Daily Inspirations

Bring it on, today is day 1 of vacation and I plan to savour every single minute of the rest of my 9 days off. Let the adventures begin...

Daily Inspirations

A good friend said something this morning at a meeting I attended. She said "Everyday is a gift." It really stood out in my mind and I held on to it tightly. We have some colleagues in our building who are going through really hard times. It seems that that awful, horrible, no good "C" word has hit many loved ones in our school and the rest of us try to be as caring, considerate and supportive. We are here to help each other in any way possible and even though outcomes don't look so positive we will continue to do what we can when we can.

Every little problem we have is little and it could be way worse so I'm choosing to be grateful for everything and everyone in my life.

 

Daily Inspirations

Seriously!

I unfortunately go to Walmart every Thursday because they are the only store in Watertown that carries Rocky's special dog food. It never fails that there are not enough registers open and I'm very sorry to discriminate, but the cashiers are mostly older folks who are super slow. I know they need jobs too, but come on. Getting cashed out takes FOREVER. I worked in different grocery stores for over 8 years and it makes my skin crawl when I stand in long lines while the cashier slowlllly scans each item. I need a new game plan for Rocky's food.

Tis the Season...

It's spring or at least I think it is spring so it is that special time in our house where we start spring projects. First up, ripping up the 11 year old carpet as you enter from the side and tiling the lower part of the ugly wall. Roland got antsy last night and ripped up half the carpet. He took his first trip to Lowe's to buy tile and he is starting tonight. We also have Macar's coming over tonight to measure for new carpet. I'm sure painting will be involved at some point too. Anything would be an improvement from the way it looks now. Oh so ugly.

Daily Inspirations

Here's my list...

* Laugh

* Go on adventures

* Try new restaurants

* Exercise

* Fountain Soda Friday's

* Cook & Bake

* Travel

* Watch sappy romantic movies

* Go to Yo Johnny

* Spend time with people who make me feel good about myself

* Shop

* Scrapbook

* Blog

* Organize

* Enjoy my students and their crazy stories

* Walk with my mom

* Date nights

* Be creative

* Let go

* Smile

* Be patient

* Wine Wednesday

* Sing and dance with S & L

What makes you happy??

Our Night Out

 We were invited to the local event called "One Night One Diamond" this weekend for Samaritan Medical Center. I was a little skeptical at first, but once I talked myself into it I actually got really excited. We haven't dressed up in such a long time and it felt good to get all snazzy. The kids were SUPER excited to have a sleepover with Grandma and Poppy too.

 The event couldn't have been more amazing. It was like a royal wedding. There was champagne, huge flower displays, open bar and more food then you can ever imagine. I'm such a foodie that I was in total heaven. We saw a bunch of people that we don't get to see on a regular basis and the band was wonderful. We danced up a storm.

It was truly a great night out with Ro. Thank you Pepsi for allowing us to partake and for Mom and Tom for watching the kids.

Weekend Wrap Up

The weekend consisted of happy hour (thanks Grandma Bonnie), Jeans Beans (heart attack on a plate, but oh so good), Stage Notes Jr., One Night, One Diamond (thanks Grandma and Poppy) watching the SU game until the wee hours of the morning, Palm Sunday mass, watching This is 40 and Sunday dinner. Fantastic weekend, wish it didn't have the end. 4 days until Spring Break though...

Daily Inspirations

This is so true. Without friends that know how to have fun what is the point? I do have to say that I have many family members that fit right into this category as well. Roland's side of the family certainly knows how to throw back some cocktails and have tons of laughs and my family is the definition of inappropriate and we do love our cocktails.  

Daily Inspirations

Oh, how I wish we had a Crumbs (like in NYC) in our area OR do I? If we did I might pack on a few extra pounds that I really don't need. It's funny because I don't really like cake, but I do love a good cupcake from time to time.

Daily Inspirations

 Have you ever had that day dream about being granted one wish? You could choose one thing that you wanted most in the whole wide world. You probably wished to win the lottery, to have lots of money or to have something lavish right? I've thought about that day dream a lot lately and I have decided that I would like one thing. It is something totally simple and practical. Something that I work towards daily, but that I can't always totally grasp. I would like to have patience. I wish I were more laid back and let things roll off my back more. I wish that little things didn't bother me so much and I didn't always have a feeling of stress inside my chest. I wish I was a totally patient person, always. Since there is no magic wish coming my way I guess I will have to continue working towards this goal. I chant it in my head daily and I really work on it, but it is tough. All the money in the world couldn't buy it, but I can strive for it.

What would your ONE wish be?

Daily Inspirations

I'm "that girl", you know the one who has a big mouth and shares TOO much. So if you are close to me you probably know too much, but at least you know that I like you enough to share all of that TMI. If the walls in our faculty room had ears or camera's we would be in trouble. We laugh and have to most inapporpriate conversations ever. That's what the state of NY is doing to us with all of this testing and nonsense, it's making us loopy. Anyhow, being chatty is good and laughter is great for your heart so I'm all set.

Daily Inspirations

You know "those" people who you can't ask a single question without getting an "oh woe is me" answer from? Holy moly perk up. Life is tough and we all have our problems. Try to spin the negative into some positive. I catch myself doing that. Little problems in my life are just that, little. No one has the perfect life and we all have things that are unpleasant. Perk up and remember that we are lucky to be alive and have so many things to be thankful for. If I sound negative remind me of this post and kick me in the butt please.

Daily Inspirations

We have a wonderful group of friends who are always planning fun outings. Last year they planned a camping trip for us all. I'm not going to lie, I really dislike camping. I'm just not that girl. I'd rather have a root canal than pack up half my house to sit around a fire swatting bugs and then sleeping outside with all sorts of weird noises. It just isn't my cup of tea. I took one for the team and went for the day and evening. It wasn't horrible, BUT I came home and slept soundly in my bed that night while the boys stayed and camped out. I can't change who I am and what I enjoy. I enjoy staying in a hotel or going to a spa. I really don't enjoy camping. Personal opinion. We all have them. Period.

Daily Inspirations

This is so incredibly true. We can wait for all of those items on our "want" list, but there is a pretty big chance that not many of them will be crossed off. We are workers and savers and we are not giving up on our dreams. I have three lists always going; my "want" list, bucket list and my annual sand bucket list for each summer. I'm not waiting for things to happen, I'm making them happen. My father always comments that we are always so busy and going all the time. It's true, no grass is growing under our feet and I'm not letting any opportunities pass us by.

Luck of the Irish Weekend

 We decided that despite the cold and I mean COOOOLLD temperatures on Saturday that we would bundle up and head to the St. Patty's Run downtown. It was our first time participating so we were excited to meet up with the group from Knickerbocker. Seth was able to get a picture with kids from his school and his gym teacher Mr. V. Sophia tagged along with us too. She, Seth, Roland and Leah actually ran the 2.2 in 27 minutes. I was thrilled for them. My mom and I power walked it in 31 minutes. Not too bad.

 On Sunday we rounded off the weekend with Noey's birthday party. The kids ran around and had an utter blast. It was just what the doctor ordered. The ski season is over, but they still have all sorts of energy to burn off. This was the perfect opportunity to run and play.

The start of this week is just the kids and myself. Roland is out of town working the Jersey Shore. Well, he isn't "working" it in the sense you might be thinking (dirty minds). He is working with a large team from Pepsi to bring the brand back to the shore. In one week Pepsi has switched 56 accounts back from Coke. He is very excited to be a part of this experience. We miss him, but he will be home soon enough. While he is gone the kids have proclaimed sleepover nights. Leah slept with me last night (such a kicker) and Seth is snuggling with me tonight. I actually really enjoy this time with them.

Daily Inspirations

I think I'm pretty much a big scaredy cat. I'm scared of everything and everyone, but I also don't want any regret in my life or in the lives of the people I love the most. An example of my big pot of scared would be the fact that every single time we go to look at a new house I get a major stomach ache halfway through the viewing. I really want to find "the" house, but the thought of actually finding it and then moving scares the crap out of me. We keep looking and if that right house comes along my stomach is going to need to calm the heck down.

In terms of other major life changes that I've been referring to lately. We are taking it day by day and if it is the right fit we are going for it. Chances and changes don't happen all too often so even though they may seem scary we need to go for it. No regrets.

Daily Inspirations

Seriously...too funny. Now that I have discovered Yo Johnny it definitely might be my downfall. My only saving grace is the yogurt that I like from there is sugar free and fat free. Might sound gross, but it is soooooo good. Indulge...go for it.

Daily Inspiration

Less is more. Truth.

Daily Inspiration

Roland always says the above quote and every time he does it irritates me, but it is certainly true. You can't change people or circumstances. You just have to roll with it and accept it.

Daily Inspiration

Bring it on, we are ready for the warmth, the fun and the memories.

Daily Inspiration

Last week was a rough week and I just went day to day and tried to get through the week. Nothing major life shattering went on, but it was just cruddy. I appreciate people in my life who are willing to give me space when needed, send a friendly text when needed and even listen to me _ _itch when needed. I hope that I can do the same thing for any one of my friends when they need me. I'm a great listener and if all else fails, I can cook and drive to the liquor store for reinforcements.

Daily Inspiration

Sure there are a ton of items on my "want" list and sure a few get knocked off this list here and there, but what I really want more than anything is just to be happy and enjoy my life with my family. All of that other stuff will happen if it is meant to be. I am so much luckier than many people and when I complain about the foolish things in life I have to stop and remember that we are all happy, healthy and we have a wonderful life. If we work hard enough we may get all/some of those "want" items some day. You just never know.

Daily Inspiration

I'm ALL about new experiences and opportunities. I love to try new restaurants, go to new cities, see live shows and to just try everything the world has to offer. I try to instill the same traits in our kids and to have them try as much as they possibly can. I can't wait to see what is right around the corner and what new life experiences are out there for us all. Bring it on, we can't wait.

We are going to a new vacation destination in July and the planning and excitement has begun. Bring on a different state, city and tons of experiences.

Daily Inspiration

The best part of having kids is being able to do all of the silly activities that kids do. I'll never be too old to go tubing off the back of our boat, to go on roller coasters with my kids or to play Just Dance on the Wii. I'm a big kid and I don't ever want to truly grow up. Having fun is the best part of living.

Daily Inspiration

We had a rough week with one of our kiddos so I tried to channel my inner Aibileen Clark. I am trying to remember that through the ups and downs of being a normal kid that no matter what happens our kids will always be kind, smart and important and I will let them know that every day. They are going to make mistakes, we hope they don't make the same mistakes over and over, but if they choose to learn the hard way we will be there to help them through and tell them it will get better.

Student's Choice

We are very proud of our little budding scientist as he was chosen as one of the "Student's Choice" winners for his school Science Fair. He was very excited and we are very proud of him.

Daily Inspiration

I'm not very good with change, but there might be some change in The Charlton future. Let's keep our fingers crossed, hope for the best and pray that this change is a wonderful change and not a chaos causer. Let's also hope that this change can lead to other great changes in our life. I need to learn to roll with it more and embrace positive change.

Seth the Science Kid

 Seth decided that he wanted to enter the Science Fair at school this year. I thought it would be a great father/son project and the two came up with a great idea and the final product turned out fantastic. The most important thing is that they both had a great time preparing it and presenting it TOGETHER. Seth decided he wanted to spruce himself up for it and he wore his shirt and tie plus his fedora. Always stylin'.

 We wrangled the grandma's and Poppy into coming and they even tried his experiment. He was thrilled with the support.

Even Principal Fairchild stopped in and checked it all out.

What will they come up with next year??

Daily Inspiration

Many days (lately) I have been feeling a bit defeated by my two munchkins. I'm doing the absolute best that I can to teach them right from wrong, manners and respect, but COME ON. This job is so much tougher than teaching 3rd-5th graders to be better readers and writers. I have huge respect for stay at home moms because on certain days going to work is my vacation. Don't get me wrong, 95% of the time S & L are fantastic kiddos, but that other 5% is ridiculously hard. Was I this tough for my parents? If you ask my mom I was definitely this tough between the ages of 15-17.

Anyhow, I guess that is why God created wine. That reminds me...must stock up.

4th Birthday Wrap Up

 We concluded the birthday festivities with a quiet (never in our house) dinner at home with the rest of the family we haven't seen yet to celebrate. Leah opened her final gifts and Roland made her special chocolate covered strawberries, her favorite. Her eyes lit right up when Roland pulled out both trays.

 After she blew out her candle she said, "Can I eat my name?" So she started by eating all four strawberries that spelled LEAH and then proceeded to eat at least 3 more. She chowed down.

Adventures in Birthday Strawberries...

Thank you to everyone who helped make Leah's 4th a HUGE success. We love you all.

Daily Inspiration: Part 2

TRUTH

That reminds me...

1. There is no music class tonight so no Wednesday Wine Night with Kris. Boo.

2. Must buy more wine.

Daily Inspiration

I am very lucky to have some kick butt women in my life who are always there to listen, support me and most importantly to have fun with me. We may not be able to get together as often as we would all like to, but when we do we are sure to have a great time. Who needs to sit in a leather chair and talk out our problems with a stranger? We really need to hit our favorite restaurant, grab our favorite girls, some cocktails and food and chat for hours on end. That is my kind of therapy.

Daily Inspiration

Sad, but true. I've had a lot of friends in my 35 years and some have come and gone, some are still going strong and some have faded. You can't help that life is ever changing. As much as I dislike (hate) change, it is inevitable. You can't help that people change, locations change and time changes people. You have to accept it, savour the memories and move on. It still brings a tear to my eye thinking of friends I wish weren't lost. At least you had a rocking time while it lasted though. hold your head high and be a good person, there may be new friendships in your future.

4th Birthday Photo Booth Fun

I need to post the first 3 photo booth birthdays because Leah has changed so very much in her looks. This strip melts my heart into tiny pieces everytime I look at it. The last picture is totally priceless and I just want to smooch her when I see it.

xoxo

Happy 4th Birthday Bean!

Happy 4th (sniff sniff) Birthday to our most favorite girlie in the whole wide world. You bring so much joy and happiness into our lives that we love you more each and every day. We can't believe how much you have grown this year. You are such a chatterbox, you can ski, dress yourself and do everything yourself for that matter, "I can do it all on my OWN Mommy.", you've learned to write your first name, you know all of your letters and you love to sing and dance. We love/hate that you are turning 4. We can't keep you little forever, but we are savouring each and every moment of your littleness while we can.

We hope that you love and appreciate every day of your life as much as we love sharing it with you.

We love you to the moon and back, to space and back and behind our backs Leah Bean.

Daily Inspiration

This quote makes me smile from cheek to cheek. When you really think about it WE. ARE. ALL. WEIRD. Period, end of story we are all weird in our own quirky little ways. I used to be and try very hard not to be any longer...judgy. How can we judge other people when we have all sorts of oddities in ourselves. I loved this quote because I found my weird soul mate and we created two little weirdos and we are living happily ever after in our weirdness. Dr. Seuss is right on.

Leah's 4th Birthday Bash!

 

Leah had her first friend's birthday party this weekend and I think that she really had a great time. It can be tough mixing the older kids and younger kids, but I think that everything went great.She was so excited that the party was for her and so thankful. She stayed up extra late that night to play with all of her new toys.

It wasn't just a party for the kids you know, I think it is safe to say that the parents had a pretty good time too.

We got to see our favorite cousins; Lexy and Luke.

Stretching

Miss Noelle will turn 3 in just a couple of weeks.

Grandma Bonnie sat back, relaxed and watched the kids have fun.

Leah wasn't crazy about this position. She asked Mackenzie to please put her down. I think she got a little scared.

Friends and Family; very important kiddos in our life.

This picture for some reason brings tears to my eyes. I can't believe she is old enough for a friend's party.

She loved all of her gifts so much and even had to put her apron right on.

As you can tell this is her favorite smile at the moment.

A special picture with her god parents; Uncle Brad and Jen Voss.

Great people to have looking over her.

One more celebration coming up on the big day tomorrow.