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

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.

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.