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!

Top Ten List for 2010/Our Virtual Holiday Card

10. We sure hope you get this virtual Holiday Card. Our puppy Boo likes to eat everything. She likes to snack on my computer cord.

9. Elise has started Kindergarten. She is a true scholar and already says she will be attending a 'Pink College'.

8. Corinne is taking Ballet this year and will be doing her own interpretation of the Nutcracker.

7. Neal is definitely in touch with his feminine side with four females (dog included). He loves watching Barbie Movies and having tea parties. He does manage to sneak in some Wii Mario Carts games.

6. Janice has taken on some new roles this year. Daisy leader, PTO, Slow cooker whiz, Room and Soccer Mom. Soon she will take over the world but still refuses to get a Caravan:)

5. Boo is on Santa's Naughty list. She won't get any gifts because she ate her stocking.

4. The Poretsky's are becoming Green. Elise can ride a bike and Corinne is a big girl. NO MORE DIAPERS!!!

3. Neal and I are hoping for some 'Silent Nights'. I'm hoping Boo and Neal stop snoring so I can sleep in 'Heavenly Peace'.

2. With all the bad news in this world our family has joy/love and gets louder every year.

And the Number One Reason is we get to wish you a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!

Making my list and checking it twice

The Holiday season is coming to an end. Our family has done a lot over the past month.

The Advent calendar with daily activities was a definite success! Mommy on the other hand is ready for a 'Long Winters Nap.' I wouldn't do anything different though. I expect to be crazy busy this time of this year.

So at this point I'm checking my list, and somehow it's getting longer. I'm not worried though it will all get done.

N and I will wake up Christmas morning (Way too early) to the joyful sounds of our beautiful girls. The Long Winters Nap can wait:) After all this is what Christmas is about.

Happy Holidays! Below are some of the activities.

Every night N would light the candles. Happy Hanukkah!

Snack with Santa. I hosted this for my Moms group. What a fun afternoon:)

Elise was pinned as a Daisy. Even better I'm her leader.

The girls and I made homemade ice cream. A family tradition from my side. Friends and neighbors may anticipate a special delivery:)

I took the girls for their first pedicure. The mall had special little girl chairs so we all got pampered for the evening. They painted there toes with red and sparkles. They even added a snowflake. E was having wonderful time and said "Mommy when can we do this again?" Oh boy:)

One of our activities was to make Dog treats for all our Dog friends. Our dog friends should expect some snacks. It was an easy recipe. Boo gave it two paws up:)

This was the Cupcake at the Ritz Carlton in Boston. This was just an activity for Mommy. I had a lovely afternoon with some wonderful women. It was nice to chat and be in the city for some tea and sweets.

Countdown to Christmas

This year instead of the traditional Advent Calendar I put my own spin on it. My neighbor gave me this wonderful idea to display bags with the date. Each day there would be a special activity the girls and I (Family) can work on.

The first week is over and I'm exhausted, but it was a definite success! The girls are excited to come downstairs each morning and see what's in store for them.

Initially I decided to do this in lieu of the traditional Advent chocolates because I thought the girls would love it (Also the chocolate in the calendars are horrible).

One of our activities this week was making popcorn and cranberry garland. The girls and I spent almost 2.5 hours at the kitchen table talking and singing Christmas songs. I'm sure more popcorn was consumed then strung:)

We wear so many hats as Moms. I'm fortunate to stay home with my girls. Physically I'm there 24/7, but sometimes not always present.

The simple activity of stringing garland helped me connect with them. I wasn't thinking of cooking, cleaning or laundry. I didn't check my email or FB once:) It really made me think. The girls really don't care what they're doing, they just want to spend time with me.

It's always a struggle to find time in the day to accomplish all I need too. Like most women I want to have the beautifully kept home and be the perfect mother and wife. Who has the time though? If my house looks good I've either been up late or the girls have been in front of the TV which I never do:)

I guess I can live with a not so perfect house (Baby steps). I just want to squeeze in all those magical moments with my girls while I can. I know that's what they will remember.

Hope you're enjoying the magic of the season in your own home. Thanks for checking on us!

Funny Runner

So even this late in the game I'm still finding I can do things I never imagined. The latest is running. No I haven't started running any marathons or even outside. What I have done is started running 3 days a week on my treadmill. Over the past couple of months I've grown stronger. I can run faster and longer.

I'm still a little apprehensive of leaving the security of my basement treadmill. Runners that are hardcore would be able to spot my skill level. I wouldn't want to be labeled as the 'Funny Runner.' I have a lot of friends that love running so it's a little intimidating


One of the reasons I'm enjoying running is I don't have time to make lists in my head. I can't concentrate on anything else but my breathing and rocking out to my slightly inappropriate playlist:) It's time for me!

Will I take this to the next level and get more serious...the jury is out on that. For now I'm content running, listening to music, and clearing my head. It's nice to know I can still surprise myself.

Tis the Season to be Busy

This weekend was a whirlwind of activities and excitement. We started out with another successful Thanksgiving. With a little help from Martha (LOL) and my family it was a wonderful day. The girls wanted to help. E insisted on a job so I made her the hostess. She stood be the the door for 45 minutes waiting for our guests to arrive. I instructed her that a good host welcomes her guests into our home. She told everyone Happy Thanksgiving and took their coats. She did a great job and was a big hit with everyone.

If it wasn't enough to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for 16 people I decided to hit the stores on Black Friday. I know people think it's crazy but I love being in the stores. I'm not the one lining up with my tent for that must have item. I generally pick items I know I have a chance at:)

Later that day we took the girls to see the new Movie Tangled . It was a great holiday movie but I don't think we needed to pay extra for the 3D.

On Saturday following Thanksgiving it's our families tradition to decorate the house. E was over the top with excitement. It's so exciting to watch it through her eyes. C put the ornaments on like a champ, but on the same branch LOL:) After the girls were in bed hubby and I have our own tradition (stop with the dirty minds). We watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

Sunday was a magical day for E and I. I took her to her first performance of the Nutcracker. C was a little too young so she stayed home for some Daddy time.

Happy Holidays!

Blessings come in many ways

So N decided to leave his job after almost 10 years. He has a great new opportunity which will mean some changes for our family.

No we're not moving! Hope I didn't scare anyone, but I don't think anyone reads my blog anyway:(

The big change will be that N will be working closer to Boston. That means early mornings and late nights. No travel though! But with the commute it will just about even out.

After almost 10 years with a company it will be a new beginning for him. Change can be scary but sometimes it's necessary. We are all excited and very proud.

I have a lot to be thankful for as we approach Turkey Day...My Coffee Cup Runneth Over.

Happy Thanksgiving!