Monday, January 8, 2018
Sunday, January 7, 2018
It All Matters: Thank You Mom
I won't lie, it's a lot of work. Sundays you envision relaxing,calm children and well we all know that doesn't always happen. It was a little nuts and I tried to get them all into their own calm projects. One was playing shopkins, the other we were practicing flash cards, my oldest was on her razor. I reminded her of her spelling test and divisions test tomorrow. She kindof went in panic mode. I practiced her spelling with her and loaded her math practice tests on my computer. She has trouble with math because she's been rushing through it. Not reading the full questions. So I was glad she was able to load her school program and practice. After 30 mins was time for bed. She came up to me and said "Thank you Mom for ALL and EVERYTHING you do".
I could have cried. It was very touching. I was tired. It's a lot doing it solo. But it was amazing for her to appreciate it. It's amazing to have it acknowledged even if it came from a 9 year old. See we all are just seeking some credit in a small way for all we do. We all need to be acknowledged for all the effort we make. The extra steps we take to be a good parent. A good person. To help our children grow and excel. Grateful my girls see my efforts. Grateful she appreciated me pushing her to practice. I asked if she felt more ready for her tests for tomorrow, she shook her head yes and kissed my cheek.
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Saturday, January 6, 2018
What's Your Favorite Thing To Do...
I always wear open sweaters. I also try to always end my day cuddling with my girls. This afternoon, when my oldest came home from basketball practice she asked if she can do her favorite thing with me. I asked what it was she said "You know, when you wrap me in your sweater and hold me".
It's really the little things that makes my heart happy.
Friday, January 5, 2018
Baby It's Cold Outside...Not Cold Enough For Ice Cream
I was so close to ordering Peabody grocery delivery just so I didn't have to go outside but since I didn't have the kids tonight I put on my big girl pants and braced the cold. It's funny when something so silly can get you so happy. So I am almost done grocery shopping and make my way down the freezer section and see Ben & Jerry's on sale 3 for $10. Now I try to be good but then spot my favorite ice cream. First time I had this flavor was at the Casino when we took our daughter to see Pentatonix. I went back a couple weeks later after I went to see Kevin Hart and got a waffle cone. So yes this flavor brings back happy memories and who doesn't enjoy peanut butter cookie dough with caramel and chocolate ice cream. Amazing!
Thursday, January 4, 2018
You Have To Focus On The Lessons
It's a roller coaster ride. Life in general is. Good days, bad days. I heard it takes 5 years to
really get over a divorce. The time frame starts from when the marriage starts to fail and go
down hill. Crazy to think people jump into relationships fast after a divorce. It's like
you need to date yourself before you can even really know what type of person you want to be with. I met a lady who was going through her second divorce. Her second husband was an alcoholic. She said at first it was fun and she thought he just liked to party. She didn't realize the extend of the problems he had. Obviously she didn't wait 5 years. I get why, no one wants to be alone. But you need time.
You need time to mourn the loss of your marriage. To be your own friend. It's hard not
having a companion, someone who has your back, but how selfish is it to jump into another situation without allowing yourself time. Time to focus on the lessons and allow yourself to grow. Be better. Love yourself. Fix what you need to fix within yourself.
Snowed In...Blizzard 2018
*Picture Source: Facebook
I hope you all embraced the storm. I will tell you it wasn't fun and makes me wonder why we live where we live but since I don't handle being hot well I have no choice but to embrace winter as one of our seasons.
Last night I decided to do something for me. The kids where at their dad's. I decided I wasn't going to work. I instead picked up Chinese food and donuts at Dunkin Donuts and pigged out watching TV. When my girls came home at noon today I was ready to be an adult again. I made them soup and we baked and ended our night cuddling on the couch. It's about balance.
Snow is pretty but a hassle. Shoveling is great exercise but painful I am totally feeling it already. Being snowed in with my kids is work but makes my heart happy.
I hope YOU too take some time to enjoy quiet nights alone and yet also enjoy the time with your kids or families.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Feel Good Song: One Foot by WALK THE MOON
Cheers to 2018...take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and make it your best year ever!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
More Than Just Sisters...
These two have my back. Have done nothing but made this year easier for me. Pampered me and made sure whatever I needed they were there for me. People go through life not having people who care as much for them. Gratefully not me. I have this crazy army backing me up. Picking me up. Telling me just to focus on being happy. No matter what I need I will never be alone. These two are part of that army. Tough, smart, sophisticated ladies that I gratefully call my sisters. My best friends. My backbone. Extremely grateful and lucky to have them.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Make 2018 About YOU
Self love, self healing, make 2018 about being good for
YOU and to YOU. Great article:
Friday, December 29, 2017
Studio D Hair Salon In Norwalk...Amazing!
My sister had her hair done here and it looked so good so she surprised me and got me a gift certificate for Christmas. I went today and saw Olivia and she was amazing. Of course I was that annoying client who didn't know what she wanted but said I wanted some layers but a long bob. I wanted a cut that would be easy to style. It came out PERFECT.
Studio D is this little hidden gem located in Norwalk on 62 Cedar street. There's parking right upfront. The salon is very chic but so welcoming and comfortable. After ten minutes Olivia and I were joking around and laughing. She was very easy to talk to and she totally gave me the cut I wanted. It's like she read my mind since I couldn't put it into words. I can't wait to go back and try other fun cuts with her and best of all...she's half the price of other salons. Totally give it a try and be sure to ask for Olivia!
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Divorce Isn't The End...It's The New Beginning
Beginning and starting over at any stage of life can be a challenge. Going over finances can be draining. Seeing your ex can be extremely draining. Co-parenting is super draining at times. There isn't one easy thing about getting a divorce except for... the excitement of starting over! No I don't mean jump into another relationship. I mean focusing on YOU.
When was the last time you did that? I was so caught up in being a mom and wife that I forgot about ME. I loved this article I found. I love that positive things are ahead. I love the ups and downs because I tend to stop and laugh at myself more. Divorce isn't the end. It's truly, 100% the New Beginning. Take the time and share this article with anyone who could use this right now.
Seven Ways to Thrive After Divorce | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201309/seven-ways-thrive-after-divorce
When was the last time you did that? I was so caught up in being a mom and wife that I forgot about ME. I loved this article I found. I love that positive things are ahead. I love the ups and downs because I tend to stop and laugh at myself more. Divorce isn't the end. It's truly, 100% the New Beginning. Take the time and share this article with anyone who could use this right now.
Seven Ways to Thrive After Divorce | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201309/seven-ways-thrive-after-divorce
Declutter Your Life
Since going through my divorce I noticed I have been focusing a lot on decluttering areas of my life. I need to make room for a better flow. Clutter tends to stress me out. People say when you declutter you are also cleaning out your emotions. Which is true. I feel so much better. I am allowing myself to "feel". I also did it this morning with my Facebook & Instagram Friend list. I know sounds so silly but do you even know who you are friends with? So I went in and removed people who I know aren't active on Facebook and people who I would never really have a conversation with. I love to share pictures of my kids and I need to be sure who is really seeing them are people I want to see them.
Now that the holidays are over I plan on picking weekends to declutter areas of my home. My closest, my basement...even some drawers could use some TLC.
When was the last time YOU let go of stuff and allowed calmness in your life?
Monday, December 25, 2017
Christmas It's Love & Peace
First Christmas Eve and Day with the kids only being with one parent to celebrate and they did amazing. I had them last night and their father came over early today to open gifts and took
them after for the day and my girls did great. I am so proud how they are handling everything so amazing. They are calm and loving and helpful and I am so proud of them. Truly grateful!
Christmas Laughter...Christmas with the Kranks - Botox Scene HD
Hysterical! I could watch this clip over and over again. Laughter heals the heart. Brings out your youth and makes you happier. Enjoy the laugh and its benefits!
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Elf Is Ready For Christmas...
In a weird way I am going to miss this Elf...Merry Christmas Everyone!
Santa's Boot: Pigs In A Blanket
Every year I make pigs in the blanket as an app for Christmas Eve. I let the kids pick the shape to make. This year we made Santa's Boot. This is super easy and fun to make. You need three packages of crescent rolls raw dough and a package of hotdogs. Cut up the hotdogs and layer ontop of the shape of dough. Top with another layer of dough and let the kids decorate.
Christmas Therapy...
I kindof don't want to get out of bed this morning. Partly due to being tired. Partly feeling a little down. Even though my marriage is over and I have no desire to ever fix it, I can't help but feel a little down. They say divorce is like mourning a death. You have these rollercoaster rides of emotions. One minute you're up next minute you're down.
Christmas Eve has always been my favorite. I love my family and we eat a crazy amount of delicious food. All my cousins are there and you walk away feeling so much stronger by the amazing energy of those who love you. So I know tonight will help me. But now I fully understand all the times my friends had breakups and all the times they felt down and lonely. I could so now relate and although this all will pass it's also showing me that I can now relate to those I couldn't in the past. It's showing me how to be more sympathetic towards others. To be able to say I get it now and to really deep down focus on your true self and what you really need to make yourself fully happy again.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
It's About Making Memories and Creating Traditions
I was so tired but build up some energy to do sugar cookies with my girls. I made the dough with them and baked them and saved decorating for the next day. It was a mess and you wonder will the kids ever remember all this work you do with them? Then your oldest bites into a cookie and says "Awe there's my mommas sugar cookies. How I missed this taste" you can't help but feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I grabbed my daughter and kissed her up.
Here's the real deal. You try to keep the kids happy, build memories, while dough falls on the ground and the house is covered in flour. There is some yelling and tears and you say to yourself it's ok they are kids and your back aches and you wonder who even really enjoys these cookies besides yourself. But it's fun and Christmas music is playing in the background and you let your kids dump so many sprinkles on their cookies. So when my daughter came home with her dad the next day to pick up her sisters and bit into it and said that I almost cried. Cried from happiness that even if I am not perfect. Even if things are rough at times. It doesn't matter but I achieved my goal. My goal that I am building traditions and memories with my three kids that I cherish and adore and love me and I love them and it's so worth every mess. Every backache and every sprinkle and frosting covered on the counters. Mommy win for sure!
Friday, December 22, 2017
Massage...How Do YOU Relax
My sister treated me to a massage last weekend. We went together to Noelle's in Stamford and it was perfect. We went on a snowy Friday night and it was so peaceful. My body was in rough shape from
Doing wood and shoveling- yeah not sure what I was thinking- but after my massage the lady asked me what I do to relax. Hmmm I paused. I had no clue so I said meditate. She's like you have so many knots in your lower back and gave me some tips on how to help them. Honestly who REALLY relaxes? When my kids are with their dad I do stuff around the house. Catch up on my errands. I will admit I have been addicted to theHall Mark channel and love some silly Holiday Love Stories. But when I think of the word relaxing I picture reading a book on the beach with a cocktail in my hand and the sound of the waves crashing in the background- yeah I know amazing. But really how do YOU relax? Because we all need time and to do stuff to help heal our body and minds.
Gingerbread Houses...Do It Your Way
I will never forget a couple years ago a friend at a family party was doing crafts with the kids and said do it your way to the kids...that is so HARD for parents to sit back and watch your kids do crafts without jumping in and taking over.
So this week I went into my daughter's class and me and some other parents helped them make gingerbread houses. Oh man the stress level started to rise as the art lover in me tried to kick in and help and those words played in my head "Do it your way" as the kids houses started to collapse and slide down. I finally said to my daughter can I please help you. She laughed and let me so I attempted to save her house and make it look somewhat presentable. The funny thing is later this week I let my little ones make some at home and well I just sat back and said "do it your way"
Sometimes you have to just let things go and sit back and let them do things their own way.
Holiday Handprint Crafts
Super cute link of handprint crafts to make with your little ones. https://www.babble.com/crafts-activities/15-handprint-and-footprint-crafts-for-the-holidays/
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Teacher Gifts
I always try to give the teachers something creative and appreciative. We don't realize it but most days they spend more time with our children than we do. They make a huge impact on their lives. They teach, encourage and really guide them through their education. I must say my daughters always had great teachers. Some were more out going than others but I was always pleased.
This year the head teachers are all getting white chocolate covered apples topped with a marshmallow from Stew Leonards. The pre k classes have about 4-5 aides and I ordered holiday donuts for each class. It's hard to budget, yet want to spread some love. But these apples actually are much bigger than this picture and are an amazing price. You don't have to go over board. But with buying for three head teachers, countless class aides, religion teachers, and chior teachers. The list just never ends. But you can set a budget and find great prices, while still making someone feel special.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Friday, December 15, 2017
Holiday Eating Humor...
Cold nights, hanging solo, holiday cheer and blues well all lead to one thing...eating. So thank you leggings for being good to me and allowing me to eat in sorrow or happiness and I promise you will
be put to rest after the holidays. But for now it's ok to find some comfort in food.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Save On Admission at Stepping Stones On Dec 16th & 17th
Beat the cold this weekend by coming over to Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk. They are offering $3 off each ticket this weekend only. Be sure to check out their calendar so your little one can take a picture with Santa.
The Nutcracker At The Stamford Palace Theater
This weekend the Nutcracker will be playing at the Stamford Palace Theater. What a great way to get a jump start into the holiday spirit. Such talent and beautiful to watch the ballets take their art and talent to a different level. Learn More and purchase tickets here: https://shar.es/1MwLmK
Monday, December 11, 2017
Spread More Love...
With the recent bomb attempt at Port Authority in New York this morning you can't help but wish for all the hate in the world to come to an end. Innocent people traveling to work had to have such a horrible experience because someone had hate in them. It's awful to think someone could hurt people they don't even know or have a direct reason to. Gratefully the situation didn't cause more harm but with the holidays coming the last thing anyone needs is fear in getting to work. We all must try to spread as much love as possible especially to our children and peers. My wish is that we all can live in peace without fearing being around people or hurt by people who are filled with so much anger.
*Image Source: Google
Sunday, December 10, 2017
All Children Learn Their Own Way
My three children are completely different. They play different. They learn different. As a parent it is kindof hard to grasp. We teach them all the same and expect same results. Well my third totally had me changing up gears. My two older ones LOVED doing flash cards and by three they knew all the shapes, colors, letters, and numbers. Now my youngest is extremely smart. She also is a big jokester. She also hates flash cards. Everytime I pull them out she asks to do something else. So finally I decided to teach her, HER way. I lined the cards on the ground and instead of lifting up cards asking what it was I asked her to give me the"yellow oval" and "green circle".
This helped me know what shapes and colors she knew. She loved this. I then asked her what letter the colors started with. Having kids isn't easy. Having three is hard. I always wished I could clone myself into three. Give them undivided attention but I can't. So instead I need to take some time and learn what each kid needs in their own way to make them happy and make learning be fun.
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