Five for Friday

Five great things about today. . .

1. Watching the Muppets at the Library today
2. Daughter got a fresh new look with 4 inches cut off her pretty little head.
3. No school today
4. No cub scouts tonight.
5. It's the weekend.

Have a great weekend.

First Confession Revealed

Our cub scout makes his first confession on Saturday morning.  When he was discussing this with his sisters it was revealed that one sister marched into the confessional and admitted to eating three muffins instead of the two.....  and for that she had to say a few Hail Mary's according to her, "not a big deal, it's easy"

Scary Mommy has a book or is it a mommy bible?

Paper Peeps - Listen Up. . . .
Scary mommy is you.... Scary mommy is me.... her book hits stores next week and we all owe it to ourselves to belly up to the bookstore and grab a copy.  Read the  first two chapters posted at her site and get a taste of what this mommy fun is all about.  She will make you laugh, cry and basically feel normal.  She is visiting an hour from my home on her scary tour and I am counting the days.  Check out the book trailer, have a giggle and know it's all okay. . .

Parents of the Year!

We are certainly scarring our children with their birthday celebrations.... not intentionally but year after year, it's happening.

Last night while celebrating our little cub scouts 8th birthday he declared - Now, I want an eight candle on my cake, none of this creative math on the cake.  Seriously, he said it.  I am not kidding.  That is because on occasion we have to do creative cake math... like a number 5 candle plus 2 single candles or a number 9 candle plus two singles.... you get the picture, one year we even had to do subtraction.

In addition, this past December the World's Greatest Husband and I both searched and searched and finally put the one and four candles on the cake for our 15 year old.  What were we thinking?  Calling a 15 year old 14, doesn't go over so well.

One of our eleven year olds received a bike last August.  Well it was an IOU because she specifically wanted a yellow bike which we were on the hunt for but had not found.  um, we still haven't found it...  It's become quite a joke in our house.... so much so that the kids were joking with the cub scout last night, stating I hope it's not a bike as he started to open his gifts.
poor girl.

Now today our oldest child turns 17.  My husband who is home sick was still a trooper and got our high schoolers up for school, sick and all.  My husband gets our birthday boy (yes we have 3 family birthdays in March) up and out the door for school without ever wishing him a happy birthday.

Yep, pretty much going to hell over this birthday stuff.

Singing and Laughing

I had a little giggle today.
Driving home from Target I listened to an NPR interview with Elmo, the sweet, little red Sesame Street monster that everyone loves.  It made me have a happy heart.  While at an intersection the NPR show played a clip of Elmo singing, with it being a warm day, I had my windows down and I was rocking it out with Elmo until I realized a man standing on the corner was having a good giggle on me singing my heart out with Elmo.  I believe he was looking for the car seat of a little one in the back, the laughter clearly came when he realized there was no little cupcake singing with momma.  Sometimes it's good to laugh at yourself.

I can't tell you the countless times when the babes were little that I would finally sneak away to the grocery store without children and I would sing to Barney, Lori Berkner or the Wiggles all the way to the store before realizing, wait..... there are no kids with me I can listen to grown up radio.  Over the years the music has changed... the High School Musical CD, Selina Gomez and Justin Bieber.  These days I take a stand and really don't let them change the NPR setting - well, a lot of good that did me today, eh?

Five for Friday

I asked the World's Greatest Husband to be my guest blogger for Five for Friday -Five Great Things about Today... here is what he came up with.... SILENCE.... still waiting.... waiting.... waiting..... he has his head down in the newspaper.... so much for guest blogging....I can't wait all night.....
Here are my thoughts- Five great things about today....
1. Loved the peanut butter cookie that my husband brought home for me.
2. Grocery shopping on line is really a lifeline - I am so happy to have found.
3. Nothing makes me happier than a bargain..... um like a 14.99 spring jacket bargain.
4. Bought a new shade of lipstick.  It's a bit more bold than I am used to....
5. Friday report cards make me a very proud momma.... Those kids amaze me with their academic achievements!  Yippee for them.... Yipppeee for us.... let's hope it always stays this way.

Happy Weekend Paper Peeps...

Under Lock and Key

Apparently my little cub scout has some big secrets.  I found his journal on the kitchen table this morning.... that is one large lock for a little journal. I guess with three sisters, he has to protect his thoughts.

Life... oh life.... life, life, life....

My life is pretty darn wonderful.  Except today, today I want to suck my thumb in the corner of the bathroom while rocking back and forth humming at little do-wa-ditty.....

and all that on the warmest day since ugly winter arrived, who would have thought it? Well sometimes you just can't predict the feeling of crazy.

Here is a funny that despite the gloom of today, made me giggle....

While our oldest daughter was checking out the frozen meat I had left out to defrost for dinner she looked at me with big eyes and said, "Really? No way, really? Oh my God, really? Seriously? We are eating real LION for dinner?"  I quietly corrected her that we would be having pork loin not lion.....

I hope your day is going well.  I am going to self medicate with a few samoas.... or trefoils.... or possibly thin mints because on top of the TEN boxes we ordered, my sister in law told us to keep what she ordered.... so there you have it.... paper mom is not only cranky today but she's fat too.

Looking forward to bedtime.

five for friday

only one great thing for today....
the grant is submitted!
Yippeee
yahoo

Flat Stanley Project

Is it odd that I am  excited about my Cub Scout's Flat Stanley project?  When my daughter was in 2nd grade her teacher did not do this fun project.  I was sad as all the other 2nd graders were talking about it.  This year... we are in.... Mrs. MacDonald is all about the Flat Stanley project.

For one week Flat Stanley is to go on Paper Mom family adventures.  Every night my little cub scout has to journal about Flat Stanley's day he informed me that it can be fictional or real.... Yesterday he skateboarded, got to sit in the front seat of the car and played floor hockey with the World's Greatest Husband.

If I could get him to cook dinner, do laundry and dishes I'd be all set.

Life is Fragile, Pray Hard

Life is fragile.

We all move at an incredible pace and then you learn of something that makes you stop and take note.

Someone dies, someone loses a job, someone is diagnosed with cancer.

Life is so darn hard on a a good day never mind those days when your heart aches and you have to find every ounce of energy just to get out of bed and face the day.

This week at church Father Tony spoke of  "prayer" you know that is one of my favorite topics.... I am so intrigued by how people pray, when they pray, why they pray.... my prayer obsession could be viewed as a little odd, if you lived inside my head.

I pray in my head all the time.  It's random, it's planned, it's thankful, sometimes it's quiet and sometimes it's loud.  Sometimes it is what gets me through the door at work, through an argument with tweens or to finally shut my brain off and sleep.  I have seen the power of prayer, felt it, needed it and depended on it.  I am a divorced woman, remember?

Hail Mary's when I fly on an airplane are a given.
Squeezing my lovers hand during the "Our Father" at church each Sunday, a necessity.
Naming my family members (it's like a race in my brain for me to say as many as I can)  before the church replies "Lord hear our prayer" is a little game that makes me giggle.

Prayer is powerful.  Like this blog, it's one of the only things I own, all mine, in heart, in my head and in my thoughts.

Life is fragile, pray for those who need support to face the day.  You never know who that might be on any given day....

Paper Wreath for Spring!

Spring is coming and my new wreath proves it! Do you like it? It's easy peasy to do....

A Sad Day for Fans of Davy Jones

I am sad to read about Davy Jones.  I am smiling at all the 40 and 50 something mom's that are commenting on the fond memories of  "The Monkey's" and their tween love affair with Davy.  I once had an up close and personal experience with Davy Jones.  Many years ago I was planning a fundraiser event at a venue within the Mohegan Sun Casino and Davy was appearing the same night.  The staff and guests were very involved with his arrival and appearance.  Apparently he has fans that camp out like crazy women waiting to get a glimpse, wave or a kiss.  They were everywhere! They even crashed our fundraiser (I didn't mind, they spent money at our auction)
Hmmmmmm.........
Now why do you think I related to this little display of fan craziness?
Yep, because Rick Springfield Fans are the same darn way.
I can remember Rick's last appearance at Mohegan Sun.  I heard he was having a drink at one of the bars and I too wanted to case the joint and stalk the man (oh wait, I did do that the night I met him in Rye, NY)

Yes, I post this picture as often as I can....

Now honestly, I related to those crazy Davy Jones Fans that night and today, although our guy is different our tween love for the rock star remains the same and lives with us forever.  So today I feel sadness for all the fans, all those crazy fans who have spent a lifetime loving this special performer.  I get it.  I feel it.  I wish them peace.  and as far as Rick? I wish him health and happiness.

Lent - give up something or add something?

Did I tell you what I gave up for Lent?
Well, I didn't give up anything....
I added something.
HaHahaHa that coming from a woman who doesn't have time to poop.
I am writing a personal handwritten note to someone I care about everyday single day during Lent.
A note of thanks, a thinking of you note, a happy to know you note... you get the picture.  The World's Greatest Husband said it nicely on the way to church, our kids were frantically deciding what to give up because their CCD teachers would be asking at Sunday school - He said,  "sometimes you show sacrifice by adding something to your day."  So there you have it... I am adding a thoughtful exercise, an expression of love to those I care about in the hope that my peaceful Lenten heart will secure my place in heaven and make those receiving my notes feel special.
A good deed all the way around...
Want to join me?

Don't you love my new biz card?

Sometimes it's the little things that make life good.  I was thrilled to receive my new business cards in the mail yesterday.  My blog isn't really a business, more like therapy but I often give out the address and wanted a pretty way to do so.... so here it is...

So me, don't you think?

If you are visiting because I handed you that pretty little card, thanks for visiting. In my crazy life with five kids and blended bliss -  the only thing that is all mine, all me, is this darn blog!  I share the food on my plate, my time in the bathroom and just about every ounce of energy I have with my family, my job and my home.  Most days my posts usually share too much, which makes the World's Greatest Husband cringe a bit but I have been known to make other mom's like me.... giggle.  If you are a 40-something (well let's be specific why add years? 41)  mom & step-mo like me, you may find peace in reading the scary details of my life just so you can feel better about your own crazy story.  I hope you will read on Paper Peeps..... Life is Good!

Five for Friday

It snowed today... so it is hard for me for find five great things about today...
1. A few families coming over for dinner tomorrow so my house will be clean soon!
2. found some heavyweight dish towels (yes, that makes me happy)
3. Ordered the World's Greatest Husband his birthday gift.
4. Renewed my BJ's Wholesale membership today (with a coupon!)
5. My daughter is playing softball - it's been a struggle but she is on board! (I think!)

30 hours with my guy...

So we decided to go on a little post Valentine's Day adventure.  We didn't really have a plan other than we packed a bag, had childcare and a need to be alone.

$70 for a tank of gas
$25 for breakfast at the World's Greatest Husband's favorite diner
$10 for a cookie, coke and and a corn dog
$5 for a bottle of water and change for the parking meter
$25 for a few small prizes at the outlet center
$3 for a cup of coffee
$25 for the valet in the North End
$115 for dinner at Lucca
$120 for a room just outside the city
$20 for two tickets to the JFK Presidential Library
$16 for lunch at the snack shop


Spending 30 hours alone with the World's Greatest Husband in Boston Priceless.......
I love that guy!

Reverse Bucket List

I love when Mama Kat's writing workshop strikes a nerve.... this one certainly did....
Create a reverse bucket list - the top ten things you never want to do.... here are my little lovelies....

1. Return to Eighties Fashion
I never want to feather my hair, wear leg warmers or figure out parachute pants (again.)
2. Play Trivial Pursuit
I never ever, ever want to play Trivial pursuit with my husband.  He claims to be the king of this little game and I am not up for the defeat or bragging rights that his win would inflict on me (possibly for years to come)
3. Divorce
Did that once and it was ugly and seriously took precious years off my little life.
4. Girl Fight
I would totally lose.
5. Camp
Let me be more specific, camp outdoors with my little cub scout's pack or den.
6. Sing
Out loud, in public with an audience of any kind.
7. Get a Tattoo 
So not me.... not to mention the pain part.
8. Prepare for a Math Test of any Kind
My fear of math has only grown with age - I got a 2nd grade math problem wrong while offering homework help this week.
9. Drive a School Bus
God bless all those who can with a happy wave at pick up and drop off.

Do you have anything to add?

Five for Friday

Five great things about today...
Visited A.C. Moore, Michaels and Joanne Fabric all in one day!
Major work event secured with date and special guest.
Cub scout got 100 on his spelling test.
Saturday art class in cancelled due to projected snow - that means we can sleep in!!!!!
World's Greatest Husband went grocery shopping last night.
Bonus - bumped into an old friend on my shopping trip... so good to see her!

Have a good weekend paper peeps

Winter

I've blogged about my dislike of winter for years.
I hate winter.
I hate snow.
I hate the the cold temperatures.
The only thing can somewhat tolerate is winter fashion.  I like wearing scarves. It is a fashion staple I enjoy.

Recently I realized my dislike with the season isn't really about the snow, freezing rain, and cold temperatures.  It's about the unpredictability of the weather.  Now, you are never ever going to hear me say "I love winter" but if there was a winter to love, it would be this one. Everyday the temperature is 40 or above I consider it a little gift from God straight to me.  Now that being said, I still hate this winter.  I still dread my winter days, bundling up, scraping the windshield and god forbid - getting the kids ready to go out and play in the snow.  Therefore my seasonal disorder is more about waiting for the other shoe to drop or snowflake to fall.   The unpredictability of New England weather.  I truly need to move to Marco Island where the biggest question of the day that relates to weather, fashion and lifestyle is....
what color flip flops should I wear?


42 more days until spring and yes, I am counting

Five for Friday

Five great things about today - really I only need to document one....

1. Laughing, drinking coffee, shopping and feeling sane with my dearest college bestie.

Oh Life

I've struggled to keep up with my daily journal...
Yes, I start them...
At the start of the new year I was intrigued by the one sentence journal...
Yes, I start them...
Now, I am on to a new type of journaling and wanted to share...
visit www.ohlife
This journal is online with a daily email "kick in the pants" reminder.
Every evening an email arrives asking "how is your day going?"  simply reply to the email and your journal is kept.
Yes, I start them....
Let's see where this one goes....

Pinterest & A 12 Step program

OH MY - - - 
Pinterest is so addicting
I am sort of scared as to where this might lead.  My son is home sick today (he seems to be having a reaction to something) with horrible hives.  My poor little cub scout.  This has given me the opportunity to surf the super highway of mommy heaven... pretty things on pinterest.... My boy is happy watching television without having to fight his siblings for the remote.  I am thrilled to be pinning away.  We are making the absolute best of a bad situation.

five for Friday

Five great things about today:

1. New iphones on the way!
2. A rainy day - perfect for cleaning my house - Now I have to find some motivation
3. Trying hard to see some professional positives. Reflection is a powerful tool.
4. Fresh, clean, new sheets.
5. Date with the Worlds' Greatest Husband tonight....

Hope your day shines and weekend sparkles.

The life of a Step-Mo

In an effort to be the best Step-Mo around I am reading Dr. Wednesday Martin's book Stepmonster.  I am enjoying it.  It is nice to share and learn from another Step-Mo and it's nice to know I am not crazy.  I'll blog more but for now, go get the book.  I am amazed at the assumptions we have as Step-Mo and ex-wife and biological mom.  We really do ourselves no favors as women.  Yesterday I shared a snippet of the book with the World's Greatest Husband and he gave me the sweetest compliments about my journey as Step-Mo. His words made me feel like a Step-Mo rock star.   Yes, there are many reasons why I married him and he is clearly one of the reasons why this family of seven works!  This path is not easy, glamorous or what I had ever imagined for myself - - -  but possible with him by my side.

As I looked out my bathroom window last night and saw the glow of the freshly fallen snow peacefully lighting up the night.... I almost said it..... almost. 
But then I thought better of it and went with....
How will I get to my 9 am meeting if school is delayed?
It's so cold, the driveway will be an ice rink.
We don't have any ice melt in the garage. We will slide down the driveway to the bus stop.
When will the plow guy get here? Will he even come? and do I even have $30 in my checking account right now to pay him?

So for the record, I continue to hate winter especially now that the snow has fallen.

Princess Diana

Do you remember watching the Royal Wedding?  Not Kate and William, I am going back… old school….remember Charles and Diana?  Ahhhh, the People’s Princess, Lady Di.  A woman of style, class, beauty and grace.  She was truly a beautiful woman.  This week I had the biggest treat.  A girl treat.  A mommy treat.  A ladies only treat….

I had an opportunity to visit Diana a Celebration an award winning exhibition that chronicles the life and work of Princess Diana.

So believe it or not I was actually able to sneak out of the house twice this week with two gal pals.  We had the day planned for last Sunday but the wait for the exhibit was two hours.  We decided to grab a bite to eat and visit the exhibit on a week night when the line wasn’t so overwhelming (good choice but honestly our dinner date took longer than it would have been to wait in line and visit the exhibit) BONUS FOR ME – two nights out.

The exhibit was one of those moments of wonder and joy.  It was delightful and made you love Princess Diana even more.  The wedding gown was stunning.  The 28 displayed suits, dresses and gowns? Breathtaking.  It was a feel good, girlfriend kind of day.   

Visit the website to learn more and watch a video clip.

Lucky me

Lucky Me

I was dreading my doctor’s appointment today.  The thought of having to face the number on the scale and the woman who has been so supportive of my weight loss in the same moment was not something I was looking forward to.  Guess what? My doctor didn’t weigh me and the nurse didn’t weigh me either.  No one asked me to step on the ol’ scale.  Seriously, did they forget?   I wasn’t about to remind her I practically ran out of the office hoping she wouldn’t run after me and announce “oh we forgot to weigh you”.  I was happy to not have to face the music.  Well actually, I am ready to lose it.  I am sick of the few extra pounds I’ve packed on.  But not having to explain my constant chewing throughout the holiday season was a relief that I wasn’t expecting… Yippee for me.   Silly little thing but it made my day a good day.

Dear Governor Malloy - With Thanks - Paper Mom

Dear Governor Malloy,

Well it’s your one year anniversary and traditional gift giving etiquette lists paper as the appropriate anniversary gift so in the spirit of tradition, I think it is only fitting to celebrate with an anniversary PAPER Mom post. Get it? PAPER? PAPER MOM?

From a rowdy town hall meeting in Norwich  (see my Paper Mom votes for Malloy post on 3/10/11) to a family field trip to the capitol ( see my Paper Mom meets the governor fun day post on 4/21/11 )  to a calculated anniversary discussion, our paths have crossed again.  A year later, I have to say – I am still a Governor Dannel Malloy fan.  A bit older, smarter and settled, I write to say thank you.

   

I walked out of your Town Hall Meeting  last March encouraged,  it served as a little government pep rally for me,  but as the year went on I became cautious and I would go so far as to say, fearful.  Like the spouse of many state employees, I spent many nights worrying about the stability of the World’s Greatest Husband’s position.  I have worried for the growth of our town knowing that funding is a constant issue, what does that mean to our five kids and their education? Will our Library have to once again close for two weeks?  Will our most fragile citizens and the organizations that support them have an opportunity to grow and strengthen so we can be a stronger community?  Yes, even with our busy life with five children, I find lots of time to worry. 

The truth is, a year later I feel hopeful.  I can’t entirely explain it because we still struggle to pay our bills, our city budget remains fragile and my kids are still picky eaters - But I am hopeful.  Maybe it’s the spirit of the New Year and my renewed mind-set that life is good.  Whatever it is, I’ve made a choice to focus on the positive because where does the negative get us? 

Tonight’s conversation was well done.  Ray Hackett and the Norwich Bulletin facilitated a smart, civil, spirited opportunity to reflect on the past year.  For me, that went beyond politics.  The audience was filled with community leaders, decision makers and area notables.  I can only hope that they too felt hopeful because collectively we can work together to make Norwich and Connecticut a better place. Thank you for all the long hours, tough decisions and courage to act.  It is not an easy job.   

Fondly,

Paper Mom

PS – No need to worry about spending any additional time in an emergency command center due to major weather problems.  The World’s Greatest Husband had our snow blower fixed and that guarantees – NO SNOW. 

Focus on 2012

With a sick kid home from school the past two days, I've been able to surf the web and get my fill of new years goal setting thoughts, resolutions and new ideas.  I guess it is the perk of having to be home with a kid who has had a fever.  

I've given an enormous amount of thought to the energy that we put out and the energy that comes back to us.  I am a believer in this.  I could go into a long explanation that references my down and out divorce days and then the days where I began to see things with clarity and how that changed my world or I can skip the details and just repeat ...... I am a believer in the energy we put out and the energy that comes back to us.

So I am focusing on one word for 2012 - LUCKY 
and one symbol :

I chose the word "Lucky" because sometimes I can forget how wonderful my life really is.  I have many things that make me a lucky lady and I don't want to lose sight of the "Good Life" that I live.  I also know that when I pay attention to feeling lucky - more luck will come my way.  My new phrase to the World's Greatest Husband?  This is our lucky year.  I think he may be taking it in a different context but I will let him roll with it for now.

My symbol, the heart, is to always remind me to bring love to my day, my work, and my family throughout 2012. My heart is big but like most woman I have things to learn, strengthen and protect.  

So much more to say and do but I'll leave it to my "lucky heart" for now......

This was read at my high school senior night 23 years ago.  Words to live by, via Mrs. Papandrea:

THE STATION

By Robert J. Hastings

         TUCKED AWAY in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves
on a long journey that spans an entire continent. We're traveling by train and, from the 
windows, we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at
crossings, of cattle grazing in distant pastures, of smoke pouring from power plants, of row
upon row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of city skylines and
village halls.

    But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination--for at a certain hour and on a
given day, our train will finally pull into the station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands
playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So restlessly, we
pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

    "Yes, when we reach the station, that will be it!" we promise ourselves. "When we're 
eighteen. . . win that promotion. . . put the last kid through college. . . buy that 450SL 
Mercedes-Benz. . . have a nest egg for retirement!"

    From that day on we will all live happily ever after.

    Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no station in this life, no one earthly
place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy. The station is an illusion--it
constantly outdistances us. Yesterday's a memory, tomorrow's a dream. Yesterday belongs to a
history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday's a fading sunset, tomorrow's a faint sunrise. Only
today is there light enough to love and live.

    So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn't the burdens of today 
that drive men mad, but rather regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and
fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.

    "Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, "This is
the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

     So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more
mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener.
Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we
go along. The station will come soon enough.

Happy New Year- it's 2012.  Did you know this is going to be my lucky year?  I am not sure exactly in what way and I am sure I will have to give myself constant reminders but today, I feel lucky. Mostly because I just woofed down a KFC pot pie.  Yep, my year of no fast food has come to a close.  It's a new year with new thoughts, hopes and wishes.  This year I will make an occasional fast food stop.

This year I am not entirely sure what I am giving up but I know what I am saving..... my change.
I am going to save my change in a jar for a whole year and see what cha-ching happens on January 1, 2013.
and I am also vowing to enter all those customer survey contests for gift cards that are printed on the back of my retail receipts.  Hopefully my lucky duck feelings will ring true and I will win.

I'll post more on dreams and new year wishes over the next week but I wanted to share our new years experience from last night.....  Let's see, if I had to sum up the evening in one word? I guess I would go with YUMMO- Is that a word?  Well it is if you visit Buon Appetito in North Stonington.  The World's Greatest Husband and I found ourselves with not one of our five children on New Year's Eve (the first one we've celebrated alone in five years) and decided to ring in the New Year with dinner and a movie.  Buon Appetito has been on my "must visit" list since they opened last February and I would have to say, I hope to visit again before THIS February.  It was delicious.  It was on my pizza tour list but we didn't go with pizza for the glitz and glamour of New Years.  Instead we had their tasting menu. The first course was Arugula Salad with shaved fennel, goat cheese, toasted walnuts and my fave- balsamic vinaigrette.  2nd course: Truffle Ravioli with Sweet Sausage, Lentils, Spinach, Mushroom Cream (to die for) 3rd course: Surf 'n Turf - Grilled Strip Loin, Shrimp Scampi, Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Sauteed French Beans and finally Fallen Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato and Whipped Cream. It was delightful.  Our waitress was right on the mark - She was attentive, assertive and kind all in one.  The owner, stopped over and made sure everything was to our liking with more than one go around and offered me a coffee on the house.  So the experience exceeded my expectations - you know I am all about the customer service and Buon Appetito does it right.  The food? excellent and yes, the World's Greatest Husband agrees with me on that one 100%.  But the real joy of the evening was the ambiance.  The place is gorgeous.  They have worked hard to make a pretty, comfortable, welcoming dining room.  Again, I am a sucker for all things stylish and warm and again Buon Appetito does it with class.   I am thinking this place has World's Greatest Husbands 50th Birthday Party written all over it.  Visit their website and see the beautiful dining room and menu.

From one wonderful experience we went on to one intense experience.  The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.  A long movie that had my attention, it was well done and now I must read the book.

Home by 10:30 ready to watch the ball drop on our new television with champagne.  A perfect ending and beginning to a new year.

Much love, health and happiness to you in 2012

Five for Friday

Five great things about today-
1. We are purchasing a new Television.  Yippee, hurray, yahoo.
2. Resolution season is looming.  I have some serious work to do. I love the feeling of a new year, new opportunity but I need some plans on paper for it to take shape.
3. One day closer to a pot pie at Kentucky Fried Chicken.  I gave up fast food for the past year and Sunday I am going crazy with a trip to KFC.  I am so proud of meeting my goal.  I wasn't a huge fast food queen but it was a struggle on occasion.
4. One day closer to my new life of eating in moderation and exercise.  I've been pigging out for months, I am sick of it. My hard work of losing 30+ pounds is slowly going away (right to my hips).  In 2012 I want to be 50 pounds lighter.  There, I said it.  whew.  Now I have to do it.  (after my KFC splurge)
5. Husband is working at the hospital tonight, that means I have the new TV all to myself. (heheheh)

Paper Mom Holiday Updates

Paper Peeps - What a Christmas Holiday it has been.  Here is the update--

First off, remember our holiday links for good deeds? Well our amazing kids completed 37 good deeds!  It was a wonderful experience that I would recommend for all!  Our kids truly found joy in helping others and making a link on our paper chain for each good deed.... they encouraged one another along the way.  I am so happy that we added this little ditty to our list of  Christmas traditions.  I did give one link to our teenage daughter for keeping her thoughts to herself.  - maybe a stretch for the typical "good deed" but the right course of action for the moment none the less.

Remember our little trip to Kringle Candle in November?  Well I have three updates... during my recent ladies only Christmas of Gold Party I had lots and lots of compliments on my home smelling yummy!  I proudly told my Kringle story to those who hadn't heard it (or read it. Can you believe some of my gal pals don't read this blog?)  The funny thing about that night was when I put out my candles I really did appreciate that they were all white and not a colorful rainbow to compliment the fragrance at hand.  I admit, when I first read about the candles being all white to remain decor neutral I thought that was a stretch in marketing........ ladies, it is actually quite nice.  I have enjoyed the white, it oozes class.    Lastly, I just finished up my first jar candle and put it in the freezer to clean out the wax so I can use it as a decorative jar and hey guess what? Easy peasy, wax popped out and now I have a beautiful glass covered jar to hold some pretty ribbon on my craft desk in my craft room (which is under a major transformation right now).  Did I mention that my mother sent us a candle for our anniversary after reading my blog?  Somedays I swear she is my only reader, I am just glad she pays attention.

The best Christmas present?  Our teenage daughter created a homemade card for each of us and it truly was the best gift she could have given.  I was filled with love to know that our blended family lines blurred with her loving sentiments.  At bedtime all three girls said this was the best Christmas ever and suddenly my Holiday stress melted away.    I slept well.

Now this week has taken a turn.  The World's Greatest Husband's three are with their mom for the rest of the week and my two are with their Dad for a bit.  We are living the life of newlyweds - - -

Proud Paper Mom

Indulge me....
I am having a proud Paper Mom moment.
My 6th grader got straight A's on her report card.
She is the first of our bunch to ever do this.
I am very, very proud of her.  Not only has she successfully adjusted to middle school, she did it with straight A's (ok had to write it one more time). We are quite lucky here, all of our children do well in school.  I am proud of each of them.

We are lucky and I do know it and I thank God everyday for it.  Yesterday I witnessed the pain of a fellow mom while attending Bob's Discount Furniture's Mega Blood Drive at Foxboro Stadium.  It broke my heart.  As I stood in line to get the autographs of beautiful Patriot cheerleaders I overheard a conversation of a mom that has a child on the autism spectrum.  She was visiting the Red Cross resources information table.  She spoke of the struggles she has and the beauty and strengths of her nine year old child.   She was frustrated, sharing that she often falls between the cracks of services because of her good job and salary.  But the woman needs a break, her only down time occurs when her ex husband is in the picture and that sounded a tad unreliable.  When the Red Cross worker gave her the number of someone to call for social services and possible respite, the mom teared up (me too) she was so grateful with the hope of of a helping hand.  The Red Cross is an amazing agency and yesterday's blood drive was quite an operation.  It was nice to be a part of this event, considering it is the season of giving.

This little story relates to all the stress we mommas are feeling with the production of Christmas.  I recently listened to a step mom's toolbox recording and the theme was - take care of yourself.  As I get older I realize, if I am not nurturing my soul a little bit along the way, I am not nurturing the soul of the five kids I am trying to build.  It is hard to find ten or twenty minutes every so often to do something that makes me happy, something that is all about me, me, me.  I guess paper crafting is it, maybe reading before bed or a quick phone call to my mom.  It doesn't happen all the time but when it does, it centers me.  The woman I spoke about above, has added struggles and I can only imagine how badly she needs "me time".  I hope she finds a few minutes to center her soul this holiday season, I hope we all do --- Shopping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, parties, presents, wrapping all while doing our regular routines of working, lessons, homework and life can make a grown woman nutzo - Hang tough my friends----- it will all be over soon ---- make memories in the meantime.

Five for Friday
Five great things about today...
1. Chaperoning the school field trip to the nutcracker
2. Starting the day at Target
3. Office Christmas party night.
4. Kids are excited for their favorite sitter tonight.
5. Christmas is finally unpacked.

Have a good day paper peeps!

Ba humbug with a giggle.

Ba-humbug

Recently my 11 year old was complaining while christmas shopping.

I looked her in the eye and said, "BA-HUM- BUG!"

She looked confused and asked, "What is that, Spanish?"

I can't make these things up - seriously.

The lady walking by heard the whole thing and we both had a good laugh like all fellow mothers should....

Christmas Photo Card Stress

Are you familiar with ordering photo Christmas cards?
Have you too broken a sweat as you try to line up all the kids and say cheese?
There is always one that looks away or is cranky - I have five of them.... kids that is,  and I spend all year trying to capture that darn Christmas card picture.  I must admit, I got one in August.  One perfect picture, everyone has good hair, nice smiles and the lighting of the sun setting on the beach made it a keeper in every way.  I was happy.  To my amazement and delight - we captured another acceptable one this past Sunday at the tree farm, complete with the old man in the red suit, this time all seven of us.    So I bit the bullet and decided on a card that has three spaces for three different photos.  I opted for my two keepers and a loving one of me and the World's Husband to go in the middle... ya know, the middle one representing the glue that keeps this circus together.

I practically skipped into the store knowing that this year our card will be a stunner! I ordered and eagerly awaited my print job.  tick tock, tick tock one hour passes and it's time.

The photo tech actually said, "your card really came out nice" as I waited to pay.  I rip open the package and gasp... .to my absolute horror, I didn't include any text on my fabulous card.  I just pressed print with no closing such as: With Love, or Warm Holiday Wishes.... it's just blank... yep, just blank - no names, no closing, no nothing.... except for three fabulous family photos at the top.

The whole point of the pre-printed family photo card is the fact that you can order 100 of them covering the long list of old high school friends, family, college roommates and former co-workers and NOT HAVE TO SIGN THEM.... although not a warm note, the pre-printed card acknowledges warm holiday greetings for the busy mom on the go... God invented this for women like me.  YA, WELL not this year, maybe next.  I've got to go now... I have 100 cards to personally sign.
With Love,
PaperMom, The World's Greatest Husband, Kid 1, Kid 2, Kid 3, Kid 4 and Kid 5
xoxo

Five for Friday

Normally I publish my "Five for Friday - Five great things about today, on Fridays"
Because yesterday's post with www.mamakatslosinit.com was centered on the number five... I thought I would break away from routine and bring you five great websites to visit.   As you know, I am a sap for love, inspiration and all things good in life.... the following websites have made me cry and basically feel good about love, marriage, life and the power of family.  I hope you will visit them and find that special place that makes you have a grateful and peaceful heart. Have a great weekend Paper Peeps.
www.motherglow.com
www.ringonthefinger.com
www.welcomehomeblog.com
www.fuzzyfeelings.com (and I am not an animal person)
www.feelgoodblogs.com

Special thanks to Leelou blogs for introducing me to this website goodness.

Some Important Things About Me

Five Things with Mama Kat

Five things you don’t know about me:

1. Sometimes I drive all the way across town to the gas station that pumps gas for you just so I don’t have to get out of the car. 
2. I sometimes wish my kids were grown and out of the house and because of that wish, I often pray to be a better mother.
3. I keep laundry all over the basement floor as I sort and get to each pile.  And yes, most days there are piles!
4. I only floss the week of my dentist appointment.
5. I have favorite statues that I’ve named in church.  One is my grandmother, Nana and one is my old friend, Douglas.  I find peace in the fact that I can give them a minute or two in my head and heart, each week during mass. … and some weeks, I swear they blink at me.

Five things I am knowledgeable about:

1. Martini’s – just ask the World’s Greatest Husband, I’ve perfected a few of them for him over the years.
2. What my kids will and will not eat.  I can call that one from a mile away
3. Paper crafting. I’ve watched way too many hours of you tube tutorials on how to fold, glue and create.  I’ll also add that I am very knowledgeable about the store layout and inventory of Michaels craft stores.  An important skill on holiday’s such as Black Friday or one day sales.
4. The World’s Greatest Husband would chime in with “kissing” He is so sweet always telling me I am the best kisser, he often sends thanks my seventh grade boyfriend.
5. The structure and components needed in a good bathing suit as well as the frame of mind, time and money needed to purchase one.

Five things I know nothing about:

1. Computer networking, wireless systems, updating, downloading and syncing.    That is why I call the World’s Greatest Husband my “computer boy.”
2. Many of the ingredients in Bon Appetit magazine.
3. Vacuuming the pool – I can’t even begin to grasp how that gizmo, hose and pumpy thing work to suck out the dirt, did I tell you I live with my “pool boy?”
4. Apparently I know very little about 6^th grade math and our stressful homework sessions continue to prove that one!
5. Illegal Drugs.  I’ve never understood the desire to do them or the power of them. 

Five things I believe

1. When love is true, it brings out the best in you.
2. We are all stronger than we think we are.
3. A clean closet can make you think a bit clearer.
4. The magic of a good night’s sleep.
5. The best cleaning gets done when one is angry.

Sometimes motherhood wears us out....

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

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

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

I think I am nuts.

A New Christmas Tradition

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

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

Black Friday Random Thoughts

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

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

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

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


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

delightful day at Kringle Candle

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Snowtober

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

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

Five for Friday

Five great things about today:
1. grocery shopping done.  And this time, I had to actually go to the grocery store and go aisle by aisle.  No online order.  It was torture for me, but the job is done.
2. Talked to my old friend.  Thank god - it had been too long.
3. Halloween candy is bought.  We don't get any trick or treaters but of course we have to have the candy!
4. Received the latest Stampin up catalog and that is BIG fun for me.
5. Um yeah, not a great thing but worth a mention....... we are getting snow tomorrow.... yes, before Halloween snowfall.  I HATE WINTER!

Two posts in one week....that is an improvement.

Slacker

So I've been a blogging slacker.  I can list all my excuses... five kids, work, planning a party, teaching paper classes but really it just sounds lame-o.  I think of my blogging friends often but posting lately has been a BIG challenge.  I am sorry, plain and simple, sorry.

On Saturday I took my cub scout bowling and he LOVED it!  It was fun to watch him get soooo into it.  He proudly announced, "Mom, this is way better than the wii."   Love it!

Ok, I'll try to be better about posting.... really, I'll try.

Five for Friday

Ok, I almost forgot how to log in.
It's been awhile.

Five great things about today.
1. shopping this morning.
2. beautiful forecast for the weekend.
3. Extra long weekend.
4. Paper Mom workshop at two libraries next week!
5. Cub scouts tonight but no art, no ccd over the holiday weekend.... that  means we can sleep in!

Happy Weekend!

Being a good catholic

I’ll be the first to admit, we often skip church in the summer.  With no Sunday school June through August, it is far too easy to come up with excuses not to go.  This past week our back to Sunday school routine kicked in and it was good to be with our regular “church peeps.”  There is something comforting about going to church every week and sitting among “the regulars.”  I only know a handful of names of the people that sit by us and I’ve been going to this church, this mass, for 5 years now.  But I can tell you this….

I love watching the two school age boys hold hands and hug their mom during mass.  They make my heart sing and I feel their love. 

I take note of the couple that sits behind us, sometimes they come together and sometimes don’t.  I’ve said a few prayers for them because I just have a feeling they are having a hard time these days. 

I’ve watched the newborn baby off to our left grow up each and every week for the last four years.  I feel the pride of her mom and dad as I have watched them emerge as parents each week.  I suspect I will be seeing another baby bump soon.

I am currently taking note of the older woman who is losing clumps of her hair each week.  I know this isn’t a good sign.  I saw her in the grocery store and introduced myself not so long ago.  I am happy when her daughters come to mass with her.

I take note of the couples who hold hands, who sing loud, who kiss during the sign of peace.  I take note of attendance and of new faces and I think the woman who sits in front of us has wonderful handbags and another has the most amazing coats, jackets and accessories.

Honestly, I feel God’s good work in that special space each week. I don’t know many of the names of those around me but they are people that I know, I care about and I pray for. Like a good catholic, I always nod and wave at fellow church goers when seen at the store.   I’ve thought about these people a lot since Sunday.  Seeing them once again felt good but my thoughts have taken me to a place that says --- maybe I need to do more, maybe I should know not only the face and the name but also the heart of those around me.  Yes, I am sure God is happy that I am praying for them and with them each week but does he want me to do more? That’s why I am setting out on a mission to meet my neighbors in the pew! I just may call it. . . Operation - Who are Pew - or maybe Mission - Happy to Meet Pew.  No matter what it’s called, it is about being a better person, being kind and helping those who come into my life, even if that simply means sitting a few feet from me for one hour each week.  

New Michael's Craft Store in Town

Yesterday when I woke up, I told the World's Greatest Husband, "It sort of feels like Christmas"
The new Michael's store had it's grand opening yesterday and I admit, I was one of those crazy crafty Diva's that was counting down the days.  So here is my top ten take on the new store.

1.  It does seem a bit smaller than other Michael's stores but the paper section is all I really paid attention to.
2.  The fact that Michael's is now only 10 minutes from my home simply makes me smile and feel warm, cozy and ready for any last minute project or idea.
3. The staff was friendly and attentive. I was "pre-cashed out"  It was strange.  Two sales people stood side by side while I was in line, unpacked my basket, bagged my items and handed me a gift card to simply hand to the cashier to pay.
4. The prize wheel for the grand opening made my palms sweat with anticipation.  I won an oversized leaf punch.  Totally worth the 10 minutes I had to wait to play and paper peeps..... they are giving away prizes all week.
5. I met some other paper crafters in front of the Martha Stewart section and it made me realize that paper crafters are a fun bunch.  I wanted to invite them over for coffee.  I did invite them to my paper workshop at the Library in October, I have no shame.
6. I forgot my coupons which is really out of character for me.  I think I was simply in a crafters haze as I left the house.
7. Did I mention that this store is only ten minutes - back roads - from my house?
8. I bought glue guns for $1.49  A Great Bargain! and yes, I bought paper too.
9. Do you think it is weird if I go everyday this week?  You do have to enter the raffle daily.
10. I forgot my coupons so that means.... I still have coupons..... I am headed back tomorrow.  I think those cashiers will be calling me by name in no time.

Happy crafting
PS - My Monday Loves . . . is . . .  Michael's Craft Store

five for Friday

Five great things about today...

Fall is here.  The World's Greatest Husband informed me. . . "It's all down hill from here" He knows I HATE winter. When I say HATE, I mean dislike passionately.  It's coming.

Date night and boy do I need it.  This has been a long and stressful week. My husband left me a greeting card on the kitchen counter, that should clue you in to the level of stress.... I need greeting cards to help me through.

Met some wonderful librarians yesterday.  Paper Mom took her show on the road  inviting some new friends to learn paper crafting with me.  It was a quick intro only 12 minutes, I was a bit more jumbled than usual but I think my passion came through. Because those of you who know me well, know - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE paper!

The new Michael's store opens this weekend.  I hate to admit this - but it sort of feels like Christmas to me.  I simply cannot wait to go check out this new store.

Ran into a friend at the bank this morning.  Always nice to see a familiar, smiling face to chat it up with.

Another busy weekend ahead, enjoy the sunshine !