Mommy Learns to Blog

Thankful

2013-11-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

Like so many others, I've decided to use the month of November as an opportunity to reflect on all of the things in my life for which I'm thankful.

While it's something I try to think about every day, big or small, in November I share one thing on my FB status every day.

As I was writing my status for November 23rd, I realized it was a complete blog post in the making, and since I've been neglecting my poor lonely blog, decided to dust it off (yet again) and share with the world (or 3 people who are still reading).

Day 23: Thankful for social media, and the connections it's allowed me to make. I recently met one of the nicest, most kind-hearted people I've ever known because of FB and the many people we share in common. Jake is someone who truly "walks the walk" - a shining example of a true mensch (really good person) who strives, on a daily basis, to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone around him - even those he doesn't know personally. Whether he's making a friend's day with a simple gesture or helping put together huge fundraisers and toy drives (please donate to the Toys for Tots drive at La-Z-Boy in Warwick if you can!), Jake is just the kind of person you just want to be around, and he makes you want to do more, be a better person. Through blogging (even when I'm not actively keeping up), Twitter, Instagram, and more, I've met many so many amazing and inspiring people. Some I've yet to meet because they're all over the country, and some have become "IRL" (in real life) friends. In my travels, I've even had the opportunity to meet a few "online" friends and have developed connections I didn't know were possible (this often makes me sad because these are people with whom I'd spend all the time in the world if I could) I know that not everyone understands this concept, and many find it weird or even scary that I'd open so many aspects of my life to people I've never met in person, but for me, it's one of the greatest parts of social media. I only wish I could sit down and have a cup of coffee or glass of wine with so many of them!

Weird or not, scary or not, it's what feels good and right for me, and I will continue to do so, and in turn, hope to continue to be inspired and enjoy my interactions with so many incredible people near and far. There are still so many of you to "meet"!

Losing my religion.

2013-07-18T18:07:00.001-04:00

Until about an hour ago, the only reference I'd ever heard to a "God's Eye" was on my favorite episode of Family Guy - the one with "Bitch Stewie".

I stopped in at Hobby Lobby today (I'd been there once before, but only for about 3 minutes in the floral section). I knew the company had some sort of religious focus and they close on Sundays to allow their employees time for worship with their families. I did NOT know that they sold so many religious-themed crafts.

Summer crafts were 80% off, so I looked for a few things I thought my Mad Hatter might enjoy - avoiding those of the variety that said things like "I Love Jesus!", which were in abundance. One little treasure was a kit that makes 4 God's Eyes, and at $.60 I definitely wasn't leaving without it!

MH's friend came over play, and I convinced them that we just HAD to try making them. I was so excited! What's not to love about popsicle sticks and variegated yarn?!?

For a crafter, I must be incredibly challenged because I couldn't understand the instructions to the point that I had to find a tutorial on YouTube (thank God's Eye for the digital age). As the young boy in the video was showing his mad skillz and I tried to keep up, the mom started narrating about how they make these at VBS (?), you can make smaller ones for Christmas tree ornaments, something about "four points". In a sudden flash a light bulb went on!

I looked at the picture again, and what did I see? Wow, it looked very similar to a cross with yarn wrapped around it! And THAT's when this Jewish girl realized why she has no recollection of EVER making one growing up - even throughout years of (Jewish) camp!

So, I'm still not convinced that I got it right - it looks kind of lopsided - BUT, if you're in need of a new ornament this year, it's free to the first bidder. The only thing is, you're going to have to figure out how the make the loop for hanging it, because I GIVE UP!

Those sweet little girls? They abandoned me ages ago for far more exciting activities.

At least I'm a good snuggler.

2013-07-16T10:08:00.001-04:00

You know those days you just know are gonna be one of those days?

Unfortunately, no one sent me the memo about today.

I woke up in horrible pain, but many days that's the norm, so it is what it is.

I somehow proceeded to burn pre-cooked bacon in the microwave, in the process breaking the first plate I've ever broken. In 12 years of marriage. I know, many people are already onto a new set of flatware, but mine? I LOVE it. Have never even gotten so much as a chip. And now? I can only have 11 of you for dinner. I no longer have 12 perfect settings. Of course it had to be a dinner plate and not a saucer, which never gets used anyway.

While the bacon was burning, I was somehow messing up my famous (according to the Mad Hatter) scrambled eggs with cheese. I still don't know what I did wrong, only that as I was running around the house throwing on workout clothes and packing snacks for camp, that pile of eggs was not getting any smaller.

"What's wrong with the eggs honey?"

"Nothing, mommy. I'm just kinda full."

"But you haven't eaten a thing. Is something bothering you?"

"No. (pause) They just taste kind of weird."

Translation: I'm convinced since you burnt PRE-COOKED bacon you have also become completely inept at scrambling a couple of eggs.

The next few minutes were a combination of me offering her other breakfast options while she said she was fine, me silently berated myself (and my husband for buying a new kind of cooked bacon that takes less cooking time), and me continuing to rush around throwing random snacks in her lunch bag while insisting that she had to eat something. We settled on a granola bar. Some days you just have to go with it and be glad snack time is in an hour.

My smashing start managed to make us 5 minutes late for camp, and when we arrived, the door was locked (bonus points for keeping my kid extra safe all day, but today it would have been great if you could have held off until 9:06). We had to be let in by someone in the other part of the building, and by this point I know that MH is mortified in general, but especially that on this particular day, I happen to be her mommy. I could tell she actually thought she was in trouble for being late, even though the teacher warmly welcomed her and assured her they'd just started - definitely not my goal for an awesome week (okay, at this point day) at art camp.

I'm sure she was fine a minute after I left, but me? Total hot mess. Without much hope for changing that, as we're going for 101 degrees today. And I'm sitting here in the car blogging from my iPhone before I step into the already oppressive heat for this morning's walk.

Right before I left, I gave her a huge hug and whispered in her ear how sorry I was for a not-so-great morning, and that I wanted her to have a great day.

She squeezed me back, and in the most serious and sweet little voice said "We all have bad days Mommy. I think maybe you're just tired. And you did a great job at one thing this morning - snuggling!"

Well, at least there's that. Now someone, please wish me luck for the rest of the day - snuggle time doesn't happen again for at least 10 hours.

Grow

2013-07-15T13:31:00.001-04:00

It's hard for me to believe that tomorrow will be exactly 3 months since my lumbar fusion.

The time has flown, and there have been so many stages. Unlike my 2 previous back surgeries, my recovery has been going well. Don't get me wrong, I have good days and not so great ones, and I'm a long way from full recovery, but I'm feeling more than optimistic about what my future holds.

I'm currently in the rehabilitation phase. In fact, I have dedicated this summer specifically to spending the majority of my time working on rehab. I started physical therapy a few weeks ago, and while it is HARD work, there have been no surprises. I'm waking up muscles that haven't been worked in ages. There has definitely been an increase in pain, but I can easily distinguish between muscle soreness (good) and true back pain (not so good). I try my best to listen to my body and treat it with kindness.

In addition to working on a variety of core-strengthening exercises and stretching, I walk daily. This is probably one of the most important things I can do to help promote healing.

After my morning walk, I tend to snap a pic of myself for my Instagram account - I like the accountability it makes me feel, and it feels great to share my progress with others! It also feels great to look at my album and see tangible proof of my commitment.

I am not a hat person. Outside of a floppy sun hat, I own just one baseball cap. It's a Life Is Good hat I picked up ages ago before a vacation to Florida, and the front is simple: a flower and the word "grow".

One day last week as I was uploading this pic, it occurred to me how appropriate my one and only hat is.

Grow.

I'm a silver linings person - I tend to need to find some good in any less than positive situation. In that moment, it hit me. This was my 3rd back surgery in less than 6 years. Life doesn't get much harder (at least in my own experience) than healing from major back surgery.

BUT. You can feel sorry for yourself and wallow in your pain, or commit yourself to doing everything in your power to gain your life back - to build a new and better one than before! I will not lie and say I don't have days where I feel down - I am human. However, overall, I choose the latter.

I have chosen to grow. I consider my current state ground zero. Only I can build the me I want to be, and this is my clean slate with which to do it. A blank page in the story of the new life I'm choosing for myself: commitment to daily exercise, losing weight, making drastic changes to my nutrition. Adding in more exercise as I am able. These things will not only make me feel better and more energetic, therefore making me a better mom and wife - they will make a better ME.

I know I will never be pain free, but if continually working on my growth can help keep it at a manageable level and allow me to live the life I feel I've been missing out on living, I will take it.

So? I think I'll stick to my one hat. Every time I put it on, it's a reminder that I'm a work in progress. There are many hills and valleys on the road to recovery, but we are NEVER too old to grow.

Progress

2013-05-26T01:11:00.001-04:00

The past three days have probably been the best days I've had in over 8 months.

I have stood without feeling like my hips might break in half. I haven't felt that excruciating, gnawing, constant pain down the front of my thighs. I've walked -more slowly than I'd have liked, but without constant agony.

My back hurts, and I have to stop and remind myself I had major spinal surgery just over 5 weeks ago. But this pain? Seems almost normal. Not to say it doesn't hurt, but it's telling me that the choice I made, the one I tried everything in my power to not have to make, the only choice I could make in the end, was without a doubt the right choice. It is, for the most part, bearable.

Mother Nature has been flooding us with humidity, which is never a good thing for a bad back. In a cruel twist, she yanked our beautiful spring weather without warning and this morning brought cool, rainy, windy, stay under a cozy blanket and watch Lifetime movies (I can't believe I even wrote that - bed rest and recovery will weaken even the strongest constitution).

I didn't give in to Mother Nature. Not today, not yesterday, or even the day before. I moved. I spent time with people I love. I did things I enjoy. I felt normal.

While I wouldn't change a thing, and will continue to strive for these days that are helping make me feel like I'm finally returning to the land of the living, I'm acutely aware that although there is a need to challenge and push myself, I also need to acknowledge the delicate balance that comes with healing. I'm trying so hard to find where that balance falls on my healing journey, and am finding that it is far from an easy ctask.

Sometimes a good thing really can be a little too much of a good thing. Sometimes we need our pain to nag us a little to remind us to slow down. Not to stop, but to be kind to ourselves.

Tomorrow, I plan on listening to what my body is telling me: I need some rest. So the plan? Nothing at all. Tomorrow will be time for cozy blankets and family snuggles. For enjoying just being us, with nowhere we need to be or any particular obligations. Maybe an "outing" as I've come to call them, and maybe not leaving the house at all.

But most importantly, listening. Because listening means more wonderful days ahead. More and more days of "normal."

As for the things that really helped make these past three days extra special? More on that soon. Maybe tomorrow? Then again, who knows. It will keep, as will my smile.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2013-05-22T21:15:00.001-04:00

June 27, 2011

May 2013

A little less than 2 years.

A world of difference in a million ways.

A mommy who wishes she could freeze time.

Tap, tap, tap ... Is this thing on?

2013-05-22T04:52:00.000-04:00

Hello? Anyone there? The silence is deafening. Hmmm, could that be because I started this blog over 5 years ago and my last post was on January 21, 2011?

Wow. I just realized that's exactly 2 years and 4 months ago. No wait. It's 3:04am, making it May 22, 2013. Insomnia is what finally brought me back. Sort of.

Here's some irony. In February of 2008, I underwent a spinal fusion at L4/L5. My daughter, The Mad Hatter, had just turned 3. With the surgery's long and brutal recovery, I knew I needed an outlet. Writing? Has always been my first love. Cathartic. Creative. The words just seem to flow out of me faster than I can type them. If you're new here or know me IRL, you will quickly realize that I write exactly as I talk. Which is a lot. But I'm always just trying to keep it real.

Anyways, where were we? Right, irony. So, recovering from major surgery, loving writing, needing an outlet, I thought to myself, maybe I can do this blogging thing - how hard can it be? So I thought about a name. I was a mom. I was learning to blog. There you go - Mommy Learns to Blog. Not too hard so far. As I started to write, I realized this was going to be far from hard. Instead, if I had to choose one word, I'd call it amazing. I found an entire world online that I would lose myself in for hours. Because, as bloggers know (or learn), when you have your own blog, it's pretty likely that you're going to seek out other blogs you enjoy reading. You will comment on blog posts that resonate with you. People will in turn read your blog and comment on what strikes a note with them (sometimes people find your blog in some very interesting ways, but that's an entirely different post). And before you know it you've got this huge group of friends in what you learn is called the Blogosphere. Or maybe all this time later that's not what we call it - leave me a note in the comments. Friends you've never met in real life, who live all over the world, but yet in many ways become closer than some of your real-life friends. And these friends? Are the only ones who really "get" this phenomenon. The ones (when you later get more into social media and create Facebook and Twitter accounts) you get to know inside and out, even though you've never met. The ones you've connected with in your own state, even city, and communicated with for years without ever having met in person. And then maybe you're at an end of soccer season party, look across the room, and realize "OMG! Is that Liza? And you run over to confirm that it IS indeed Liza, and you are so excited to hear what her voice sounds like, give her a huge hug, and finally "complete the circle." And if you're really lucky like me, all of a sudden the fact that you and Liza have many IRL friends in common will suddenly align with the universe, and you will start running into each other all over the place, and begin to take that friendship to the next level. Did I mention that I still find all of this amazing? Yes, amazing.

In fact, for the last 2 or 3 months I have been telling Liza that I was giving a lot of thought to dusting off this little space and starting up again (if it still existed, which I was happy to see it did) and she has been telling me to JUST. DO. IT. And I've had all these reasons for not doing it. EXCUSES. The design needs updating. I've switched to a MacBook Pro when I'm used to blogging from a PC. Blogging is so different now - there will be all these new things I need to figure out. My pictures are outdated. Is there some way to beam pics from my phone to my blog or do I actually have to connect the freakin' cord and work for it? Maybe I'll blog from my iPad. Or when I'm on the go from my iPhone. The bottom line is here it is 3:04am (now closer to 4:00am since I'm an editing freak), I am wide awake, tired of tossing and turning, and decided now was the time to get up and JUST. DO. IT. So Liza, thank you for telling me I could do this. I can honestly say that as I've been typing, I've been feeling this deep exhaling. Peacefulness. And some anger and disappointment with myself for allowing my excuses keep me starting sooner.

I just realized I still haven't hit the ironic part, so I'm gonna let you have it, and save the rest of the details for another post. I mean, if anyone is here reading (with any luck I'm still in someone's reader!), I don't want to put you to sleep. Although I do hope after I hit publish I might be able to put myself to sleep. I'll tell you this - on April 16th of this year (yep, just 5 weeks ago), I underwent another lumbar fusion - this time at the level above the last one, L3/L4. It's been a hell of a journey since December of last year, and I feel like my world (at least my blogging world) is finally coming full circle. It has taken another major surgery to bring me back to my passion for writing. For sharing. For connecting with old blogging friends (although thankfully for FB, I stay in touch with most of you pretty much on a daily basis). For the excitement of how much social media has grown over the past 5 years and all the people I've yet to meet. One of the most incredible things that has happened in RI over the last year is that a large and growing number of bloggers here in our humble little state have found each other and formed an organization called Rhody Bloggers. I've watched as the group has grown (since many of my still-blogging friends have been the ones to create it), and collectively they have done some truly amazing things. They have grown their own local community of incredibly intelligent, creative, really diverse women, and I truly hope as I recover, I will find a way to get involved and finally meet some of them in person.

One last thing ... I would be completely remiss if I didn't give a shoutout to my friend Jen from ! Jen and I met on Twitter YEARS ago when I posted a picture of some cute new style of Vera Bradley bag and she responded to my tweet, or something like that (I have a crazy memory. Can't tell you details of a movie I watched yesterday, but people and events - try me!). Yet another blogging/Facebooking/Twittering friend I've grown to love over the years. We joke about how we feel like we know SO much about each other's lives and kids because we are both those moms who are forever posting pics of our little divas with insane stories and antics to go along with them. Like me, Jen writes like she talks, and I love it. Anyways, the Saturday night before my surgery, my husband and I went out for dinner. I instantly recognized a guy at the table next to us (because he's a star on Jen's FB page too), looked next to him, and realized his wife Jen was sitting right there. Again, one of those total full circle moments I almost can't believe never happened sooner, but I hope now that I'm on the mend will happen on purpose in the near future!

I feel like this is a lot longer than I meant it to be, but it feels great. Cheesy as it sounds, it feels like I've come home. And believe me, like it or not (hope you like it), there's so much more swirling around in this crazy head of mine I cannot wait to share. I have no idea where this rekindled blog will take me, but I'm excited and hoping for some adventure!

Blue and White

2011-01-21T11:17:00.001-05:00

Nope, I'm not talking about the colors of the Israeli flag.

I'm referring to the contrast in colors where I am right now versus my hubby's location.

While I stare at a gorgeous blue sky, tall palm trees, and a serene turquoise ocean, poor hubby is dealing with this:

We have had quite a bit of snow in RI over the past few weeks (this is the second storm since I got to Florida!) and it doesn't appear to be letting up. This picture was taken about 4 hours ago so I can only imagine what it looks like now!

Thanks honey, for being so wonderful and sharing us with GiGi for the week. We've appreciated it even more than you could ever know, especially this particular week!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The view from my lounge chair ...

2011-01-20T16:28:00.001-05:00

Is pretty freakin' spectacular!

Wish you were all here in sunny Florida!

The best and the worst.

2011-01-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

What's the best part of being on vacation in paradise (aka sunny Florida) with your daughter, mom, and grandmother?

Well, there's the whole amazement, wonder, and joy of being 4 generations adventuring
and loving each second of being together.

There's the awesomeness that is getting to have dinner with McMommy (SO much fun and my apologies that I have no clue how to link while blogging from my phone and hoping it works).

The worst? Insomnia. When 4 people are staying in a 1 bedroom condo with a pullout sofa. 2 people per bed. With an almost 6 year old who wakes if you move and won't slow down until it's bedtime again, and even then isn't quite ready for the party that has been our day to end. When your back hurts. And you don't want to bother anyone, and aren't sure if 5am is the best time to head out for a solo walk in an unfamiliar area.

So here I lie hoping this phone blogging thing works. And the insomnia? Sucks. But? I wouldn't trade this week for all the sleep in the world.

Rachael

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Too much social media?

2010-12-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

It's no secret in this house that I love my social media - Facebook and Twitter being my poisons of choice.

The Mad Hatter will often see a pic pop up on my FB screen and exclaim "Oh, how cute!" or "Mommy, who is that?"

This past Sunday morning I used Twitter as a resource to get some advice on something I can no longer even remember. However, I do remember exclaiming to my husband that having Twitter is having an entire world of information at your fingertips in seconds.

The MH has been working diligently in kindergarten and there's a lot of focus "kid-writing", sounding out the letters in a word and writing them the way she hears them.

The results are usually hilarious.

For a while she liked wen something would happen. She has besst frendz. If"miss" is spelled m-i-s-s, then isn't misstr the correct spelling for the female's male opposite?

A couple of minutes after discussing my love for Twitter (a conversation that so brief I wouldn't even consider it a conversation), I got this taped to my bathrobe:

Please ignore my five o'clock shadow.

A few minutes later, she decide to ammend her thought:

Twitter moms are awesome.

My thoughts exactly.

Random doesn't even begin to cut it.

2010-12-17T22:33:00.000-05:00

I couldn't think of a good title for this post because I have a feeling it's going to be brain explosion. Here goes.

- I haven't touched my blog in God knows how long, but that's the great thing about a blog ... it's your little piece of the world on the internet and you can leave it alone but it's always there when you come back. I'm hoping to come back a little more frequently.

- The tooth fairy came to visit us twice and I didn't even write a post about the momentous occasion! The Mad Hatter lost 2 teeth in 3 days. Loose, out, tooth fairy time. I made her one of these:

Except her name is not Aliza. This one was a gift for someone. And the one I made her isn't this pattern. I have a picture of it somewhere but I'm too lazy to locate it. And I'm going to make one just like this because I love the fabric combo. So that's that. There was lots of fairy dust everywhere, a Unicorn Pillow Pet, money, and sugar-free gum, along with a lovely note from hers truly (yes, the tooth fairy is female) that MH loved having us read to her. Great fun in this household but no sight of any more wigglies since.

- The Mad Hatter is thriving along in kindergarten! She aced the PALS (literacy/math) testing, and is reading to us. Reading! Do you have any idea what my heart felt like when she came home with her first weekly "reading challenge" book and read it to me, my mother, DH, my father, and anyone else who would listen? I thought my heart might just explode with pride. She is changing and growing so much every day and amazing us with the things she knows.

- Which brings me to the other side of having a kindergartener. One who will be 6 in February but is really going on 36. OY. OY. OY. It's about all I can say right now. She loves staring at herself in any mirror she can find. She's all about fashion. She's all about doing things her way. Like putting lip gloss on her week-old American Girl doll. Because she "wanted to make her look prettier." She has an answer for everything. Which is really quite annoying if you ask me. It's all about control, friends, and lately I feel like I'm losing mine.

- I've been sick with a horrible bug. Really, really sick. And I realized I get really sick almost every year right around this time. I'm hoping this is it for the season, because this was no Man Cold. This was 3 days of 102 degree fever. The fever finally broke and I continued to cough so much DH asked me if I needed a moment to retrieve my lung from the floor. I'm still coughing. And living with the guilt that I did not make it to my father-in-law's funeral. Yep, you read that correctly. Very sadly, DH's dad passed away this past weekend. While it was semi-sudden to us, we were prepared (you know, in the way you are when they tell you someone won't be leaving the hospital after they've been there for just a few days). Either he knew how sick he was and didn't tell anyone, or he had no clue. Either way, he didn't suffer because the family made the decision to keep him comfortable with anxiety drugs and morphine. I, however, am suffering. What kind of person isn't at their husband's side for the funeral and shiva? Apparently one with a 102 degree fever who can barely form sentences. But can cry. A lot. And explaining death to said kindergartener? Oh so heartbreaking, even with some advance warning. I'm thinking that the behavior of late is definitely connected to this ...

- I didn't even do holiday cards this year. Shame on me, but I haven't been in "the spirit", and the idea seemed daunting. Merry Christmas. Hope you had a Happy Hanukkah. And Kwanzaa? Not sure when it is but I'm sending my best wishes and/or hope it was great.

- Speaking of spirit, I can't believe it's almost New Year's. Where has the last part of this year gone? 2011? We've got plans to go to a family party at our friends' home in MA. Super looking forward to it, especially since this is a childhood friendship rekindled. It's even better as grownups.

- All this death stuff has my brain in overdrive. And I can't stop crying. Sometimes I hate mortality. Maybe I can change the fact that I'm the one person in America who did not get sucked into the Twilight Saga, go back and force myself to read them all, become obsessed with vampires, and see how I could get my family into that kind of lifestyle. Or not.

- In good news, I've lost 35 lbs. since April. I've done it with Weight Watchers, which I love, and truly believe is the only program that works. I really should post some sort of before and now pics (there's no after yet because I have stalled with holiday treats, and really want to get back on the wagon to lose another 30-40). Anyways, I now own leggings (who, me?) and skinny jeans (skinny in the same sentence as Mommy - shocking!). DH and my mom would probably like to shoot me because I spend my days asking if I look like I shouldn't be wearing them, but I get a little obsessed like that. However, can you say comfortable? Nothing makes me happier than leggings and a huge comfy sweater. Well, I'm sure there are other things. Perhaps some of them are inappropriate to chat about here. So, we'll leave it at the fact that leggings. make. me. HAPPY. Now I better stop eating holiday treats so I can keep wearing them.

- I am going to Florida ONE MONTH from TODAY! It's a girls' only trip - my mom, MH and I are going to visit my Grandma. So excited! So many firsts - MH's first plane ride, first time in Florida, oh the fun we are going to have. Did I mention that Grandma lives RIGHT on the beach? In a gorgeous condo? I stop in my tracks every time I walk by her balcony window and see the beautiful ocean - truly breathtaking. I'm so looking forward to this vacation and being with the 2 generations before me and the one after me. And McMommy - get ready, I've got 7 days and nights and this time we'll make it work or else! And I believe you - I'll go in a dark bathroom with you :)

OK, so there's so much more but I am going to stop for now. I guess that's what happens when you neglect your blog for 2 months and 16 days (just noticed my last blog post was October 1st). But, like I said, that's the best part of the blogosphere - your blog, and bloggy friends are always there and so forgiving.

Happy Holidays, and I hope to be back to blogging more regularly, as I realize how cathartic it is and how much I've truly missed it. And as for my lack of commenting? Lazy - I read my fave blogs through Google Reader on my iPhone and don't visit actual blogs unless I have a specific reason. I really need to try and fix that. I love you all and hope you know who you are. And I'm sorry this is so rambly and long ... and I apologize if there are type-o's, mis-spells, and incorrect grammar. Usually that stuff drives me nuts so I edit and re-edit myself but tonight I just can't be bothered. I know you love me as I am. And for that, see the comment a few sentences back. Sweet dreams.

We're part of a big bloggy birthday party!

2010-10-01T12:49:00.000-04:00

When my good friend Elaine over at The Miss-Elaineous Life asked me if I'd be interested in doing a giveaway to help celebrate her baby girl turning 1, I was both thrilled and honored!

My mother and I started our company, Stitch Me This, a little over a year ago, although it's been in the works for the last two!

We specialize in custom embroidered/personalized clothing, gifts, and accessories for hip kids and equally hip grown-ups!

Some of our offerings include embellished burp cloths, onesies, t-shirts, baby blankets, lovies, beach/bath towels, custom fabric-matted photo frames, crayon rolls, and gorgeous hair accessories (just to name a few!). We LOVE working with our customers to help create the perfect gift that will create lasting memories, which is why we're constantly adding new items to our product offerings and love to collaborate on new ideas!

Head on over to Elaine's blog right now - she's got lots of awesome giveaways going on! Plus, if you haven't read her blog, you are in for a real treat - a more down to earth and fun girl you will not find!

The Stitch Me This giveaway is not up yet, but I believe it will be up later today ... you'll have to go there to find out what it is!

In the meantime, you can become a fan ("liker") of Stitch Me This on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @rachMLTB, and visit our website http://www.stitchmethis.com/ (which is under construction and does not yet have online ordering capability, but please add to your faves and check back regularly!).

You can also contact us at stitchmethis@gmail.com

We're busy gearing up for a craft fair this weekend, but will be back next week with some pictures and highlights!

Happy, Happy First Birthday, Baby K, and thanks so much Elaine for thinking of us!

Stop the ride, I want to get off!

2010-08-30T20:43:00.000-04:00

OK, perhaps the title of this post is a bit dramatic.

But, as I sit here on "Kindergarten Eve", I can't help but think about the amazing ride I've been on for the past 5 and a half years, and wondering how it's managed to go so fast.

So, maybe slow down would be a better request.

MH - I have been spending the better part of the past few weeks looking at pictures from when you were just a teeny little infant - you looked like a little doll. As I look at you now, I can't help but feel that this time has passed in the blink of an eye. Seriously, did I not just give birth to you?!?

You are about to embark on the most important ride of your life - the start of your formal education.

Sure, you had an amazing 2 years of preschool. I cannot imagine anyone being more ready and prepared to march right into her classroom and grab this next step in your life by the horns. But. Preschool was a choice that Daddy and I made for you. We did lots of research and spent lots of time making sure we picked a place where your zest for life and learning would be nurtured, and where we knew without a doubt you'd succeed. And nurtured you were. Succeed you did.

Public school - we get what we get (and we don't get upset!). Now, it's not so much about the choices we make, but what we make of the things we're given. We're entrusting your care, your learning, and so many other things to a teacher and other staff members we've only just begun to meet. Without a doubt, you are going to thrive. You marched right into your classroom this morning, hugged your new teacher, and ran off to explore all that your new world has to offer. As your mommy, I could not have been more proud of how confident, outgoing, and thrilled you were to be there. But as your mommy, there's a part deep down in my heart that feels sad and melancholy.

You are growing up - as I full-well know, it happens to the best of us. You are SO ready for this. You embrace every single second of life as an adventure, and there's not a person you come into contact with who doesn't recognize this trait immediately, or marvel at what a special little girl you are. I also know, though, that with growing up comes all sorts of changes, and sometimes hurts for which mommy kisses and Nemo ice packs are not a quick fix. These are the thoughts that make me sad. Protective. Scared. I wish I could put a magical bubble around you that would let in only good and repel anything remotely bad.

Alas, I'm no Disney princess or fairy godmother, nor do I have a magic wand that will make that happen. What I can do, and what I vow to you (Daddy does too!) is to continue to be the best Mommy I know how to be. To nurture, encourage, and help you with your learning, and to continue to do everything in my power to instill in you the strong morals and values that will continue to mold you into the amazing little lady you are and what I know you can become. That, and a promise to provide an endless supply of hugs, kisses, and snuggles for as long as you want them.

Daddy and I have no doubts that you are going to have the time of your life this year, and with every new thing you learn, continue to show the world around you just how truly special you are. You are going to make wonderful new friends, have unbelieveable experiences, and continue to wow all of us who love you so dearly.

We can't wait to walk to school tomorrow morning as a family, as we've been planning all summer. And as I watch you line up with your new teacher and march into that school with your new classmates, I know that I could not be any prouder or more blessed to be your mommy.

As for my tears, I promise I will save those for Daddy to deal with. And when he's had enough, maybe a bit of retail therapy will help to take the edge off.

Congratulations to our official "Kindergartener"! We could not be more grateful or feel more blessed that of all the children we could have possibly created, we got YOU.

Grosgrain: SILHOUETTE MACHINE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-08-29T22:06:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of the Silhouette Digital Cutter? As an avid crafter and business owner, OH the things I could do with this machine! From the moment I first read about the Silhouette a couple of months ago, I've been drooling (and coming up with one fabulous idea after another for how I'd use this amazing machine!).

So, I'm trying my luck at winning a giveaway.

Can you believe that the awesome blog, Grosgrain, is giving one away? Along with some great supplies to help the lucky winner get started?

Well, I'm all about trying my luck to win something so awesome!

Grosgrain: SILHOUETTE MACHINE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Go check out this fabulous giveaway ... not to mention one fantastic blog chock-full of great craft ideas and tutorials.

You can even enter the giveaway yourself? Of course, if you win, you're gonna owe me one ...

Because I haven't blogged in forever ...

2010-08-29T14:01:00.001-04:00

Just thought I'd check in to say (if anyone's still reading), hope you've had an amazing summer!

We've been up to lots of this:

Paired with a cruise to Bermuda, part-time camp, and lots of other great times with family and friends.

Aiming to post more of a summer recap soon. In the meantime, enjoy this amazing weather and if you're anything like us, get out and soak up every last drop of fun in the sun before it's time for pumpkins and mums!

Mommy and Me Monday

2010-04-26T15:06:00.001-04:00

Rainy Sunday, last day of school vacation, and we decided to take a spur of the moment to a great mall in Massachusetts.

I’ve been dying to take the Mad Hatter to the Rainforest Cafe, and this was the main reason for our hour long journey.

After some shopping (Mommy and Daddy got nothing, MH managed to wrack up some awesome goodies from the Lego store, a mini-wardrobe from Gymboree, some loot from the Disney store, including The Princess and the Frog DVD, and some adorable little sandals from Nordstrom), we headed to dinner.

Bonus: Sweetheart and Poppy came along for the trip, and the mall wasn’t too far from Uncle D, so he met us for dinner too – impromptu family dinner!

We fed the hungry alligator money (or was that a crocodile??). We weren’t scared of those teeth!

At dinner, when the lights started flashing and the animals started moving and making noise, we didn’t know where to look first!

And the flashing cup our lemonade came in was way cool. (we kept shutting it off to “conserve energy in the rainforest”.

Three generations of happy ladies (yep, that’s my mommy and me!):

A very happy Sweetheart and Poppy:

And one little girl who had a great time, especially waving her “sparkler” from dessert around in front of “that strong man” Atlas!

While I would definitely recommend having low expectations for the quality of the food (pricey and lacking a bit in flavor), we had a fabulous time and will definitely go back again for another jungle adventure!

Join in the Mommy and Me Monday fun by clicking on the picture below!

Hosted by Krystyn

Calling all MA and RI Moms!

2010-04-22T11:36:00.001-04:00

It’s time to celebrate YOU!

I recently received an email asking if I’d be willing to share the following with my blog readers, and how could I not?

It sounds like a fantastic night out, and don’t we all deserve a few hours of being celebrated, pampered, and (if you’re early) showered with gifts?

See below and let me know what you think – I would love to meet up with some of my fellow blogging mommas for some camaraderie and fun!

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6^th, 2010

Emerald Square Mall hosts National “Mom’s Nite Out” Event

Celebrate Mother’s Day early at this FREE national event with an evening of food, fun, entertainment, shopping, prize giveaways and more

WHO: Moms and moms-to-be are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day early at Emerald Square Mall for the national “Mom’s Nite Out” event.

WHAT: Emerald Square Mall hosts the national “Mom’s Nite Out” event on Thursday, May 6^th from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The event, which is billed as the “Ultimate Celebration of Motherhood,” is an evening of free pampering, fun and giveaways for moms and moms-to-be. Activities will include wine and cheese tasting, mini-facials, jewelry cleaning, menu tastings, self defense demonstrations and much more!

The first 100 guests will receive swag bags with items and offers from event participants. In addition, guests will have the chance to enter-to-win a trip to Aruba!

For more information please visit Emerald Square Mall’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EmeraldSquareMall.

WHEN: Thursday, May 6^th, 2010

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Emerald Square Mall

Macy’s Court, Level 1

999 South Washington Street

North Attleboro, MA

ONSITE CONTACT: Holly Carpenter, Director of Mall Marketing, (508) 699-4100

LOVE.

2010-04-09T09:53:00.001-04:00

Remember this post?

I’ve decided it has nothing to do with good coaching.

What it takes is a really great photographer – one who is completely used to kids and knows how to grab “the shot”.

And I’ve ~~been the subject of~~ seen some pretty horrible school pictures.

But this?

I know it’s not the huge, wide-mouthed, see-every-single-tooth smile we know and adore … BUT?

I am in LOVE.

The sweetness.

The simplicity.

Those eyes.

Cannot wait to frame it and get it on my wall.

Mommy and Me Monday

2010-04-04T22:30:00.002-04:00

What does a non-Easter-celebrating family who has survived the Great Flood of 2010 do when faced with a GORGEOUS, dry, and sunny Easter Sunday?
Head for the beach, of course, with camera in tow!

It may have been chilly by the water, but the warmth in our hearts made it one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.

And that’s how it goes.

2010-04-01T19:23:00.001-04:00

According to The Mad Hatter, there are some new rules in this house.

It’s been a long few days with the flooding and all, so when the sun came out this afternoon, we took full advantage of having some good friends over for a playdate, spending a few glorious hours outside, burning off energy and enjoying the beautiful and dry weather.

The playdate ran its course after a few hours, as most do, and by the end of the day, I was ~~ready to run out the door when Daddy walked in~~ slightly frustrated with the MH, who was having some minor sharing issues.

At the last minute, I’d remembered that I should probably put dinner on the table, and took out some chicken to defrost, but when the hubby walked in, I was still trying to figure out what to do with it.

Being the wonderful husband he is, he suggested ordering takeout, and off to Panera he and the little princess went.

I should probably interject here that it’s Passover, and therefore I’m not eating any bread ~~and for unknown religious reasons/rules most other normal foods~~, but the hubby is not observing. His choice, and I could really care less.

BUT. I ordered a salad, while he feasted on a delicious looking panini, and a side of bread. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t look and smell delicious.

When he finished his own meal and reached into my potato chip bag, my instant response was “Hey! You got bread!”

And the Mad Hatter says:

“Daddy wants what he wants, and he gets what he wants, whenever he wants it. Anything he wants he can have, and that’s the rules.”

I guess I’ve been put in my place.

Author’s note: I jumped out of my chair immediately to blog about this, and the whole time, MH has been bringing me chips out of her own bag. Apparently she is firm on her rules, but still willing to share.

Seriously, where do they come up with this stuff?

I got a feelin’.

2010-04-01T12:02:00.001-04:00

That today’s gonna be a good day.

That today’s gonna be a great day!

I’ve been kinda draggy lately. Tired. Logy. No real will to move in the morning (sans the fact, of course that I’m a mommy, therefore I don’t have a choice).

I think I’ve been in slight depression mode since returning home from our vacation.

I mean, of course I am elated to be back with my little girl. If you read this, you know I missed her like crazy.

But …

I’m just having a hard time getting back to reality and it’s taking its toll on me and how I feel about myself. I have a lot of things on my mind, and sometimes they feel like they’re overtaking me.

I’m sure the weather has been of no help. I can’t remember the last time we saw sun. And I’m beyond sad for all of those here in RI who are suffering from the devastating effects of the flooding that’s put us on the national news. Honestly, for this tiny little state, I’d compare what some are going through to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. It is devastating.

This morning, I got up, got right out of bed, and hopped in the shower.

I was dressed, made up (if you can call bronzer, blush, a swipe of eye shadow, eyeliner, and lip gloss swiped on in the car “made up”), hair washed, dried, and flat-ironed (having a great hair day if I do say so myself!), child dressed, fed, teeth brushed, toys picked for the car, and on the road by 9:25.

If you know me, you know this is big. HUGE.

We’ve met two different friends to drop things off with them, gone to CVS (where I had almost $16 extra bucks waiting for me – WOOT!), done some grocery shopping, and stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts for a treat for the amazingly well-behaved Mad Hatter and an iced coffee for me (talk about struggling with the temptation of freshly baked donuts during Passover – my will to be an observant Jew won out … again, WOOT!).

Now, we’re back home and I’m straightening up for an afternoon playdate (that’s an effort in futility– we all know I’ll end up doing it all over again and then some after said playdate).

I may even squeeze in a little Passover baking.

I need more days like this in my life.

I’m going to have to make them happen.

Because you know what? Days like this do wonders for my mental health.

I’ve gotten stuff done. I feel empowered and accomplished. And I have an energy I haven’t felt in weeks.

Two by two.

2010-03-31T11:14:00.001-04:00

When you’re ~~lucky enough that your electricity is still working and the phone lines aren’t down~~ sitting at your laptop perusing online pictures of the damage that has been done by flooding that has turned the state you live in into a “State of Emergency” and made national news:

I’m at this intersection so regularly and I almost didn’t recognize it (it’s right near the mall)

Seriously … imagine being IN that car!

The fact that your kitchen is in craft shambles brought about by your 5 year-old who is channeling her inner artist (and has been doing so for almost 4 hours, and it’s only 11AM), and who keeps repeatedly telling you “I made this, isn’t it cool?” ~~yes, honey it is – I must have missed the last 457 times you mentioned that, and you must have missed all 457 of my oohs and aahs~~ just doesn’t seem quite as bad as if it were a normal day.

What’s that, you ask? No it’s not a Native American head-dress.
It’s an “ice-cream sundae-helper-crown”.

Well of course I should have known. Ice cream does put a huge smile like that on MY face.
Like mother like daughter.
And that’s a star on top (on the green part in the center). Because it’s so. cool.

In the time it’s taken me to upload pics and write this post, she’s moved on to making a wearable truck (a happy truck with googly-eyes and a smile not dissimilar from the one above) out of a Gymboree bag.

No one can ever accuse my child of lacking imagination or creativity. Or being a good little recycler for that matter.

As for the cleanup?

Well, as illustrated above, it could be a lot worse.

Thank you to all of you who have asked. We are safe, warm, and DRY.

And now I must run … someone just grabbed the Elmer’s glue.

Car logic.

2010-03-26T21:50:00.001-04:00

Having a five year old with an ever-blossoming imagination brings about interesting conversation on a daily basis.

This week, we’ve been talking a lot about cars.

The Mad Hatter has decided that both Mommy and Daddy’s cars must each have a specific function because of their brand names.

Mommy drives a Toyota Highlander.

Toyota means the car must be filled with toys. Which of course, makes perfect sense, since we spend most of the time in Mommy’s car, and little kids have lots of toys. (this also means that Mommy spends a considerable amount of time reminding the MH to bring her toys back into the house, since we don’t need a virtual playground on wheels)

It’s a Highlander, because we’re “higher up” than other cars on the road.

Decent logic, right?

I’ll bet you’re just dying to know what Daddy drives.

A Ford Tortoise.

Which according to MH means Daddy’s car drives slow, just like a turtle moves.

Daddy is in agreement.

And of course, we’re reminded at all times, that we must drive the speeding limit.

However, this rule only applies if there are police cars around – otherwise we should just speed up and pass all those slow old people.

Mommy and Daddy both drive blue cars. Wanna know why? Because we’re a family and families should have matching cars.

Gotta love five-year-old logic.

The post I can’t believe I’m posting.

2010-03-24T21:07:00.001-04:00

This is what you get with me … feast or famine.

I hope those of you reading are enjoying the feast.

And since I was talking about pictures today, I thought I’d share one more of yours truly along with the ever-precious Mad Hatter.

It has been a long evening and I’m questioning my sanity in posting this – as my husband just told me, “You got balls.”

Well honey, when you leave for a meeting and MH says “Well, Mommy, look like it’s just you and me!” this is the sort of thing that happens:

For the record, I was not the hair-stylist.

Would you believe that MH got the idea to take a snapshot of us on the webcam and send it to Twitter?

Well.

Girls just wanna have fun.