Random winter memories...

Here we have a view from my laundromat visits.  We had a few birds sneak into our dryer!  Unfortunately, one got stuck in the dryer belt and we were out of a dryer for more than a week.  With a family of four, thats a lot of dirty laundry.  and with my husband, even with a large capacity washer and dryer, his huge clothes take up so much space!  I was dreading the laundromat, but I'll totally admit, it was awesome.  I grabbed a coffee, loaded 7 units, set up my ipod, and flipped through a magazine.  Fresh laundry smells, and peace and quiet.  I loved it!
This is a picture of my 2 sons, and my 2 nephews at a waterpark this january.  They had a blast!
My beautiful son Nicolas and I.  

Joseph after Daddy buried him in all the snow.  And Nicolas at play too!

School Holiday Concert...yes, Christmas carols for parents to video tape day...

My third grader had a Christmas concert. But the school is too PC, so they call it a Holiday concert. Here is how our day went:

This morning before school, I said, "Im gonna wave to you!" Joseph
says, "Im not waving back".
I said, "oh real nice."
he said he's not allowed. I said "fine." I said "Then I'm jumping up and down and waving both arms and yelling, HI BEAR!! ITS MOMMY!!" he laughed.

So after all of the other grades and the choir sing, its time for the 3rd graders. Joey Bear gets on stage and spots me right away. I see his dimple, so I think he's smiling, but his lips are pursed. He is trying his hardest not to smile. He keeps sneaking a glance at me, then smirks, and looks away as quick as he can. I see him whispering to his friend next to him on stage, then his friend looks at me and smiles and they laugh.

I think, what!? Am I making a goofy grin? Am I embarrassing
him? But I dont care. I'm grinning ear to ear, just happy to see him
in his school environment, happy, relaxed.

Reminds me how lucky I am.

The "Truth" about Santa...

Today my 8 year old came home from school (3rd grade) and asked me if Santa was really real.
We've been through this before, previous christmas seasons, the older kids on the bus always try to tell the younger kids, that there is no Santa. He's asked me every year. And every year, I have said the same thing. What do you believe? He always said, he believes because every christmas, Santa brings him all kinds of toys. So, I went with that, and was so glad he was content.

This year has been different. He has asked a few times. And today, he was asking me in whisper. My 4 year old would come into the room and of course, big brother being kind, would whisper, "tell me later". I was hoping he'd forget about it. Then, he'd ask again. Of course, little brother is never far away. At 8 oclock, Joseph asks again. He says, will you tell me at bedtime? I try to avoid it, and say, if you want to talk now, lets go talk, but not at bedtime. ( I knew the cartoons were his main priority) I figured, with less than 1/2 hour before bedtime, he'll stop asking.

Of course, when I was tucking him in, he says, "Can you tell me the truth about Santa now?" Man, my heart was breaking. I think as kids get older, to encourage the "santa" stories isnt exactly good for the kids. Yes, I want him to keep believing in magic. I would love it if he kept that happy part forever. But I know in reality, that other kids won't let that happen. And I just dont want him to be the last to know. He was telling me how a bunch of his friends think its your mom and dad. but some still believe.
I was actually crying, a lot, as I was trying to explain. I said, well baby, Santa is really Mommy and Daddy.
I just dont know why I was crying so much. My husband agreed that it was probably time for him to know. And he was there for part of it, but I asked him to leave because it was making me more emotional. So, not only did I ruin christmas for him, but I probably traumatized him with my crying.

Did I do the right thing? When he used the word "truth" a couple times, I felt like I had to be honest. I dont know. all I know is I feel like I just crushed a piece of his childhood. And he'll never get that back. My baby.
I did try to explain to him that I was sad because I know he's growing up, and Im his mommy, and I love him so much.

I knew the day would come eventually. And I'm dreading him asking about the tooth fairy, easter bunny, and all that good stuff. So Sad.

Sleepovers, Friends and Famiily

My baby is growing up! My 8 year old has been to sleepover birthday parties. And of course he's spent the night at his cousin's. But last night he had his best friend spend the night. Just because. They had a blast. Played Lego Star Wars and Legos Indiana Jones most of the time. Took a break and watched Indiana Jones III. For some reason I was worried that they'd be bored, but they had fun just hanging out.

Today my cousin Johnny from NY, NY is visiting! I havent seen him since early summer, so its nice to have him over. Angie, another cousin, and her two kids will be visiting today too. We'll have a full house, and it'll be so nice!

Wrestling...fun activity or too much commitment?

Well, Soccer season is officially over for my son.  Wrestling starts in November and Im trying to decide if we should sign my 8 year old up.  He says sure, yeah, he'll do it.  But its exactly that that is worrying me.  

He has such a take it or leave it attitude.  He likes the social aspect, but he's not motivated much beyond that.  And thats okay.  But what I worry about is what should I do with that attitude?  Do I try to direct it and help him be more focused and driven?  And whats the alternative?  Its physical activity during the cold indoor winter.  I guess the one thing that is making me nervous about it, is its a 3 day a week commitment.  Practice is two weekdays for 1.5 hrs each time, plus a Sunday meet.  

I want him to have options and opportunities.  I want him to build confidence.  And I do believe sports really helps do all those things.  

But yet, I need him to want it too.

Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook...

I"ve seen these posts on a few other blogs.  I figure its a good way to keep my posts going, since Im so lazy about composing something original myself.

For Today...Took my baby to the Drs for a checkup.  Need to set up appts to see a specialist for two seperate issues.  Neither too terribly scary.  

Outside my Window...I see calm.  Last night it was sooo windy.  Schools were cancelled here and throughout the neighboring cities.

I am thinking...I love it when my kitchen countertops are clean and clear of clutter.

I am thankful for...good friends.  picked up some lunch today and visited with a friend who just came back from a Disney vacation.  The kids played, I saw all the fun pictures, and we all had a good time.

From the kitchen...redbull or homemade skinny cinnamon dolce latte.  One or the other, every single morning, or else.

I am wearing...plain black t shirt, red gym shorts.

I am reading...internet news and blogs lately.  havent found a great book to keep me interested in a few weeks.

I am hoping...for success for my husband with his upcoming lifting competition.

I am creating...more closet space by weeding through them all and donating as much as I can.  

I am hearing...the phone ring.  God I love caller ID

Around the house...lots of candles that I never remember to light.

One of my favorite things...going to a park, walking the paths with my ipod blaring.  then maybe pausing to hear the birds chirp and the lake waves roll in.  That time alone makes me so grateful for everything in my life.  

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...

soccer, another annual checkup for my other baby, a little travel, and a great adventure.