PAPER MOM

My Fifty Shades

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Ok, so I am reading it.
and I am loving it. There I said it--- Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James has captivated me. The World's Greatest Husband has commented that he has seen me read many books but not quite like this.
I've justified this quick read by clarifying I work in a library and should know what all the latest book rage is about. Right? Don't you think? Oh, Just agree with me.

So my thoughts on Fifty Shades..... I've tried to see past the whole dom/sub/sex thing and understand the complex relationship that seems to be intensifying as I zip through book two. Not as easy as it sounds some of those chapters have made me feel like a college girl. It's hot. I've told myself over and over, I am an adult, I am an adult, I am an adult. Which is really ridiculous, if you think that as a 41 year old woman I still have to tell myself it's ok to read this "smokin hot" read - I am a grown woman for crying out loud. The whole controversy of
Should you read it?
Have you read it?
Do you have to load up a shopping cart full of stuff to find the courage to have the book hidden at the bottom of the cart?
Should libraries have it on the shelf?
.......It all truly speaks volume to where we are as a society.

Three funny things about me and my Fifty Shades.

One.
Not every girl can say their dad bought them the book. But I can. Yes, when my Mom and Dad visited a few weeks ago, my father - standing by a rather large display of books waved my mother and I down asking, "Is the book we were just talking about?" he proceeded to proudly put two copies in our cart. We both flashed him a look that said, "Really?" I don't think he really knew what he was doing.

Two.
The World's Greatest Husband and I have had a few giggles since I've started reading. The best was when I noticed he posted an appointment in our synced calendars..... 9 PM - Book Club. I keep reminding him this late night reading is all for his benefit.

Three.
Have you seen the SNL Fifty Shades of Grey Mother's Day skit?
OMG it's hilarious.

Ladies, my vote is.... read it, love Christian, Ana and your husband too!
Laters, Baby

Did you know?

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:20:00 +0000

Did you know you can make baked potatoes in the crock pot? Yep, I am here to make your day.... simply wrap them in foil and throw them in the slow cooker for 8 hours on low. I had no idea but am so happy to learn this little tid bit. I hope you are too. Happy Monday, Paper Peeps.

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:12:00 +0000

Five great things about today...
1. Sun is shining big and bright.
2. I have a bit of time to myself today and I am happy about that.
3. Half way through 50 Shades of Grey. Can't wait to blog about it.
4. It's Mother's day weekend.
5. In-laws are on their way to spend a few days.

Happy Friday!

My Cub Scout

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:46:00 +0000

It's been a busy week here at Paper Mom headquarters. Our little Cub Scout made his first communion in grand style. The kid thinks he is a rock star in more ways than one. Grammy and Grandpa came to visit and life was good (and crazy) all week! So much so that my little cub scout came running to me this morning tears in his sweet eyes and said, "I don't want them to go. I am going to miss them. He then asked me, "WHY ARE YOU MAKING THEM LEAVE?"

It was beautiful and sad and silly all in one.... poor boy.

Trust me, those who know me well, know I am not making them leave.... a little mommy love for the mommy makes me a happy daughter. I wish they were here every day. The good news? we will be on our way to visit in nine short weeks.... yes, only nine weeks so that is the best way to say goodbye.... see you in just nine short weeks, I love you.
xoxoxo

Five great things

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Five great things about today. . .
1. Got 50 shades of gray.
2. Day number 3 with parents visiting.
3. Cub scout makes first communion in the morning
4. Girls are pitching tonight and my parents will be there to watch
5. Went shopping with my mom, always love that.

Doggie doo-doo and don'ts..

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:46:00 +0000

Now this is a good one...

This afternoon while waiting for the kids to arrive on the school bus, a woman pulled into the bottom part of my driveway. I wondered who is here.... she quickly unpacked her dog on a leash, brought him to my lawn to poop, scooped him up, unloaded him onto the passenger side seat, jumped into the car, backed up and drove away. I am not kidding. I think I was in shock watching it from the window. Seriously, is there no doggie etiquette today?

Go Ahead - Call me a Crafty Diva!

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:37:00 +0000

I've been wanting to make this for months!
I finally pulled out the sewing machine....
Let my daughter pick out some fabric and made a tote (with liner) for my little girl (who isn't so little).
It's a little messy upon serious inspection but overall I am one proud crafty diva. For a girl who doesn't know how to sew... this one was easy peasy. Thank you - You Tube.

Joyce if you are reading this.... I hope you are proud of me... you are my sewing hero!

The good news is.....I have more fabric, because fabric is like paper.... beautiful patterns and textures.... it could be addicting.....
Check out my photos... and feel free to leave rock star comments - because there is no denying it.... I AM SO PROUD OF THIS LITTLE BEAUTY!

Morning Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:34:00 +0000

So I feel the need to start this post by telling you.... I love my kids, they are my world, my life, my joy. I really do love them. Now that being said, when a mom like me has a morning like today, it's easy to forget I have kids, wanted kids or love kids. I got ready this morning with no children present. Not my kids, not his kids, no one under the age of 18 in the house this morning. Do you know what that means? No fighting for the bathroom, no trying to wake up sleepy heads, no having to butter toast, scramble an egg or pop a pop tart. I didn't have to yell or raise my voice, I didn't have to trip over a back pack or find lunch money. Instead I leisurely watched the Today show, took a hot, long shower with smelly body wash, lingered over a cup of coffee and took the time to actually pay attention to applying my make up. I used mousse, a hair dryer. I remembered my medication and wore matching socks earrings and bra and panties. Ahhhh. . . . life is good when you can breathe before you start your workday. After all that and I was still a few minutes late to the office but this time for good reason.

Two Scary Moms...

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:49:00 +0000

Yesterday I met her...
and she is not scary at all.
She's quite lovely, and pretty and sweet too- Ms. Jill Smokler, you know her as Scary Mommy from scarymommy.com

Her new book is funny with a capital F. Speaking of F, the F-bomb was flying high but all used in the correct context! She did a reading, took questions and signed books! It was a blogger's dream and plenty of bloggers were there to show support!

I've met lots of authors, (shall I name drop with NY Times best sellers Sebastian Junger and Wallly Lamb?) I've seen many readings (too many to list), I work in a library don't forget.... but this time I admit, I was giddy and star struck. My face was hot, on fire hot, so much so that I was convinced I had blotches all over me.... My lips were sort of shaking in this picture.... I know it's ridiculous but seriously, it's scary mommy.

I'll be honest, the World's Greatest Husband, didn't quite get it but went along with me for the ride. He's a keeper.

Opening a bottle of wine - Quite a task!

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:53:00 +0000

I am not a drinker.
But I do have a reoccurring wine memory of when I was divorcing....
After many battle royals with the ex, I wanted a glass of wine, I only had a cheap 99 cent key chain wine opener during those days. I would struggle until I simply wanted to gnaw at the cork. Some nights I remember cutting through it with a knife and having to strain the wine. Much like the marriage, always a struggle. I just simply wanted my glass of wine to unwind. Then one day a girlfriend changed my life and turned me on to the Pampered Chef wine opener. That thing is magic and it a must have gift for any of your girlfriends who may be going through a divorce (trust me). I thought my wine opening problems were solved for life.... until tonight.

My kids are gone.
His kids are gone.

The World's Greatest Husband picked up a shift at the hospital, he's gone.

And all momma wants is to finish the Easter bottle of wine. I had to giggle because even with the magic opener near by, the cork was stuck. I think we jammed it in too far last night, just so it would fit on the fridge shelf rather than the fridge door. I had a flashback.... started to sweat a little, I actually thought could I call my husband and ask him to come home for a few minutes and open this sucker for me? Instead.... picture me with the bottle between my knees, both hands pulling at the cork considering (only for a second)... could I pull it out with my teeth? No it wasn't pretty, it wasn't dainty but I am enjoying a glass of wine as I type. Priorities Paper Peeps, Priorities....

Vacation Reading....

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:22:00 +0000

I love to read but honestly in my life that luxury is limited. Except for yesterday. I started a book and finished a book, in one day! Granted it was only 195 pages but it was an Easter day treat that is not the norm. 3 of our 5 are not here so it changes the pace of life for a few days. Selfishly, I will say the break up of routine is just what I need. Our springtime calendar moves at an incredible pace, shuttling five little butts from activity to activity makes my brain spin. So I will welcome a week where the shuttling, the noise and the cooking and cleaning are all taken down a notch and I can read a book (in one day!)

Now for the book....
Once Upon a Secret - My Affair with President John F. Kennedy and its Aftermath by Mimi Alford. It was a fast read and an intriguing read. Since our visit to the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston a few months ago, I've wanted to read this book. It's more a story of a woman's journey in finding herself, finding peace and moving forward with a lighter heart rather than gossip, scandal and infidelity. Although it's all there if you want to read it that way. Faithful readers know I love to learn about the journey us woman take and that was my focus as I read Mimi's account of her White House years and life. She comments that she is a footnote to a footnote in history not exactly headline news but with hungry media attention anything and everything can become a headline. I don't agree with the affair she writes of, I was put off by the casualness of sleeping with a married man and the power plays that seemed to be in the bedroom with them. I understand her struggle as a 19 year old girl, she was in over her head motivated by power and sex. Later in the book, her pastor friend and boss Tom explains sex as a 12 letter word - Faithfulness. A few things did stay with me as I read each page when you are somewhat of a society family, attend prep schools and are connected, opportunities present themselves. I guess I always knew that but this book made me think about that. It made me connect to Father Tom's homily a few weeks ago, He said, "you become who you hang out with." It also made me think about my girls. How strong and smart I want them to be. I don't want them to have to sift through so much of the craziness of life, to find their own peace - I want them to be smarter and brighter and more aware, than us. I don't want them to have to maneuver the trials of life, hurt, secrets, or shame to somehow, someday get to contentment and happiness. That's the journey of woman that I am intrigued by. We all seem to have stories, rights of passage. I am not sure it plays out that way for the men in our life. As Women, even when we have a twinge of the trials that may lie ahead, even when our girlfriends and our mothers send subtle or in our face warnings we still take the journey. I guess we can only hope that the journey and peace are all worth it in the end or at least make a good book. Mimi Alford shares her footnote with the world in an effort to move forward.

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Five great things about today...
1. No school
2. No work
3. Sun is shining
4. Car getting looked at
5. School vacation begins

Happy Easter Paper Peeps!

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:25:00 +0000

Five great things about today. . .

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

Have a great weekend.

First Confession Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:01:00 +0000

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:09:00 +0000

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

Parents of the Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:42:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Singing and Laughing

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:36:00 +0000

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

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

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:45:00 +0000

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

Happy Weekend Paper Peeps...

Under Lock and Key

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:03:00 +0000

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:37:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

Looking forward to bedtime.

five for friday

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:41:00 +0000

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

Flat Stanley Project

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:29:00 +0000

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

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

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

Life is Fragile, Pray Hard

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Life is fragile.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paper Wreath for Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:12:00 +0000

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

A Sad Day for Fans of Davy Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Paper Mom) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:49:00 +0000

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

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

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