Hair Tale

Having just spent the morning getting my hair cut and highlighted for the first time since moving, I was excited to get a reaction.   I guess ANY reaction.  So, when I picked Chris up from school and got him settled into the car, I turned to him and said, "So.. do you notice anything different about me?"

C: "Um.. you changed your shirt?" 
M: "No, that's not it..(then I started pulling and pointing to my hair)
C: "Oh.. your hair is darker"
M: "WHAT??????? It is NOT darker, I just got it highlighted..it's LIGHTER.
C: "Nope.. looks darker to me.. just like my hair"
M: "That can't be.. maybe you are just not looking at it in the right light..it's definitely blonder. " (I started twisting my head around like a maniac so he could see that it definitely was lighter)  "I just spent a lot of time and money on my hair!"
C: "Still looks the same Mom"

That's right everyone... I have A LOT of work to do on this little boy to prep him for marriage.. LOL  Just kidding.   Today's lesson was that I should NEVER fish for a complement from my 8 year old...

The Task That Never Seems to End!

Today I tackled a task that I have been putting off.. and off.. and off.  Sorting, shredding and filing the massive amounts of paper that just seems to appear in my home.

I don't know how 3 people accumulate so much paper!  I shredded my little heart out this morning and got halfway through my pile.  Just when I thought I'd call it a day, the mailman came by with more paper to sort, shred and file.. sigh.... 

Burn, Baby Burn

So, today did NOT go as planned.  You ever have one of those days when you feel like you just want to crawl under the covers and stay there?  That was what I really wanted to do earlier today, but after I dropped my son off at school, I was "up" so I decided to tackle the never ending "to do" list. 

First up was to make a couple of meals for the remainder of the week.  I like to do that sometimes so I am not scrambling at the end of the day when I am exhausted and plus it's always nice to have a meal or two in the freezer ready to pop into the oven.

Sooooo, as I was grilling some chicken on the stove top, some liquid flew out of the pan and onto my wrist.. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I have a nice sized burn on my left wrist.  Thankfully, it did not blister.  I ran my wrist under cold water, put some antibiotic on it and popped a couple of extra strength Tylenol for the pain.  Of course I called my personal triage "nurses" (thanks to my sister, Ruth, and sister-in-law, Shirley!) just to make sure I wasn't forgetting to do something for my wound.

After running to the drugstore to stock up on some burn cream, I came home and went right to my room to take a nap.   I'm happy to say that the pain has subsided and I get to sport a lovely bandage to back to school night tonight. 

Although the "to do" list is still waiting for me for another day, at least we have a nice meal in the freezer.

It's Official!

I'm a California Licensed Driver! We have our official California plates on our cars and our new license in hand!  Because  our weight is listed.. I mean for "security purposes" I am not posting the actual photo/license as I'm sure you will understand LOL. 

Although I didn't opt for special "vanity" plates.. here is one that could have been a contender...

or for my little guy... he could use this one when he is older...

I also like this...

 

Now other California drivers can love or hate me thinking I am one of them.. and not because of my Jersey plates.   But you and I know the truth...

Happy Birthday to You!!

Just wanted to wish my Dad, Joseph Somma, a very happy 79th Birthday!! 

Dad, I love you very much and am so blessed to have you as my father.  You are the most loving, thoughtful, generous and kind man I know and I thank God for you every day.  I love you and, even though we are miles apart, you are always close in my heart.  I can't wait to see you at Christmas!

Also, a very Happy Birthday to my Uncle Dave as well!  I am blessed to have such a loving uncle, who happens to look just like my Dad (hehe) 

Happy birthday to the Somma boy Twins!

Here are some of my favorite photos of me and my Dad --

Weekend Recap

We just spent a fun-filled weekend at Legoland.  Two glorious days of roller coasters, water park activities, a journey through the Sea Life Aquarium and of course plenty of Lego building.  The weather was HOT, but the crowds were small, making for short lines and lots of water consumption.

While eating lunch at the Park yesterday, I realized that my "temporary crown" came out!  I was showing Christopher what it looked like and he just thought it was a regular tooth so he exclaimed, "That's GREAT Mom!! Now you can put that under your pillow tonight and you'll have money in the morning!!" 

How cute!  Didn't want to burst his bubble and tell him that at some point in life it's NOT a good thing to have teeth, crowns, fillings, etc. to come out of your mouth and that it will COST money...not BRING you money!  Going to the dentist tomorrow to get refitted.  Fun times!

Homework

One of the benefits of living in California is obviously the weather!!  This afternoon, Chris asked me if he could do his homework outside.  How fun is that!  Here he is reading (they are required to read for 20 minutes every day as part of their assigned homework). 

Happy he is enthusiastic about doing homework AND spending time outside.  

Emergency Kit

I find it both ironic and a "sign of our times" that today I sent my son to school with an "Emergency Kit" in his back pack.  All the kids at his elementary school are required to bring one in and it is stored in his classroom for the entire school year where he hopefully will never have a reason to open it.

On the first day of school, the emergency list came home with his papers.  We were asked to send in a towel, sweatshirt, some snacks, hand wipes, sanitizers, juice boxes, etc.  The things you would typically expect to be on such a list.  The last two items on this list caused me to choke up: a photo of your family and a note from you explaining that there has been an emergency and that you will get to the school as soon as you can to get him although you don't know how soon that will be.  As I was writing that note, I couldn't help but get emotional praying that such a day would never come.  But, as Sept 11 reminds us, you just never know....

Five on Friday

I haven't done one of these in a long time, but here is my Five on Friday.  Five ways California schools differ from those in New Jersey.

In California: 

1) School playground is on sand, not grass

2) Classroom has air conditioning

3)  Kids have recess more than once a day! (short breaks)

4) The school must provide the school supplies for the kids (wow!! Like this one!)

5) School gets out an hour early every Wednesday! 

Not sure how I feel about all of these differences...only time will tell.  

First Day!!

Here's a photo of my 3rd grader.  He was excited and nervous as he walked into his new school today.  My heart felt for him and I couldn't really relate because I never moved across country as a child.  He is a trooper and I know he is experiencing so many changes all at once!  So, say a prayer for Christopher today as he starts this journey.  He's a friendly kid, so hopefully he'll receive some kindness/friendliness in return.  As Mom always said to me, "In order to have friends, you need to be friendly".

So, on yesterday's blog I asked all of you what you did on your kid's first day back at school.  I had a whole agenda of things planned out, but sometimes things don't go as planned.  I received a call late last night from

 

saying that my patio table is being delivered between 9:30 and 11:30 today! 

 

After that, I am heading right over to this place...

 

There's a brand new Home Goods opening about a mile from our home TODAY, so I am going to head over and see if I can snag any good deals.  It's been a long time since I've wandered a store by myself and I think some good browsing/retail therapy is in order.

After that, I may just come home, have a cup of coffee and do absolutely NOTHING.  Doesn't that sound wonderful!! I may have to close my eyes though so I am not tempted to see all the work that needs to be done around here. 

Enjoy your day everyone!

 

What's Your Plan?

Tomorrow at this time, the house will be very quiet... Chris heads off to his NEW school, in our NEW town, located in our NEW home state.  Lots of "newness" in the air.  I think he is appropriately excited and nervous, but I know he will do great. 

So, as I ponder what I will do with my free time tomorrow, I thought I'd throw the question out  to all you Moms.  What did you do or will you do on your kids first day back to school?  Do you have to work?  Will you clean your house from top to bottom? Opt to tackle the laundry pile? Lay in bed in utter exhaustion from your summer? Pamper yourself? Shop? Get together with friends?

You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what I have on my agenda - and it's NOT unpacking boxes.

PSA for Santa

Dear Santa:

I know it's only September, but I thought I'd write to you since I'm already seeing Christmas decorations in stores.  You know I've been a good girl this year so far (and what a year it has been!).  I figured I'd grab you before you get busy with requests from kids.  You see, I have a special favor to ask of you... and it would actually benefit you and me!  

I honestly don't have much of wish list this year (shocking, I know!).  In fact, my ONE request is that WHATEVER you bring me this year... please, please, please... for the love of God PLEASE... DO NOT put it in a box that needs to be unwrapped.. or opened... or stored somewhere.   If you have seen the ridiculous number of boxes I have had to open this last week, I know you understand and feel my pain.  Just throw my gift in a bag with tissue paper.  Better yet, just leave the gift (no box or bag or any decor) on my front step (sorry no fireplaces in Sunny California).  If the gift needs to be assembled, I'll pay the $10 for you to do it for me.  Just please, NO unwrapping or opening of boxes for this gal. 

That is all.  Carry on and thanks!
Beth

Dinner Talk

A few weeks ago while attending a business dinner with Steve's new boss, I had one of those moments as a mom, when I just wanted to hide under the table!  My lovable little 8 year old had been on his "best" behavior for this important dinner.  He had the pre-dinner lecture and knew what was expected of him.  I knew he would be good... I just didn't know for how long.

Everything was smooth sailing for the first two hours.  Then, I noticed Chris was growing a little more restless and my "keep him busy" activities weren't working as well.   So, I engaged him in conversation to keep his mind off wanting to leave because, in his book, this dinner meeting should have been over a long time ago.

Chris starting sharing about how much fun he had at the beach and how he especially loved digging in the sand.

"Mom, next time we go back to the beach, I am going to dig a hole to the other side of the earth!" 

"Wow", I said. "That would take a long time to do.  What would you do when you got there? "

Chris turned to me with his mischievous smile and said, " That's easy!  I would pop my head out and say...Well Helloooooooo Ladies!"

Thankfully Steve and his boss were deep in conversation and didn't pick up on the lively conversation Chris and I were having.  I was sure happy that the dinner wrapped up shortly after that.   One thing's for sure... I'm going to have my hands full with this little ladies man when he's older LOL.

Wish List

September is the month that we start talking about Christmas in my house. I typically buy Christopher's Advent Calendar in September (Lego, of course) because that's when they come out and I can usually get a discount using points I have earned throughout the year. 

True to form, Chris already has already started on his wish list.  I've "pinned" a number of K'Nex,   Lego and video games that he has pointed out.  This morning he lovingly came over to me with my iPhone and told me that it would "make sense" for him to ask for an iPhone for Christmas.   That way he wouldn't be interrupted when I receive phone calls (since he typically plays with my phone while I am driving, etc.)  LOL  unbelievable!! 

I told him the price of the phone.. he paused.. then said he'd still like it!  Hope Santa has some deep pockets!