Bring It On - 2010

Well, today is New Year's Eve, a holiday that has never been a favorite of mine. I think it's so overdone, and prefer to spend it quietly with close friends at home, eating, watching a movie, etc. Why does the week between Christmas and New Year's go so quickly? This year we are lucky, having a whole weekend after to hang out and relax.

And whats up with the classic 'New Year's Resolution?' If you want to do something so badly why wait til New Year's to promise to do it? It really doesn't mean a thing anyway - how many people do you know that really stick to the so-called 'resolution'? Not many, I'd say. Hey I don't mean to be all negative, good luck to you if you are so inclined to resolve. Hope it works for you.

Of course my kids will be heading out tonight in all different directions - the girls running wild in the city, the boys sticking around for local fun and entertainment here in good old Jersey. Thats another scare - I'll be praying for their safety no matter where they are.

Tomorrow we'll be heading for my sister's house for the traditional New Year's Brunch. It's tons of fun, and the whole family, including all the cousins, will be there. The perfect way to ring in 2010.

Forget about the resolutions. Close your eyes and make a wish - ready - open them! Happy New Year, and I hope your special wish comes true!!

A heartfelt apology

Its not that I had 'blog-clog', or even 'blog-block'. Most days my head is exploding with things I want to write about, feelings I need to share with all of you. Thoughts and random subjects go round and round in my mind; so many that when I can't get to the computer, I write them down in a journal so I don't loose them. It's just the time factor. I need time to sit and just let all the thoughts flow out, and I guess during this frantic season, I didn't have that precious block of time. I'm so sorry.

I'm not letting this blog go. For all of you, my loyal readers, don't give up on me! I promise that this will not turn into one of those crafts that I never get to!!!! Look for lots of interesting posts to come.

And thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking with me!

Twas the day after the day after Christmas . . .

and all seems peaceful. This year with Christmas falling on a Friday, it was nice to have a full weekend to recuperate. Up until Christmas morning when the kids were opening their presents, it was just stress, stress, and more stress - the mad push to "will I ever get everything done on time?" Each year seems to just get more and more grueling, and this year, I really tried to figure it out. Another thing I do is try to promise myself that next Christmas I'll be more organized, that I'll wrap presents as I bring them into the house (this promise is made every year, and I have yet to follow through), that I'll get my shopping done way in advance, and again, WRAP IT EARLY. I also promise myself that I will bake tons of cookies and even get a little crafty. Well, it just doesn't happen, and I can't understand why.

When my kids were young, I just don't remember getting to the utmost stress level at christmas. Maybe because I didn't work; maybe because we spent a lot more time at home instead of running around all over. I just remember being super tired; more tired than I'd ever been, and staying up very very late on Christmas Eve wrapping endless piles of toys. You would think now that I have no more babies that things would be easier. Well for some reason they're not.

Let's talk crafts. This year I got ambitious, well, ambitious in my head that is. I went to the craft store with glee purchasing all the necessary supplies to make homemade candles AND precious initial glitter gift tags. Okay, so all those supplies are still in the bag - maybe next year???? I guess I should start them in the summer. The one craft I did manage to get off is a scrapbook for my Dad celebrating his birthday back in October. It was my first time scrapbooking, and I have to confess, I loved it. The finished product is so inviting; so interesting, I would love to do more of it Summer again???

I truly don't mean to complain . . that's not my purpose. In fact, at church Christmas morning surrounded by my family, belting out christmas hymns, I felt a wonderful warmth and spiritual peace. Just the singing in church brings tears to my eyes. I am so blessed and thankful.

But tell me, how can we do Christmas better?

Let's Go Bulldogs!!!!!

In an hour James and I will be on our way to Charles' first basketball game of the year. He plays for DeSales University, about just under two hours away. He's a senior already, my emotions are running high right now;this is the last year I will see my son play the sport he has given so much for; the sport he loves the best. My stomach has its traditional butterflies (it just gets this way when my boys are playing ball). I try to push the lump in my throat down, its hard. This kid has provided me with some of the highest moments in my life; excitement beyond belief. Watching these games is our social life as well; sitting with the other parents; cheering so loud our throats are sore and voices hoarse after. I have hugged Charles in celebration and consolation. Yes, I will do all of this again this, the last year.

Last year was a banner year for the Bulldogs. Charles and his teammates actually went to the NCAA elite eight in the tournament. It was the first time ever; no small feat. They broke all kinds of records in the school, and it was thrilling to say the least. When they won the championship division game, each boy got to cut down a piece of the net. Of course we were there, laughing, crying, hugging the parents, team, etc. And on they went to the NCAA tournament. Charles spent his 21st birthday in Ithaca, New York for an NCAA game (how fitting for this basketball son of mine). I was happy because I knew he was safe, and we got to go out to dinner with the team the night before his birthday to celebrate the win.

This year the Bulldogs are ranked pre-season at D3 #7; again, unbelievable. The team is not only made up of stellar athletes, but good friends, and nice boys as well. Their comraderie and friendship is apparent off the court; but more importantly, on the court. They have great chemistry, and are tons of fun to watch.

So now I will get ready to go to the game. When Charles was a little boy in grammar school, I used to watch him run up and down the court dribbling the basketball, this lefty son of mine, blonde bowl-cut hair flopping up and down as he ran, no one could stop him. This was one of the most beautiful sights in the world to me. Tonight I will watch my grown up baby boy, no more blonde bowl cut, big, strong, and healthy, run up and down the court. And you know what? It is still just so beautiful to me, it never gets old.

So go get 'em Bulldogs! Here's to a great season!

Happy Birthday/Halloween to You!

This blog goes out to my friend Dar, who was born on Halloween. Happy Birthday Dar! Ever since we met so many years ago, I have seen her on her birthday. when the kids were young, we would meet up for hours and hours of trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. We loved it; we would push strollers and just talk and talk while the kids ran from door to door collecting their precious candy loot. We would later laugh at which one of our kids would hoard the candy under their beds in a shoebox, and which ones would eat it, or at least try, in one sitting. We both had a mixture of each type in our families. We luckily had the foresight to take pictures, and they are just so precious - I never get tired of looking at them.

So I just finished baking some cupcakes with cute Halloween decorations on them. Tomorrow I will see what Dar is doing, and bring her some. We may not still be trick-or-treating, but we can still have some fun.

Happy Halloween

Yesterday afternoon, two days before Halloween, I joined the rest of the loonies and went to not one, not two, but three Halloween stores with Jamey. The parking lots alone were an accident waiting to happen; the stores themselves, jam packed with everyone and their mother looking for last minute costumes. As I found myself staring at the famed 'costume wall', I couldn't help but notice the, shall we say, 'skimpy' costumes for girls/women. Every year they seem to get shorter, tighter and more revealing. The worst part is that mostly teenage girls are buying them. Not that I'm preaching, or even a prude for that matter, but please, is it really okay to show SO MUCH of everything for Halloween?

I dress up every year for school, we all do. I wanted to be a sailor this year, but the dress was just a little to fitted. While helping Kristin pack, I found her Pocohontas costume; really cute with beads and feathers and lots of fringe. My precious daughter looked at me and said, "Mom, that costume wouldn't be appropriate for you to wear in fron of the kids at school. It's too short." (God love her!) "Oh yes it will, Kris," I answered with a sly smile, "Because I'm wearing a sweater and khakis under it!"
So here I am today, Pocohontas. My hair braided, headband with feathers and all. I even found some old mocassins iin my closet (big problem throwing anything out). A great costume, comfortable and appropriate. Hmmm, I wonder how Kristin wore it last year? I'm sure it wasn't with khakis and a sweater, but hopefully tights and at least a camisole???

They Come and They Go

All week long I dreaded it. Kristin moved back out today in to the City. Before I even left for school today, the movers were at our door. With a pit in my stomach, I left for work. I couldn't even say goodbye to her cause I knew I'd just loose it. So what do you think I did? I called her on my way, and yes, I lost it anyway, tears streaming down my face like a big baby. You'd think I'd be used to this by now, but no, every single time one of my kids leaves again, I feel devastated.

It was so great having her home this past month. It just went too fast. I knew it was just a temporary stop along the way, but I kind of secretly hoped it would be a little longer than originally planned. The house was just a little livlier, a little noisier, a little more fun. Call me crazy, but the momaholic in me is happiest when all four of my kids are home. Late at night I'll get up and peak in their rooms and see them all snuggled in their beds just like when they were little. There is no more peaceful feeling to me. So now I will wait . . .

The day before Thanksgiving, Rachele, Kristin, Charles and Jamey will all be home; all will sleep in their own beds here. And you just know that I'll be peaking into their rooms feeling so thankful and so blessed and so happy that they do all still come home. I miss you already Krissy.

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today is my Dad's birthday; a big birthday. I won't discuss the number because my Dad is a little sensitive about it. Truth be told, He looks amazing for his age, a good ten years younger than he actually is.
Thoughts of my Dad fill my head as I write. I am just so lucky to have him. When you think about it, we don't have a choice as to whom we are born to. Some of us may be not so lucky - but not me, I hit the jackpot. All his life, my Dad has been strong and athletic, a lover of all sports. He has four daughters, zero sons. When my youngest sister Melissa was born, I remember tears in his eyes as he told his three girls that they had another sister. I suspected my Dad was tearing up because he didn't get a son. Now I know better, he just adores his four daughters and wouldn't have it any other way.
My Father worked really hard to give us all that he could. He built houses during the day and would work at my Grandpa's nightclub at night during the week. We were little then, my sister Pam and I. Lori and Melissa were not born yet. We missed him terribly and couldn't wait 'til Daddy came home'. As exhausted as he was, he always had time for us. Pam and I would ride our stick horses and park them outside the bathroom door waiting for our Dad to come out of the shower, every couple of seconds asking if he was almost done. He didn't have a moment's peace.
Memories like this flood my head, too many to write about; like how my Dad took me to the toy store THE DAY the Barbie wedding dress came out and bought it for me. It was almost $5.00!! And that was an awful lot of money in those days. Then there was the time my Dad took me to his local pool hall where he was meeting his friends to play pool. I must have been all of four years old, and I could play pool 'cause he taught me. He made sure all his friends watched me play that day. I don't remember, but I'm sure they were impressed.
These are the things I remember, the good old days; the days that live on only in our heads now. The precious sweet memories of youth. Today we will celebrate my Dad's birthday; my Mom, my Sisters and I, our husbands and Kids, all of us together, the small dynasty, 23 in all, started by my Mom and Dad. I wish I could freeze time and wrap these people that I love up in a cocoon and keep them with me always.
I Love You, Daddy - Happy Happy Birthday

A Fleeting Moment

Today after school, I had a haircut appointment. This may be routine to some, to me it is a great outing. My hair is long, and I really don't have the time to cut it more than once every three months or so. Anyway, I look forward to this little bit of a beauty splurge, but today I got a little more for my money. Since my hair is wavy, I air dry it (less frizz). I have been going to the same person, Karen, for the past 20 years. She knows exactly how to cut my hair, and at this point could probably do it with her eyes closed. I leave her salon with my hair dripping wet (which she hates) and come right home. Today I had to stop at the bank to cash a check and make a deposit. After the bank teller got my transactions at the drive-thru, he asked me who "Deborah" was. I, of course, replied "me". He said impossible, after checking my account history I couldn't possibly be the Deborah with the birthdate on the account because I didn't look old enough! After pulling out some ID, he apologized. Apology? I assured him, NOT NECESSARY. Pulling out of the bank, I quickly looked at myself in the rearview mirror. Maybe it was the dripping wet hair? I'm not sure. All I know is, I'll take that fleeting moment . . .my very own Christie Brinkley moment. You just never know when some random stranger can make your day.

Beauty Blitz-October Awareness

This beauty blitz just may be good for you! As most of us know, October is breast cancer awareness month. and many of us out there have been touched by this horrific disease either personally or through friends and/or relatives we love. A couple of years ago, a study was done with the finding that the aluminum in women's deodorant can be a contributor to the risk of developing breast cancer. With that in mind, I decided to explore my options. Unfortunately, there weren't many! What I found and have been using all this time is Tom's of Maine aluminum free deodorant. I chose the non-scented version after smelling the other couple of varieties offered at the time. Loving my daughters like I do, and wanting to keep them healthy, I purchased one for each of them. Needless to say, I think they're still on their dressers gathering dust. My girls just didn't take me seriously. Well ladies, I'm not gonna lie; it doens't quite 'hold-up' like regular deodorant with aluminum. At the end of a particularly stressful (or extremely hot) day I may be a little, shall we say, ripe? But you know what? I feel really good about using it. Anyway, the other day while picking up some toiletries, my daughter Kristin came home with, guess what? The new Tom's of Maine 24 hour long lasting aluminum-free deodorant in the fresh scent of mountain spring. I was so happy and surprised that this daughter, who usually wears the heavy duty 'clinical strength' deodorant would give it a try. It's been a few days, and admittedly doesn't hold up like her old deodorant, but she's going to stick with it for now. Maybe her sister will do the same. Anyway, my point being - for $4.29 isn't it worth a try ladies? We owe it to ourselves to do any little thing we can. It's just one small step in this giant uphill battle that we can take together.

The Girls of Summer (and Fall, Winter & Spring)

Recently my friends and I met for dinner. We try to do this once a month, but in the summer we get off track, due to vacations, etc. Although picking a date is a challenge, we always seem to make it work. We want to stay present and current in each other's lives. What an eclectic group it is! By way of introduction, here they are, alphabetically.
Christine is my personal beauty consultant. We met when our now senior college boys were only three years old. She is my easy fun friend - even if I don't see her for a month, it seems like only days when we're together. I would do anything for her, and I know she feels the same. She is hilariously funny, and since I love to laugh, we are a match made in Heaven. We call each other 'sugarplum' (don't know why), and it never matters who is 'sugar' and who is 'plum'. For birthdays and Christmas we rack our brains trying to find gifts for each other bearing a name with the word 'sugarplum' in it. Actually, we've been most successful.
I have known Darlene the longest. We met in church when our kids were babies and toddlers. We immediately clicked and a strong bond formed which still exists today. She was my first real friend in town, and we have shared and relished the complexities of our lives all these years. When our kids were young and in nursery school, we would play beat the clock and try to make it back from shopping in time to pick them up (1/2 day). We use to have afternoon teas, and Halloween parties, and birthday parties seemingly for the kids, but we always had a blast as well. She is fabulous, but in a quiet way - I wish I could be half as organized as her! If I could I would buy this loving caring friend a beach house.
Everyone and anyone that knows Louanne would agree, she is one of the kindest woman you will ever meet.. It is an honor to be her friend. There is so much to talk about whenever I see Lou; we are practically talking over one another trying to catch up. I really miss her when I don't see her for a while. She is the consumate 'home' guru - so talented around the house, but especially in the kitchen, which she loves. Some of the best baked goods I have ever had have come from Lou's kitchen. She is also my 'go to' dog expert. And since I have the puppy now, boy do I need her! Everyone is crazy about Lou, enough said.
Next on the list is Nancy. Our kids are close in age, and were only a year apart in school. We would sit and chat at many sporting events; our girl's softball games, our boy's soccer and baseball games, etc., cheering on the team. Nancy is most definitely 'the hostess with the mostest' when it comes to entertaining. She can throw together a menu like no other, and it is always fabulous. She is also an accessory style maven; whether it is wrapping a scarf a particularly cool way, or throwing on some great jewelry. We never run out of things to talk about when I see her, and I always look forward to it.
Pegs and I met when our babies became friends in kindergarten. There are friends and there are friends - Pegs is my savior friend. Whenever I am in some frantic state of "I can't find it", or "What time is that meeting?", or "When was that due?!" Pegs is there to bail me out. She is so so busy running around, much of it because she is such an outstanding mom; yet she always has time for her friends. When our boys have a game, she always offers to pick me up so we can catch-up along the way. No matter how far the drive is, the time just flys when I'm with Pegs. Words cannot describe how much I look forward to this time with her. When is that first game Pegs???
Susan is the first of our friends to become a grandma! We all relish in her stories, and her grandaughter is beautiful. Susan is smart and funny - but not everyday funny. More like dry, unexpectedly funny. Susan is an enigma - she takes crap from no one; yet she is soft and warm and has been known to tear up at the sight of a newborn in a stroller; or upon hearing about anyone's pain or sorrow. I had the pleasure of working with Susan for many years, and whether we were having a good day or a bad one, it was always okay because we were together. I miss those days now - she is a true gem as a friend.
I liken this group of girls to a string of pearls. Each one imperfect yet beautiful. Each one with a quiet classic luster. Each getting even more meaningful with age. Each seperated by a knot representing our own lives; yet held together by a common thread, or string. Hopefully, for many years to come they will remain my girlfriends. My pearlfriends.

Wicked, Wicked Girls

Glancing down at my feet this morning in the shower, I noticed my toe nail polish starting to chip. this is a particular pet-peeve of mine. As I was thinking about what color to choose next, I thought of a funny story. A while ago, when my daughter Kristin was home, I noticed she was wearing a dark murky brown color nail polish. It was quite dark and mysterious. It wasn't a color I was used to seeing, or one that my girls would normally choose. I didn't like the way it looked, and I didn't think I liked it, period. I asked her what it was . . .

Wicked, Wicked Girls - part II

She quickly replyed "wicked". Well it certainly was! This summer, I found myself wandering around a local drugstore looking for a new nail polish. As my eyes scanned the shelves, they came to rest on a bottle - slightly brownish in color - yes, dark and mysterious. It was 'wicked'. I picked up the bottle, and feeling daring, purchased it for later application to my slightly tanned toes. Of course i quickly forgot about it, never even thinking it important enough to mention to my daughters. When Kristin came home about a week later, she immediately noticed it. She looked me squarely in the eyes as she asked me to then state exactly WHAT was on my toes????? "Wicked" I answered with a somewhat embarassed half-smile. Needless to say, she immediately called her sister and they had quite a laugh at my expense. I guess it is kind of funny. It is a woman's perogative to change her mind though, right? Anyway, got to go - I need to change my toe nail polish - and I am feeling just a little 'wicked" . . . . .

Beauty Blitz

From time to time when I find a great beauty product, I've just got to share! This one comes from the referral of my daughter Rachele, who is a great beauty inspiration to me. It's a fabulous concealer and who out there doesn't love or need a good concealer? Since Rachele is in her twenties, this product definitely spans the ages!

Can be found at any drug store that sells Maybelline brand:

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer (several colors to choose from)
retails for about $7.00, Worth It! And it has staying power!!

Back-to-School-Night

For 21 years straight I have attended back-to-school night. Tonight I will attend again, only this time it is my very last one. As I sit here reminiscing, I can't believe that this is it. I admit, I do look forward to this event, as many parents do; however, based on the average attendance in the classes I sit in, many parents do not. Meeting the teachers; finding out what kids are in the same class as my kids, deciding if each particular teacher will be captivating enough to keep my kid awake. If my mind wanders during just the presentation, I know for a fact that its not a good sign. Most interesting is the years that I had to try to run all over the school because my girls were two years apart, and the back to school night was the same. I was coming and going, in and out of classes; a total distraction. Luckily, this was never held against my nearly angelic (?) daughters!

I mention back to school night for a reason. Moms who are in the same boat as me (your last), and I personally know quite a few of you, (as your babies go to school with mine) enjoy every exciting/boring/whimsical/melancholic moment. We will live on this for quite a while. For you moms out there who have younger kids, if you already go to this epic event at school, enjoy each and every one of them - the time will fly by and you will find yourself in the same boat as me and so many others. For you moms that always have 'something better to do' on BTS night, maybe you should try one, you just might like it, or at least find out something you didn't know before you went. You know, someday you'll have plenty of empty nights for that 'something better to do'.

They May Leave, but They Always Come Back

Well, at least some of us moms out there hope they do. I'm talking about our kids, of course. Both of my girls lived home for about a year after college, then went their seperate ways to share apartments with their friends. Yes, I missed and miss them terribly, but you kind of get used to it after a while. And they do come home for weekends and family vacations. Well, this weekend, my second daughter is moving back home for a while. Its supposed to be for only a month, but naturally I'm selfishly hoping its longer! I'm so excited to have her back, I can hardly wait. Another female in the house again - wow, its been a long time. Even though she works long hours in the city, I'll still get to see her so much more than I do now. Waking her up every morning with a steaming cup of fresh coffee (I'll have to buy hazelnut - its her favorite), picking her brain on what to cook for dinner, shopping, blogging, just hanging out; everything is better when I do it with one of my girls! Now if only I could find a way to get the other daughter home . . . . . .

And to my boys, of course I love you just as much - but I'm getting one of my girls home!!!!!!!

Finishing . . .

Why is it so hard for some of us to finish what we've started? For example, me and this blog. Its been weeks since I've posted; and I really wanted to write at least one a week if not more. How about projects around the house? Or crafts? Right now, I have a crocheted blanket for my daughter, in her room. almost done. I have about three more rows of ruffles, but yet can't seem to finish it. I have lots more like that too; even bigger projects like buying the paint for the family room, and it is still sitting in there, in the cans, NOT on the walls. I always have the best intentions; but somehow, things get in the way. Well, my excuse for not blogging is a brand new puppy. We got him two weeks ago at the young age of 8 weeks. Wow is it a lot of work, exhausting in fact, but well worth it! Its almost like having a baby; well, I said almost! We are spending lots of time with him, taking him in the car with us, (he's great in the car, very comfortable, thanks to the purchase of the LL Bean dog car blanket!). He's already such a part of the family - but I promise to steal away and BLOG!!!

Anyway, to end on a positive note - I did finish crocheting a small baby blanket this summer for our nephew's newborn son. I really forced myself to finish, picking it up whenever I had some spare time. Mind you - I am a new crocheter, so it does not come easy to me. Thankfully, we have a local knit shop where the ladies are always ready and willing to help if you get stuck. It felt really good to finally finish a project. Could this be the start of something?? I'll keep you posted. Got to go, I think there's a crocheted blanket waiting for me in my daughter's room . . .

College Blues

Why is it so hard for some of us to send our kids off to college? My girlfriend just dropped off her youngest of 4; however, her only girl, to college this weekend. She texted me that she was heartbroken when she left. I totally feel and have felt her pain, and wished there was something of comfort I could say. I just know from prior experience that the only real comfort out there is the child you just dropped off! About a week and a half ago, we brought my first son, (third born) to college for his senior year. Although I didn't cry when leaving, I did feel once again that unmistakable ache in my heart. When we got home, I couldn't help wandering into his room, so still, so empty. All summer it was so alive with all that is him. I picked up his pillow and just buried my head in it. We know that we'll see them soon, but why is it so hard???

As each of my three went off to college their first year, I spent a lot of time in their then empty rooms. I took great comfort in really straightening them; cleaning, dusting, looking through photos, crying some and laughing just as much. It was so therapeutic - somehow I felt closer to them and it made missing them just a little easier. And don't listen to those who tell you that you're crazy, after all you still have 1, 2, 3, etc. kids at home. Each child is different and your own, and it can hurt just as much.

And if it is your baby going off, after spending all that time in their room, read a book, or learn to knit or crochet, or start a blog! Call a friend that you haven't talked to in a while. Do something for yourself, something to validate YOU, And before you know it, that child that you love and miss so much will be home on a break, and you'll have lots and lots to talk about. Or you can just keep hugging them . . .

Introduction .. . .September 1st, 2009

Hi and welcome! First, let me wish you all a Happy New Year! This probably isn't strange at all to any mom, educator or administrator in a school, or library, or anyone for that matter who has anything at all to do with a school. Since my first born started kindergarten so many years ago, I have generally thought of September as the new year, not January. It represents the beginning of a fresh new school year, which everything seems to revolve around: vacations, sports, etc. Aah, those memories of the first day of school, each year I would line my kids up on the doorstep; first one, then two, then three and finally the fourth, all varying ages, all willing (or at least they pretended to be) to get that first day of school picture taken before heading out for the start of the school year. How quickly those school years do fly by! In two days my baby (I've got to stop referring to him as that) will start his senior year in high school. Do I still take that first day of school picture? And even more important, will he let me??? I'll keep you posted.

So, anyway, by now you guys know I have four kids rangeing in age from just turned 17 to 26; two girls, two boys. The reason I wanted to start this blog is, well, because most of the time I have a lot to say about a lot of things. I feel like I'm still learning every single day, and want to share all of the great and not so great experiences I have with all of you. I hope you will also feel comfortable enough to share with me as well. We'll talk about kids, (what to do with them and what to do without them!) and recipes, and entertainment, and beauty products - after all, what mom (or any woman) for that matter doesn't enjoy a great beauty scoop now and then?

So, again, Happy New Year everyone! And to all you moms that still do have kids in school, enjoy every precious moment, cause in a heartbeat, it really will be gone.