Gift Giving Done Right

I mean, I think I am close to done, ready to give and share in the holiday spirit...but there are always a few last minute panic attacks right before 12/25.  So, I am going over my list, once, twice, thrice...quadruple checking to make sure I have everyone covered.  I am sure that there are many of you out there that spend endless hours thinking and planning each person's gift...the perfect gift for each person on your Holiday List.  I am one of those crazy, spend all-nighters doing just this.  There have been years that I felt I fell so short on creating that exact perfect package, but I think this year I may have done it.  Of course, I start off with an idea/vision for each gift and then I focus on budget.  If the original thought is crazy outrageous in cost I then have fun in the challenge in making it fit my budget.  As to not ruin any surprises and give away the gifts that I am giving...I will be sharing that with you after the holidays...(that way you will have a head start in planning next year's list).  For right now, there are a few items/designers/vendors that are making this holiday season gift giving special, unique and a wee bit easier...I have to give them a well-deserving bow:
Timeless Designs and Monograms http://www.tdmembroidery.com/ for all your personalized & monogramming needs, literally almost everything & anything you can think of- TDM will be able to personalize for you.  Seriously, from baby to Pop-Pop, TDM will have an option for you.
The Ellie Rose http://www.theellierose.com/ for celebrating the mommy-to-be, new mommy, girlfriend or little miss with beautiful fabrics that are offered in many unique items to accessorize the diaper bag or pull bag your hair while you are on the go...or pull back the hair of your little knee-high miss so she can see where she's running to ;)
Kelly Miller Photography and Design http://www.kellymillerphotos.com/ for your special moments to be captured and treasured.  Just visit her site and you will see what I mean. 
Grace + Co Design http://www.graceandcodesign.com/ is the perfect pairing to Kelly Miller Photography and Design, Kristin creates stunning, beautiful design complimenting your photos and turning them into cards, stationary, invitations, collages...talent, pure talent!
CML Designs http://www.cml-designs.net/ stocking stuffer central!  CML Designs is now featured in Etsy's The Stocking Stuffing Treasury with their tin pencil case holders- adorable.  Be sure to check out all of the CML Design Services as well!
Eclat Chocolate http://www.eclatchocolate.com/ is pure decadence.  There are quite a lucky few that will be receiving these delicious pieces of creamy, rich goodness.  Eclat Chocolate has been featured in Vogue and has received an abundance of accolades. 
A Taste of Olive http://www.atasteofolive.com/ is the place to visit for the foodie, chef or for anyone who enjoys olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rare salts and so much more that tickles your palette.

For those of you who are a last minute shoppers...if you hurry, you might be able to catch a few amazing offers and last minute gift items from the above and might make your holidays a little bit brighter.

Stay tuned for all the goodies I gifted and how I made it work into a budget that is very do-able.

Reflection on Election Day

Regardless on what party you support or vote for...the most important part of today is that you voted.  I wasn't sure how I was going to make it happen today- do I bring both boys with me or figure out a way to go solo?  After the day got away from me I realized that I had only one option- yep, both boys were headed to the polls with mama.  On our way, I was attempting to explain to G (almost 6yo) and L (almost 16mos) about why it is SO important to vote...will G really understand party lines, platforms, campaign strategies?  I think not so much but I did want to make sure that he understands from his very young age that his voice, his vote matters...so in we go and wait our turn in line.  I waited and thought to myself, wow how amazing is that I, a woman, a minority, a mom has the power to help shape the political landscape of tomorrow.  I need to soak in this memory and never take it for granted; never-ever, ever. 

As we made our way to the voting booth, I was filling in the little circles with one hand as L was on my hip, trying to prevent L from stealing the pen and making his own mark on my ballot- I gently placed him down at my feet and begged G to help watch L for just a few short seconds...as soon as my plees left my chapped lips (totally need to start drinking more water again) I saw L rocking a booth and caught it before it tipped...oy...and as soon as I rounded him up I then was interrupted by a drum beat coming from, G...he turned an empty booth into his drum set and gave a totally new twist to "Rock the Vote"...even with chaos surrounding me, I managed to fill in my circles and scan my ballot, collect my boys and head on home. 

Walking out, I gave G my stub and said..."what mommy just did in there was so very important"...of course G forgot the speech I gave him before we entered but he very innocently responded "what did you do?"  I said, "I voted- every vote counts...don't ever forget that".  When we got home and saw that DH was hard at work (we are in the midst of a first floor reno) we chirped about our day and asked G to share with DH what the very important task we just finished...G very proudly said "we voted...it is very important because every vote counts"...what a wonderful reflection on this Election Day.

How did you start your day?

I had to share...I woke up this morning ready to start the day thru the humid October drizzle- yeah, crazy weather, right? We had our normal chaotic morning getting out of the house to get ready for school.  G was in a total mood this morning but that is G.  L hung back and enjoyed his routine.  Finally we were on our way to drop off G at school- Wed are always something to look forward to because it is Chapel for the Lower School...Chapel is quite the extraordinary experience...parents are invited to attend and trust me once you do you don't want to miss one!  You watch the students proceed into Bell Hall while music is played (usually a hint as to what the message for Chapel might be), very quiet (you catch a chuckle or a secret whispered but for the most part the students are on their best behavior) and they file into their assigned seats.  We were greeted by Mrs. M, Head of Lower School...we all love Mrs. M.  Next, a young student got up on stage and shared with the student body her experience at the Flyers Game where she was in the spotlight for her work with Alex's Lemonade Stand...and then a student delivered today's chapel (which is a norm) and it is quite remarkable how much confidence she exhibited to stand infront of her peers and speak for close to 10 minutes on her own.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to hear it as L was on the move - so I was chasing him outside. 

But then, I heard Mr. B get up in front of the students, I swiped up L and dashed inside- you don't want to miss Mr. B- he is one of the most talented teachers, a true gift to G's school.  He is the Lower School Music Teacher and brings a level of energy that is electrifying.  He closes each Chapel with a song...always a treat!  Today it was one of my favorite songs right now..."Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk&ob=av2e No worries, Mr. B only included the verses appropriate for little ears ;)  I was dancing around with L in my arms and I looked up feeling like I was about to get "caught" for dancing like no one was watching...but everyone else was groovin around me...so I continuted twirling L around and feeling pretty lucky that G gets to experience this...What a way to start the day...
ps- In case you are interested in seeing what G's school is all about, check out http://www.montgomeryschool.org/ for the Open House Schedule (the next is Sun Nov 7th from 1-3)

Today's Obsession

You need/want (I mean come on- these words are totally interchangeable) a new pair of shoes, a new bag, a cute top to go w/ your new pair of denim, a new kitchen, a new car, a new home...so if any of you want/need any of the aforementioned...I am sure you will relate, you think about, dream about, research, favorite, obsess over the perfect, THE ONE. You may visit the website 10 times in an hour, every hour, staring at IT - do I purchase, do I not? Hmmm, does this trump the new chandelier for the dining room or new drapes- priorities, priorities. Head spinning, adrenaline rushing...I call every flippin store in PA to see if they have today's obsession: rain boots (ok, might not sound so glam but I have been waiting for the perfect pair, the pair that would dub as rain boots & snappy footwear to carry me thru the day so I don't need to change out shoes.) The reveal: http://bit.ly/dhTgKM I have been so preoccupied by these vulcanized natural rubber goodies I haven't been able to concentrate on anything else. Now, do I have time to get them before tomorrow? (I will be at an outdoor event and with the torrential downpours we have experienced I will need some type of wading boot for sure.) And do I feel guilty for treating myself? Answer- yes, absolutely guilty. Of course they are not in the budget- not like I line itemed "rain boots" for this month. But they are calling me, so the dilemma continues. Oh, and Hunter Boots if you see a huge spike in your online traffic today- its just me, obsessing over your Andora Boot...

4 Little Steps

We were at the Rainbow Pot Luck dinner at L's school (each class was assigned a color and that was the color of food you were to bring- so much fun!)...G (an alum from Goddard) was off playing with familiar faces and I was managing two plates of food while holding a squirmy little man. We made it back to our Skip Hop Central Park Outdoor Blanket http://www.skiphop.com/product/centralpark.html (one of my favorite items that now has permanent residence in my trunk for any impromptu picnics, outings and basking on the beach)
without dumping our plates of pot luck deliciousness. Once we sat L immediately began his Dance Off (Mr. Dave was jamming) w/ his teachers- priceless. Imagine in slow motion...I was ready to gobble up a forkful of rainbow goodness and one of his teachers said "L took 4 steps by himself today"...and I was stunned! Screeching halt---what? really? steps? 4 of them? I wasn't there? But, but I should have seen it!!! (All in my head of course.) I am home with L for the most part and it seems as though everyone else has seen L "walk" but me!!! DH has seen him take mini steps and now his teachers...alright, not everyone but still...so I composed myself remembering that it isn't about "me" but the fact that L has the confidence to take a few steps on his own and to figure out what he is capable of. Ok, maybe I am infusing a wee bit of drama but if I remember correctly I missed G's first steps too and I thought for sure, I wouldn't miss L's...- end pity party and again remember what is to be celebrated...L is about to start the next step in his exploring and will be able to see the world in yet another view, reach higher places & drawers, and be just a little bit more steady on his feet. He's going places and I couldn't be happier for him!

Stinky Business

Stink bugs, where do you come from? Why are there a million of you on our house greeting me at the front door and sneaking your way in only to find you in my kitchen, living room, dining room, basement, bathrooms, bedroom and both boys rooms???? I get that you are one of nature's creatures but enough already. I do not want a flash back from that spring morning where I found a half eaten one of you in my little boy's mouth and smeared on his 500 thread count sheets.

So I am asking very politely; pretty, pretty please...frolic among the trees, plants and all the wonders nature has to offer and stay out, out, out, out of my domain! (And my car too, you scare the living *$#@ out of me when you decide to land on my shoulder while I am operating my vehicle.)

Muchas Gracias!

Happy Exhaustion

Happy Exhaustion, I am all about that right now. Happy to see G make it thru a full week of school at Montgomery, happy for L and his new routine in First Steps at Goodard, happy that the weather has been GORGEOUS; have been out on Struble gettin back in shape, happy to see friends and catch up, happy to be happy. Totally missing my hub...feel like we haven't seen each other thru the chaotic schedules over the past week. Note...make sure that date night is scheduled! I have been setting some serious goals for myself and need to make good...accountability my friend, accountability. So starting tomorrow I will be listing each of these goals so you can keep me on my toes. I know what your thinking...I am so not putting it off, just exhausted and need to head to bed...remember, a happy exhaustion...until tomorrow!

In 3 short days

My boys have played with friends, been to the zoo, zippin around town & about and some HUGE firsts...the biggies...L started The Goddard School (www.thegoddardschool.com), G experienced his first Welcoming Day at Montgomery School (www.montgomeryschool.org) and mommy got to step back, watch and soak it all in. I have been gearing up for these firsts for some time now but of course when it came down to it, I still had to get school supplies, label EVERYTHING, pack bags and mentally prepare for the morning routine to change. Our dry run today was a little bumpy so I am keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for Tuesday- "the real thing". I think that there was enough emotion, activity and fun to last a few weeks but nevertheless squeezed it into three days. Oh, and I received the best little gift ever, they took a pic of L on his first day at Goddard and gave it to me when I picked him up. He is smiling so big you can see his funny teeth and his eyes are squinting- totally priceless. More firsts to come next week...will keep you posted!

Back in the Groove...

We are home, wash is done, fridge & pantry stocked, fit in a playdate for G with one of his best friends and sammy (our 11 yo boxer) is back. Hard to believe we were in Myrtle Beach less than 24 hrs ago. Even though I am missing the beach terribly, I am excited for the busy week ahead; meeting up with friends, birthday celebrations, zoo, back to school shopping (ok so I am a little behind on this one but better late than never, right?), fitting in some projects and the norm: everyday craziness!

Here's the big question, what to do in the mornings to cure the yawns? Since I have been off coffee for the last 6 weeks (THE hardest thing I have ever given up and a whole long story behind it) I am going to have to find another caffeine source to help me wake up after sleeping in during vaca, will tea get the job done? EEEEK! If you have any suggestions, please, please share!

Here's to getting back in the groove...salud!

Saying Goodbye...

I sit enjoying a glass of Frisk (yummy Riesling) sneaking in a quick post in between loads of laundry...packing done and everything is ready for departure tomorrow bright and early. The last night is always bittersweet...hate to leave the beach and family but can't get home fast enough for the boys to get back into their normal routines-by the end of the week they are toast! Plus there is SO much that I need to get ready for G to start K at Montgomery and L to start First Steps at Goddard. Myrtle Beach is becoming a home away from home and I am going to miss my daily rides up and down 17, splashing in the waves and seeing G's love for the water & sand grow with each day. L is right behind G and was a little guppy himself. I will long for my cloud-like bed down here, Uncle Richards famous breakfasts, hush puppies, Bistro 217, Nicos, and Angsana Spa. So farewell for now and I will visit MB in my dreams until we meet again MB, until we meet again!

Date Night!

I had the very fortunate experience to spend the day with my dear Aunt A and be girly girls! We were pampered thru and thru at Angsana Spa http://www.spaangsana.com/ (located in Pawleys Island) by the magical Heather O & Lisa Clark, owner and former Pennsi-ite. If you are looking for rejuvination, superior service and a spa that offers a boutique filled with special finds...you found the spot! Namaste.

After we got pretty, pretty (and ready for my big date w/ the hubby) we visited some very quaint boutiques of the Pawleys Island/Litchfield/Murrells Inlet area...The Joggling Board http://www.thejogglingboard.com/, Lollipop Junction, Palm http://www.palmshoes.com/, and Hannah B's -a fab children's boutique. We did a lil bit of damage but just enough that I got my fix, not to feel guilty either- we found AMAZING sales! A short ride later we were home and I threw on my go-to green dress from Anthro (it has been a savior this summer) and P & I were off to Bistro 217 www.bistro217.com in Pawleys.

We arrived and sat in the courtyard at the bar, enjoyed our cocktails (I recommend the blueberry mojito and pear martini) then at our table we feasted on deliciousness. P started with an unbelievable fish app...still in fish form we thought we should name him...then he tore up the Treasure Chest. I started with their warm pistachio encrusted goat cheese salad, then the Lamb Shank and finished with a warm walnut brownie topped with roasted banana ice cream. Sean our server did not steer us wrong...it was heaven! We somehow managed thru our food coma to drive home, thought about a nightcap but feeling a yawn creeping up on us- not out of boredom just shear tiredness from chasing our 2 boys all week, we opted for home, relaxation and bed. Simply put- a perfect Date Night!

Family Fun...and the high five goes to...

Just settled down after another jam-packed, excitement filled, southern eatin' day! I started out sooo good by a brisk 3 mile walk. (Glad I did b/c I definitely took in way more calories at breakfast than I walked.) We gobbled up omelets, coffee cake muffins and Uncle Richard's famous pancakes...fueled up we headed for Myrtle Beach State Park. G was body surfing w/ daddy again, L enjoyedthe sand & waves and squeeled over the birds and airplanes above. Before we knew it the car was packed up and we were headed back to the Chalet Gray, MB to get cleaned up and ready for dinner and wait, yes that would be...even more fun. We ate at Nibils Restaurant at Surfside Pier (htttp://www.myrtlebeachrestaurants.com/Nibils-Restaurant-at-Surfside-Pier-Surfside-Beach.html caters to families, great service & food (it was fast too, which is always nice w/ two little ones). With our bellies full we headed up the road to Family Kingdom (http://www.familykingdomfun.com/) - rides, rides and more rides. This was the first year that G was not afraid of any of the rides...he had a permagrin the entire time (such a plus, nothin like draggin around a sour puss at an amusement park). FK is very easy to get around -it's one big loop and has rides for all ages. I recommend stopping for a "science drink" as G called it. It is a M8K UR Own slushie (over by the Sling Shot ride)...tons of flavors to choose from and you get an uber cool cup and straw...G picked cherry and blue Hawaiian (quite delish). Only downfall if you are in the mood for ice cream there is only one place to order your craving...so just remember that once you pass it...you won't find another ice cream vendor until you hit the first one again- so get it when you see it! (Can you tell I was on the hunt for ice cream tonight?) I definitely give Family Kingdom a high five...reasonable ticket $ and the required tickets per ride were extremely fair. Oh, and cannot forget to mention that the parking was cheap $5 for 6 hours...unheard of in the North East! Looking forward to tomorrow...girls day - mani/pedi at Angsana Spa (http://www.spaangsana.com/) and shopping- will hit The Joggling Board (http://www.thejogglingboard.com/) for sure! Will fill you in on the happs tomorrow!

In Myrtle Beach

Finally, a family vacation! We are going on day 5 and it is flyin by...(insert sad face). P hasn't had a long vaca in 3 years and we haven't had quality time together in ages. Not to mention it is the last hurrah before G starts Kindergarten and L starts his school 2 days/week. Today was a special day...we started off by fishing off the pier then onto the beach and while we were there I saw the interaction between G & P and it was priceless...sincere belly laughing, romping in the waves and just enjoying each other. I had the pleasure of taking in this scene from the beach as L napped and I napped (w/ one eye open of course). I realized that my family is changing (all good) but nevertheless changing...G is getting big- I mean really big , he was able to run from the water to me on the sand and then asked the lifeguard for the time and back to daddy in the waves, L can't get enough of solid food and is about to start walking...I took in the smell and sounds around me and just counted my blessings. It was a great day and couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending...nothing better than a wonderful meal with family full with cheeses, champagne, scrumptious steak and sides galore. Ahhh, vacation...

Entertaining on the Fly...

So you have been invited to enjoy an evening over a friends house, an impromptu playdate at your place or a last minute GNO and you don't know what to bring or serve...here are a few SIMPLE ideas that you most likely have in your pantry or after reading this will run out to the closest 24 hour grocer and stock up on my suggestions!


Snacks-
Option 1:
You will need: Pretzels, Chex, Peanuts or any other nut you enjoy or happens to be in pantry (only add if you or lil ones are not allergic!) cranberries, raisins and any Fave Cereal, (Choc chips are an option as well!) Throw all of these into a large bowl and toss together.

Hot Hostess tip: Grab some lunch bags and write the lils names on them and if you have a couple extra seconds you can personalize further with some cute pics using a Sharpie of course!

Option 2:
Marshmallows, Bananas, Strawberries and/or Pretzels and melt-able chocolate
I have come to realize that my pantry always needs to have those delicious melt-able chocolate discs stocked and ready to micro! These create sweet treats in no time at all and their presentation factor is always a hit!

Melt the choc and then drizzle choc on your treat of choice or all of the above...follow the directions of the chocolate- it takes a lil bit of time for the choc to set but a very easy recipe to follow!


App-

Option 1
chz and crackers...most people say "duh" of course this is a no brainer- but there is always a fancy way to display this classic munchie...Here's the scenario: you open up the fridge and crapola no "fancy" cheese but wait you see some slices of American, prov or cheddah...you are in luck my friend because even these every day accompaniment to your lunchmeat can be dressed up: simply cut slices into triangles, squares or circles (or if you are my son you will have hexagons requested of you) and then fan them out like you would a deck of cards. Add crackers, hummus, veggies, fruit or dip and/or whatever you wish!

Option 2
Olive Bar- remember, you have that jar of olives (pitted please) in the fridge or pantry...break em out for your guests- they are easy to eat and serve! These also great with serving with the above!

Great Guest tip: Stock up on cute plates so when you get that invite you now have a hostess gift to serve your munchies. I always check the seasonal grocery isle, dollar store, Target and Homegoods for plates and bowls that catch my eye. This way when you bring your dish you can leave behind a thoughtful gift and your friend will think of you every time they use your serving piece.

First Course- Salad...this recipe was given to me from a dear friend that was passed to her from a dear friend; Thank you M & T for your wisdom. BTW recipes are meant to be shared and enjoyed so pls do so with this one! Here it is...Romaine, grated parm, freshly squeezed lemons, a touch of olive oil. So easy peasy you will enjoy over and over! I do reco this as a spring/summer/early fall dish b/c it is lite and tangy; perfect with any dish during these seasons.

Main-

Option 1
Tapas all the way! Do you have some delish lil of this and lil of that- don't be afraid to serve a schmorgie borg of what you have in the fridge just make sure they are bite size friendly and. Bread can be your best friend here- toasts w/ spreads or a sprinkle of cheese...simple and I guarantee you have what you need right in your fridge.

Option 2
Pasta- we all have pasta in our pantry so yank it out and boil that water and throw it in! The pasta is simply the vehicle for a delicious sauce, gravy (for all you hardcore Italians out there) or inventive topping. I like to throw a light olive oil, goat cheese and olives in there. So simple and items that you should always have stocked!

Dessert
Option 1
Graham Crackers, Whip Cream and Nutella- so easy and items that you usually have laying around...spread a little of the hazelnut goodness on a graham cracker and top with a little love of whip cream...these also have such a nice presentation (especially served on a white plate)
This delight could also be served as a snack for a playdate too!

Option 2
Fruit- never underestimate the flavor of fruit! You will be surprised how much fruit can satisfy your guests after a meal. If you have a couple apples; slice and serve...drizzle honey or choc for extra sweetness or caramel. If you have a multitude of fruit cut, dice and slice and toss into a bowl for a refreshing fruit salad. Noteworthy: apples can be added to a chz tray especially cheddah and also for a snack w/ peanut butter (again remember the nut thing).

Your paper goods: I find this to be my favorite part of entertaining so this is a necessity but for most a fun extra...thru your travels always keep your eye out for snazzy napkins/plates for your parties/gatherings. Keep a space in your pantry or wherever your go-to place is for your stockpile of entertaining equipment and keep a stash of napkins, guest towels, paper plates, and beverage cups.

So I hope some of the above was helpful and also awakened some other creative ideas for you when entertaining on the fly!

On the Agenda

So now Feb is almost behind us- can you believe how fast this month has blown by? I have a few new projects that I am overly excited to start.

1st, the annual Crime Victims' Center Run/Walk is around the corner (Sat, April 24th). What a great way to spend a Saturday morning by supporting an organization that relentlessly supports victims of crime.

2nd, my sister and I will be working on something quite remarkable, quite exciting and something to be treasured by ALL. More to come...

3rd, training for the 3Day and then a marathon (unless I get preggers or something crazy like that ;)- yes the DH will kill me for putting that in writing!)

And in case you are interested, here are some of the latest happs in the Derrico household:

I am a year older. 2 years left for my marathon goal...yowzers!

Luca is 7 months- his first birthday will be here in a flash. Hmm, I think I will save the from then to now for another time.

We are deciding on which Kindergarten program will be the best match for Gabe. Much more stressful and time consuming then I could have imagined. I feel like I am applying to college all over again.

Getting ready to work on our kitchen- almost done our master bath and then onto the boys bath. The household to-dos are never ending!

Trying to keep my NY Resolutions- I said trying...trying and trying!

That is about it for my list- I am sure that something is left off but will fill you in when my mommy brain remembers.

Until the next time...

From one tooshie to the next

So yesterday my MIL picked bubby up from school and bubz was in a MOOD! whoa-total cranky pants. Fred (in case you haven't ready my very first post introducing my boys- Bubby is our first and Fred -his nickname was given to him by his big bro- Fred is our newly 2nd son) was not napping well and was waking early so I knew it was going to be an afternoon to remember. Bubby was so clingy - I automatically think is he sick now too? (Fred has been sick since Monday so it has been a week here in the Derrico crib.)

Then I hear him calling "Mom"- but in the way that I know he needs something that isn't going to be so fun. Yeah- you know what I mean. So keep in mind that Bubby is newly 5 and is still mastering "wiping his toosh" all by his lonesome. But there are times when, well he needs help. (Not the most fun duty of being a parent but one that you suck up.) So I "helped" bubby get cleaned up and then Fred was up and crying...so I run up to his room and can smell that he is going to need help as well. So as I wipe Fred's lil almost 6 month tooshie I realize that I need to remember this moment when my boys still need me. Yes, there are times when I swear the looney bin bus is ready to pick me up- Hedoublehockeysticks- I want to call them myself at times! And as a mom/parent you can go from the wee hours of the morn to so late at night running then crashing without a thanks and you sometimes feel like not really a person. But then you look at their faces so innocent, so beautiful, and you forget about those yucky moments and carry on because you are a proud parent. My boys are sprinkled and I have a feeling that they will become individuals that leave their mark in this world. (Can you tell that I am a proud mama?)

Anyway, my point- right now they need me to wipe their tooshies and tears: Fred is completely attached to me for the obvious reasons-he's a baby and I have boobs; 'nough said. Bubby well, he needs me but his independence grows more with each day. Before I know it, Bubby will be getting on a bus, driving a car, going off to college and starting his own family and Fred will soon follow...So, in this moment and for the near future I am thankful that I get to go from one tooshie to the next!

A Promise

So, I am a little late on this...New Year Resolutions are so last week BUT I find it very important to document what I am about to commit to for 2010 and beyond- cause if it ain't written it don't exist! Anyone close to me knows that the last few years have not been easy (to say the least) but I have my health, my hubby, my sons, my home, my dog, loving family & friends- so really, I have it pretty good. I could use a few bucks (well, more than a few) but the important stuff is in check- you can always make more money, right? All of these wonderful things are not to be taken for granted- I am sure that is a huge, duh. But it is very easy to get caught up with the crazy in life- I am soooo guilty of this. I think at times I am the worst at keeping in touch with loved ones. I do try my best though.

With the close of 2009 and with the beginning of 2010, I examined each lil facet of my life and realized the one, the most important relationship I take for granted-almost everyday. My husband. So this year and for each year thereafter, I promise to put US first and #1 priority. (Well, a sick kid trumps hubby but you know what I mean.) I want to make sure that I/we get back to the place where we were giddy and SOOO barfy in love. I want to schedule date nights again. I want to glance over thru a crowded room and catch him staring at me like he used to. (Before kids became our priority and we soon would panic in a crowded room-forget catching stolen glances- where the HEdoublehockeysticks is our bubby and what is he into?) I want a kiss and a hug to linger where we can drift off and be reminded of when we felt the Mediterranean Sea air brush our cheeks and the scent of lemon groves would tickle our noses. No more wanting(I constantly say I want, I want) I will make it happen. 2010 and every year after- it is about US. lymi. (in hopes that the hubby reads this- it is our lil thing.)