Papermom

Made a fun paper video with animoto - just click below.

Papermom

Paper Crafting Fun

Wanted to share some photos of my paper crafting fun.

My sister in law affectionately calls these my zen paper balls.  This one is extra large.

Garlands, garlands, garlands!

Large paper poppies, this one makes people OOoo and AAaahhh

these are still my favorite

A new paper wreath.

Pretty little roses perfect for packages

Monday Loves

In honor of the hurricane. . .  Monday loves. . . .
the FLASHLIGHT....
sending love to all those peeps who are still in the dark after Irene.

A family that cleans up after a hurricane together. . .

Stays together . . .

We survived Hurricane Irene and right now I have five little helpers (well two of them are taller than me) cleaning up the yard.  Yesterday while on twitter,  I read (remarriageworks.com) that a blended family truly blends after seven - twelve years... Yesterday watching our five kids age 7-16 dress up in our clothes and pretend to be us....( it truly was hysterical) and now watching them clean the yard, I know in my heart that it is all these little life experiences that make "the blender" switch to high speed.   We are four years into our blended family cake mix, we've certainly cracked open the eggs, added the flour, mixed, stirred, and blended a bit.  I don't think we are in the oven yet and we certainly haven't licked the bowl... but we are working on a beautiful seven layer yum yum.

Hope you weathered the storm and are enjoying the final days of summer.  Tomorrow is a school night and that brings me great joy!
Have a good day!

Back to School

Yes, it is back to school for sure...
Back and forth to mom's house twice already today and
one school uniform meltdown with only 180 more to go!
I just love the last week of August!
I am having back to school anxiety and sleepless nights.  I look at our calendar for the month of September and I am not sure how we will get through the month ahead.  I seriously need to find those big girl panties and buck up.

PS - and the World's Greatest Husband typed up a Disaster Emergency Plan for our Family and bought six cases of water.  If I can get through our little blended family life with 5 kids I can certainly handle a hurricane, right?  I did request that he not take an extra shift at the hospital, just incase I can't....

Sweet Boy

I am always amazed by how much my cub scout can talk .... and talk .... and talk ..... he has the gift of gab.  All that talking before bedtime seemed to wind the poor little guy up.  He could not fall asleep.  I suggested he simply give up for the day and take a few deep breaths and say a little prayer to God.  He agreed, was silent for a few moments and then announced.  "Yeah, I told him I'll see him in the morning."  

Mass is at 10:30.    I love that kid.

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...
1.  Hard to believe but the girls start Fall Softball tomorrow....
2. We got our bus schedules... yippee!
3.  The World's Greatest Husband is going chaperone Band Camp.
4. Reading the Enormous Egg (again) to my cub scout.  Full circle moment.  I loved that book when Mrs. Baigert read it out loud in 3rd grade.
5.  I am really hoping for some energy... this house is a disaster.

Monday Love,  Loves, Loves….

Take Five

The candy bar… Take 5

A distant cousin to the Hershey bar… The take five bar is amazing… sometimes hard to find and not one of Hershey’s biggest sellers but seriously delicious!  I love this treat and you will too! Next time you are standing in line eyeing the candy below the register contemplate trying this little yum-yum.  And then you can THANK ME…

Pretzels, caramel, peanuts, peanut butter and milk chocolate… Yes, you read that right.  Enjoy!

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...

1.  The sleeping beauties are still asleep.  I am so glad I didn't let my daughter talk me into the larger version of this party.  I kept the limit to three and thank god! I would have had to alert the neighbors if it were the 10 like she wanted. 

2. Glee 3D movie today.  Although this is a treat for my daughter... I hate to admit it... I am looking forward to it too!

3. Our koo-koo for Cocoa puffs family reunites this weekend.  Yipee, it's been too long!  Our summer is winding down. 

4. I saw a school bus, I bought some uniform pants.... it's time peeps, it's time!

5. Yummo - fruit salad for breakfast... makes me think of that Wiggles song from years ago... Fruit Salad, Yummy, Yummy.  (You know the one!)

Five good things for me... how about you?

Sixth Grade Besties...

Giggles, silliness, and sixth grade sleepover fun, that is the stuff that dreams are made of – well not exactly for the mother chaperoning.  It’s not looking good for a restful night.

My daughter (age 11) is hosting her first “real” slumber party and it is non-stop laughter.  Three besties have joined her for night swimming, birthday cupcakes that nearly killed me (a post for another day), presents, goodie bags, music, dancing and movies.  I am not sure there is a bed time… but hey, you only turn 11 once.

It has been one of those nights that has made my heart sing and ache all at the same time. 

It’s hard to believe we are entering sixth grade, middle school heartache, headache and hopefully opportunity are all just days away.  This little summer bonding session is the stuff that memories are made of.  I remember being in sixth grade and giggling over Rick Springfield  and although earlier today my daughter did sing Jessie’s Girl while listening to the new Glee CD,  the tween conversation of today is about Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez… the names and faces have changed, the gossip and giggles remain the same.  Tonight is sort of a right of passage for my daughter… I see the childhood play slowly being replaced by pop music, movies, truth or dare and tween culture.   It’s bitter sweet for me… saying goodbye to  Polly Pockets, Barbie and My 

Little Pony only to replace it with a cell phone, Tiger Beat magazine and Bath and Body Works products simply seems too much to handle right now. 

And a new chapter begins….

L.Y.M.T.Y.K

My kids and his kids have been on vacation with their other parents for what seems like an eternity.  My two are on their way right now... only 45 minutes and I will be showering them with kisses.  We all reunite on Saturday.  Funny how a little down time and distance makes you want to kiss them from head to toe with the biggest heart ever!  I can't wait until they pull into the driveway.

Yesterday while gushing about our kids to a girlfriend we both commented on the sweet things our kids (sometimes) say.  How we hang on to those moments and savor every syllable.  When my cub scout left on his trip he yelled, "This is harder than I thought"  I yelled back, "What is harder than you thought?"  he replied, "leaving you!"  All week I have thought of that phrase over and over.... My daughter texted me "I am in the same state as you" when her plane landed.... again a moment which makes me love them more than they know.  Which in our family we affectionately label as ----- L.Y.M.T.Y.K.  I believe my mom started signing cards like that when I was in college.... now I do if for my kids....  it certainly captures the role of parent.... they have no idea how much love and care we have for them - they know our love, it's comfortable, they appreciate our love but until you have your own little buggers.... you just don't know how deep it flows, how unconditional it is and how it's a love affair that is refueled with little statements like "This is harder than I thought."


Love You More Than You Know.....

Monday Loves

Monday Loves....
I love, love, love WET PENS.... yes, you read that right... wet pens.  pens where the ink flows like a river strong, bold and all inky-dinky-doo!

I love the Uniball Vision Elite pen only in bold.  Sometimes I can use an entire pen in a week!  It writes in a thick line (although it comes in a micro flow as well)  it doesn't smudge, never spotty or light... it is my favorite power pen!  And BONUS when I visited the website I learned the ink comes in a few fun colors like pink, purple and orange!  I am headed to staples to stock up!  Oooo la la! Love, Love, Love it!

Happy! Happy! Happy!

Paper Peeps.... It's been too long.  I am so sorry that my blogging love has been lacking.  I think of you and this blog more than you know... finding the time to organize, type and share has been a challenge.  but here I am here to unveil the new lovely look.  What do you think? like the new digs?  I can't quite adequately explain how a bloggy re-do feels.  I was very anxious, I know what it feels like to click and not see the "look" and "feel" that you have come to know.  I was also nervous that I was going to lose information and totally screw up the format.  I am not a techie.  Honestly, if I knew how easy peasy it was to do... I would have done this long ago.  Yippee!  A new Paper Mom look!  
Leelou blogs makes wonderful designs.  Check out the site and grab some Leelou goodness!  It will make your heart sing!

Five for Friday

Five great things about today....

1. It's summer for sure! Heat, Heat, Heat! Our pool was 88 degrees yesterday. So glad we aren't shoveling snow off a roof!
2. My husband surprised me with a newspaper and D&D Med Hazelnut with cream and 2 sweet and lows. Ordering coffee stresses him out because he doesn't drink it and always orders it wrong... I take it with one sweet and low but it was quite a treat, I am not complaining, he is the World's Greatest!
3. The World's Greatest Husband got transfered - no more 60 minute stressful commute to the office.  We can see his office from our bedroom bathroom window when the leaves fall off the trees.  THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!! I sort of feel freedom in my own little world, knowing he is now in town to help if needed.
4. Tonight is date night to celebrate.
5. Two more weeks until our kid free week.  I love them all but a week with just my husband, a clean house and going out to eat sounds like a break that I deserve.  

Paper Peeps, stay cool, enjoy the weekend and check back.... 
Happy Friday!

Yellow, I love yellow

It's been some time since I participated in Mama Kat's writing workshop prompts... YIPPPEE today is the day.  Mama Kat asked for a Yellow inspired post…..it got me thinking… Yellow makes me happy.  Yellow is my daughter’s favorite color.  I don’t think you can look at yellow and not feel it’s energy… it illustrates…. happiness.  But after a bit of thinking…here is my favorite thought about yellow…….

Remember when you were little and would hold a yellow buttercup flower under your little brother’s chin and ask, “Do you like butter?”

and he would say “no”

and you would say “yes, you do your chin is yellow”

 and then he would argue “no I don’t”

and you would argue “yes, you do” 

and you would go back and forth and he would check your chin and you would check his chin and sooner or later your mom would yell STOP PlAYING THAT GAME.....

ya, now that I am a mother I am thankful that we don't have buttercups in our yard.

I love YELLOW....

MONDAY LOVES

Monday love, loves, loves - Wednesday Style....
Okay, so I am a little late with my Monday Loves post.  Life is busy here.  I thought summer would slow our big family down but I guess I must come to terms with the fact that until all five have completed college we will just be BUSY. Our cub scout is only seven and our oldest is sixteen so yes, busy is a way of living here in our happy home. I'll take a nap in 2022 or so...


So my Monday Loves.... Sunflowers.  I love the country charm of the sunflower, the oversized wonder.  I planted some last year and found joy in watching that bloom grow and grow.  I was proud of my plants and nurtured them each day. The sunflower represents big love, and they are yellow, is there any other color that projects happiness more than yellow? 


Our area celebrates sunflowers in a special way.  Buttonwood Farms a local dairy farm in Griswold plants thousands and thousands of them and sells bouquets to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Families stop by the now famous ice cream landmark to enjoy a cone (which are yummo!) and take photos in front of the field of dreams.  If you live in Connecticut you will want to add this summer event to your busy calendar.  The event runs from July 23-31st.  Help a great cause, see some beautiful blossoms, indulge in some sweet treats and breathe in the joy of your children all in one stop.  Does it get any better?  

Monday Loves

It's Monday Loves.....

and I think I have something that is universally loved on a hot summer day....

a SLURPEE! 

Today you can grab a freebie if you visit any participating 7-eleven!

With my five kids... this is a treat and a bargain. 

 visit  www.7-eleven.com for details

 

(As always - this post provides no perk to me... just spreading the love.)

Monday Loves...

My first Monday Loves Post...
It's Monday and I love, love, love these three things....


 Downy Wrinkle Releaser... 

I call it the poor man's iron.  This stuff is MAGIC!  Simply spray, smooth, dry and wear.  I don't have free samples for my readers but I encourage you to visit http://www.downywrinklereleaser.com/ for a $1.00 off coupon .  I recently told a friend about this magic and it dawned on me.... as working women juggling it all.... we should all know about this little gem of a time saver.  


Next... Monday Love, Love, Love

I love, love, love my Lia Sophia Bel Aire necklace.  It is the perfect addition to any everyday or simple elegant look.  I wear mine all the time!  Check out my favorite Lia Sophia Advisor and friend... to learn more about this and other fabulous pieces http://www.liasophia.us/sites/crusan?T=1309812613949

My third and final Monday love, love, love is... 

 

I am a huge fan of ShopRite of Norwich online grocery shopping!  It is easy peasy to use and the staff make it  right and good every time.  I shop at all hours, on line from my laptop, I've sent my order with special instructions, requests and comments.  They have called before completing an order just to confirm a questionable item, they have called after an order to make sure it was correct.  They take my coupons, load the car and absolutely will not accept tips, I've tried!! I zip into the special parking spots... I zip out, it all takes 10 minutes max!  With five kids, I completely eliminate the "Can I get this?"  or "Will you buy this" whining that used to happen with each trip.  I also am not tempted to buy those fancy dancy display items that seem to lure people like me in.  This process keeps me on track and within budget.  Try it. 

Whew, that is my first Monday Love Post and it sure feels like a commercial... but honest to God, there is no gain on my part... just the joy of sharing a few things that may make my life a little sweeter.  

Monday Loves...

Five for Friday posts are always my heaviest blog traffic day.  I admit that it tickles my heart to see so many of you stopping by to see my list of “Five great things about today”.  The entire post has become a weekly gratitude journal.  When writing my Five for Friday posts I have a chance to pause and find those five things that I bring me peace, joy, appreciation and love.  And in my crazy hectic blended family life, let’s be honest…sometimes that is as simple as everyone went to bed on time without tears.  I appreciate your time and thank you for visiting….

In an effort to build another day that Paper Mom readers are eager to stop over and enjoy… I am unveiling my Monday Loves Posts…. I am picking Monday with the hope that being off on Sunday will allow me the opportunity to actually commit to the post and quite honestly  I believe we all need a little extra LOVE on Monday when we are returning to the grind of the week ahead.  

SO…

Monday Loves…. Will feature items, thoughts, other blogs, books, basically stuff that you and I can’t live without ----things as my girl Gayle King would say…. I love, love, love.  It is sort of my personal version of “Oprah’s favorite things” without the free giveaways or endorsements.   So, what do you think? Do you  need a little Monday Love?

Stay tuned… It is Monday after all…..

Did you know?

Did you know?

If you are in a hurry and accidently get deodorant on your clothing there is a simple way to get it off without a hassle? 

I am about to change your life… 

right now with this easy peasy tip…

PANTY HOSE!!! 

Just rub pantyhose on the spot and it lifts right off the fabric…. No water, no scrubbing, no changing your outfit….  Think of me next time you use this trick… and you will use this trick…. 

Guaranteed.  

Five for Friday

Five for Friday
Five great things about today
1. Looong weekend!
2. Birthday weekend for one of our ten year olds.
3. life is energy.... Love that Oprah- watching the final episode AGAIN! It's my life pep talk
4. Typing on a new iPad!
5.girls lost last night- means we have a little bit of our life back. They worked hard!!!

Check back soon. More posts coming

Five for Friday

Life is moving way too fast... 
Seriously... 
I am not sure which end is up! Softball all-stars (The World's Greatest Husband is the the coach - the commitment is HUGE) has thrown me into a funk along with end of school, work, chores, and our yard which I am fondly renaming "The Jungle."
Yes, I am feeling a little wacky...
But, here are five great things about today...

1. First game of all-stars today! If we win - we play tomorrow too!
2. Our middle schoolers are at orientation right now! Big Kids!!
3. I only need to fold 13 more sheets of paper to complete another beautiful oversized paper ball.  (now that makes me happy!!! and it has become my 10PM therapy)
4. Party tomorrow
5. Party Sunday (in the jungle with the softball team)

That's all for now paper peeps.... let's say a prayer for the state workers who are on the verge of layoffs... I may be adding clickable advertising on this blog if our family gets one.... fingers crossed..... 

Birthday love to my beautiful god son... his birthday week and his Auntie Paper Mom turns out to be a dud! 

Graduation Love

With all this rain and indoor graduation ceremonies.... I am thinking of all the graduates from blended families....Why, you ask?
Well, with graduation or any other big school event bad weather often moves ceremonial things indoors and with moving things indoors there is often a restriction on the number of tickets allowed for each family.  Sometimes that ticket threshold is two... so of course biological parents would be the proper ticket holders.  Sometimes that number increases and that may mean three maybe four... with blended families that means a power struggle for tickets...... step mo's - grandparents - step grandpo's you get the picture..It can be a big ol' mess - quick.  I remember when we first jumped into the blender... having to "be on call" with the main office waiting for the word for an extra ticket as Mom, Dad and Mom's parents enjoyed a promotion ceremony.  It worked out in the end, I was "granted" access but what a stressor.  So today I congratulate the graduates and send special paper love to the step-mos and step-dads who may have to be patient while waiting for their seat at the ceremony.  Step parenting isn't always glamorous but it does have it's rewards.   

PApEr CrAzY

I've been busy making paper curly strip wreaths, paper garlands, paper balls and paper tab wreaths... oh so much fun!!! They don't call me Paper Mom for nothing....

thunderstorms...

A few days ago we weathered some pretty scary thunder showers.  My son and I watched it all at 2am cuddled together jumping with every flash and rumble.  The next day at dinner the World’s Greatest Husband announces that thunderstorms were expected through the night.  To our surprise our little cub scout replies “Oh Great, I guess I’ll wear two pairs of underwear tonight”  

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...

1. The heat broke.

2. Pool party weekend.

3. Scrimmage, game, lesson, all-star try outs and game....

4. Night with my husband.

5. Going to plant some flowers... right now....

Paper Peeps, thanks for reading.  I am looking forward to a change in my schedule for the summer, that may mean more posts... no promises.

Happy Weekend.

Being a Better Person

Are you familiar with Ted.com? It is this amazing network of informative videos that make you want to learn, explore and be a better person.  The World's Greatest Husband turned me on to this site and now I have the app on my phone and regularly visit while on my laptop.  Take a look... here is the latest one that "spoke" to me.

This one had me rolling!

This card made me laugh so hard in the aisle of Target... my kids were  embarrassed.  This card captures my life and Paper Peeps... it's stationery... my fave - from one of my favorite vendors... www.naughtybettyinc.com  - The brutal truth all prettied up.... Peeps, this makes Paper Mom so HAPPY! Visit Target to see the entire line.

Dinner at the Hospital

Sometimes you think you are doing a good thing and it simply backfires.  Today our 14 year old left school to get an x-ray.  Her aches and pains are A-OK, she’s fine.  After her doctor’s appointment with her mother, She met me at the office for a few hours instead of returning to school.  When she called the World’s Greatest Husband to update him on our plan she asked if we could go eat dinner at the hospital and swim for the first time this season.  The World’s Greatest Husband took a last minute shift at the hospital and agreed to a quick swim and dinner in the hospital all in an effort to make our dinner routine a bit easier as I was on my own.  When she hung up she said to me “today is the best day ever!” 

See… a good thing… happiness, love and joy!

The pool went ok, it was freezing.  I played lifeguard with a sweatshirt and blankets, they splashed.

Dinner with the family – well that is where the story falls apart. Have you ever taken five kids to a cafeteria?  Let’s just say, it will be awhile until they allow us back.  After a quick lecture on "this is where dad works, behave." We enter the hospital cafeteria, it is busy, the nurses, the doctors, they know the routine, they are in and they are out… five kids with choices to make… not so fast. We were a big road block in the small space and the regulars didn’t appreciate it.  It got even better when the World’s Greatest Husband left his wallet in the car and I had no purse and you get the drift…. So the road block of 5 kids and one wife turns into a serious obstruction in a small space.  We wait, trays in hand directing zillions to “go ahead, I am waiting for my husband” all with one impatient teenager who was in a hurry to get to his girlfriend at the school concert.  He said “we only have 5 minutes until I have to be there” at least ten times while we waited for my husband. To add some giggles.... One child ordered quiche, like that was going to happen!  The same child couldn’t figure out how to dispense the plastic forks and wanted a slice of pizza once the line was closed.  7 straws and lots of napkins later, the World’s Greatest Husband looks at me and asks, “Is it Sunday?”  The World’s Greatest Husband and I have a saying…. “It must be Sunday”   --You see, Sunday is our “cranky” day.  The day that all five kids matched with the anticipation of the week ahead, make us feel a little weak in the knees.  So although it is only Thursday our little fun trip to make dinner easy was way more work than cooking for seven on a school night.  My husband just text me telling me he has five patients.... my response?  I have five kids! I have no sympathy tonight.

Oprah Beautiful Goodbye & the Ugly Cry

Ok, so many of my many Paper Peeps have been asking….

Paper Mom, where have you been the week Oprah has her final show, no comment, no posts?

Peeps… Here is the breakdown on the past seven days…

• 60 hour work week for a woman who works part time
• A kid with two pink eyes and one sinus infection
• Four softball games
• One all day softball clinic
• One DARE graduation for two kids
• One school concert with two kids
• One husband who worked until 9:30 on Thursday
• Three visits from the world’s greatest child care provider
• Opened one green swimming pool
• One fundraising event with 180 people and a 14 hour work day
• One surprise birthday party
• And three Oprah episodes that made me do the “ugly cry”

It’s been a week to remember…

As I sat with my pad of paper taking notes as Oprah shared her love letter to me, I was in awe of so many important lessons.  It was sort of like a graduation speech, sending us into the world now that we have graduated from our daily dose of Oprah support.  I hope I am ready….

I’ll sign off with this – and trust me, we will be talking about this one….

Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.  Oprah has that sign in her makeup room, I am making a sign for my office right now…

Oprah Beautiful Goodbye

It's hard to believe our Oprah shows are down to the single digits.  I have thought about hosting an Oprah farewell season party.  If there is anybody on this planet that would host a toast in honor of Oprah, it would be me, right?  (Remember my vlog post inviting her to my 40th birthday?) Well, honestly, I am feeling so sad about her departure, I am not sure I can bring myself to celebrate with even my besties.  Over the past 25 years I've become a woman, wife, mom, and professional all while watching and learning from Oprah.  I feel her send off is very personal moment. I think the only person I could really savor the moment with is my mother and seeing she is in Florida and I am in Connecticut - I think we will just chat about it on the phone.  I am not ruling out a celebration in honor of  of all things "O"  but I think I will spend May 25th with my box of tissues, enjoying the moment, savoring my final Oprah minutes on my favorite comfy chair with a handful of salty pretzels and a glass of diet pepsi, just like I did after school with my mom for years and years -- oh so many years ago. On May 25th I'll be thinking of Gayle, Steadman, Oprah and Sheri with a loving and thankful heart.

Five for Friday

Here are five great things about today:
1. First grade concert this afternoon.
2. Four baseball games today.
3. Painted my toenails
4. Booked a Paperly party.
5. Sun is shining and it's pay day.


Have a good weekend Paper Peeps!

A letter from your Husband...

I can't adequately describe how this letter made me feel.  But I will be printing it and keeping copies in my desk, in my night stand and in my car.... just sayin... 


My favorite Step-Mo's, Shwanda and the Stepmother's Tool Box led me to this little gem.  They are my rock stars of the Step-Mo world.   If you need a Step-Mo boost - read on... print.... and save forever.


Click here for the letter

Pink for Pink Slips...

I feel like I am "waiting for a bus."  It may be my upcoming special fundraiser for work or my husbands pink slip....

Well I am being dramatic, sort of -- but the World's Greatest Husband text me this morning .. I am wearing my pink shirt for my pink slip.  Apparently the Governor who I have gushed support for and changed my profile picture on Facebook with -  may now be laying off 5,000 or so State workers.  I still stand by my original post that I am willing to support his shared sacrifice budget philosophy but honestly I am saying some serious Hail Mary's that this lay off doesn't impact my family in a serious dramatic way.    I am hopeful that the union negotiations will produce a reasonable package that most can live with. In the meantime, the World's Greatest Husband only has one pink shirt so if I take it to the cleaners... maybe the "pink" slip" won't come...

Happy Mother's Day!

Hello Dear Mothers,
I am really getting sappy in my old age.  I hate to admit it, but last night while watching Julia Roberts' Mother's Day Tribute on OWN I sat with a box of tissues trying to catch my breathe.  Honestly, what brought me to a full blown sob, was the Walmart/Own commercial that paid tribute to the step-mo.  I am a sap.  Visit Own extraordinary mom's tribute to Moms to see the advertisement.

And... just because I am in a Mother's Day tribute sort of mood... here is my favorite !!!!Kelly Corrigan's lovely speech about the love, friendship and the special bond among women.  I've posted this before but I want YOU - my favorite Paper Mom readers and friends to feel the special love that this video brings.  Happy Mother's Day!

Pioneer Woman Writes a Little Gem about Love

Ree Drumond is my hero.  I simply love the Pioneer Woman.  If you haven’t stopped by her blog click here now www.thepioneerwoman.com.  I recently finished her new book,  Black Heels to Tractor Wheels and loved it.  Simply stated, it made me love my “World’s Greatest Husband” even more!  I am a sucker for a good love story.  I am a romantic and what I love about this book is…. Ree is too!  She fell head over her black heels for her real life cowboy, Marlboro Man.  It wasn’t all hugs and kisses, well actually... there were a lot of hugs and kisses, but their love story is real and deep and inspiring.  The book made me reaffirm my belief in simple love and made me realize that love no matter how intense comes with serious threads of compromise.  Black Heels to Tractor Wheels… she is a brave, brave hero in many ways.  Being a Library girl I must admit there aren’t many books that I long to own, but this love story is one that needs to live on my bookshelf. 

If you need a happy heart, spring in your step, sparkle in your eye sort of read…. Pick up a copy.  It made me feel warm and content.  

Rick Springfield and a Poor Choice...

Just a few comments....
So disappointed to learn that my boy, Rick Springfield was pulled over for a DUI.   His shows are often celebrated with a little vino but seriously, Rick my love, my favorite singer of all time.... sixty one and DUI?  It would be irresponsible of me not to say, I am disappointed and sad that this has happened.  Poor choice lover boy.  I am embarrassed that my kids may have heard this news knowing their mommy worships you.  Now, make it up to me by scheduling a Connecticut show.... it's been awhile since we've had a chance to visit.  But ladies... let's be honest even the mug shot is depicts a cutie patootie. Rick, stop polluting your hot bod.

And on a happier note... Happy 15th Anniversary to my Friend and her dear husband.  We've been friends for more than 20 years now and have seen one another grow up.  I am so happy for you.  You've always been "That couple" who has it done it right.  I am proud of you and so happy that your love is strong.  I hope you are enjoying your special "sunny" day! 

Have a good day peeps!

Weddings and Mom

The royal wedding was like a mini vacation.  What a treat… the dress, the kiss, another kiss, another dress, hope, love, dreams… it was all the things that a modern day fairy tale are made of.  Although weddings are made of man and wife, I had a personal moment that made me realize the special love that only a mother can provide… and since weddings are on our mind and Mother’s Day is just about here… I’ll share my mother moment.

I spoke of the dress and details to my girls, the other moms and the softball field and my co-workers.   We had open hearts, big eyes and dramatic pause when we spoke of the real life princess.  We loved William and his care for his girl, Kate.  But really it wasn’t until I was able to "dish the details" with my Mom, then the royal wedding was complete.    Somehow speaking with my mom, my friend, my rock about the perfect dress, the sweet loving glances and comments between the royal couple and “oh how we loved the second dress” did the royal wedding become a meaningful event.   My mom is the one woman on this earth that gets it me --- with a word or a full length ramble, a glance or a complete stare.  She has always been able to read my mind and my heart.  I loved talking wedding with her but honestly, I love talking anything with her.  

It’s Mother’s Day week and we should celebrate!

A New Low

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

five for Friday

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

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

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

Paper Mom Meets the Governor - A Fun Day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's School Vacation Week

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

But, what to write? 

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

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

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

Five for Friday

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


Have a good weekend paper peeps.... 

The obvious...

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

Five for Friday

Five Great Things about Today!

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

Another author to love...

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

Five for Friday

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

Have a good weekend....