If You Listen, They Will Speak To You

Sometimes, for no reason at all, one of our kids will glare at me. With a serious expression. It's not snack time. There are no loud noises. I don't have the vacuum out. I'm not cooking roasted chicken or sautéed steak or prepping other additions to their meals like fresh produce. Lisa is at work. There is no music on. I'm not singing. So...

Work At Home Dog Mom Clean Laundry Jenga...

I have mentioned many, many times in the past about the amount of weekly laundry we do. About 75% of that laundry are sheets, pillow cases, throw blankets that our kids share with us, and the handmade blankets that cover the kid's DIY Dog Beds. Yep. I'm fairly certain Lisa is ready to divorce me if I buy another throw blanket for our kids to add to the 186 count that we already have.

A Little Backyard Nostalgia

Last night, I wrote a blog column and mentioned that I would write about yesterday's activities today. Those activities included a trip to the store, grilled burgers, corn on the cob, and Bean Bag Toss. However, before I go any further, there is something I need to explain...

Tokens Of Love And Gratitude And Sifting Through My Mental Rolodex

I've been having a hard time as of late. I have felt stagnant. As if all this work I'm doing day after day after day isn't moving forth. I know where a lot of that stems from. Last year was supposed to be my year, but that didn't work out for a myriad of reasons. That's fine. Life happens. I set goals for this year. I have reached some, but not as many as I had wanted to by now. 

I Made Two Announcements On My Facebook Wall This Week

I took this photo of Lisa this afternoon. She hates it. Says it makes her look "fat." I hate that word. But. I posted the photo on my personal Facebook wall. Accompanying the photo was the second of two special announcements I made over the past week.

I Love Capturing Moments Like This One...

This photo was taken a few years ago. It's one of my favorites. Lisa and Coco. Outside. Almost immediately after Lisa arrived home from work. Coco did one of his happy yawns. I captured this photo at just the right moment.

Our Kids Have A Reaction When I Put My Glasses On The Kitchen Or Workshop Table Or Desk

Over the past couple of years, I've had more episodes of the cold, flu, strep throat, and viruses than I've ever had in my entire life. Or, so it seems. During the really bad cases when a fever was involved, my work day had been cut short. The last case of the cold/flu was in December or January. I was sick for about 2 weeks. However, for 2 days during those 2 weeks that I had a fever and could barely move, I spent most of the day on the sofa. During that time, and in the months prior and after when I had been sick, there was something I did that started a weird habit with our kids...

10 Things I Did To Find That Balance Between Plugged In And Unplugged

With the unofficial start of summer approaching, I've been seeing a meme over and over again on my social media streams. It's a cartoon. The setting is a beach. A couple of young children have dug large, deep holes in the sand. In all of the holes, you can see feet sticking up. Those walking towards the holes are people looking down at their phone. The caption for one of the children who dug the holes says, "How many did you catch?" For me, the theme is obvious...

It Was Worth The Time, Effort, And Money

Yesterday, the Universe did a little shimmy shake. You can read about that here. This morning, while sipping our morning coffee, we decided that today was the day. We were motivated. Refreshed. Inspired. We were going to tackle yard work and finish the flower gardens. 

The Universe Did A Little Shimmy Shake Today. Much Needed.

I received an email early this morning. It wasn't a bad email at all. In fact, if I were to share the email, most of you would be confused as to why it sent me spiraling downward into ugly crying. I'm not going to share the email. Or the details. Or the history as to why this email jabbed at my heartstrings. What I will share is that it reflected one of the many human qualities that I despise. 

I Won't Be Trying Out For American Idol Or America's Got Talent Anytime Soon

Lisa and I both love music. When the music is on, we sing. We've had lots of moments where we scoop one of the kids up and dance with them while singing. They've all gotten used to it. I'd like to say they love those moments, but their look is usually that of a cat's glare when you pet them in the wrong spot. 

I Baked Over 10 Dozen Homemade Cookies Today And I Loved It

Yesterday, I treated myself and the kids to an afternoon off. Unplugged. It was blissful and much needed. I woke up this morning completely rejuvenated and energized. I tackled work stuff and housework and meal prep with gusto. And, I decided to treat Lisa's crew at work to some homemade cookies tomorrow.

Chicken Soup For The Work At Home Dog Mom's Soul

Last year, I published a blog column about my commitment towards taking the majority of an afternoon off once or twice a month to unplug and take some down time. That down time included...

I Traded In My Forks And Spoons And Ate With Chopsticks For An Entire Year

One of my favorite movies is Julie & Julia. It is based on two true stories. The famous Julia Child and a blogger who cooked her way through Julia Child's cookbook. Julie cooked over 500 recipes within a year. Both women are inspiring. I've watched the movie almost a dozen times. I will never get sick of it.

Our Mother's Day Weekend Was Rather Awesome

Our Mother's Day weekend began when Lisa arrived home from work on Friday. She took the kids out for playtime and fed them dinner. We made the decision to venture out for a few hours. Date night. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and ran a few errands. That way, we could stay put over the weekend and enjoy our time with the kids and doing things at our own pace.

I Thought I Could Redeem Myself, But...

After getting most everything done yesterday, I hit the finish line today. By the time Lisa arrived home from work, the remainder of housework was done, including 2 more loads of laundry, our kids were fed and taken out, and they were enjoying lots of extra playtime. 

I Have Apologized. But, Probably Way Too Many Times Than I Should Have. Because.

I am sitting on the sofa. Writing this. In pain. My back hurts. My hip hurts. My chronic pain is blowing through the roof. Toward the end of the day, I had to take one stair at a time while heading down to the basement to do laundry. And, back upstairs. However. The accomplishment and success and pride that I'm feeling right now far trumps the pain. This is one of the many moments I give thanks to my parents, my in-laws, and our elders for instilling everything they did while we were growing up. And...

Books And Bread

Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors. He won me over years ago with 'She's Come Undone.' Since then, I've collected his books and read them 2 or 3 times over. He is nothing short of brilliant and talented and captivating.

Things Could Have Ended Horribly. But. They Did Not. We Are Grateful.

Lisa worked 12+ hours yesterday. She left for work at 5:45 a.m. and didn't get home until almost 8 p.m. About an hour before she arrived home from work, I became irritated with a minor situation that teetered on the fine line of someone being blatantly inconsiderate and thoughtless. I sent Lisa a text about it to give her a heads up because I knew when she saw it, it would bother her too.

For The First Time, Lisa Did Not Offer Me This Gift For Mother's Day

Mother's Day is less than a week away. Usually, a week before now, Lisa asks me if I'd like a night or a weekend away at Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. Just me. A luxury room with a hot tub where I can submerge my entire body up to my neck. Room service. A massage. Quiet. Unlimited cocktails. No interruptions. Lisa has offered this gift since 2013. But this year, she did not. 

Thank You, Jane, The Owner Of Bay Pony Designs, For The Gorgeous Custom Piece

Over a month ago, I reached out to a very talented lady we met over 4 years ago, Jane, who makes gorgeous, welded metal pieces. She is the owner of Bay Pony Designs. I wanted a butterfly made for our front lawn to put beside of the butterfly bush. The symbolism represented a few things including honoring a dear friend of ours, Lorraine.

Ditch The 50/50 Frame Of Mind. It Is All About Balance.

This morning began like every other morning Monday through Friday. I got up at 3:45 a.m. Lisa got up shortly after. I made Lisa a hot breakfast and her lunch for work. Lisa took our kids out and fed them breakfast. She ate her breakfast. Got ready for work. What made this morning stand out from most others was her lengthy statement while she was getting ready for work.

The Art Of Perseverance Has Guided Me Over The Years

One of the biggest lessons I've learned as a writer/blogger is the art of perseverance. This has gotten me through the many struggles I have encountered during my writing career such as getting over my fear of not pleasing the masses. Writing in my own voice. Relinquishing the stress of people thinking that everything is about them. Writer's block.

I Have Not Made Our Bed In Almost 7 Years

One of my chores growing up was having to make my bed. The blankets had to be tucked in, the bedspread wrinkle free, the pillows covered with the bedspread, and the stuffed animals arranged neatly. This was not an option.