You're going to miss this??? I think I will.

Tis the season to be jolly...not sure how jolly I have been lately? I have been up late running all over the place trying to keep up with all the demands of the season.

I woke up with one of my stress knots in my neck and thought it would be a good decision to take the girls to Church. I'm sure you can guess that they were extra naughty (Corinne wanted to leap like a frog up to Communion).

My girls are good and I love them but it's hard to be good all of the time. That is why when we got home from Church Neal took them in the basement to play. I watched some TV, ate my lunch in solitude and got some PERSPECTIVE!! Later that afternoon the girls and I popped some popcorn and made garland with popcorn and cranberries.

I had a quick errand to run and on the way home I heard this song that brought tears to my eyes. It's true I will miss it all even the craziness... especially that.

THE TWELVE SOUPS OF CHRISTMAS

Wow! It's been awhile since I've posted and now I pick the busiest time of the year to sit down to write something??? This was just such a fun night I had to share.

I knew I wanted to invite a few women over from town to celebrate in some Holiday Cheer. I was thinking maybe a Cookie exchange??? I really don't enjoy baking, mainly because I don't need all that added temptation(SWEET TOOTH). So I decided for the healthier route and the Soup Exchange was born.

Each guest was to bring a sample for the night and a container for each guest to bring home. I gathered all their recipes and made a recipe book as a take home favor/keepsake. We had a large group so we sampled two soups at a time in Dixie Cups. We were all doing shots... SOUP SHOTS that is:) These ladies sure know how to party!


The night was filled with yummy soup and wonderful conversation! I have soup for lunch all week and new recipes to get through the winter.


This party was just what I needed to give me a little Christmas Spirit. Thank you to all of you extraordinary women for making this a fun night!

Hope you're finding Joy during this Holiday Season and keeping your Coffee Cups full!

Happy Holidays

NINE YEARS

Today is the day I said I DO to my sweetheart.

Neal and I have fit a lot of living into those 9 years!! Just like the vows say. GOOD, bad, BETTER, worse, sickness, HEALTH.

Marriage is romantic, beautiful...and a lot of WORK! When you're young, love is about flowers, and romantic dinners. I still get the flowers occasionally (usually because it's close to a Chinese food restaurant). I'm not complaining though!!!

I get what I need everyday from this wonderful man. A kiss good morning, a call in the afternoon to check on the girls and I, and when he is next to me at night I feel like I'm home (I could live without the snoring though).

When married for nine years with 2 small children some days it's hard to focus on what brought you together. That is where the work comes in. There are days when I feel like running, but I don't. I can't stay mad at this man! He is so much a part of my life that I forget I'm mad at him.

Even though romantic dinners and flowers are not as frequent the romance lives on. This man I said I do to nine years ago today truly knows me. Good, bad, better worse, sickness, health, till death us do part. Now that is romantic!

Happy Anniversary to my sweetheart, the best is yet to come.

Love,
Janice

Family Photos 2011

This year we moved our family photo date up. Usually we take our family photos at York Beach but our photographer and my dear friend is moving. As always she did an amazing job and will be missed.


Family Photos 2011 on PhotoPeach

13.1- Endorphins Make People Happy

As Nike says JUST DO IT! I DID IT!!! The Boston Run to Remember 2011. This was my first Half Marathon.

I thought I did pretty well for my first time and considering the humidity was horrible. I was proud of myself not for the time of my race but the TIME I gave to myself 3 times a week as I trained. I set a goal for myself and FOLLOWED THROUGH!

I set goals all the time and am successful. These goals consist of setting up the agenda for the Daisy meeting, making sure Elise is reading X amount of hours a week, and tackling all the clutter in the office. When I make a goal for myself like reading or organizing my photos if something comes up it's always pushed aside. When I signed up for the Half Marathon I set up my training so I would have no excuses. I ran before the girls got up. The weekend runs were done before activities or Birthday Parties. If the weather was too severe I had a treadmill in my basement.





I never thought I would enjoy running especially starting my training in the winter. Running has been life changing for me though.

Moms NEED to get out there and exercise whether it's running, yoga or walking the dog. We need those 'Happy Hormones' to be better mothers, wives, and friends. I also feel like I'm setting a good example for my girls. Taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally is important.








I love this clip from Legally Blond and it's true Endorphins make people happy:)

Summer is coming

Every day this week has been rainy and cold. The girls and I are dreaming of summer so we created our Summer Lists.

This year I'm going to try something different. Elise, Corinne and I started a Blog. It will be filled with our adventures, pictures and all the fun we have.

Check it out!

http://makingwishesondandelions.blogspot.com/

Daddies Little Girl

This past weekend was something to make a mother's heart melt. Friday Elise had her first Father Daughter Dance. She was so excited. When she got off the bus we had a mini spa day. I painted nails, toes and even curled her hair.





Neal gave her which I'm sure will be the first of many corsages. I took pictures at home but followed them to the school for more.





Elise had a great time. Neal told me he was the first Dad to get on the Dance floor. This doesn't surprise me because he is such an amazing father. Enjoy the pictures! Thanks for checking on us.

Spring has Sprung

This past week was school vacation week for older daughter. I don't like to go to the over crowed museums, indoor play places during these breaks. I would have loved to escape to some place warm but that wasn't going to happen:(

We made the best of things by scheduling play dates, hosting a Tie Dye party, hiking with friends, movies curled up on the couch and ended the week with an Easter Egg Hunt. The week flew by! I was nice to have Elise home with me and spend some time with her. I can't believe how much she has changed in a year (Sigh).

Today is Easter and we were graciously invited over to friends for brunch. The girls and I were dressed in our Easter best. Neal put up a fight but was a trooper and put on some khaki's:)

The food was wonderful and we even had a warm day to hunt for Easter Eggs. The girls played with their friends and the adults were able to enjoy a nice glass of mimosa.

Hope the Easter Bunny was good to all of you! Thanks for checking on us.

The Luck of the Irish

Every year since Elise was born I sang to her, and now Corinne the song 'When Irish Eyes are Smiling.' By the time both girls were three they could sing it on their own.

This song goes back to my childhood. It's one of the good memories of Catholic School (Actually Catholic School wasn't bad:) It touches my heart to know my girls love it too.

Elise has show and tell on Thursdays. I told her she should sing this song. She was a little reluctant to do it on her own. So I volunteered to sing along. Both the teacher and Aide were in tears. Her classmates thought it was a very nice song:)

Elise is an amazing girl! At the age of six to be able to sing in crowds is an accomplishment.

The day did take an unfortunate turn. We were in transit to pick up Elise from school to attend a St Patrick's Day party (kids style) when my car decided to die. I was a desperate mother and made sure to call the school told to get their bus. Luckily we weren't far from home. I got the stroller out put Corinne in (with the cupcakes I had made for the party of course). As I was pushing the stroller down a busy road one of my Mom friends pulls over to ask if I was speed walking:) I explained the situation and she quickly drove me home. Just in time to meet Elise's bus...sigh.

I could easily be upset by these events, but it was such a good day!!! I'm just thankful it happened before we ventured on the Interstate.

The three things I feel thankful for:

1. I'm fortunate to live in a wonderful community where someone that doesn't know me that well would stop to help. Thank you Carisa! I feel like Norm at Cheers where every one knows my name.


2. I'm lucky I have an index file in my head so I knew who to call and where to tow my car


3. I'm lucky I made sure to take those Cupcakes because it was a great distraction with the girls when I was talking to AAA.

I also feel proud that I could deal with this on my own without help of hubby. He was concerned, but was in Boston and nothing he could do. I can't be mad in these situations you do what you have to do.

Tomorrow we will find out the verdict of my car, but today I'm just thankful for the support I have around me.

My Irish Eyes are Smiling:)

Run Mommy Run!

Today I did my first 5k with my dear friend Michele. The Funny Runner decided to venture outside.

I started running in October on my treadmill. New Years Day I ventured outside. If it wasn't for the encouragement, nudge of my friend Sara I would have never had enough confidence to run outside. I also needed to have a running buddy. Michele is the best!!!. No one likes to get up at 5:30 but we both do it. This winter has been tough so we are both excited for the spring.

We ran the Celtic 5k in Worcester. I was so excited by the shirt! Being an Irish girl running before a St Patrick's Day Parade is my thing. It was chilly but not the extreme cold we have experienced this winter. It wasn't raining so I was happy. With the fun music of the Drop Kick Murphy's we started our race. Michele and I finished our first 5k in just under 30 minutes!

Elise was puzzled by the fact I wouldn't win. She told me "Mom don't be so hard on yourself you could win." Love my girls! I also want to thank my dear hubby for being so supportive.

Enjoy some of the pictures of the day. Most picture credits go to Michele's husband. She gives great directions.

Sweet Sassy and Six

Today my sweet baby girl is six. Where has the time gone? When holding my 9.2 lb bundle of joy I fell in love. Elise was a good baby and easy on a first time Mom. She was sleeping through the night at 10 weeks just in time for Mommy to go back to work. Work in the corporate world only lasted 20 months. I made the choice to stay at home. My life went from structured chaos to unstructured chaos. Elise and I got to know each other better and I learned more about how to do my new job.

I'm amazed at the young lady she is becoming. Elise is a good daughter, sister, and friend. For six years my life has been about Motherhood it's my job, my life. A wonderful life!


Sweet Sassy and Six on PhotoPeach

My Fountain of Youth

Today I celebrate another year closer to 40 now. Thirty-seven to be exact!




I'm not a person that is obsessed with a number. I have noticed the aging process more this year though. I'm not depressed, but it's a little sad to see yourself change:( Here are some tips that have kept me going.

10. A good hair dresser- hair color is important

9. Ibuprofen

8. Spanx- do I need to say more:)

7. Tums- ok yes I've started to get heartburn.

6. Guilty Pleasures- Bad reality TV(Anything Housewives) Facebook.

5. Chocolate, cheese and wine.

4. Girlfriends- The best excuse to get dressed up, look pretty and LAUGH!

3. My Girls- Singing, dancing and tea parties. Elise and Corinne make me feel young.

2. N- I know he is lying when he says I have no wrinkles I won't encourage him to see an eye doctor:)

1. Keurig- I know this is a machine but caffeine is important to keep this girl going!

MY COFFEE CUP RUNNETH OVER

Snow Day Tea Party

Being from Minnesota I find it a foreign concept to start cancelling school before snow?? Why not let the kids sweat it out a little. It must be like fashion the East Coast can predict those trends:)

I must admit I understand now why my parents were not thrilled about SNOW DAYS. Usually I love a day to sit in and relax. It's only been a week since winter break though. I need to get a routine going again!

I did a little preparation so the girls and I would have a nice snow day, and Mommy wouldn't go crazy:)

The morning began with some crafts and baking for our Tea Party. The girls were very excited and spent a good part of the morning getting their dolls ready.

After naps/quiet time and a little run on the treadmill for Mommy we started our preparation. I even set the table with real tea cups. We feasted on banana bread and chocolate zucchini muffins. A good time was had by all.

FORGIVENESS

Happy 2011!

The New Year always brings such promise and hope. It also brings a lot of stress. I haven't even put away my Christmas decorations and I'm expected start working on those goals of losing 20lbs, organizing my home, be a better Mom and Wife. Talk about pressure! Granted it's self-inflicted:)

It's hard to come up with one goal. The things in my life that are important to me remain pretty consistent.

1. Being a mindful Mother- Every year I just strive to be the best I can be. They know they are loved.
2. Being a thoughtful and caring wife- Since the day I married my Hubby 8 years ago I have been his biggest cheerleader and he is mine.
3. Healthy Lifestyle- I think the majority of the world would say their goal is to lose weight and be healthy. This has always been important to me. Each year I try to find new ways to challenge myself. This year I've started running. Maybe I will compete in a race? I would love to lose some extra pounds, but I'm done with beating myself up over it. I will just continue to make good choices and know there will be good days and bad.

If I have to pinpoint one goal for the year it would be FORGIVENESS.

It's hard to let go of all my imperfections. I tend to dwell on the negative. This can be consuming and is time and energy wasted. I try to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend I can be. I'm human though! I fail and make many, many mistakes.

This year I would like to learn from all those imperfections and MOVE ON. I'm always trying to teach my girls this lesson. I guess Mommy should start 'Practicing what I preach.'

Life will be much more enjoyable if I forgive myself. This year I want to focus on holding my husband's hand, seeing the smiles on my girls' faces and surprising myself by trying things I may not succeed at.

Here's to 2011 and all those bumps in the road. With the love and support from family and friends I know I will make it to the finish line.

Happy New Year to all of you! May 2011 be all you hope for!