Thanksgiving Re-Cap

This was the first Thanksgiving I had ever spent without anyone from my "biological" family present.  I guess I now know how my kids feel when they have a holiday with "the in-laws".   The Prince and I realize things can become a little complicated... sharing our time between our kids.  The bottom line is, it is our time now and as long as we are together, everything else will fall into place.

It was a little strange, at first, being the only 'outsider' at a major holiday dinner.  However, the "C-Unit" is indeed very charming (it's in their genes) and they made me feel wanted and welcome.  It was fun to hear them tell me stories about Prince Charming - as only an offspring could tell.  I am sure I had heard some of these stories from the Prince in the past, but their versions are what I will always remember.

PC's  grandchildren were there - 19 months, 25 months and 5 yrs old.  Imagine my delight, being on the floor, interacting with the 3 of them!  There is nothing sweeter than an unsolicited hug from a child.  

I don't recall much about the food or drink.  I barely remember the 4 hours in the car that day.  What I will never forget is how I felt as I went to bed that night.  Everyone sleeps better when they have a content heart.


  

Time to Give Thanks

Can you believe 'the holidays' are upon us already?  I guess it is true, the older we get, the faster the clock ticks!

I have come a long way since last Thanksgiving.  There is hole in my heart that will always be there, but it now rests comfortably, surrounded by love.

This year's Thanksgiving list does NOT include a menu!

I am thankful for my children.  They are truly good people.  They continue to be a source of pride and strength for me.  Their love and loyalty for me and each other is deeply rooted.

I am thankful for my extended family.  You have felt my pain and watched me as I heal.  You have offered nothing but love and support.  You have all rejoiced in my happiness, lately!  It is more than our shared DNA that keeps our bond so strong.

I am thankful for my friends - old ones and new ones.
My life is very different now.  It has been an adjustment for my old friends and I thank them for being on this roller coaster with me.
I am grateful for my new friends who travel this same road.  Life dealt us all a cruel blow, but we found each other.  Until one has walked in our shoes, they cannot fully understand what we go through. So thankful we have been there for eachother.

I am thankful for having Prince Charming in my life.   He makes me laugh everyday.  He makes me feel loved.  He has embraced my family and he has shared his loving family with me.  He makes me feel alive once again.  I can only hope that I do the same for him.  I am looking forward to all that life has in store for us.

I am most thankful for the lessons I have learned.... 

• I work very hard to 'stay present in the moment'.    
• I never pass up the opportunity to tell someone I love them.
• I hug and kiss my loved ones OFTEN.
• I smile always - it is good for my heart.
• I look for the 'good' in everyone.... it's worth the effort.
• Life is way too short - I live without regrets. 

Random pix

Daughters: Allison and Michelle

Sons: Michael and Bobby

Brandy and Prince Charming

                           "Yes, I am a package deal!" 

A humble thank-you to my readers.....

I recently went to a 50th Anniversary Celebration of the opening of my High School - Maria Regina Diocesan High School in Uniondale.  We were the 5th graduating class (1974).

It was wonderful meeting with my group of classmates that have reconnected - this time with our "significant others".  I was proud to introduce Prince Charming to the group.  There was hugging, laughing, eating and drinking..... even an after-party at the Marriott!!

For me, the best part of the night was being approached by several classmates whom I did NOT know in school.  They have been reading this blog and took the time to seek me out and say such nice things to me.  To you ladies, I say, "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kind words.  They mean more to me than you could ever know."

Did you see the hammer?

I have been offered lots of different advice lately (most of it unheeded).  I am sure everyone means well.....

"Go on vacation together - you never really know someone until you spend 24/7 with them"

"Spend time with his kids - they will show you the REAL person he is"

"Push his buttons!  Get him angry!!  - you will see his true colors when he loses his temper"

Well, my friends, I had my own barometer!  We decided to make-over a bathroom together.  That is the REAL test of compatibility!   Removing wallpaper, prepping the walls, picking paint colors, measuring and cutting the wainscot and moulding, and finally, adding decorative touches!

There were a couple hurdles...... but I have a tendency to only remember the laughs we had.  I think there was spilled paint, misplaced pencils and tools, apprehension about color and moulding placement - perhaps even a few more bumps in the road.  In all fairness, PC did most of the work, I was merely an "apprentice" this time around.

That being said, whenever I look into that bathroom now - I see a project that we did together.  Just a small room in the life we are building together.  It makes me smile.

Yours.....Mine......Ours?

I think one of the biggest hurdles in a relationship at this age is that we are a "package deal".  I come with kids, their partners, their children, and pets.  Love me, love my family!

When Prince Charming and I started dating, it was my children who insisted on meeting him.  I guess they wanted to size up the guy who seemed to have stolen my heart.  To be honest, I didn't think twice about it.  I knew my kids.  They were not going to be a**holes.  They would be courteous and warm (to his face), have a discussion with eachother, then give me the consensus of their opinion.  I also knew PC well enough to know he could hold his own under such careful inspection.  I could never have fallen for someone who could not.  He was a good man, with good values and a fabulous sense of hunor.

One by one, the kids (and their respective partners/kids/pets) met PC.  There were handshakes, smiles and pleasant conversations.  At the end of each gathering, there were hugs and kisses.  I knew immediately that I had the right man by my side.  My children agreed.

Then it was time for me to meet Prince Charming's kids.  WAIT!!!!    WHAT?!?!?!?!  Somehow, in all my careful research prior to entering the dating world, I completely disregarded the fact that "I" would ever be under such scrutiny.  But, as they say, "live and learn!"  There were 4 offspring (and partners, etc.) - they loving call themselves the "C-Unit" ("C"  for Charming, I'm sure!).


At first I was a bit nervous about meeting the chldren of someone who had become so important to me.  When we fell in love, it was just "us", not the myriad (or so it was beginning to seem) of people who had to grace us with their approval.  When I finally regained my grip on reality  - I faced the inevitable and let the chips fall where they may.  Afterall, if their dad found something special in me, I am sure they will see it too, right?  I greeted each offspring (et.al) with a smile and warm embrace.... each meeting was different and each was special in its own way.  I could easily spot a piece of Prince Charming in each child and, as a result,  I felt an instant connection to each of them.

Our chidren are no longer just "names" that we talk about.  They are all family now.

We are both looking forward to watching our family grow.