Thirteen Years, and We've Never Had a Fight!!

We stood in the hallway and admired the portrait.

"We looked so happy", I said. "So young, wow, thirteen years went by so fast. That day was so magical. Still wouldn't have changed a thing."

"Mommy, you look so skinny."
"Yeah, thanks Schmoogie...."
"Daddy, you have a mustache....hahahaha, and you look...."
"What? Just like Daddy, right?"
"Yes, you do, you look the same, except that mustache." Chuckle, chuckle.

On this day, thirteen years ago, I married my "bestie", my BFF, my soul mate, my "husbando", the one who is always by my side.

Funny thing is while so much has changed for us over the years, so much hasn't, like how we feel about each other.

I love you more than I did on that day. I feel so satisfied with who we are and who we have become. I feel so rich and blessed with the family we have created. I love the memories we have and those we create each day.

Happy Anniversary babe, with so many more to come, I just cant wait.

Love to love you, still,
P

A Brief but Fortunate Encounter with a Coccinellid!

A little Coccinellid brightened our morning.

How lucky were we, to find such a pretty little creature in our bathroom. The boyz were so excited to see her.

According to wiki, Coccinellids are and have for very many years been favorite insects of children. Many believe that if a ladybug lands on you, your wish will be granted after you blow it away. Some even consider ladybug’s to be fortune bugs. Wow we hit the jackpot this am.

I also read that they usually appear in the early fall, seeking warmth in brightly lit areas....well, my bathroom is certainly full of sunshine, fall/winter, well, that's close ;0)

Researching Ladybugs has slayed a lifetime belief in a myth, I guess. Did you ever hear that a ladybug's age is determined by how many spots are on it's wings? Wrong.

"Mommy, What should we do with her?", notice he called the lady bug a girl, posed the Noodle.

"Well, there aren't any aphids in our bathroom, so we should bring her to the backyard and let her go out and search for some outside."

After I gently placed the little lady on a thick square of toilet paper, Schmoogie took her down the stairs to the sliding glass door. Noodle, a tad squeamish, followed close behind. They eagerly let her loose into the wild of our yard to search for some food.

Something about her made me feel happy today. I'm not sure if it was her bright, beautiful color, or those vibrant spots, but something about her cheered me this morning, and I certainly feel fortunate that she came for a visit.

Peace.

~Happy Double Digits Schmoogie~

Ten years ago today, I became Mommy! Happy 10th Birthday to my dearest Schmoogie!!

To simply say you have accomplished so much this year, would minimize your existence.

To simply say I am proud of who you are, who you have become and who I can see you becoming, would minimize my pride.

To simply say you can make me smile, laugh, cry and become enraged all in one half hour, would minimize your effect on me.

With full admiration, I point out just one of the most recent honors you received. I'm not sure who was more proud, you, me, your father, or your little brother, as you graciously received three of the four possible awards at the basketball shootout. Out-standing! Sports are what frames you, you are an incredibly talented athlete, and I really don't believe you fully comprehend how good you really are.

With full determination you always give 110% to whatever it is you are doing. Sometimes it's bordering obsessive, but it is always with purpose.

You are an amazing child. I love our "date nights", our silly sayings and Schmoogie songs, our similarities until they hurt, and most of all the sparkle in your eyes when you look at me.

Schmoogie, I love you with all my heart. I look forward to this year's accomplishments and the pride you exude from me. Ahhh, to be ten, again.

Love you to pieces,

Mommy

We Bent Lent

While driving home with my amazingly intelligent first borne on Ash Wednesday the following conversation occurred:

"Hey Schmoog's, have you thought about what you might give up for lent?"

"Yes, Mom, I actually have."

Shocked that he even has given such a religious practice any thought at all, I eagerly inquire, "Oh, really, what?"

"Brushing my teeth."

Trying not to bust out laughing, I answer him calmly, "I don't think that's what Jesus meant. You know, Schmoogie, you're supposed to give up something that you really like, or enjoy."

"Fine Mom, then I will give up taking showers."

Jeeze, what's with this kid and wanting to throw hygiene out the window?

"Uh, I don't think so."

"Why not, you know I love taking showers Mom, I always sing in the shower."

"Yes, Schmoogie, you do love taking showers, but again, that is not what Jesus meant."

"I know Mom, I was just kidding. I think I will give up candy for lent."

Bingo, now we're getting somewhere.

"Great choice. I'll tell you what, I will give up candy too. This way we can be a team....Team Lenten."

Two days pass, and the little beast comes to me with this, "Mom, you know that bag of goodies you gave me for Valentine's Day?"

"Sure, why?"

"Well, there is some really great candy in there, there is no way I can do this lent thing."

And just like that, lent was dead. Maybe next year I can be a more forceful Catholic.

Peace.

Charlie Boo Boo Smiles!

Noodle, how'd you get that boo boo on your side?


I got it when I fell off my Charlie, Schmoogie.


When you fell off your what?


My Charlie.


Schmoogie looks at Noodle with that what the heck are you talking about look.

MY CHARLIE, Schmoogie, MY CHARLIE that I ride in the driveway, it's in the garage.


Schmoogie looks at me with such concern and says ever so seriously, "Mom, what the heck is he talking about?"


"Noodle, what's your charlie, honey" I say with the same look that Schmoogie gave him.


MY CHARLIE, Mommy, MY orange Charlie. You know what it is.


Just then, Schmoogie and I looked to each other and busted out in laughter. Just then, we knew exactly what his Charlie was. He meant his Harley, his Harley Davidson ride on toy.





Just then Noodle looks at us with this sort of disgusted smile and shakes his head back and forth as if he was thinking "Jeeze, these two just don't get it."


It was a moment not to forget.


Peace.

Remembering

I have been away for a while, honestly, enjoying some time with my children, not caring enough to share. Selfish, heh, maybe, but hey, this is my blog!

And then there is today, as I sit here at my desk with a knot in my stomach true sadness in my heart and know that writing will help.

On this day, eight years ago, I had dropped Schmoogie off at Gram's and was on my way to my office. Rockin to the tunes, singing out loud, cuz no one was listening, when just like that, the music turned to somber news of confusion and illogical chaos.

As I listened in disbelief, I continued my commute. Arriving to my office was strange, as those who made it there just moments before me scurried me to the radio, where we stood in a circle, listening. At the time, we weren't at all sure what we were listening to, and had no idea the magnitude of what was actually happening.

Little did we know that we were experiencing history, like none other that we had been alive to witness.

I cannot relive the terror I felt in my heart that day as we heard that people were jumping to their deaths, that the terrorists actually sacrificed themselves in the name of God, to torment Americans and for what?

After the smoke began to clear, and the real effects of that tragic morn actually began to sink in, I remember the solidarity that followed. You couldn't go anywhere without seeing an American Flag. People were kinder. We took turns easier. We looked out for one another, without reserve. This country turned into one big family for months to come following such crisis. You felt that strangers were no longer strange, but instead they were kind, gentle, neighbors. I wish we could always live that way, without having to live through a tragedy first. This country was different, it was changed forever.

Today, I remember those who perished for no reason, and those who continue to fight for our country, so those who perished did not do so in vein.

God Bless America today, and everyday.

Peace....for real.
P

Once upon a Prom

On Saturday, we sat on the coach and chatted before a very exciting day began. With uncertainty in his eyes, he says "Mom, I may have a shot at Prom King."

Wishful thinking is the immediate thought that came to mind. "Really Schmoogie, that would be cool, when is Prom?"

"Wednesday. You know Mom, the King and Queen are crowned based on the most gold slips you earn for excellent behavior and helping out without being asked, and I have a lot of gold slips."

Honestly, I am still thinking yeah, right....

Flash back four years, the old Schmoogie had just finished kindergarten and began camp for the first time. Aware of the gold slip awards, he earned two for the entire summer, approximately 8 weeks long.

Flash back three years, the old Schmoogie earned five gold slips for the entire summer....well, you get the point.

This year, he has been in camp for 2.5 weeks, and has earned the most gold slips in the entire camp. Coming in at 18 gold slips, his closest competitor, a girl two years older than him, had 14. OMG, I am so proud of him!!! Two and a half weeks people, 18 gold slips, unheard of!

At the prom today, he was crowned Prom King. He wore his crown with pride. He danced with pride. He sang karaoke with pride. He is the PROM KING!!

He didn't get as many pretzels as he had hoped, because the other kids gobbled them up as he was being CROWNED!

Oh my gawd, Schmoogie was the Prom King and I am his very, super proud Mommy!

Noodles Big Sleep Over

“Hey Noodle, do you want to sleep over at Grandma's tonight”, my mother so lovingly asked my baby.

“Sure, GaMa, I will love to sleep at GaMa's house”. He answered with affirmation.

My heart dropped and I lost my breath for a split second.

Noodle has never, ever, ever, even remotely, had one drip of desire to sleep outside of our home, and has never, ever had the need to. He has been asked before, and declined. He has attempted to stay out and changed his mind last minute. And, never, has there been such a definitive YES!

OMG, I wanted to pass out. He'll change his mind, I told myself to calm the about to come on panic attack.

Why?

Why did I react like this?

Schmoogie had slept over my parent’s house a gazillion times by the time he was Noodle's age. He had slept at my grandmothers, my sister-in-laws, even at a girl friend’s house, and I never felt like this. For the love of God, why, oh why, did I have such trouble with this?

After a mulling it over, missing him so bad it actually hurt, and then yearning to pick him up. After having him run into my arms to embrace a gigantic hug, kisses galore, a million and one I missed you’s, and then wishing for a moment's peace, I asked myself again, WHY did I react that way?

Well, he is my baby. He and I have one of those relationships, he's a mama's boy good boy, and he's my baby, oh I already said that, and, he’s my last, need I say more?

When our first bones are little, we cannot wait for their accomplishments, it's as if we want them to experience everything by the time they are a year old, and it’s insane, really. Once you experience just how fast it all goes by, you learn to embrace the little ones, and their stages.

This time, second child, I KNOW how fast it goes, and quite frankly, I don’t want to let go of his baby innocence. I am like this with every step of his existence, Noodle walked later than Schmoogie, he spoke later than Schmoogie, and we didn’t even correct his speech until recently. And, it is all okay; we weren’t as vigorous in the coaching, because I don’t want him to get big.

He stayed the night at my parent’s house, without crisis. I called three thirteen times, and by 5:05 last night, I had him back in my arms. I put him to sleep in my bed and just schmooched him all up, we snuggled, and I fell asleep with his warm (still baby) breath in my face, and I loved every minute of it.

I know I sound selfish, but a baby is only a baby for a short time, and I love my baby!!

Peace.

This is why I am so Happy!!

Big D rings the office at about 8:45 a.m.

"Everything O.K.?" I ask.

"Yeah, yeah, everything is fine. I just wanted to tell you the cutest thing that Noodle said to me on the way to daycare this morning."

I'm thinking something to do with Father's Day (or Farta's Day as Noodle says).

"Daddy, I am gonna miss Mommy today."

"Aww Noodle, that's so sweet, are you gonna miss Daddy too?"

"No, Daddy, just Mommy"

I have to tell you, That. Made. My. Day.

I miss him too, every Monday I miss both of my boys. It really is tough getting back into the work week groove after spending the entire weekend together.

Just to think that Big D would unselfishly pass that dialogue on to put a smile on my face.

Even though, the Noodle Doodle totally blew him off, he still gave me my props. That is why he is the best husband and Daddy ever and I am so happy!!

Big hugs all around tonight when the workday is over!
Peace.

June came really quick this year.

Remember the good times you spend with those you hold dear, because like they say, all good things must come to an end.

I was feeling overwhelmed with sadness as I concluded a phone call with Schmoogie's third grade teacher. She explained that he is sad to see the end of the school year is nearing. He is upset that he will not get to see her each day. He has really grown to love Mrs. B, and so have I.

For Schmoogie, it has been one of those years where your child falls into who he is, who he always wanted to be, who he was meant to be. With the selfless guidance of Mrs. B. and personal maturity, Schmoogie has been polished this year.

He has always been a shining star, always the love of my life, always an intelligent, athletic and charismatic child. But this year, he has become more. He has developed the skills that will make him the best kind of friend and just the gentleman any Mother could ask for.

More good things are to come, of that I am sure. New chapters in the life of a Scholar Athlete will soon be here. However, for now, Mrs. B, I do believe your goal has been met. Thank you so much for being the that teacher that students hold in their hearts for years to come. We have been blessed with the opportunity to have had you in our lives.

As for you, kiddo, your father and I are so proud of your accomplishments this year. We are thrilled that you have the natural ability to effortlessly excel. You never cease to amaze us. Here's to a terrific summer stock piled with camp and sports which will lead you into your next chapter, forth grade.

Can it get any better?
Peace.

Noodle's in Trouble

Noodle came home from school (daycare) with a laundry list of infractions for the day. Doesn't happen often, as he is a relatively well behaved child.

Surprised, I acted so. Bright eyed and that NOOOO? is what I exuded, not knowing that it was only the first on the list.

"Mommy, I said potty words."

"Tell Mommy what else you did" Big D coaches from the couch.

"Oh. And. What? What Daddy, what else I did?" He had already forgotten.

"Tell her what you said to Miss. D." He is smiling at me from the couch, as I am left to be the disciplinarian in the kitchen.

"Oh. That, Mommy I say "NO" to Miss D."

The eyes widen and the NOOOO becomes, NOOOOOOOOOO!

"And tell her what else, Noodle." Comes from the cheerleader Dad.

"What else? There's more?" The eyes were bulging at this point.

"Oh, and I hit my friends."

"OH MY Noodle!"

A brief lecture loaded with disappointment, drenched with Mommy guilt and sprinkled with an affectionate expectation occurs and the tot decides he will NEVER do those things again.

Giggles from the other side of the couch are muffled by a throw pillow. Yes, Schmoogie found humor in all of this.

Why? I asked myself, well, why not? Noodle doesn't give us much grief and is rarely "in trouble." Schmoogie, on the other hand, is the king of punishment in our house. I guess he thought it was funny that someone else was getting the disappointed bulging eye NO's instead of him.

Kids.
Turned out to be a good night!
Peace.

Overscheduled?

Is it really fair to make him choose between two activities that he truly loves (and is really good at) next year when we delve into the LAX/Baseball overlap?

Big D and I have always said that we would NEVER overschedule our children with extracurricular activities. It isn't fair to them, and it really isn't fair to us either.


As you know, Schmoogie tried Lacrosse this year, and, as it turns out, he is pretty awesome at it. I was concerned because practices would overlap with the up and coming baseball season's practices and early season games. It was a bit of a juggle, but we made it through, while both coaches knew in advance that there may be an occasional conflict. With the final game of LAX, this Sunday, now we are able to solely focus on baseball.

Baseball season should be interesting this year, as Schmoogie has been selected for the All Star Team, and a newly formed traveling world series team. Lot's of baseball ahead!

Big D and I were chatting about what to do next year, when we are faced with the LAX/Baseball overlap, because, admittedly, it was a constant juggle. We have agreed that Schmoogie, who is not like all kids, NEEDS stuff to do. It just works for him. He has always been a very active child, has always needed constant attention, and has always needed to be moving. For him, it will work. We have decided to allow him to play both sports at the same time, so long as he wants to do that come next year.

This decision was not made lightly, we thought long and hard, went back and forth, but in the end, we feel it will work for our child. And, most importantly, he maintained his school work, without ever even a threat of falling behind.

Note: SCHOOL Work ALWAYS comes first in our house, and there was never a night when Schmoogie went to a practice or a game without homework done.

A totally different discussion may take place when faced with similar circumstances for Noodle. One never knows, and we may find that, he like many other children, may not be able to handle two sports at one time.

Peace.

Field Day 09

He awoke with a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face that you could see for a mile. It was afterall, the most wonderful day of the school year, FIELD DAY!

Decked out in his favorite silky shorts, the official Field Day t-shirt, fastest sneakers he owns, clean socks and his coolest undies, he enters my bathroom and applies deodorant. "Mom, I'm Ready" declares Schmoogie. He is all set for the big day!

The cooler is packed, we are armed with energy enhancing goods, including carrots, cucumber slices, water bottles and juice bags for the class.

The rain gives way and allows the sweet sun to shine through. It will be a great day. Dolce and Gabanna's on, we are off.

I explain to the Schmoog~Master in the car that I, as a child wasn't as enthused about field day. "See Schmoogie, they didn't have fourth and fifth place ribbons, the didn't have "participation" ribbons, so I, very rarely ever got a ribbon."

I go on to tell him "one time I remember receiving the first place blue ribbon for the tug of war." (You know tug of war is a class event, and the win was no thanks to me, that's for sure!)

Quick stop for breakfast sandwiches and we arrive the school.

We eat breakfast at one of the picnic tables.

Set up our sheet under his classes tent.

Carry over the cooler and into the classroom to help Mrs. B apply tattoo's on all of Schmoogie's classmates' arms.

Out to the field for the day to begin...

Second place in the 50 yard dash.

First place in the 400 meter race.

First place for the three legged race he so eloquently won with his pal from his class!

Now it's time for tug of war. I lead the class in chants to encourage their enthusiasm, have them flex their tiny muscles to arouse their adrenalin flow, chicken dance their finger tips to get them ready for an ultra tight grip on that rope. One of the Dads spell out some more strategy. First you dig your feet, then lean back and pull! And they are on. Mrs. B's Bolts are strong, the girls turn up the girl power and the anchors are secure.

PUUUUULLLLLL! The parents, janitors and other school staff cheer them on.

They were psyched. They did really well, blew away the first competitors, and were ready for the next. Only, the next team was big, they had been practicing, they looked ready, I was nervous, but our kids were ready too.

PUUUULLLLLLL!

They got us, but hey, we did well, 2nd place, not too shabby!

At the conclusion of the morning activities, I make my way to my office. Big D will stay and enjoy the afternoon's water events.

The most wonderful day of the school year was exciting, fun and a great time for the kids to let loose, and have some fun. It was great! Congrats Schmoogie, you rock!!

Peace.

UPK for Noodle?

Our school district began offering a UPK program two years ago. I was thrilled, because Noodle will qualify, or so i thought, this September.

Our elementary school is UPK through 4th grade. Next year, Schmoogie will be in fourth grade, and Noodle becomes UPK age eligible. Perfect, Noodle will get to ride the bus with Schmoogie and get acclimated to the school making the kindergarten transition a breeze, right? WRONG.

It's a huge game, and we came out losers.

Mark your calendars for one of the coldest days in April that we have ever had and go wait outside of the building where registration will take place. Get there early (like 6:00 am, early), because space is limited, and it's first come first served procedure.

I arrive early, not 6 am early, but early enough. I stand outside freezing with the dozens of other parents eager to get their 4 (or almost 4) year olds into Pre-K. With necessary paperwork in hand, I make a mental checklist. Birth certificate, check. Tax returns, yes I said tax returns, check. Immunization record, check. Utility bill, check. I am all set.

UPK is a half day program, whereby you select am or pm class times, and need to have daycare lined up for the other part of the day. First and second year UPK classes included two am and two pm classes and, you could request that they bus your child to your daycare center afterwards, perfect! CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!!!

I excitedly complete the necessary paperwork and stand in line, waiting for two hours to finally be greeted by the Registrar, who informs me:

There will only be one am and one pm class, unless the budget changes. We no longer bus to your daycare choice. Because Noodle will not turn four by September, he cannot board the bus, you will need to drive him until his 4th birthday. Low income families, and those with special needs will get priority.

Check, check....CHECK OUT! Why didn't they tell me this before???

Call me dumb, but I remain hopeful. Maybe the second set of classes will open up and I could drive him back and forth for two month, oh, and maybe I will get a babysitter or a Nanny, at least Noodle will get to ride the bus with Schmoogie for most of of his first year of academics.

WHAT AM I CRAZY?! Well, as it turns out, yes, I am crazy.

Months have past without notification, so I call the UPK coordinator. Here is what I heard...

Noodle is number 7 on the waiting list. We had more indigent applicants this year than usual, and they have filled up most of the available slots. Unless another class opens, it sounds like your son will not be able to attend.

WHAT!?

I wonder how much those who were accepted pay in school taxes each year. OH YES I DID GO THERE! I am pretty burned by this whole procedure.

So, he will stay at his daycare, who offers a wonderful Pre-K program, for next year, and will have to board the bus without his big bro, should be interesting. As usual, I am keeping a positive attitude that he will not hang on my leg to the point of being shaken off to get on that kindergarten bus.

Peace.

A day at the beach....

A rainy day at the beach is still better than a great day at work!

Yesterday, I was one of many chaperone's on the annual third grade field trip to Fire Island. I was so looking forward to this trip since last September, when Schmoogie's teacher told me of the excursion. I was elated to take the day off from work, take the school bus to board the ferry and frolic at the beach with my son. We'll have to drench ourselves in sunscreen, wear a funny hat, tank top, shorts, ooooh the sunshine and warm sand in our toes will be such a treat. We'll have lunch on a blanket, skip rocks into the ocean, gather shells, take in all of the freshly blossomed foliage along the boardwalk trail. What a fantastic day it'll be, Schmoogie!

So, yesterday, the day arrived. Almost ready, I had to remember to packed my positive attitude, as we embark on our field trip. The picture was quite different than Schmoogie and I had imagined. We were fully clothed from head to toe, sans sunscreen, add sweatshirt, umbrella, baseball hats, and a towel not for sitting on the beach, but rather for drying off. Throw in the rain jacket purchased at the beach's gift shop, and we had ourselves a field trip.

The rain was relentless. We still had the best time ever, and heck, who needs sun to have a nice day anyway? It was great, we still collected shells, ate lunch on the blanket (with our hoods up), we raced through the boardwalk trail, opposed to slowly taking it in, and basked in the rain. The kids played rain football on the beach while the Mom's (and Dad's) took shelter utilizing the fenced in garbage corral.

It was still better to spend my day with Schmoogie, the other chaperone's and their children, who are incidentally our friends outside of school, rather than being in my office.

We hoped for fun in the sun, and turned it into fun in the rain!

Peace.

No Adult, No Pool, That's our Rule!

While rounding out the holiday weekend at a friend's house, the kids were all geared up for a fun-filled afternoon of swimming and bbq.

"The rule is no one in the pool without an adult there," the hostess reminds the kids as they run towards the pool area.

Sighs, grunts and groans come from six very anxious children all ready for a sweet dip in the 82 degree heated pool.

"Come on Mom, I am a good swimmer," declares Schmoogie.

"Not my rule, not our pool. Sorry Schmoogie," my clever response.

As I assist our hostess with the final touches, Big D steps up to the plate and steps into lifeguard mode. The splashing begins.

Noodle, who always wears swimmies and holds onto a noodle or kickboard decides to jump in with the kickboard, sans swimmies. Big D is impressed.

Seconds later, Noodle lets go of the kickboard and sinks to the bottom of the pool. The lifeguard, decked out in his party gear, cell phone in one pocket, cash and wallet in the other, jumps in the pool and retrieves the very shaken Noodle.

After the scare, the day progresses without further incident, all is well. Glad I spent all that money on swimming lessons.

A rude awakening to say the least, considering our pool will be open on June 4th. Over dinner last night, I reminded my darling children that the previous day's event could have yielded a very different outcome, had Big D not been there. It was dramatic conversation, it needed to be. I made the announcement that there will be no swimming, no children in the pool area without an adult, no exceptions.

Sure, there was a little grief from Schmoogie, then the reminder that he didn't even notice his baby brother at the bottom of the pool, and even if he had, he couldn't have done anything to help him. Grief ceases.

For the first time, I am nervous about our pool.

Peace.

Memorial Day Weekend Preview

So, it's officially summer? Not really, isn't June 21st the first day of summer? Either way, the warm weather has finally graced us here on the North Fork, and we are about to baste in it and drench ourselves with sunshine, outdoor activities, and warmth. I say, BRING IT ON!

Memorial Day Weekend, oh, yes, when we begin to relish all that summer has to offer. I cannot wait to get this weekend started. I can almost smell the hamburgers and hotdogs grilling on the open flame, hear the sweet sounds of childhood glee, and see the pollen covering my car. Well, two out of three isn't bad.

Should be a nice one, we have a birthday party, some lax practice, baseball practice, perhaps a dip in a friend's pool, and defiantly BBQ!

I'd like to get in a nice walk to see the cows and the llama around the way, a bike ride to the water just past the Meeting House Creek Inn would be lovely, and maybe a wiffle ball game with the neighborhood kids. That's my idea of a good summer weekend.

No matter what else the weekend brings, I will be perfectly happy as long as I get to spend lots of time outside, preferably without a jacket, sucking up the sun with my three favorite peeps in the world.

Love you guys,
Peace.

Spontaneity for P

For the first night in over a week, we do not have anything to do tonight. No LAX, no baseball, no exercise class, no personal trainer, no playdate, no shopping to do, no nothing. Great, you say? Then why, all day, am I stressing out about what to do tonight?

What will I make for dinner? Should we just go out to dinner?

Will Schmoogie remember that I "promised" him (3 or 4 days ago) a trip to KMart for a desperately needed triangular shaped bakugon?

Should I call my walking buddies for a walk tonight?

Maybe I can get some cold cuts, or make PB&J's and head to the beach for a picnic. Oooooh, that's a good one, the kids can play on the playground, look for shells, Big D and I could walk the beach. Oh, that's right, Big D isn't much of a beach fan. Oh well, maybe I could go with the kids, but I haven't had a solid conversation with my husband in at least five (5) days.

See my dilemma's? It's as if I have to fill my three little hours between picking up Noodle from daycare and just before bed with stuff to do. Well, I have just decided that I do not have to fill those hours with anything.

I have a feeling the spontaneity will do me some good. We shall see!

Hope you have a great night, I'm pretty sure I will!

Peace.

A Mother's Day to Remember

With excitement in their eyes, their hands filled with handmade treasures, their hearts filled with love, they jump on my bed and shout “Happy Mother’s Day!”

A handmade silhouette of my first born, the tiniest of flower pots with first week sprouting, and a white gift bag filled with pink and brown tissue paper and a gift card to East Wind Spa drown me as I awake from sleeping in, yet another gift for the day.

I gaze into both sets of eyes and admire their gigantic smiles and offer a big Mama hug to both of my adorable children. I squeeze them both, simultaneously and grin with happiness, inside and out. I lovingly look at them again, and thank them for giving me the privilege to be a Mother. I love being a Mommy, I love being their Mommy.

A buttered bagel and hot cup of coffee await my arrival at the kitchen table. As I indulge, my three favorite people and I chat about what the rest of the day has in store.

A late brunch at one of the finest restaurants on the North Fork, with Grandma and Grammy turns out exquisite.

As we finish up brunch, with nothing really planned for the remainder of the day, Big D’s cell phone rings with a lovely invitation.

“We’re heading up to Martha Clara with the kids, hoping you can join us.”

“I will talk to P, I’m sure she’ll be in, sounds like fun.”

We spend the rest of the afternoon sipping wine with friends, as our children run and play in the open fields overlooking breathtaking views of grape filled vines. Kite flying, ball playing and picnic baskets are flowing. Animals are out for viewing and a pirate ship shaped playset occupy more of the time for our children. Fresh air and warm sun nestle us as we enjoyed all that Mother’s Day had to offer.

It truly was a day to remember. I hope yours was too.

Peace.

Solution to the Shower Time Blues...

Schmoogie never minded water in his face. You could wash his hair in the bath or in the shower, and just dump the clean water over his head to rinse, or stick his lil head under the shower head and let it run down. He would just shut his eyes, ever so tightly, so no water would get in, and smile the whole time.

Noodle hates water in his face. He cries, cringes, shakes, tightens up, etc. He cannot stand to get his hair washed. I have tried all the remedies to no avail. I usually just give him showers for times sake, quickly rinsing, with dry towel in between my knees ready to dry that delicious wet face, just as soon as the water runs clear. He still cries, cringes and shakes, every, single, time. It's heartbreaking, stressful and at times extremely frustrating, until now!

Just as Noodle is getting ready to enter the torture chamber (our shower), he spots a pair of swim goggles graciously left by the Easter Bunny, meant for the new pool this summer, and Big D thinks it funny to put them on and "go show Mommy, tell her you're ready for the shower".

Genius! I think out loud, can it really work??

Well, it seems, we have found the perfect solution to the water in the eyes blues....

You have to creatively wash around the rubber strap in the back of the head, so I will need to be diligent about ensuring different placement of the straps each shower. But I figure, hell, if I can get most of those blonde strands clean without a tear, without cringing, without shaking, I am golden!

Peace.