Mommy Learns to Blog

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.

To my precious girl on school picture day.

2010-03-24T18:09:00.001-04:00

Dearest Mad Hatter,

If the evidence below is any indication, there’s a slight possibility I may have tortured you just a teeny, tiny bit this morning in preparation for your school pictures.

You had the perfect little dress. The perfect little cardigan to go over it. The perfect little white tights ~~even though I thought they were going to look awful, Sweetheart was right~~.

The perfect pink daisy clip in your hair.

The perfect little body tucked into it all.

And the perfect little personality that no one will ever see from that picture if you smile the way you normally do for pictures when someone asks you to – horribly!

I don’t know what it is, but when someone tells you to smile, you morph into what you think is model-mode.

Scrunched up shoulders. Tilted chin. Squinty eyes. Cheese-ola smile. Hands up around your face.

I’ve deleted those photos.

I don’t know where you picked this up, but I spent a good part of yesterday and all of this morning trying to coach you on how not to smile.

What do you say we try to forget about the fact that I snapped 71 pics before we left the house?

Or that you actually asked me if we could stop because you wanted to get to school on time.

I am sorry my love.

I would just adore a professionally taken photo ~~especially when I’ve had to pay lots of money for it ahead of time regardless of how it turns out~~ that captures your smile the way I see it. Not the way you think you should do it.

While I can’t promise that we won’t go through this every year at school picture time ~~although if you keep this up I’m going to have to look into un-modeling agencies~~, I can promise you this:

No picture I could ever hang on the wall could possibly do justice to the amazing beauty and charisma you exude to myself, Daddy, and everyone who knows you.

And that, Mad Hatter? I wouldn’t trade for all the grains of sand on all the beaches in all the world.

Or a perfect photograph.

I love you,

Mommy

PS I hope when they snapped your picture, you were remembering our little “You Are My Sunshine” sing-along while I was snapping away.

PPS There’s a cotton-candy Dippin’ Dots waiting in the freezer with your name on it.

Hanging my head in shame.

2010-03-24T02:02:00.000-04:00

Wow. I had really gotten my blogging mojo back there for a while.

Then, BAM!

An impromptu, pretty last-minute (and totally unlike us) tropical getaway for DH and I.

As in, leave The Mad Hatter for the first time for more than two nights at a destination an hour away, fly to Florida (where it was so freakin' cold my first souvenirs were a frozen iguana, a new pair of sweats, and hoodie!), hop on a cruise-ship for four days, return to Miami and stay one more night, making us gone for a total of 6 nights.

Make that 7, if you add in the fact that our flight for Florida (thank you Delta, for making it oh-so-easy for us to use our frequent flier miles. Aren't you the friendly skies?) left at 5:45AM so MH slept at Sweetheart at Poppy's house the night before we left for said vacay.

Anyhoo, if you're still following, I give you credit.

The time leading up to our trip was chaotic.

The time leading up to our trip was traumatic.

Our trip? Was amazing.

I remembered what it was like to have intelligent (and not so intelligent) adult conversation.

I did not miss the words "excuse me" followed by non-stop interruption.

I savored having NO schedule.

I adored having time to reconnect with my hubby.

We were desperately in need of that time together. Desperately. Seriously, after almost 9 years of marriage, we are like newlyweds again!

Is it easy to leave your little one for almost a week? Hell to the NO!

I missed my little MH like crazy (in a healthy way while we were sailing the high seas, when we returned and still had another day before heading home - well, let's just say there were lots of tears and a wonderful hubby willing to give up our paid-for hotel and car rental and pay extra so we could come home early. Ultimately, we did not come home early, but hubby definitely gets major bonus points for trying, and I'm really glad we ended up staying and having a fabulous time in South Beach).

Did the MH totally get over-indulged as a result of my guilt over leaving her? Uh, that might be the understatement of the year (I made sure to leave a gift for every day, she was with her grandparents - enough said, had a special night out with a very close friend, spent time with her amazing Uncle, and was showered with gifts upon our return, along with a special "Mad Hatter" week filled with special activities just for her).

Do I think it's wrong that my child was over-indulged? Nope.

Am I over my guilt about leaving her and having some true me/us time? Yup.

Did hubs and I see a Royal Caribbean commercial tonight and sigh longingly? You betcha.

Can I wait for our family vacation this summer? I'm counting down the days because everything in our life is better since she made us a family.

This would be me a full hour after we got off the plane and I sprinted through the airport, knocking out anyone in the way of me getting to my little girl. Still crying. And right now, in disbelief that I'm actually posting such a picture of myself!

So about that hanging my head in shame ... I went on vacay, came back, and life got the better of me. The people and things in my life deserved the better of me. The all of me.

But I've missed my blog, and my friends' blogs, and the way writing makes me feel. So, I'm working on making some time and getting that mojo back.

Even if it is at 2:02 in the morning.

The things I never want to forget.

2010-02-22T17:55:00.001-05:00

I constantly say that I wish I walked around with my life on record because the conversations and things that come out of the Mad Hatter’s mouth are the things that get me through the roughest days of motherhood.

Not to mention that unless you’ve heard her, and the little voice that goes along with them, you honestly wouldn’t believe the things she manages to come out with.

Seriously – there are so many “Mad-Hatterisms” that sadly, I forget the majority or them, or just can’t do them justice by the time I get to sit down and write about them.

This morning, as we were walking out the door for her first full-day back at preschool after a week’s vacation, she’d said to me: “I hope it’s okay that I asked Daddy to take out your exercise ball for me – I wanted to do some exercise. Is that okay? Can I do some exercise when I get home from school?” I told her of course (clearly humoring her!), and off we went for the day.

We walked in about 10 minutes ago and she pulled off her coat and sweater.

“Ok Mommy, I’m going to do my exercises now. Can you turn on the TV so I can watch while I do them? And then, I have to get on my computer like I promised myself.” (Daddy just got a new computer and the lucky little one inherited a laptop of her very own – I can still remember the day mid-elementary school when we got our first family computer – a Commodore 64)

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “You promised yourself you were going to ‘get on your computer’"?”

“Yeah, mommy. I made a plan for exactly what I was going to do today. So, I need to do my exercises, practice on my computer, and then I can eat dinner. Okay?”

Can I just remind everyone once more that she turned 5 exactly TWO weeks ago today?

I wonder if I can work cleaning the house into her future “plans”.

Mommy and Me Monday

2010-02-22T13:47:00.001-05:00

I am an avid picture taker.

Knowing that I’m only going to have one child, you can bet that I’m going to capture every last second of everything she does for posterity’s sake.

Most of the time she’s pretty cooperative (she does, after all, think she’s a successful runway model), but there are days when I swear she’d like to knock that camera out of my hand.

The thought does occasionally cross my mind – fleetingly – that because I’m always the one behind the camera, I’ve got tons of pics of the Mad Hatter, the Mad Hatter and Daddy, the Mad Hatter and other family members, but not many of the Mad Hatter and me.

When my dear bloggy friend Krystyn at Really, Are you Serious asked if I’d be interested in joining a fun new blog carnival she created, I was all over it! The idea is to get a picture of just me and my little girl every week, and post it on my blog with a little anecdote. This will be both a challenge, and also a great way to ensure that I’m a part of this “digital scrapbook” I’ve been creating for my family.

So, without further adieu, here’s my first Mommy and Me picture:

It isn’t from this week, but I love it! It was taken a couple of weeks ago, the day before MH’s 5th birthday, at Johnny Rocket’s – one of our fave places to go as a family. She adores it all – the music, the “rings” (she’s too cool say onion), the ranch dressing (her mantra: “Nothing is complete without ranch dressing.” I. DIE.), and the special grilled cheese with tomato and pickles they make for her that she barely ever eats because she’s all filled up with rings (with the exception of the pickles and tomatoes, which she pulls out and devours). And of course, the balloons. If we’re lucky, we get an awesome server who makes her a balloon within a balloon. (She. DIES.)

The irony of this picture is that it was taken right after her birthday party. The one at The Little Gym, where after the kids ran around like crazy for an hour, we were supposed to gorge ourselves on yummy cake and pizza.

However.

The pizza place did not deliver the pizza, making for one very unhappy mommy (and that, friends, is an entirely different story for another day). Luckily, 4 and 5 year old kids love cake and were quite happy to skip right to it.

So. After the party, we were starving, and off to JR’s we went! I was so upset about the whole pizza episode at the time, but looking back, it wasn’t such a big deal, and all it did was extend our celebrating MH! We had a yummy lunch, time with Sweetheart and Poppy, who joined us, MH got a free sundae and lots of balloons (can you say crush on the waiter?), and I got this great picture of the two of us!

I’m looking forward to my weekly Mommy and Me blog post, and I hope my readers will join in! It doesn’t matter if you don’t have kids – fur-babies, daddies, any of you who are usually behind the camera. Let someone capture you!

And be sure to head on over to Krystyn’s blog to check out the other Mommy and Me posts that have been linked up!

Hosted by Krystyn

Have your cake and help find a cure.

2010-02-20T17:32:00.001-05:00

About 7 years ago, a very dear friend of mine moved to California. She still has family on the East Coast, and although it doesn’t happen nearly enough, she visits as much as possible. These trips are always whirlwind, as she always has many people and activities to fit into a brief period of time, but we always try our best to ensure that no matter what it takes, we get to spend some quality time together.

A couple of months ago, I was surprised to receive a mid-day call from my friend. She wanted to let me know she was coming home to Boston in January, but this was not a pre-planned trip home, or one where she’d have time for catching up.

My friend went on to tell me a heartbreaking story about her cousin, a mom of 3 in her early 4o’s. 5 days earlier, her cousin had been rushed to ER with severe stomach pains. Three hours later she had undergone a full hysterectomy and had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. As it turns out, one of her ovaries had twisted, which was what was causing the severe pain. Ironically, that twisted ovary had NOTHING to do with the cancer, and had it not happened, her cancer could have gone undetected indefinitely.

Her prognosis is good – between the hysterectomy, chemo and meds, she is likely going to go into remission. This does nothing to change the fact that within minutes, her entire world was turned upside down. She had to make a split-second decision to have that hysterectomy. She hadn’t fully closed the door on having a fourth child, but the cancer did. For this strong, independent, intelligent, and driven young woman, life as she knew it would never be the same.

No, my friend was not coming home for a “fun” visit – she was coming home to be a support to her cousin and family.

When Audrey from Mom Generations asked if I’d be willing to write a blog post helping to spread the word about helping Electrolux support Ovarian Cancer research, it was a no-brainer.

Electrolux has committed to donating $500,000 to this most worthy cause, and they’re doing so in a very unique (not to mention sweet!) way. Brand Ambassador Kelly Ripa and TLC’s “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro have teamed up to create Kelly’s Cakery for a Cause. You can decorate and send a virtual cake to a friend and for each one you do, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund*. And, each day you send a cake, you’ll be entered to win every baker’s dream – a new Induction Range from Electrolux (Electrolux is also donating $100 to OCRF for each range sold this month*).

I urge you to go create a cake. You can make a friend smile (who doesn’t love cake, and love it even more when it’s got no calories?), but more importantly, you can help raise money for OCRF. Spread the word – on your blog, through Facebook, through Twitter, when talking to your friends and family.

When you get right down to it, what’s sweeter than helping in the fight against Ovarian Cancer?

*For more information about Electrolux’s commitment to supporting OCRF, please visit Kelly’s Cakery for a Cause.

So he wasn’t making it up after all!

2010-02-13T17:39:00.001-05:00

Growing up, I always remember my dad calling big fluffy winter boots Muck-a-lucks.

And I? Thought it was my dad being his silly, make-up-names-for-things self. Every single time he said it.

As it turns out?

There is such a thing as “muck-a-lucks”. Except they’re called Muk Luks.

Maybe I was hearing wrong when I was younger, or my memory is clouded.

Regardless, original Muk Luks are made by a company called Reliable of Milwaukee.

How did I stumble across this fascinating fact?

The Mom Reviews is giving away a pair on her blog!

The ones she got to review are colorful and look SO cute and comfy – in this New England winter, I wish I were wearing a pair of my own right now.

I’m more of a plain gal . . . I checked out their website and could definitely see myself kicking around in these, the fluffy cable knit toggle boot in gray.

Yes, if I win these, you’ll likely find me wearing them both in my house, and out!

Head on over to The Mom Reviews and check out how fabulous these sound (not to mention how cute she looks in hers)!

And Dad, although you’ve given me many reasons over the years to question the “authenticity” of some of your terms and phrases, I’m happy to say tell the world that you were quite serious when it came to “muck-a-lucks”. I hope you’ll be able to compliment me when I’m sporting my “won” pair!

Hearts, hearts, hearts.

2010-02-13T11:51:00.003-05:00

We are completely in Valentine mode around here, and I must say I’m really feeling the love!
The Mad Hatter is already obsessed with hearts, and is SO digging every second of it.

From the blinged-out heart shirt Sweetheart got her to wear to school yesterday, to the awesome crafty stuff Sweetheart and Poppy took her shopping for so she could make Valentines for her friends at school (how much do they rock??), to the fact that she came out of her room this morning fully dressed for the day, and in yet another heart-inspired ensemble (socks and undies included!).

Yesterday, she came home with a small fortune of Valentine’s goodies from her classmates – so much stuff that we had to sort the pile of ~~crack~~ loot into 3 piles – cards (so I can be the awesome Mommy who saves them for her to giggle over when she’s older), CANDY!, and “other” – which included everything from pencils to Play-Doh, to a heart-shaped swirly straw! I’m so glad I decided to go a little nuts this year, and send in some pretty rockin’ loot bags myself.

So, while we’re currently immersed in glittery heart stickers, hand-cut valentines, and a list of other Valentine-y projects to finish before tomorrow, I am in complete love – with soaking all of it in, and most of all, with my precious little valentine.

Happy Valentine’s Day from our home to yours!