I am still recovering from my lovely Christmas weekend.

I am still recovering from my lovely Christmas weekend. I left work early and picked up Winterlyn to do some last minute shopping.

Friday night we all ate pizza, gift wrapped and had hot chocolate.

Saturday was Christmas Eve but since I only have the kids for a few hours on Christmas day we decided to celebrate a day early. We opened our gifts and spent the say being lazy in our PJ’s.

Jacob got a new drum set from Santa; he REALLY loves it. Unfortunately our house is a wee bit too tiny so the drum set is smack in the middle of my dining room! Oh well. I am actually rather impressed at how well he plays the drums!

Winterlyn got a camera and lots of new funky clothes from The Justice Store. Julian got loads of Star Wars toys.

Saturday night we had yummy veggie lasagna and garlic bread. Mmm! In the evening we took a ride to look at Christmas lights. By the time we got home all three kids were fast asleep in the car, too cute.

Christmas morning Bob and Beth came over for a bit to exchange gifts with the kids and to pick up Julian. Gosh the moment he left we missed him; the house is not the same without him. He is going to spend the entire week with his dad while I count the days until he comes home.

I took the kids out to breakfast before Jacob and Winterlyn were picked up at noon by their father.

On Monday I had off from work we ventured out to the mall and we had dinner at the Olive Garden (LOVE that place!).

So now I am thinking about New Years Eve! What to do, what to do? The kids want to play board games and have a dance party. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Adopted Mom to Chazz The Dog

I just wanted to thank Barbara and Chazz at Adopted Mom to Chazz The Dog for allowing me to guest post on their furry special blog.

The adorable Chazz

As you know I love to write, especially about my children. So, when I heard Barbara was looking for a few guest posts I had to jump and write about Sophia, who just happens to be my fur-baby.

To read my guest post click HERE.

Barbara has such an awesome blog because it is packed with loads of cuteness plus resources, giveaways, contests, freebies, product reviews tips and much much more.

You have to check out The Chazz’s Friends Gallery  because it always brings a smile to my face whenever I visit.

Just so darn cute!

Cute things they say: Butt fat

Winterlyn: “Mommy, you know how some people take the fat from their butts and put it into their lips?”

Me: “Yes”

Winterlyn: “Well, do they also take fat from their lips and put it into their butts?”

I really have such great kids.

I love how my children greet me when I come home from work. The very moment I pull into the driveway they all run out of the house to meet me.

My son always grabs my coffee cup while Winterlyn carries my pocketbook. Julian typically tells me what he did at school and if he is done with his homework as we all walk into the house together.

One time I pulled into the driveway and saw all three kids standing on the lawn holding signs. One said “I” the other one had a big heart on it and the third one said “U”.

Another time I pulled into the drive way to find all three kids holding my robe, PJ’s and slippers.

Ah and the best part about coming home after work is the fact that Winterlyn and Julian both always make me tea. As soon as I get home I go over homework and organized their book bags while enjoying my hot tea.

I really have such great kids.

The kids also love to stop me before I pull into the driveway because they like to pile into the minivan for the short ride to the end of the driveway. When they were smaller I would put one or two on my lap and allow them to hold the steering wheel as I drove into the driveway.

My children know exactly what time I will be home. According to my mom they start waiting by the front door at 5:20 in anticipation.

Last night was a pretty horrible night. It was so windy and the heavy rain made it impossible to see the road. I have a visual impairment; I only see out of my right eye and I always see double (which is only good when I am looking at chocolate!). My night vision is just awful, especially when it is raining or snowing.

I had such a hard time getting home last night. I had to pull over many times and rotate between crying and praying. Really, it was pathetic.

I drove so painfully slow and cars behind me were tailing me, flashing their high beams or blasting their horn at me.

I was over an hour late getting home. The kids really didn’t realize how late I was because they both came up with this clever idea to scare me outside. They each wore black clothes and armed themselves with umbrellas, flashlights and Star Wars lightsabers. Their plan was to hide behind the trash cans and jump out once I got out of the car to scare me.

Poor things waited in the rain for a long time before they realized I was late. All wet and soggy they went into the house to call me. I heard my cell phone ringing but I didn’t want to pick it up while driving. They called several times before I could find a place to pull over and answer.

“Mommy, where are you?” said Jacob.

“I am having such a hard time getting home” I said.

“Are you far?”

I kept the kids on speaker as I slowly made my way home.

When I got home I found two soggy kids waiting outside for me with their flashlights lighting up the driveway so that I could pull in.

yarn pom pom garland tutorial

Little Birdie Secrets: yarn pom pom garland

Scrapbook Freebie

I love this Snow Cute digital freebie from Just So Scrappy!  Click HERE to download.

Christmas Candy Tree

annies home: Christmas Candy Tree

Friday Follow Fill In The Blanks

1. ____ is my ideal winter night.


Trying to all fit on the sofa is my ideal winter night. I have a tiny house with a small sofa and it is very comical how we all try to sit on it at the same time.

I love nights like this because my family is together and although we don’t have much and we live like sardines we want for nothing because we have each other

2. I don’t remember the last time I ___ but, I really want to.

I don’t remember the last time I took care of myself but, I really want to. I have just been so consumed with my Super Single Mom identity that my own life, dreams and goals have been placed on hold. Everything has always been about the kids. However, it is never too late; life has been patiently waiting for me.

3. I will never turn down __________

I will never turn down eggplant parmesan made by my mother. She layers the fried breaded eggplant with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese and her own tomato sauce. It is heaven and fattening.

4. To save money I like to ____________

To save money I like to be creative. I am always searching the internet unique and creative ways to “entertain” my children without spending money. Once I took the kids in the backyard for a scavenger hunt and another time we packed lunch and watched planes take off and land at a local airport.

Wordless Wednesday: Corn maze

Taco casserole

annies home: Taco casserole

Today I look like a Basset Hound!

So I am at work today feeling worse compared to yesterday. I am happy that I am less congested and I no longer sound like a Basset Hound BUT now my throat is killing me and I am nauseous. Plus, I feel like I am floating.

Unfortunately I currently LOOK like a Basset Hound.
Sigh.

I hate being sick at work and coughing because I try my hardest to not cough, but that tickle in my throat is unbearable.

Cough

Cough

Cough

As I type this I have a cough drop in my mouth, tea on my desk and sore throat spray and still I am having those dreaded coughing fits.

Am I complaining too much? : ) I am happy to be at work instead of home in bed, but wow am I counting the minutes to 5pm. Until then I will just cough as discreetly as possible, look at pictures of my kids and try to ignore the tingle.

Ah that pesky tingle!

Last night Julian and Winterlyn were too cute. Somehow, and possibility while I was zonked out because of cold medications, they managed to get my yarn tangled around the rocker in the living room. It was hysterical watching them untangle the yarn. Oh my gosh, within an hour they managed to make the situation worse by tangling the yarn around themselves, the dog, the living room table and myself.

I asked “How did the yarn get around the rocker to begin with?”

“I don’t want to talk about it” said Julian. Winterlyn was wise because she simply pretended that she didn’t hear me and offered to make me tea.

Feeling LOOPY on my birthday.

Hurray, today is my 41st birthday!

Unfortunately I am very sick with a rather nasty cold.  When I cough I sound like a Basset Hound; Arrrrrrrrroooooooo!

So as I type this I am loopy from cough medicine and cold medicine.  I am in my pink cozy snowflake PJ’s that my mom got me for my birthday and my nightstand has three cups; one with water, one with orange juice and one with tea and lemon.

Despite my sickness I am having a lovely day.  This morning Jacob made me breakfast in bed, which consisted of coffee and a slice of carrot cake. : )  Best breakfast EVER.  And he gave me a handmade card that made me cry the second I read it.  I never had that reaction to a card before so he was a bit shocked. “Mommy, I didn’t mean to make you cry”.

“Jacob, that is so beautiful.  Thank you so much!” 

The card is a simple picture of our little house and a balloon that is floating up to the sky that says “41”.
Inside the card it says:

Dear Mommy,

I hope you have a great birthday.  To everyone else in Parsippany NJ today is just a cold day but to us (me, Julian, Winterlyn, Nana, Aunt Ramona, Bob and Beth) it is the warmest day in December.

I hope you have a perfect Birthday!

Love,

Jacob

Along with the card was a Yankee Candle.

The entire weekend we celebrated my birthday, it was wonderful.  I received lots of little gifts from the kids and on Saturday we went out to eat at my favorite restaurant Charlie Browns.  Saturday night we roasted marshmallows and watched a movie.

Yesterday we spent the entire day at the mall window shopping.  I really love the mall during the holidays! 

So, that is my story morning glory.  I am feeling very loopy, congested, icky and blessed on my 41st birthday. 

I am Ethan by Kelly Graham

I am Ethan.

You may not understand me, or the way I feel today.

You may not understand my reasoning for things I do or say.

The reasons why I'm so loud and say things over & over again,

Why I run so differently or lose my homework every now & then.

I write my letters backwards and sometimes numbers too,

and when in a conversation, I'll say "Guess what" 100 times to you.

Too much noise, light, or excitement can set me in a spin.

I don't like the way these pants feel rubbing against my skin.

I try to be good, but sometimes it's hard to control,

I have to do it, it's an impulse, I don't always do what I'm told.

Ketchup, Ranch and BBQ sauce on everything I eat,

sometimes I have days that I just can't sit still in my seat.

I like to talk a lot even when it's out of turn,

my mind plays tricks on me and interrupts what I'm trying to learn.

Sit up straight, wipe my face, and play ever so soft,

some of these things I have trouble with and I usually lose my train of thought.

I didn't mean to spill the milk mom, or slam the door so hard,

everyone else is done with their homework, I don't know where to start?

My heart's as big as gold, my feelings get hurt too,

I get sad, cry and have bad days just like you.

My brain works differently than other girls and boys,

but one thing always holds true, I can give your life so much joy.

I get frustrated so easily and my hand won't work that way,

I don't understand why those other kids won't let me come over and play.

Please don't think of me any differently or love of me any less,

I'm just like other kids and trying to do my best.

I am very special in my own unique way, and every moment with me

you'll never have a dull day.

Raspberry Sandwich Cookies

annies home: Raspberry Sandwich Cookies

Scrapbook Freebie!

I really love this scrapbook freebie set from Just So Scrappy.  Click HERE to download for free.

foam cone christmas tree tutorial {fabric covered}

I found this great tutorial at Little Birdie Secrets. 

Five Question Friday

1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
I do not believe there is a cookie in this universe that I do not like! However, I REALLY love those very yummy Mexican Wedding cookies. I have TRIED making them a few times; gosh I wish I could bake!

2. What's your favorite holiday movie and why?
Elf is the greatest movie EVER. “Does Santa know you are here?” I just think it is the silliest movie. It is the type of movie that makes me *snort* when I laugh.

3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kids that you wish you hadn't after they opened it?

Legos because they always end up on the floor and I always end up stepping on them. Ouch do they hurt!

4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?
The boy’s room! Last night I walked by the room and I smelled cheese. How does THAT happen?

5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?
I am a big baby in the car. I can only handle an hour before I start complaining about being bored and my butt hurting.

I wanted to be like the other moms

I was very lucky today because I got to see my daughter during my lunch hour. Today was her winter concert, it was lovely.

She sings in the choir and she also plays Percussion.

I looked at all the other moms and I suddenly realized the difference between them and myself.

Most moms are married because I have never met another single mom in the school district.

Most of the moms had big engagement rings and golden wedding bands.

Most of the moms were wearing the typical mom jeans and had over processed hair that was cut in fancy styles.

Most had fake nails and Coach bags but mostly most of the moms were sitting next to their husbands completely stress free.

I thought to myself “Stress free! Now, that must be nice”

I ran like a chicken to get there on time and I had to stand in the back due to lack of seats. I was stressing because I didn’t want to be too late back to work and I was wondering how much stuff was piling up in my inbox. I was praying that my Supervisor didn’t notice my absence and I was hungry; I was too busy to eat breakfast this morning and I was late to pack a lunch.

I was out of breath from running from the car to the building because I had to park far away. I had Julian’s Spiderman umbrella with me. Yes, I looked ridiculous holding the red umbrella with a Spiderman figure on the handle, but it works so who cares.

My hair was pushed to the side and tucked behind my ears, nothing fancy.

I was wearing old hand-me-down brown slacks that my older sister Ramona gave me a few years ago. They are too big and baggy and hardly my own style… but they will do for now.

No makeup, who has the time?

My cheap Curves sneakers were soggy and my bag (although fabulous) was a thrift store find for only 10.00; I hate spending money on myself.

My nails are a messy hot pink with purple polka dots and sparkles, thanks to my own personal nail stylist; Winterlyn.

The only valuable thing I was wearing was the friendship bracelet my daughter made me. It is a collection of braided yarn; green, neon green and pink. To me it is priceless.

I slowly put on my old five year old bent glasses in hopes that no one would notice how silly they look on me, when I saw her.

When I locked eyes with my daughter she jumped up from her seat and said “Mommy!” I throw both my arms up in the air and waved with the big grin on my face as I said “Pookie!”

Now people were really looking at me, but I hardly cared.

Her face was lit up as she played in the band. She made faces at me and I wiggled my nose at her. She looked so beautiful with her dark long hair, light skin and hazel eyes.

She looks just like me.

When she concentrated she stuck out her tongue, so cute.

I wonder if she knows exactly how much I love her.

I wonder if she knows how hard I work to just keep her happy.

I wonder if she knows exactly how happy she makes me and I wonder if she knows just how determined I am that she has a better life than me.

I couldn’t stay to watch her sing. When they made the transition I quickly sneaked out and ran to my car.

I felt so guilty and angry all at the same time. I wanted to stay; I wanted to be like the other moms. I wanted to be stress free and I wanted to not feel so alone.

I drove like a wild woman back to work and slipped into my office wet, out of breath and unnoticed.

When school let out I received the following call from my daughter:

Winterlyn: “Mommy, how come you left before I could sing?”

Me: “I am sorry Honey but I had to get back to work”.

She was quiet before she said “I spent the rest of the concert just looking for you”. She was crying.

Me: “I am so sorry”.

We cried in silence for a bit and she finally said “Call me on your way home, OK? Don’t forget because I need you”.

Defeated, I said "OK"

"I love you more than a stupid concert" she said as she hung up the phone.

Wordless Wednesday: Haunted Hayride

Winterlyn took all of these pictures.  I think she did a GREAT job!