she have my favorite word, PEACE in her name she has brought me PEACE.  And my friend knew that on my dark days when I didn’t want to even take a shower, watering the plant would mean something….even 12 years later.

I am going to re-pot her later today and hope for the best.  Maybe God is telling me, I don’t need my peace lily anymore.  Maybe God is reminding me to slow down and take notice of things.  Either way, the lily is still working in my life and serving as a symbol of PEACE.

Five for Friday

Five Great things about today!

1. I don't return to work until Wednesday at 9am.
2. It is my plan to actually catch up on the blog.  I am so sorry I have been so irregular!
3. Little girls play an all-star game tonight.
4. We have a birthday girl this weekend and a July 4th picnic!
5. I have my husband all to myself today from 12-3! Yippeee!

Wishing you a good day... check back this weekend because it will be a blog-a-palooza!  

ZZZZzzzz --- Please!!!

I find as I get older, my sleeping patterns are changing.  What the heck is that all about?  I keep blaming the onset of menopause.  My husband thinks I am using the menopause statements inappropriately as it is probably years away.  I disagree.  I know my body and it’s changing…. Maybe it is just 40 settling into my bones and my brain.

Menopause or not, I need a nap.  I am finding that a good night’s sleep is non-existent.  Stress? Maybe?  I am not sure… but I think I will try a glass of wine tonight.  Maybe that will help.

Birthdays in a Blended World

As a Step Mo I have mastered the skill of biting my lip.  Step mothering and mothering in general is about continuously choosing my battles and negotiating relationships.  I believe with step families it is a tad bit more difficult at times because there are so many "extra people" loving the children.   I have always labeled all that extra love as a “good thing” of blended life. 

I’ve experienced a personal blip on our blended family life and it is a difficult one for me to process.  Birthdays and holidays are one of the more stressful items on the blended family agenda.  Negotiating all those “extra people loving the children” during these momentous occasions can be a challenge.  I have found it is usually best to smile and be gracious and kind.  I think I do that quite well.  I am a peace maker, rule follower by nature so it isn’t my wish to rob someone of their special moment to shine.  For example, we all packed into church this weekend to celebrate our daughter’s confirmation.  I was a proud and very teary Step Mo.  I love when our family makes or should I say shares “history.”  I like that we have been together for many of life’s special moments and it is certainly a joy to see our young Catholic girl become an adult in the church.  “We’ve got history, baby!” Is one of my favorite lines to the World’s Greatest Husband.

So here is the deal.... This week there is a birthday party for the entire class at the other house.  The party includes all children in the blender, which is progress.  All the girls in the class are invited to party and sleep over once the moon bounce, swimming and cake are done.  All except my daughter (who is not only in the family but in the class too!)  Maybe I am just a cranky Step Mo but having to explain to my heart broken little girl why she can’t stay and sleep over is making me a little nutty.  I must admit, she is a trooper, my daughter has handled this with style and grace publicly, but in her mother’s arms she has been all of what a hurt nine year old should be….mush.  I understand we all have limits and this is obviously one of those limits for the parties involved, I am trying to respect that but at the same time, I am not sure a 9 year old has the capacity to begin to understand.  In her mind this is simply her sister…..

To add salt to this wound… last’s nights phone call to say good night was all about calling the girlfriends to remind them of a date change for the sleep over…. Couldn’t that have happened at the other house? As to not call more attention to the fact that there will be one special guest missing….

It's not all cupcakes and ice cream in a blended life, I am going to work on this in my head so I can be that woman of grace and style that my daughter is so bravely being…. flexibility is the key to a sane and happy blended life.  I am being challenged on this one!

Have a great Back to Work Monday.

Dear Santa - In 6 months I'll be 40!

Dear Santa,
In  6 months you will be arriving.  It will be a BIG Christmas as I will turn the BIG 4-0 on the eve of your big day!  I am looking forward to your arrival this year.  I like the when the mantel is all sparkly and the season of entertaining takes shape.  This year your arrival is sort of a turning point, and I've been meaning to make that LIST!  No, not your standard list of what I want or need, you know the deal, some pretty stationery, smelly stuff and a piece of jewelry usually do the trick.  No surprises there.   I am talking about the OMG your now 40 list! What have you accomplished? Are you the woman you want and need to be?  What are your children learning from your actions and words? The BIG LIST, the dreams are shifting, time is moving list, responsibilities continue to pile up and I am woman hear me roar (or cry) sort of list.  The mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend list.  Only I am a tad stuck.... there are a few things floating in my head....there are a few things I need to do.... there are a few things I dream of...  a few road blocks, a few opportunities and gosh, my body, sex drive and hair all keep changing!  Santa, I am going to work on my list. But I think I may address the next letter to Jesus, after all it is his birthday.  I will cc you. I imagine the list needs all the help I can get, do you have the address for the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy? I'll be in touch soon! 
Love, 
Paper Mom

Five for Friday

Five for Friday -
Five great things about today...
1. My kids come home! I've missed them.
2. All Star game tonight.
3.I am doing vlog research.  Soon you will see Paper Mom on your screen.  What Fun!
4. I started logging calories on my iphone app, Lose it.  I need to shed 10 more pounds... it's time to get serious.
5. Tomorrow we are celebrating our oldest daughters confirmation.  May God bless her.

Guess where I went...

The Library!  I love going to the library for materials.  I encourage you to visit yours.  It’s free!  Free, free, free… it amazes me with each and every visit.  I love that I can take out a trillion books and thumb through, dive in or skim…. and then I bring them back and get more!  Here is my latest visit but I think I have 15 or so up in my bedroom.  I am not shy about checking out books.

 

Our children have been out of the house since Tuesday and two nights of pillow talk with the World’s Greatest Husband is wonderful treat.  We’ve stayed up late, late, late and that cracks me up… we usually fall into bed tired as can be at 10:30pm.  The kids leave and we are like two teenagers with their parents out of the house.  Of course we have been to practices, games and carpooling but our 9pm dinners for two with wine and yummies makes my summer sweet.

Shout out to my Paperly peeps!  Did you get your Summer of Stationery Mailing?  Well Guess what? Paperly just announced additional hostesss benefits for JULY!  It doesn’t get any better than that!  I hope you will consider hosting a party.  It is as much about gathering with family and friends as it is about quality, stylish papers. 

Happy Thursday!

As I got up yesterday morning to get ready for work, they all slept.  The World’s Greatest Husband was at the gym, I actually took a shower, did my hair and put my make up on without interruption.  I kept thinking, “Mommy likes this.”  As they slowly emerged life became louder and as I drove to work (late as usual) I giggled to myself:  It may be summer, our schedule may have changed, but I still have plenty to blog about!

For example tonight, I need to be in several different places with several different kids at the same time.  Yes it is our summer schedule - but some things just don’t change.  I need pixie dust which may really just be Fish Eye Pinot Grigio in disguise…. Parenting five gets easier with a glass of wine.  Now, the World’s Greatest Husband and I are not big drinkers, but I found it to be hysterical that yesterday was his first day with the kids while I worked from 9am – 7pm.  He was in charge… when I woke up this morning I found a beer bottle on the ledge of our bathroom window!  The kids drove a non drinker to drink! The poor man was literally outside reorganizing our pool house at 10:30 last night and I imagine he brought in a cold one to enjoy as he came up to shower (the beer is left over from a Christmas party - - - I am not kidding!) I must admit it made me crack up…. One day with the kids and the poor guy has taken up drinking…. I think I’ll join him tonight….He is working until 9pm so I’ll be up to the task! He might find a bottle of wine on the window ledge ….

Five for Friday

Five Great things about today (usually Friday but today, Saturday)

1. Today is awards day at the Little League field... Moon bounce, World's Greatest Husband (coach) in the dunk tank and free hot dogs at 9am!

2. Our 8th grader is thrilled with her pandora bracelet.

3. All star practice for our girls later today.  I think my little softball attitude has lessened.  I am in it for the long haul, I might as well bring my chair, water bottle and red hot summer read.

4. Tonight we will participate in Relay for life - honoring all the cancer survivors we know and those we've lost.  It is a beautiful event.

5. My new Nike flip flops are fabulous.  I am walking on little air pillows.  I love them!

Last day of school, we made it!!

Today is the day!
the Last day of 9th grade, 8th grade, 4th and 4th grade and kindergarten.
We made it.
School's out and summer is in (at 1:15pm)

I promise to blog (five for friday) more later, I just wanted to take a moment and check in on this special day and let you know I am doing the happy dance!

We are switching gears - all stars, vacations, swimming, flip flops, reading on the patio and bathing suits. Yes, the World's Greatest Husband and I will still be working but even that schedule changes up... of course this switch brings about a whole different host of issues which will probably make blogging interesting all summer long... stay tuned.

I'll write more later...after I stop dancing on the kitchen table and get these little monkeys to school (for the final time this school year!)

 Yesterday I received a blog comment from the World’s Greatest Husband.  This was shocking as he isn’t a Paper Mom reader.  I was giggly when I saw his comment, loving him even more and I must admit I was confused at the same time.  Reading Paper Mom? Why? Why now?  I’ve always wanted him to understand my place in bloggyland, so his thoughtful attempt to get a grasp on my hobby is sweet.  (A funny side line, I mentioned it was my best friend’s birthday and he replied, “yes I read that on the blog.” Hmm… Ladies, this could change the scope of the blog …. Maybe I should blog about the jewels I want, the vacation I need, and the foot rubbing that should occur.)   So just in case he is now addicted to my posts and reading, I want to send the most special, warmest, loving welcome to my husband who I look forward to falling into bed next to every single night. I am head over heels in love with you and am glad you’re here.

So keeping it in the family today…

I’ve been meaning to blog about my beautiful little niece.  I am so in love with this little girl it makes me want to “put her whole head in my mouth” Now are you saying…what the heck????? When I had my babies, I often said I wanted to kiss them by putting their whole head in my mouth, eating them up…. That was how intense I felt… just wanted to swallow them whole? No, no, no….. the comment means… just give them the biggest kiss possible…. And somehow that meant… eating them up…  Funny that she is the only other baby I have felt this for.  I love her little lady style, her caution, her wardrobe and her mommy and daddy too!  I’ve been thinking of her with a warm heart because her best mommy recently sent me a video of her “growling” through the screen door.  This was absolutely hysterical and if I could post it, I would.  Her little dainty style was replaced by some “inner ugly” and it was too much to handle.  I watched it three times and my kids had to pick me up off the floor from laughing so darn hard.  She was seriously playing the part of the mean kid….. it was funny!  This summer I am making a scrapbook of her first year of life, I am hoping this isn’t presented to her at her high school graduation…I’ve got to get going.  Unfortunately there are hundreds of miles between us but because of cell phone photography I see her every single day!  I always look forward to her dinner time photo shoot.  She’s a beauty and guess what? I am her favorite auntie….just don’t tell the other aunts in her life.

It’s Wednesday and we are one day closer to the end of the school year…. Have a good one.

4 more days! 4 more days! 4 more days!

Dear Lord,

Give me the patience for only 4 more school days.  That is only 4 chaotic mornings with 4 different bus stop times, 4 shuttle bus afternoons with only 7 games left (that’s before the all-star schedule) and 4 nights of tearful homework (I think Math may be over for the school year.)  I can do this if you are with me….

Special Paper Mom Shout Out!

Warmest, biggest and the best 39 Birthday Wishes are being sent to my dearest friend.   Happy Birthday!  You are a good friend, wonderful mom and sexy wifey  - Enjoy your day –  I love you!

Happy Tuesday!

Theme Song

Do you have a theme song for your life?  If the movie of your life was on the big screen what would the soundtrack be?  I never had a theme song until divorce.  Two songs were on the radio at that time that “spoke to me.”  Kelly Clarkson’s Break Away was the perfect tune for the changes that were going on - Make a wish, take a chance, make a change and break away.  I can remember driving to daycare with kids in tow, blasting this one and feeling like life is going to be ok – I’ll make it, we three will make it.

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly.
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky.
Make a wish, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.
Out of the darkness and into the sun.
But I won't forget all the ones that I love.
I'll take a risk, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away

Then there was my get ready for a date song, feeling sort of sexy song.  (are you laughing at me? stop it!)  Michael Buble’s “Feeling Good” has always done the trick.  I remember dancing to it with the World’s Greatest Husband in my living room when we were dating.  Maybe it was the glass of wine, but I do recall saying to my future husband (didn’t quite know that then) this song makes me want to strip.  Of course his response, “I love this song.” 

Have a GREAT Monday!

Five for Friday

Five for Friday

Five great things about today:

My house is actually, sort of, picked up.  It only takes five kids getting off the bus to change that… I think I will threaten them upon arrival.

We play ball (again) tonight.  I hope the rain holds off.

Summer of Stationery is shaping up nicely.  If you are on my mailing list you should receive information early next week.  If you want to be on my mailing list, leave a comment or email me your address at Papermom.andrea@yahoo.com.

8^th grade dance was a success.  Our daughter looked pretty and had stars in her eyes when she returned.  I suspect a slow dance was involved.

Playing memory with my youngest.  We keep making comments to one another that we only have one more week of our mornings together.  He will be in full day school next year so our special morning routine will change.  I’ve been lucky to make this work with my job and looking back, I have a heart filled with gratitude.  We have done homework, shopped, snuggled, played and vegged out infront of the Today show.  It’s been a treat.  

Summer To Do

Every summer we take a piece of paper and brainstorm a list of fun things we would like to do during summer.  (This is inspired by Grammy and Grandpa who started the tradition when we visit beautiful Marco Island. ) Our summer list is posted on the frig and the kids find joy in crossing off or looking forward to the next adventure.  The list often has things like: Night swimming, smores on the patio, light sparklers, go to the outside hamburger joint.  It is a cute little activity that keeps some fun anticipation alive in our lives.  School ends in a few days so we will be developing our list this weekend.  In spirit of lists, accomplishing goals and having hot summer fun, I am making a personal list for my personal summer must do’s

Read three books.

shop alone, all day, with a pocket full of money

Swim at least 10 times – my kids are always quick to announce to visitors “she never goes in the pool”

Stay in my pajamas for an entire day!

Sew! I’ve had this on my list for years!

Cook lobsters (for the first time in my life)

Go to yard sales one Saturday morning.

Complete scrapbook for my beautiful niece.

Host a dinner party on the patio complete with with candles and flowers floating in the pool

Lose 5 more pounds.

Organize the office/craft nook (AGAIN!)

Go to Waterfire

A night away with the World’s Greatest Husband

Write in my Kids journal more often

Visit with girlfriends

Wish me luck!  The biggest accomplishment would really be….. breathe, relax, enjoy the warm breeze, be in the moment.  Hope your having a good day!

A blended family milestone, sort of?

I have to admit my patience meter is running on empty.  I sometimes shy away from voicing my blended family frustrations on this blog.  It is my bloggy therapy and somehow keeping it real, but also on the positive side helps me fill my heart with gratitude.  I really am the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. 

Just not this morning. 

I have to believe many of my frustrations are normal for any mommy who works outside the home and in the home and in the hearts and minds of their children.  I am committed to building five strong young adults and that takes work, it takes empathy, it takes words, lots of words and it takes a tank full of gas and an ATM machine.

So here is the extra dynamic that exists with blended pups, it’s caution!  I walk a fine line in my role as Step Mo.  Our life is full of silly laughs, respect and kindness but there is more unexplainable caution than I care to admit to.  With my biological children, that simply doesn’t exist.  Maybe it comes with DNA? Although the World’s Greatest Husband and I share the same values and for the most part the same parenting style, there is simply “stuff” that can’t really be defined, that defines our roles.

For example:

Can’t find something? Quick pick up the phone and call Dad and work or Mom at home.  I want to scream NO – go the distance, continue to look, find it, search.  The house isn’t that big!   When  they pick up the phone, I use caution…am I supposed to say, NO don’t call your parent? Somehow that would seem to create some sort of line that would peg me as the enemy and honestly,  I wouldn’t want my ex to ever limit talk time between me and my kids….then I worry, their mother must think our house is a disaster if they can’t find their cleats.  She must think I refuse to help them look…. Yes, it’s crazy I know.  I encourage them but the pattern is…. pick up the phone for help and in this silly example, I feel nutty.

Another quick example….

Child: I want my earrings; I forgot them at mom’s house. 

Step Mo (using caution, but going for it)  “I wish you had them, but they are only earrings, and look you are wearing a pretty pair.  You can get them tomorrow when you are back at moms and wear them here next time so I can how pretty they are.” (At this point I label this as success, I’ve encouraged flexibility, delayed instant gratification, impressed upon planning ahead)

Child: (while saying goodnight to mom on the phone) I really wanted to wear my earrings tomorrow.  Can you bring them to school?

Mom:  Yes, I’ll bring them to the office before your field trip.

Step Mo (deflated, annoyed and feeling like it doesn’t matter what sort of people I am trying to build, there are still two families trying to create from two different places with little communication.)

Two silly examples but you get the picture.  No matter what - there are multiple families, his kids, my kids, our kids, multiple parents colliding in power, rules, and love.  I think for the most part we manage well.  As a parent working in this dynamic, I think I am often super flexible, super accommodating, super loving and oh yeah, super powerless.  I am grateful for my husband’s love and am an active partner in making our life work.  Any of you who really know me are laughing say “Oh, she sure does”.  I am working hard, but as our teenagers are blossoming, our family calendar fills and our roles get even further defined, I see us at a turning point.  Our “honeymoon” is over we are blended, mixed, stirred and sometimes shaken.  My former assistant (who also blended 5 kids) once told me it will take all of two years of marriage to feel fully connected…. Well we are at 2 years and 8 months and we’ve graduated. I am at the point where we need to create a few new rules, a place where some of our old tricks no longer work and a place where I feel like taking a deep breath.  I am proud of the family we have become, I love our children and I am tired, real tired.

Tonight I will fill that gas tank.  My ex is taking the children for an unexpected overnight.  The World’s Greatest Husband’s babes are with their mom for their regular Wednesday.   I plan to breath my husband in, knowing that is the therapy that always works for me, I plan to be a new woman once again tomorrow.  Talking with him, loving and laughing with the World’s Greatest Husband is way better than Tylenol PM. 

To my blended family readers.  You get this post, I know you do.  Stay strong, feel the love and stretch…. Because flexibility is the key. Yesterday, my step daughter hugged me and said you are the best Step Mo ever and I that made me tingle with delight.