Suggestions... Revisited

I've reinstated the Suggestion Box at my house... if you didn't read my original post back in 2008, you can check it out here
Enjoy!

The Note

If you are friends with me on Facebook, you may already know that I went to the Emergency Room the other night.  Turns out I had a kidney stone and now have a kidney infection.   It's never fun or easy to be sick and out of commission -- and even more so as a wife/mom.  My husband and son have been so amazing these last few days and are spoiling me rotten (shh... don't tell them that or else it may stop!) 

Nothing made my day like this note I received from my little boy.   Hope you can make it out...

Happy Thanksgiving!!

If you would have asked me on January 1, 2012 to tell you what Thanksgiving was going to be like this year, I can assure you that my answer would have been FAR from the reality of what Thanksgiving is.  And that's not necessarily a bad thing.  As I reflect on all the things that I am thankful for this year, I can't help but see how God has moved and rearranged things in my life.. literally!   Who would have thought back in January that I would resign my job in NYC and move across country where we would be spending a quiet little Thanksgiving... just the three of us in sunny Southern California! 

As I reflect on God's goodness to me and my family, I want to wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving.  I pray that you are surrounded by loved ones and friends... and if you are like me and find yourself far away from your "bigger" family, that they are close at heart (and thankfully only a Skype away!) 

I am thankful for each of you!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Five on Friday

So sorry it has been a month since I posted!!  I knew it had been a while, but a whole month.. wow!  I have no excuse.. just haven't gotten around to it.  Had a ton of blogs that I composed in my head, but just never made it over to my computer to get it out to you.

This week I had the pleasure of working the school Book Fair.  It was the first one I participated in here in California, so I was curious to see how different/similar it was to those in NJ. 

So, today I am happy to share my "Five on Friday" observations from the Book Fair:

1) When working a book fair, be sure you have had a full night's rest.  Your brain gets fried counting out all those ziplocs full of pennies, nickles and dimes!  Seriously, we had a child with a ziploc of just pennies and was able to purchase a $10 book !  Happy Counting!

2) This was a first for me -- we had one child who brought their parent's credit card (YIKES!)  Don't worry - we didn't let her use it and NO, the parent didn't know about it!

3) At least once during the week, you'll overhear the following conversation: 
Child  1: So, do you have money for the book fair?
Child 2: Yep, I took __ dollars (insert any amount ranging from $1 - $10) from my Mom (or Dad's) wallet while he was ___ (sleeping,working, eating, etc.)

4) Make sure you have PLENTY of hand sanitizer on hand.. all that money, lots of kids = plenty of germs.  Better yet, wear gloves!!

5) Book Fairs are mislabeled.. it really should be the Accessory Fair -- lots of kids are there for the  "good stuff" .  "Hi - I have $10.00 and I'd like 4 erasers, 3 bookmarks, 2 Justin Bieber posters and the $1.99 book." 

Seriously, it was fun but I am ready to soak my feet, rest my voice and read MY book. 

That Stinks!

Today has turned out to be a stinky day... literally!  This morning Steve & I were rudely awakened by the stench of a skunk.  Nothing like that smell at 5:30 in the morning to jolt you out of a sound sleep.  Remind me to close my windows at night!

Then, later in the morning, I got into our car which was parked in the driveway only to discover the faint skunk smell again!  UGH..   I rolled down all the windows and sprayed Febreeze all over the car to get rid of it. 

It's been a few hours now so I am hoping when I go back out to the car, the smell will be completely gone.  Here's hoping that this was a "hit and run" and that this little critter has not taken up residence in our yard permanently!

To Pee Or Not to Pee...that is the Question!

So our "staycation" took a very unexpected turn last night.  It appears we have a "back-up" in the pipes of our house so we will be spending the day with our new BFF, the plumber.   Apparently he will be here most of today and has warned us not to use any water.  Sounds fun, right? 

So, we've been fratanizing some local businesses to use their bathrooms throughout the day and just found out, thanks to modern technology, there's even an "app" for that.

So, for all of those whose indoor plumbing is working today... I am soooooo jealous! 

Weekend Outlook

So... it's Friday!  Where are we going this weekend, you ask?  By the look of the gas prices - NO WHERE!!!!!  Prices have skyrocketed over the last week.  Guess it's time for a good ole' fashioned bike ride. 

Friends

Our conversations at home have focused a lot on the topics of friends and friendships.  Given that we are in a new state, thousands of miles from our closest friends and family, you can imagine that we miss them.. a lot.   But just knowing you are there, brings a smile to my face.  Thank you to all of you who have called me, texted me, and emailed me to see how we are doing.  And a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to call,  Skype and wrote letters to Christopher!   You have no idea how much that has brightened his day.   I only hope to be able to find friends HALF as wonderful as you all are!

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