Perfect Moment Monday: Happy Anniversary

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

A week ago Saturday, Vic and I went out on a date. We actually got to go out and celebrate our anniversary. Now, for many people, this might not seem remarkable but with Vic's work schedule and the kid's schedules, it's a rare occasion that the money to go out and the time to go out actually coincide. We both got cleaned up...

excuse the goofy smile and closed eyes...my
camera sucked and this was the best picture I got

Then, we headed out for the night. We headed to The Hibernian and had a nice relaxing dinner. It was such a pleasant change of pace to not have to worry about feeding the kids or telling them to stop bugging each other. We both had a delicious dinner and I even had a drink.

An Orange Creamsicle with Peach Schnapps,
Whipped Cream Vodka, OJ, and Milk

Since Rys and her husband were watching the kids, we didn't have to worry about hurrying home. We were able to just hang out together after dinner. We went and wandered through a few stores, checked out a few places we'd been meaning to see, and truly got to enjoy each other's company. It was a rare pleasure and a truly perfect moment.







Go check out the other perfect moments at this month's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: it's a full house

Welcome to the return of Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Perfect Moment Monday was on hiatus over the summer and I am so glad it is back. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

My house is crammed to the gills. Our 1700 sq ft house is currently sheltering 9 people. There hasn't been a major fight between the kids. As a general rule, kids are playing nicely and cooperating well. The laundry has been kept up to date. The dishes are done. And, my house is getting cleaner instead of dirtier. We've thrown away 2 large garbage bags of stuff and donated 6 large garbage bags of stuff to charity. But, most perfectly, I am getting to spend tons of time with one of my sisters by choice, the wonderful, fabulous Rys of Confessions of a Clutter Queen.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

My sons rock!

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

Lori is currently taking a break from hosting Perfect Moment Monday but I felt the need to recognize a few perfect moments anyway.

#1 Marty is about halfway through the confirmation process at our church. At the end of the school year, the 8th grade confirmation class helps to set up, serve, and clean up at the banquet for the 9th grade confirmands. This meant Marty had to dress in dress pants, a dress shirt, and a tie. The perfect moment came when he let me take his picture. You just have no idea how huge that is because Marty HATES having his picture taken.

Of course, his agreeing to a nice picture might have had something to do with me proposing to follow up with this picture...

#2 The second perfect moment came this afternoon. Gabe asked me yesterday when we could watch Mamma Mia again. We sat down today, cuddled on the couch and watched it today. I love having one of my kids who loves the music and thoroughly enjoys the movie with me.

Take a moment to recognize a perfect moment in your life and let me know if you write about it.

Perfect Moment Monday: my younger two

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

On school mornings, I get up at 7:30 and it usually takes me at least 15 minutes (sometimes up to 30) to get Joey and Gabe out of bed. On Friday, I opened my door and could immediately saw that Gabe's bed was empty. Then, I heard voices down the hall. I walked into the living room to find Joey helping Gabe put his shoes on. That's right...not only were they both awake but they were both dressed for school already. For some unknown reason, Joey woke up at 6 am (poor kid) and, when he heard Gabe start calling for me at 6:30, Joey decided to get Gabe up and let me sleep. Not only did Joey let me sleep, but he also got Gabe and himself breakfast and made sure Gabe got dressed for school too. Moments like there are to be treasured.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: a little tiny miracle

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

There's this blogger I've been following for a couple of years now. She's a truly fabulous lady and, sadly, she's had truly horrendous luck trying to build her family. I identify with her because, like me she's gone through many losses.Unlike me though, her losses have come at the beginning of her family building rather than in the middle of it. Today, I logged on and saw a one word post title from AnotherDreamer over at An Unwanted Path. Her post title simply says Disbelief-. I hoped, I prayed, and I was still a little afraid to click over. But I did. And it was worth it. AnotherDreamer is now more pregnant than she's ever been and, at just past 6 weeks, there's a gestational sac, a yolk sac, a visible fetal pole, and even a heartbeat. I started cheering so loudly I had to explain what was going on to my whole family. Head on over (click on the bold link above) and help her celebrate her moment which was pretty perfect for me.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Appreciating My Kids

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

Moment 1: Marty mowed the front lawn and tomorrow Joey is going to do the back lawn. It is so nice having someone else (2 someone elses) to help out with that chore.


Moment 2: Joey has been teaching Gabe a lot of things this week. I love that he is taking the time to work with his little brother...I just wish he wasn't such a boy when selecting what to teach. See, he has been teaching Gabe to spell words like butthole and poop. Hehe, I have to bite my tongue whenever I stumble across them doing this because all I want to do is laugh and I really don't need to encourage them.

Moment 3: Marty went down to my parents this weekend and they went out to dinner the other night. My mom told me how scrupulously polite Marty was when they were out. She said he thanked the waiter, the busboy, everyone. I am so glad to know the manners I teach him have sunk in (even if I rarely get to see them).

Moment 4: On Friday, when I picked Gabe up from school, one of Gabe's teachers told me that it has been an absolute delight to have Gabe in class this year...that they have really, really enjoyed having him as a student this year.

Moment 5: I took Gabe to a birthday party Friday evening and the parents of two of the kids in Gabe's class told me that his volcano obsession has rubbed off on their kids and they are watching shows about volcanoes and checking out volcano books from the library. It is so cool seeing your kid teach other kids things (especially things that don't get them in trouble...more on that another day).

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

The Brick Wall

About 2 pm today, I ran into the proverbial brick wall. I was (and still am) so damned tired that it is all I can do to stay awake. Multiple nights of sick children and interrupted sleep have truly driven home the point that I am no longer 20 yrs old. All around me were the sounds of a normal afternoon...video games being played, the dogs barking in the back yard, Gabe making gross jokes about something. With all the noise swirling around me, I was still so tired I could have gone to sleep then and slept until tomorrow but, damn it, I couldn't. I had to stay at least semi-coherent because I have 3 kids who either want or need me around. Suddenly, it hit me just how blessed I am.

Despite their transient childhood illnesses, my boys are strong and healthy.

Despite the chaos and noise, there is a sense of peace and well-being in my house. Everything is how it should be.

Despite the exhaustion, or maybe because of it, I realized how lucky I am to be available to my kids whenever they need me.

I sighed in contentment, propped my eyelids open with toothpicks, and went on with my afternoon.




Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: I Wanna Be Just Like Him

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day. So, I loaded Gabe and Joey into the van and Jennifer (my sister-by-choice) and I took  them to the Kids Together Playground. These two pictures I was lucky enough to get capture the perfect moment...



Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Black Belt In The House

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart . Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

Joey did it. He totally kicked butt (and many other things) during his black belt test on Saturday. Earlier this evening, he was awarded his Deputy Black Belt by Grandmaster KS Lee. Here are a few shots I have from the test and graduation.




I am so very proud of my kiddo...only 10 yrs old and already a Deputy Black Belt. Way to go Joey!

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Happy Valentine's Day

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart . Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

This past Friday, Vic and I had some errands to run. We were out and about, doing disgustingly grown up and responsible things. When we were on our way home, this song came on the radio and he reached over, grabbed my hand, and sang it to me.



I know it's sappy and sweet but I am so glad I am married to my soul mate and that we still feel this way about each other. Happy Valentine's Day honey.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Healthy and Happy

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

Last night, after the Super Bowl, I was trying to catch up on blogging. Our big orange goofball, Freddy, decided to keep me company.
He climbed up next to me, rubbed against the laptop a few times, curled up and settled in. Freddy was purring so loudly you could hear him from across the room. I have never known Freddy to purr that loudly but, for the past few weeks, he has started. I know some of you remember how sick poor Freddy was back in December. Well, Freddy has regained all the weight, he plays like a kitten, and he has become even more talkative than he was when we first got him. Let me tell you, nothing is quite as funny as seeing a 14 lb plus cat with his butt in the air, twitching and getting ready to take a flying leap to attack something. Since the vet treated Freddy and he recovered, Freddy's personality has really blossomed. It makes me wonder just how long that abscess was in there (2 months before we got him from the shelter, Freddy had something happen that caused the last 2 inches of his tail to be amputated) and  it makes me realize just how lucky we got. Seeing Freddy there so happy and healthy was truly perfect.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Another Perfect Moment: amazed

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart. Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between.

Y'all have seriously amazed me. About 36 hours ago, I put out the call for anyone who wanted to help me do something for Wiseguy to email me. In less than 36 hours, I have gotten emails from more than 40 of you and I already have pieces of the project being sent to me from people in Germany, Canada, Israel, and France. Y'all are seriously amazing. I have always known how special our community is but this is concrete proof that friendship and love stretches across borders, through computers, and is no longer limited to people down the street. Thank you for coming together and helping me comfort our friend.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Healing Laughter

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

I was talking to a dear friend who is hurting so very badly...and, despite the devastating loss she suffered, I was able to make her laugh, not once, but twice. I hope the balm of that laughter did as much for her as it did for me.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Sometimes he blows me away

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

It was just a few days ago. Marty had stayed up late with me watching some of the programs he watches with Vic and me. I sat down to shut off the computer and I guess I must have sighed. Marty asked me what was wrong and commented that I sounded tired. I told him I was but I had a few things to do before I went to bed.  I needed to fold laundry and do dishes. Marty said "I can help mom. What do you want me to do?" That's right my 13 (almost 14 yr old was offering to help.  Yeah, he would get to stay up a few minutes later but not doing fun stuff. We both really needed to get to sleep but I couldn't deny his generosity. Marty folded the laundry while I did the dishes and we both were able to go to bed a short time later. Sometimes he really amazes me and makes me stop and realize that we must be doing something right. I love you kiddo and thanks for the Perfect Moment.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Happy With What We Have

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

I was worried about Christmas this year. Money was tight....tighter than it had been in quite some time. No pay raises or cost of living increases plus an increase in insurance premiums amounted to a pay cut this year and then we had the multiple appliances rebel and the veterinary emergencies.  Frankly, it sucked. And, the kids were older which meant wishes tended to be more expensive. Luckily, the older two kids know the secret about Santa so we were able to explain how tight money was.  But, I still wanted to make Christmas special. Luckily, we had a few small influxes of cash and that enabled us to get a few of the things the kids were really wanting and I had the volcano for Gabe. I was still fretting about Christmas though.

I shouldn't have worried though.  I should have just remembered how special my kids are because according to my boys, "This was the best Christmas ever." Talk about perfect.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart...also, take the moment to offer Lori your love and support. Read her Perfect Moment Monday and you'll understand.

Perfect Moment Monday: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

We had snow today. Now, for some of you, snow in December isn't a momentous occasion. Here in NC, not only does it rarely snow a significant amount in December, but it is never those gloriously wet fluffy flakes that pack together to make a perfect snowball. WE GOT THAT KIND OF SNOW. The snow started falling Christmas night and it took until about 4 am today for the snow to start covering the roads. We woke up to a winter wonderland and the snow was still falling.

Every time we get snow, the boys want to build a snowman and, every time, we manage to make a pile of snow that we can stick a face on but it isn't a real snowman and it leaves us vaguely unsatisfied. NOT THIS YEAR! This was the perfect snow for rolling snowballs across the yard and piling them into snowmen. I got to build not one, not two, but three fabulous snowmen. Even Gabe rallied long enough to join us outdoors and help on the snowmen for a little while. Not only did we get to have fun in the snow but each of my boys (even the teen) was happy to play in the snow with mom.All these pics are clickable and
a bigger version will open in another window.





Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Peace and Quiet and Love

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

Today was awesome and I have the best parents in the universe. While those two statements might not always be related, they definitely are in this case. Every year, my parents take my kids Christmas shopping so they have a chance to buy each other presents and so they can buy us a secret present. While that is awesome enough, this year, they invited all 3 boys to come down to their house for 2 days. This morning at 11, my dad arrived to pick up the boys. The boys spent the early part of the day providing my parents with a not pf slave labor.  They helped do yard work and other things. Then, they got to do their shopping. While my dad was picking up the boys, my mom was driving west of here to pick up my 2 nieces. My nieces are spending tonight with a friend and tomorrow all 5 cousins are hanging out with their grandparents. I think this whole moment exemplifies a perfect moment of love.

The love and generosity my parents have for their grandchildren allowed me to have a few perfect moments of peace and quiet today. I actually had a chance to take a shower uninterrupted by "Moooooommmmmm, make him stop doing x, y, or z" or "I'm telling on you." Not only did I take a long, lovely, hot shower but I got to shave my legs too. Wooohooooo! Then, I actually got to take a nap. I drifted off to sleep and was able to sleep as long as I wanted instead of setting an alarm or worrying about what the kids were getting into.

Thank you mom and dad for the series of perfect moments you gave me.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

Perfect Moment Monday: Happy Birthday to me

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

I'm 41 today. For a lot of people, that wouldn't be a reason to celebrate but, for me, it's pretty damned perfect. I am surrounded in real life and in cyber space by people I love. I have the tree up (not quite decorated though) and, with the exception of the house needing a good vacuuming, the house is in decent shape. Sure, I have to teach Marty today but, with that sole exception, the day is mine to spend as I please. That is a perfect moment if I ever saw one. Happy Birthday to me.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.

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Oh yeah...can y'all stop by the post below and wish Gabe a happy birthday if you haven't had the chance? Thanks a million...y'all rock!

Perfect Moment Monday: He's grown up

Welcome to Perfect Moment Monday sponsored by Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog). Lori says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

This was such a simple moment, one you might not even realize was important if you didn't know my oldest son's history. See, I was ready to pull my hair out because Joey (the middle kid) was in whinefest mode complaining about how he didn't like to stay home with Dad because Dad would get mad at him for nothing. Marty saw me stressing and asked what was wrong. I explained what was going on and Marty looked straight at me and said, "I don't know what his problem is.  Dad is cool to hang out with." This little moment was truly perfection because, when Marty first hit puberty (around age 10 like Joey), he decided Vic was eeeeeevil personified and he was out to get him and he was unfair, and, and, and.... Now, less that 4 years later, he has grown up and is starting to see what a great guy his dad really is.  It gives me hope for Joey.

Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart

Super Gabe

Today we are having Perfect Moment Monday on a Tuesday. Lori over at Write Mind Open Heart (formerly Weebles Wobblog) says that "Perfect Moment Monday is more about noticing a perfect moment than about creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between."

Joey's birthday was on Monday (PLEASE go wish him Happy Birthday in the post below if you haven't already) and my parents had ordered him Tae Kwon Do sparring gear and a re-usable breaking board for his birthday. Given the vagaries of the US Mail, miraculously, the sparring gear actually arrived on his birthday. That was it's own little sweet moment but the really great moment was when all three boys went back into the den and they took turns breaking the board. Yes, even Gabe took a few turns. Check it out (and pay close attention, it is quick)...Gabe was so tickle that he actually broke that board and he was thrilled that he impressed his brothers. I mean impressing your big brothers is GOLD if you are the youngest. Hell, I was impressed because breaking that board is the equivalent of breaking a 3/4 inch thick board. Just to show you how strong the board really is, I recorded this a little later in the evening (again, only a few seconds long)...Go check out the other perfect moments at this week's Perfect Moment Monday on Write Mind Open Heart.