SHHH, do you hear that?

There was a certain hush throughout the house last night. The atmosphere was very conducive to sleeping! I love when my kids come home - I love when they GO BACK TO THEIR HOME, TOO! We are fortunate - we have kids who actually enjoy being around eachother. These last couple days were very heartwarming (and loud) - it was like the kids could not get enough of eachother.

Mr. Wonderful and I are very comfortable with eachother. We can sit quietly for hours - sometimes, we just just read together or watch TV. If we are next to eachother, we still hold hands. We are used to commotion, as raising 5 kids is synonymous with commotion - I guess that is why we still treasure our quiet times. I will miss the noise - but only for a little while.

And then there were 16

I am TOTALLY exhausted. We had the whole (extended) family over for dinner last night. We ate like royalty: Antipasto, Breads, (prosciutto bread, cheese bread, etc.) Freshly Fried Meatballs, Rigatoni ala Vodka, Sausage and Peppers, Eggplant Parmagiana, Chopped Salad and Italian Pastries for dessert! Not to mention lots of good wine and many "special" Lemoncello shots! Going out to dinner is fun, but having a houseful of people enjoying good food and laughter - nothing compares to that.

Just in time

I left work a half hour early yesterday. I was anxious to get home and be with the kids. We were making a nice dinner and Michelle and "Fred" were going to join us.

When I walked into the house, the kids were in the kitchen and it was obvious that they were trying to distract me and keep me from walking in there. I got home just in time - they were dying my dog with Red Kool Aid!! They only managed to get his legs and tail finished before I got home. I can only imagine what my poor dog would have looked like if I came home my usual time!!

It was all too funny for me to be upset.....

Cocktail time?

Allison, Annie and Moe have arrived. Yes, the cat came back to visit Mr. W. (at HIS insistence - Mr. W's that is). I love when they come - there's lots of laughs and hugs - not to mention lots of fine dining....

Another First

My precious granddaughter, Ally, has lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy was extremely generous - I guess even tooth rewards have escalated throughout the years. Another milestone, another first.

It makes me wonder if I can remember when my first child lost her first tooth? I remember the incident clearly, but sadly, I can put no time value on it. How old was she? What was the season? Why did I not enjoy these simple pleasures as they were happening?

I guess aging does bring wisdom. I have learned to treasure every event, no matter how incidental. Everything matters, but there is very little that is serious (grave). I do notice the changing colors of the leaves more now. I have seen more sunsets in the past 3 years than I have in my whole life. I take such pleasure in the prizes of our vegetable garden. I wait with anticipation as Mr. Wonderful changes the plants on the steps of our home to match the season.

In conclusion, I take note of life now.

Thank you, Ally.

Another one rescued!

I have named this one "Cali" as in calico (original, no?). Mr. Wonderful heard him crying in our front flower bed and brought him in (what else would he do with it?). He taught it to eat solid food and use a littler box, while I was using up every stored favor trying to find it a home.

I am happy to say, Cali is now a resident of Staten Island with an 11 yr. old girl and a much older brother cat. I wish Cali a long, healthy life.

A "Mother's" Day

Well, it's official. Michelle and "Fred" have booked the hall. This coming Mother's Day, we will once again be eating dinner "out" - but this time, it will be at the reception of our daughter's wedding.

She has asked that her father and I walk her down the aisle to "give her away". Today, she is my favorite child!

It is so nice to plan such a joyous event - especailly since they did all the planning so far!! I am thinking that after we all return from Punta Cana, the real misery will begin - THE HUNT FOR THE PERFECT DRESS -

I will not rush the holidays away. I will enjoy each day as it comes. I will pay all my charge bills in a timely manner... I can dream, can't I??

The "Mom" Song

To some of my favorites moms, and those who can relate.....I"m sure we've all recited most of these lyrics at one time or another!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

Are they the same?

I have recently been accused of treating one of my children "differently" from the others. Before I address this with said offspring, I question myself, "Do I treat them all the same?"

Honest answer? How can I possibly treat them all the same? They are all different people with different needs. I am a mother. I give my children all of what they need and some of what they want.

New dilemma - how do I convey that to said child? What does this child perceive their siblings getting from me that is different from what they receive? Is this my problem or is it the child's problem? (the child being a grown adult at this time)

I am putting the question out there presuming someone else may have the answer...