While "replaying the video in my mind", a few more special moments popped into my head:
My brother and nephew played the music in Church before and after the ceremony (the Guitar and Viola). What a gift.....
Posing for a picture with my first cousins - There were 10 of us there! Most attendance at any function in YEARS!!!
Suse and Bobby made sure the band played "Color My World" - The song that Mr. W and I danced to 35 years ago at our wedding...
Taking a picture with my two oldest friends.... just as we did at their children's weddings...
Hearing so many guests say, "We had the BEST table".... this reassured me that I did a fine job in setting up the seating arrangements.
Having the photographer hand me a CD with all the pictures from the video montage played during dinner.
Getting home to a "squeaky-clean" house.... Allison's team did a spectacular job of erasing evidence of 60 people partying there for 2 hours!
A special Thank You to ALL my friends and relatives who called - emailed - texted to say what a wonderful time they had at the wedding. After all is said and done (and paid for), the only things left are the memories.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Royal Wedding
I thought I might share some special "Mom" moments with you all. Every mom thinks their child's wedding is perfect.... but I had some moments that will forever be in my heart.
Rehearsal at the Church was irreverent, funny, and sweet! When the priest finally reined in the bridal party, he sent Bobby and Michael Jr (best man) down the aisle. It was just so sweet to watch the two of them walk away from me with their arms around each other and poking eachother. I could see their bodies shake as they laughed the whole time. It was as if they were 5 and 7 all over again. Seeing Allison trip across the altar as "Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live" brought the entire church to laughter! Watching Michelle alternately laugh and cry was both predictable and sweet!
At the rehearsal dinner, my beautiful "new daughter" hands me a gift, hugs and kisses me and says, "THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, we love you". Inside was a lace handkerchief embroidered with the words, "Thank you for raising your son to be the man of my dreams. Love, Suse"
I was hounding Michael Jr. for weeks about his Best Man speech. He had been promising to send me the 'rough draft' for days. When I picked him up the day of the wedding, he finally read it to me. He made me laugh and cry.... I think I started holding my breath from that moment on.
Bobby arrived at the house early and he sent his sister, Allison, to deliver a wedding gift to his bride. (are you crying yet?) The photographer and groomsmen soon appeared. Pictures and "SHOTS" all around!! - YAY!! Soon, we were all off to the church.
Since there were a couple hours between the ceremony and the reception, I was not sure the kids would have a full Church - BOY, was I wrong! Nearly everyone invited to the wedding was there. What a beautiful site .... some of my cousins left their homes at noon to be there (and the reception was not ending until 1:30am!)
The big moment finally arrives..... everyone is in their place and we all stand as Suse walks in with her father. Since I already knew how beautiful she looked, my eyes were plastered on my son's face... watching as his eyes fill as he caught his first glimpse of his bride .... what a moment!
After kissing 300 people on the receiving line, we were off to take pictures. My family was headed back to my house for some light refreshments prior to the reception. Imagine the excitement as they pulled up to my house with waiters standing outside with trays of cocktails to greet them! (Thanks to Allison and her staff)
When Mr. W and I walked into the Cocktail Hour at the Hall, we were just mesmerized by all the people and the kind things they were saying to us. There were guests from NY, NJ, IL, FL, CA, and Portugal!! What an amazing night this was going to be!!
After we all made our grand entrance, they called up the Best Man to give a toast. Michael Jr. read his speech, as Bobby and Suse stared into his eyes.... all the while, Bobby had his hand wrapped around his brother's leg. People were laughing and tearing up as well. This was the most heartfelt speech/toast I had ever heard. I started to breathe normally after that!
The food was great. The music was fabulous. The dancing was superb (yes, those lessons paid off!!) Then Suse danced with her father to a traditional Portuguese song, "Beautiful Bride". So Sweet! Finally, it was my turn to dance with my son. Bobby picked out the song and kept it a secret.... "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men. As long as I live, I will never forget those moments with my son....
.... It was a magical day.... Everything was perfect.... Hopefully this will set the stage for a lifetime of love and happiness for my son and 'daughter'.
Rehearsal at the Church was irreverent, funny, and sweet! When the priest finally reined in the bridal party, he sent Bobby and Michael Jr (best man) down the aisle. It was just so sweet to watch the two of them walk away from me with their arms around each other and poking eachother. I could see their bodies shake as they laughed the whole time. It was as if they were 5 and 7 all over again. Seeing Allison trip across the altar as "Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live" brought the entire church to laughter! Watching Michelle alternately laugh and cry was both predictable and sweet!
At the rehearsal dinner, my beautiful "new daughter" hands me a gift, hugs and kisses me and says, "THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, we love you". Inside was a lace handkerchief embroidered with the words, "Thank you for raising your son to be the man of my dreams. Love, Suse"
I was hounding Michael Jr. for weeks about his Best Man speech. He had been promising to send me the 'rough draft' for days. When I picked him up the day of the wedding, he finally read it to me. He made me laugh and cry.... I think I started holding my breath from that moment on.
Bobby arrived at the house early and he sent his sister, Allison, to deliver a wedding gift to his bride. (are you crying yet?) The photographer and groomsmen soon appeared. Pictures and "SHOTS" all around!! - YAY!! Soon, we were all off to the church.
Since there were a couple hours between the ceremony and the reception, I was not sure the kids would have a full Church - BOY, was I wrong! Nearly everyone invited to the wedding was there. What a beautiful site .... some of my cousins left their homes at noon to be there (and the reception was not ending until 1:30am!)
The big moment finally arrives..... everyone is in their place and we all stand as Suse walks in with her father. Since I already knew how beautiful she looked, my eyes were plastered on my son's face... watching as his eyes fill as he caught his first glimpse of his bride .... what a moment!
After kissing 300 people on the receiving line, we were off to take pictures. My family was headed back to my house for some light refreshments prior to the reception. Imagine the excitement as they pulled up to my house with waiters standing outside with trays of cocktails to greet them! (Thanks to Allison and her staff)
When Mr. W and I walked into the Cocktail Hour at the Hall, we were just mesmerized by all the people and the kind things they were saying to us. There were guests from NY, NJ, IL, FL, CA, and Portugal!! What an amazing night this was going to be!!
After we all made our grand entrance, they called up the Best Man to give a toast. Michael Jr. read his speech, as Bobby and Suse stared into his eyes.... all the while, Bobby had his hand wrapped around his brother's leg. People were laughing and tearing up as well. This was the most heartfelt speech/toast I had ever heard. I started to breathe normally after that!
The food was great. The music was fabulous. The dancing was superb (yes, those lessons paid off!!) Then Suse danced with her father to a traditional Portuguese song, "Beautiful Bride". So Sweet! Finally, it was my turn to dance with my son. Bobby picked out the song and kept it a secret.... "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men. As long as I live, I will never forget those moments with my son....
.... It was a magical day.... Everything was perfect.... Hopefully this will set the stage for a lifetime of love and happiness for my son and 'daughter'.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Dancing machines!
As the "big day" was approaching, Mr. Wonderful suggested that we take some dance lessons so we would really enjoy the reception. Hmmm, what the hell was he talking about??? I enjoy EVERY wedding reception!! I usually dance all night long!! - OH WAIT!!! I usually dance all the real slow romantic songs with Mr. W. and everything else with assorted cousins and friends!!!
Since I obviously love to dance, taking dance lessons was a no-brainer for me. My father was a wonderufl dancer and I grew up learning how to be a wonderful dance partner. I could follow anything he did on the dance floor. I was excited at the thought of "tripping the light fantastic" with the love of my life.
We signed up for 10 lessons - we were to complete these lessons in less than 3 weeks - YOU do the math! We practice everyday in our livingroom. I have never seen the man so intent on mastering a skill! I must say, this is the most fun we've had in a long time. We laugh, we hug, we move in rhythm - and we can do it all in public!!
I was trying to figure out his sudden motivation for learning to dance. Was it that he did not want me to dance with anyone else at the wedding? Was it that he would rather be on the dance floor than make small talk with 300 people? Was it that he wanted to expand the horizons of the things we can do together? I stopped trying figure it all out..... I am just being the best dance partner I can be!
Since I obviously love to dance, taking dance lessons was a no-brainer for me. My father was a wonderufl dancer and I grew up learning how to be a wonderful dance partner. I could follow anything he did on the dance floor. I was excited at the thought of "tripping the light fantastic" with the love of my life.
We signed up for 10 lessons - we were to complete these lessons in less than 3 weeks - YOU do the math! We practice everyday in our livingroom. I have never seen the man so intent on mastering a skill! I must say, this is the most fun we've had in a long time. We laugh, we hug, we move in rhythm - and we can do it all in public!!
I was trying to figure out his sudden motivation for learning to dance. Was it that he did not want me to dance with anyone else at the wedding? Was it that he would rather be on the dance floor than make small talk with 300 people? Was it that he wanted to expand the horizons of the things we can do together? I stopped trying figure it all out..... I am just being the best dance partner I can be!
Friday, September 14, 2012
"I'm sitting where?"
The "Royal Wedding" is less than a month away. So far, other than writing an occasional check and giong through the torture of finding the perfect dress, this whole process has been pretty painless - UNTIL NOW!
So I am handed of list of all the guests from my list that are attending and I am told, "please make table seating assignments"! PANIC!!
Okay, so we are not one of 'those' families who can't put this uncle with that aunt, or that cousin with this cousin - but the stress is there still the same. My family actually likes one another, well, most of them do anyway. I remember gong to a family birthday party in someone's yard where there were tables of 6-8 set up and my cousins lifted the tables are re-arranged things so it was one BIG table with everyone sitting together.
The first agonizing decision will be who to put at our table. Are people going to be offended by their table numbers? Can't we use something other than numbers? Numbers seem to relate to some order of importance. I think everyone should be sitting at MY table. Since a table for 100 is frowned upon, I have no other choice but to split up the family/friends and hope I make good decisions.
I did ask for a table for 2 in the corner, but the bride and grrom had dibs on that table.
So I am handed of list of all the guests from my list that are attending and I am told, "please make table seating assignments"! PANIC!!
Okay, so we are not one of 'those' families who can't put this uncle with that aunt, or that cousin with this cousin - but the stress is there still the same. My family actually likes one another, well, most of them do anyway. I remember gong to a family birthday party in someone's yard where there were tables of 6-8 set up and my cousins lifted the tables are re-arranged things so it was one BIG table with everyone sitting together.
The first agonizing decision will be who to put at our table. Are people going to be offended by their table numbers? Can't we use something other than numbers? Numbers seem to relate to some order of importance. I think everyone should be sitting at MY table. Since a table for 100 is frowned upon, I have no other choice but to split up the family/friends and hope I make good decisions.
I did ask for a table for 2 in the corner, but the bride and grrom had dibs on that table.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
The Comfort of Cousins
Some people say that your cousins are your first friends. Well, that was certainly true when I was growing up. The ritual of going to Grandma's house every Sunday for dinner afforded all us cousins the opportunity to really and truly grow up with each other.
Things changed when Grandma died. The family no longer met up for weekly dinners. But those roots were firmly planted and stayed strong throughout the years. We've met up for each other's weddings and all the funerals of our elderly loved ones. We are now at the next stage of our lives - WE are the "elderly" ones. We are now going to the wedding of each other's children! Where did the time go???
I recently returned from a trip to Chicago where 3 of us cousins treated ourselves to a visit for no apparent reason (no wedding, no funeral, no graduation, etc.) We spent 4 days, talking and laughing! We woke up early each day and went to bed late each night. There was always something to talk about, to catch up on. It was truly amazing that even though we do not see each other often, there was no distance between us.
There are no words to describe the comfort and security of being with these women. We share history and DNA! No subject was taboo. The unconditional love was like a roaring fire on a cold Winter's night.
We will all continue to gather for weddings and funerals, but I will always treasure the 4 days of uninterrupted visiting with my roots.
Things changed when Grandma died. The family no longer met up for weekly dinners. But those roots were firmly planted and stayed strong throughout the years. We've met up for each other's weddings and all the funerals of our elderly loved ones. We are now at the next stage of our lives - WE are the "elderly" ones. We are now going to the wedding of each other's children! Where did the time go???
I recently returned from a trip to Chicago where 3 of us cousins treated ourselves to a visit for no apparent reason (no wedding, no funeral, no graduation, etc.) We spent 4 days, talking and laughing! We woke up early each day and went to bed late each night. There was always something to talk about, to catch up on. It was truly amazing that even though we do not see each other often, there was no distance between us.
There are no words to describe the comfort and security of being with these women. We share history and DNA! No subject was taboo. The unconditional love was like a roaring fire on a cold Winter's night.
We will all continue to gather for weddings and funerals, but I will always treasure the 4 days of uninterrupted visiting with my roots.
Monday, July 30, 2012
No Luck Involved
On more than one occasion recently, I have been asked how long I have been married. When I replied, "nearly 35 years", the response was always the same, "WOW, YOU'RE LUCKY!"
Let me be the first one to shout from the highest mountain that LUCK has no bearing on the longevity of my marriage. Simply put, it is a matter of priority. I always say that I am a WIFE and a Mother. My marriage came first. I know, some of you may criticize.... but this is how I feel. I was a wife before I was a mother. I made a commitment to my husband for life, and he made one to me.
Yes, we are parents. And we adore our children. And there were plenty times in our marriage when the children had to come first. BUT, truth be told.... the kids move out and have their own lives - as it should be. My husband and I are still here. He is my number one priority. I am his number one priority.
There was no luck involved when we survived the "lean" years.... There was no rabbit's foot to rub when we battled illnesses... No four leaf clover saved us from the aggravation of raising teenagers...
There was a lot of commitment. There was a lot of love. There was even a lot of screaming when necessary, but there was a lot of "making-up", too. There was a strong desire to hold things together until we skated through the rough patches so we could enjoy the good times.
No matter how rough the tough times were, the bottom line was that I knew Mr. W always loved me. It has not always been easy, but it has always been worth the effort.
The divorce rate is ridiculously high. One out of 2 marriages will not make it. Such a sad commentary on society.... Maybe people are relying on luck to make it work.
Let me be the first one to shout from the highest mountain that LUCK has no bearing on the longevity of my marriage. Simply put, it is a matter of priority. I always say that I am a WIFE and a Mother. My marriage came first. I know, some of you may criticize.... but this is how I feel. I was a wife before I was a mother. I made a commitment to my husband for life, and he made one to me.
Yes, we are parents. And we adore our children. And there were plenty times in our marriage when the children had to come first. BUT, truth be told.... the kids move out and have their own lives - as it should be. My husband and I are still here. He is my number one priority. I am his number one priority.
There was no luck involved when we survived the "lean" years.... There was no rabbit's foot to rub when we battled illnesses... No four leaf clover saved us from the aggravation of raising teenagers...
There was a lot of commitment. There was a lot of love. There was even a lot of screaming when necessary, but there was a lot of "making-up", too. There was a strong desire to hold things together until we skated through the rough patches so we could enjoy the good times.
No matter how rough the tough times were, the bottom line was that I knew Mr. W always loved me. It has not always been easy, but it has always been worth the effort.
The divorce rate is ridiculously high. One out of 2 marriages will not make it. Such a sad commentary on society.... Maybe people are relying on luck to make it work.
Friday, July 06, 2012
It's SO hot....
We had a new Central Air Conditioner installed 2 Summers ago. Something that was state of the art and so powerful that we would only use half the electricity to cool the house. It was installed at the end of that particular summer and last summer was really the first time it was put to good use. It had a few little problems, but Mr. Wonderful ventured into the attic and tinkered with it and all was fine.
So this Summer we have RECORD BREAKING temperatures and all of Mr. W's tinkering could not put "humpty dumpty back together again". Can you even imagine my frustration when we called the guy who put this unit in just to find out that he refused to come back to look at it - WTF?!?!?!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, we managed to survive until someone finally came to lok at it. We were reassured that we had top of the line equipment with the worst possible installation - again I say, WTF???
Throughout the obvious sweating, I reminded Mr W that we spent the first half of our marriage without ANY airconditioning..... he reminded me that we were a lot younger then!!%%#!
Here it is Friday afternoon - and we have a tentative appointmet ("no promises") for tomorrow afternoon. The temperture is still hovering in the high 90's.
We've had invitations to sleep at nerighbor's houses, kids' houses and we even thought about going to a hotel - yet we stayed put. WHY?, you may ask..... Mr. Wonderful could not, in good conscience, leave all the animals sweltering alone. He is a good man.... and he has a good heart... but, let's face it, he totally has his priorities out of order!!!
(I took Brandy to work today so she could sleep comfortably in my air conditioned office)
So this Summer we have RECORD BREAKING temperatures and all of Mr. W's tinkering could not put "humpty dumpty back together again". Can you even imagine my frustration when we called the guy who put this unit in just to find out that he refused to come back to look at it - WTF?!?!?!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, we managed to survive until someone finally came to lok at it. We were reassured that we had top of the line equipment with the worst possible installation - again I say, WTF???
Throughout the obvious sweating, I reminded Mr W that we spent the first half of our marriage without ANY airconditioning..... he reminded me that we were a lot younger then!!%%#!
Here it is Friday afternoon - and we have a tentative appointmet ("no promises") for tomorrow afternoon. The temperture is still hovering in the high 90's.
We've had invitations to sleep at nerighbor's houses, kids' houses and we even thought about going to a hotel - yet we stayed put. WHY?, you may ask..... Mr. Wonderful could not, in good conscience, leave all the animals sweltering alone. He is a good man.... and he has a good heart... but, let's face it, he totally has his priorities out of order!!!
(I took Brandy to work today so she could sleep comfortably in my air conditioned office)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
An Adventure
Last night Robyn (friend/neighbor) and I headed out to Staten Island to see her Great-Nieces perform in their dance recital. I left work early in anticipation of the deadly trek over the Belt Parkway. Much to our surprise, the Belt Parkway was a dream - it was the Verrazano Bridge and Staten Island Expressway that caused all the grief! Needless to say, we arrived safely at Robyn's sister's house for a lovely dinner before the show.
We were all set to leave when the unthnkable happens - Robyn's car will not start - WTF?!?!?! - She promptly calls her husband - WHO DOES NOT ANSWER HIS PHONE =- WTF?!?!?! - So, off we go to the recital - that is why we traveled to this God-forsaken town in the first place!
The recital was precious!! The girls were just delightful. We had front row seats and we felt like celebrities!!
Back to the car. We call AAA - "It is either the fuel pump or an electrical problem." - Again, WTF??? They are really useless!!!
Just want to say thank you to Mr. Wonderful who drove out to pick us up and bring us safely back to our humble abodes! As for Robyn's car.... well... it has remained on Staten Island waiting for a divine intervention!
We were all set to leave when the unthnkable happens - Robyn's car will not start - WTF?!?!?! - She promptly calls her husband - WHO DOES NOT ANSWER HIS PHONE =- WTF?!?!?! - So, off we go to the recital - that is why we traveled to this God-forsaken town in the first place!
The recital was precious!! The girls were just delightful. We had front row seats and we felt like celebrities!!
Back to the car. We call AAA - "It is either the fuel pump or an electrical problem." - Again, WTF??? They are really useless!!!
Just want to say thank you to Mr. Wonderful who drove out to pick us up and bring us safely back to our humble abodes! As for Robyn's car.... well... it has remained on Staten Island waiting for a divine intervention!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Mini Vacations
We could solve all the world's problem sitting here..... Couldn't you???
Monday, June 18, 2012
the last room
We moved into this house nearly 8 years ago. We fixed every room except one - the "office". The office is the 3rd bedroom on the top floor. There was a hideous border about a foot from the ceiling, so I covered it up by hanging framed photographs of the family all around the room. We put 3 huge bookcases against one wall - and proceeded to fill them up with books, knick knacks, photos, etc. There is a huge desk in there which houses the computer and 2 printers. We were gonna live with the room like this for a while until we decided what to do with it.
As time went on, this room became the dumping ground for anything that needed a home. This room also became the "home" for our ironing board - (We all iron EVERYTHING we wear - no one ever goes outside wrinkled!) Mr. W. filled this room with all kinds of stuff after the fire, when they were redoing all our wood floors. Lots of that stuff is still in this poor room. This was the only room on this floor that still had wall to wall "green" carpeting. This was also the carpeting that some of the pups mistook for the lawn - if you get my drift.
The time has finally come for us to do something about this room. God Bless Mr. W. as he took on the chore of removing the carpeting as that was the worst offense in the room. That was over a month ago - well, to be fair, it took him a month to get all the carpeting out of there - WITHOUT EVER REMOVING ANY OF THE FURNITURE!!! This has been a slow process.... It took 8 years to get like this, it might take another 8 years to clean it out and start all over.
The best thing about this project????? - I can close the door and not look in there for weeks at a time - (I wear a lot of "permanent press" these days!)
As time went on, this room became the dumping ground for anything that needed a home. This room also became the "home" for our ironing board - (We all iron EVERYTHING we wear - no one ever goes outside wrinkled!) Mr. W. filled this room with all kinds of stuff after the fire, when they were redoing all our wood floors. Lots of that stuff is still in this poor room. This was the only room on this floor that still had wall to wall "green" carpeting. This was also the carpeting that some of the pups mistook for the lawn - if you get my drift.
The time has finally come for us to do something about this room. God Bless Mr. W. as he took on the chore of removing the carpeting as that was the worst offense in the room. That was over a month ago - well, to be fair, it took him a month to get all the carpeting out of there - WITHOUT EVER REMOVING ANY OF THE FURNITURE!!! This has been a slow process.... It took 8 years to get like this, it might take another 8 years to clean it out and start all over.
The best thing about this project????? - I can close the door and not look in there for weeks at a time - (I wear a lot of "permanent press" these days!)
Keeping in Shape
So The Man and I decide that we must do something to alter our sedentary lifestyle. We seem to be way too content to sit on the couch everyday - each of us making the claim that "walking the dogs" constitutes exercise.
It was finally time to dust off those brand new bikes (read that:"9 yr old bikes") and make a commitment to getting some real exercise. First in order: take the bikes to the shop for a "tune up" (read that: "a good dusting off and oiling of the gears"). I succumbed to Mr. Wonderful insistence that we use Bike Helmets as well. Good friends/neighbors gave us a bike rack for the back of our Jeep. I am happy to say that we are now totally enjoying bike riding. We are fortunate to have some wonderful trails close-by. Each time we go out, we ride a little longer and a little further. We do try to go at least 4 times a week.
It is so nice to be able to do something together that does not involve FOOD or spending money! We will never win any marathons, but we always come back from the rides happy. So glad that after nearly 35 yrs of marriage, we can still enjoy new adventures together.
It was finally time to dust off those brand new bikes (read that:"9 yr old bikes") and make a commitment to getting some real exercise. First in order: take the bikes to the shop for a "tune up" (read that: "a good dusting off and oiling of the gears"). I succumbed to Mr. Wonderful insistence that we use Bike Helmets as well. Good friends/neighbors gave us a bike rack for the back of our Jeep. I am happy to say that we are now totally enjoying bike riding. We are fortunate to have some wonderful trails close-by. Each time we go out, we ride a little longer and a little further. We do try to go at least 4 times a week.
It is so nice to be able to do something together that does not involve FOOD or spending money! We will never win any marathons, but we always come back from the rides happy. So glad that after nearly 35 yrs of marriage, we can still enjoy new adventures together.
Wedding Update
I like to refer to this as Our Royal Wedding. It is so nice to have something wonderful to look forward to. We have all been enjoying the planning - since the only thing we have to do is listen to the bride and groom as they bring us updates! AH, the joys of being the Groom's family!!
Attire:
My dress has been ordered. Mr.W. must be fitted for his tux (plenty of time for that). I took Grandma shopping for her dress and shoes, glad to scratch that off my to-do-list. All that's left in this category is to pester Allison and Michelle to go find something to wear. Michelle will wait until the last week and Allison will continue to torture us by threatening to wear a cape over her favorite pajamas!
Rehearsal Dinner:
Cannot make plans until we know the date.
That's it. Other than calling the people on my list who do not respond in a timely manner, I am all caught up!
Attire:
My dress has been ordered. Mr.W. must be fitted for his tux (plenty of time for that). I took Grandma shopping for her dress and shoes, glad to scratch that off my to-do-list. All that's left in this category is to pester Allison and Michelle to go find something to wear. Michelle will wait until the last week and Allison will continue to torture us by threatening to wear a cape over her favorite pajamas!
Rehearsal Dinner:
Cannot make plans until we know the date.
That's it. Other than calling the people on my list who do not respond in a timely manner, I am all caught up!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Making Memories
Memories are made all the time. Some are impromptu, others are planned. Both are wonderful.
I visited with my little cousin and her family in early April. An annual event that has now become a 2 day affair. I had the opportunity to bond with each family member - we ate, laughed, talked, played games and loved one another. They made my heart swell.
Last week we went to California for my cousin's wedding. Cousins gathered from all over. We ate, laughed, talked, and perhaps imbibed a little more than we should have. This was a "once in a lifetime event" - so honored to be a part of it.
I have all these memories tucked into my "vault". Life has its ups and downs. When it is UP, I can enjoy the moment. When it is DOWN, I can easily reach into my vault and enjoy the warmth that surrounds me. I am grateful. I am blessed.
I visited with my little cousin and her family in early April. An annual event that has now become a 2 day affair. I had the opportunity to bond with each family member - we ate, laughed, talked, played games and loved one another. They made my heart swell.
Last week we went to California for my cousin's wedding. Cousins gathered from all over. We ate, laughed, talked, and perhaps imbibed a little more than we should have. This was a "once in a lifetime event" - so honored to be a part of it.
I have all these memories tucked into my "vault". Life has its ups and downs. When it is UP, I can enjoy the moment. When it is DOWN, I can easily reach into my vault and enjoy the warmth that surrounds me. I am grateful. I am blessed.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Some Stresses
I hear young mothers say how they worry about their little ones - and they wonder how long they will have to worry - The answer is: you worry forever!
The Groom decided that it was time for him to buy his much desired motorcycle. He has wanted one for years.... he was still living at home the last time he was close to buying one. We pulled the "not while you are living under our roof" card and got away with it - WHEW!! He bought a dog instead! Sammy, the English Bulldog, continues to live with us. Hmm, perhaps if he bought the motorcycle back then, I would be taking it back and forth to work now..... but I digress!
Oldest son had to be rushed to "Urgent Care" last weekend. He passed out (in our livingroom) and landed on his face. After I "ripped the eyeglasses" from the bloody wound, he needed to have some stitches strategically placed. I complimented the doctor on his stitching technique and offered to remove the stitches when the time comes. Hope to get him to split his fee with me!
Allison arrived in NY the Winter of 2011 only to experience the the WORST Winter in history. She is on her way home from Dallas today - yeterday, Dallas was hit with the worst Tornadoes in their history. Hmmm, I'm sensing a trend...
I think these instances are just God's way of reminding me that HE is in charge and I must never forget it. Easter is Sunday... time for new beginnings once again.
God help the kid who aggravates me first!
The Groom decided that it was time for him to buy his much desired motorcycle. He has wanted one for years.... he was still living at home the last time he was close to buying one. We pulled the "not while you are living under our roof" card and got away with it - WHEW!! He bought a dog instead! Sammy, the English Bulldog, continues to live with us. Hmm, perhaps if he bought the motorcycle back then, I would be taking it back and forth to work now..... but I digress!
Oldest son had to be rushed to "Urgent Care" last weekend. He passed out (in our livingroom) and landed on his face. After I "ripped the eyeglasses" from the bloody wound, he needed to have some stitches strategically placed. I complimented the doctor on his stitching technique and offered to remove the stitches when the time comes. Hope to get him to split his fee with me!
Allison arrived in NY the Winter of 2011 only to experience the the WORST Winter in history. She is on her way home from Dallas today - yeterday, Dallas was hit with the worst Tornadoes in their history. Hmmm, I'm sensing a trend...
I think these instances are just God's way of reminding me that HE is in charge and I must never forget it. Easter is Sunday... time for new beginnings once again.
God help the kid who aggravates me first!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
And the search begins
It seems the future bride and groom have everything under control - there is something to be said about 2 adults getting married as opposed to 2 kids. They are only 26 yrs. old, but they are wise beyond their years. The church and the hall are reserved, the photographer is hired, the DJ is booked, and the flowers are ordered. Even the bride's dress has been taken care of!
And now the search begins for my dress. I am looking for something that falls into the category between "frumpy mother of the groom" and "slutty mother of the groom". From what I have witnessed, all boutiques only have dresses that fall into those two categories. At this time I have found that either I choose something that has 30 yards of chiffon (reminiscent of something that they buried my dead grandmother in years ago) or something cut way down to my navel that will need a hot glue gun and staples to adhere it to my body.
The experiences have not been totally unpleasant - having to come out of the dressing room before Allison and Mr. Wonderful as they critique these dresses has been a hilarious experience. Allison has been encouraging me to "invite the girls to the party" - while Mr. W steps up to me and pulls the front of the dresses up and aks the salesgirl if they can add sturdy straps to hold it up!
Who decides what size samples they carry in these boutiques? All the chiffon ones were a size 24 and all the "hotsy totsy" ones were a size 2. REALLY???? Are there really no samples in a normal size????
I am not giving up.... I will search and search for as long as necessary. I am bound and determined to look like the "hot, sophisticated mother of the groom" - afterall, showing up in blue jeans and sneakers was not an option according to my son.
And now the search begins for my dress. I am looking for something that falls into the category between "frumpy mother of the groom" and "slutty mother of the groom". From what I have witnessed, all boutiques only have dresses that fall into those two categories. At this time I have found that either I choose something that has 30 yards of chiffon (reminiscent of something that they buried my dead grandmother in years ago) or something cut way down to my navel that will need a hot glue gun and staples to adhere it to my body.
The experiences have not been totally unpleasant - having to come out of the dressing room before Allison and Mr. Wonderful as they critique these dresses has been a hilarious experience. Allison has been encouraging me to "invite the girls to the party" - while Mr. W steps up to me and pulls the front of the dresses up and aks the salesgirl if they can add sturdy straps to hold it up!
Who decides what size samples they carry in these boutiques? All the chiffon ones were a size 24 and all the "hotsy totsy" ones were a size 2. REALLY???? Are there really no samples in a normal size????
I am not giving up.... I will search and search for as long as necessary. I am bound and determined to look like the "hot, sophisticated mother of the groom" - afterall, showing up in blue jeans and sneakers was not an option according to my son.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Back to Reality
We just came back from our annual trip to the Caribbean. We have gone enough times now - we really have the system down pat: Sleep, eat, relax, eat, walk on beach, relax, eat, sleep. The resort was beautiful, the weather was cooperative, the company was fabulous!
It is not easy for us to go on vacation. How do you leave 5 dogs, 4 indoor cats, and a hoard of stray cats that rely on Mr. Wonderful's kindness to get them through the Winter?? Although Allison lives with us, her schedule is too crazy to handle all that needed to be done. We enlisted the help of Bobby. He was a great sport and moved into our house for the week and he and his sister did a bang-up job of taking care of everything.
It is not easy finding gifts on the island to bring home to your adult children. I was not bringing them trinkets or Tee-Shirts. Mr. W. had a better plan. He went to the duty-free shop and bought them "thank-you" gifts.
We bought Allison a carton of cigarettes (save your comments... she smokes, get over it). We bought Bobby a bottle of booze. The kids were so grateful when they opened their gifts - they said, "We have the BEST parents. They go on vacation and bring us home cigarettes and scotch. We might as well be Sinatras!" Gotta love their enthusiasm!
It is not easy for us to go on vacation. How do you leave 5 dogs, 4 indoor cats, and a hoard of stray cats that rely on Mr. Wonderful's kindness to get them through the Winter?? Although Allison lives with us, her schedule is too crazy to handle all that needed to be done. We enlisted the help of Bobby. He was a great sport and moved into our house for the week and he and his sister did a bang-up job of taking care of everything.
It is not easy finding gifts on the island to bring home to your adult children. I was not bringing them trinkets or Tee-Shirts. Mr. W. had a better plan. He went to the duty-free shop and bought them "thank-you" gifts.
We bought Allison a carton of cigarettes (save your comments... she smokes, get over it). We bought Bobby a bottle of booze. The kids were so grateful when they opened their gifts - they said, "We have the BEST parents. They go on vacation and bring us home cigarettes and scotch. We might as well be Sinatras!" Gotta love their enthusiasm!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
East meets West
We had dinner with Suse's family this past weekend, ie. "The official meeting of the parents". What a wonderful time we had!
I thoroughly enjoyed each moment of the hours we were there. People have been asking if we all discussed the wedding. Quite frankly, the subject of the wedding barely came up. There were more important things to talk about. We exchanged stories, shared good food and had many laughs. It was quite clear that they loved their daughter just as much as we loved our son. Most importantly, they loved our son as much as we loved their daughter.
It was not until days later that I really realized what happened that evening. Here were 2 families coming together - with nothing in common except that their kids fell in love. Somehow, that was enough glue to bond the relationship between us. Looking forward to watching the future unfold with our extended family.
I thoroughly enjoyed each moment of the hours we were there. People have been asking if we all discussed the wedding. Quite frankly, the subject of the wedding barely came up. There were more important things to talk about. We exchanged stories, shared good food and had many laughs. It was quite clear that they loved their daughter just as much as we loved our son. Most importantly, they loved our son as much as we loved their daughter.
It was not until days later that I really realized what happened that evening. Here were 2 families coming together - with nothing in common except that their kids fell in love. Somehow, that was enough glue to bond the relationship between us. Looking forward to watching the future unfold with our extended family.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Christmas Angels
Ally - nearly 10
Ava - 5 1/2
"I carry your hearts with me... I carry them in my heart"
Christmas
I still feel the need to provide some magic on Christmas for my family. It was going to be tough this year... All the kids are doing well financially so a fat check was not going to make an impact, I needed to come up with a new plan.
I brought my sister up as a surprise! It was perfect! Even Mr. Wonderful had no clue! I left my house as if I was going to the office, only to return with my sister in the car! I asked Mr. W to please get the package from my front seat - He was shocked! Okay, one down 10 more to go!
We showed up at Allison's restaurant and totally shocked her as well!! This was too easy - LOL!!
Christmas Eve, Wendy and my mom came over - BOOM! Another surprise for them!!
Christmas Day - Bobby and Suse - BAM!! - YAY!! Then the rest of the clan showed up - SURPRISE!!! -
We made a lot of nice memories.... It was a wonderfully magical Christmas!
Me, brother and sister
A perfect Centerpiece!
Grandma with the future Bride and Groom
Allison in her "Lazy All Day" outfit - note the "bacon and egg" shoes
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