The 6th Grade Camp Adventure

Day 1- Departure
It is true, everyone goes through stress differently and saying goodbye to their 6th grader is definitely stressful. Some expressed their stress by showing up late, and you can tell by their faces just a few minutes before they were scrambling to find one more pair of clean warm socks for their kid to pack!(: Others expressed their stress by overly preparing. Some of those suitcases were so big they could have been carrying a younger sibling!(: Others were expressing the old fashion way, crying and getting just one more hug in before the bus drove away. And me? A little numb, mixed with excitement, mixed with complete facination. You see, I don't remember much of my elementary school except MY experiences with 6th grade camp. It really was my first step into independance and guided me into becoming the person I am today..I was a counselor for that camp, I saw many kids when given a little more independance really blossom and begin to make that transition from kids to teens. So as I watch Lena talking and laughing with her best friend, I wish I had a way to explain this her. I am so proud of the person she has become and so excited to see what awaits her.

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Gratitude

Sorry for the delay in my post. As most of you know, I haven't been getting very much sleep lately. David has been pretty sick and is not sleeping through the night. He's doing better now, although just when I thought we were out of the woods, last night he again was up ALL night!!
This past week my uncle also passed away and I am getting ready to send Lena off to camp alone for a week. I am drained emotionally and physically but somehow all I can think of is...What would my life be like if I had made different choices or didn't have this life I have created for myself and my family? What if I had put my career first and not had my kiddos? What if I didn't fall for the guy who brought me soft serve?? Yup, he had me at the soft serve... I am not saying that I have been the easiest to get along with or that I haven't raised my voice at the kids, or that I haven't shed a few tears. I'm just saying I am grateful for the choices I made. I am grateful for these darn kids, and I am glad I was won over with soft serve. And right now that is what keeps me kicking and not locked up in a padded room somewhere rocking in a corner!!

Love and Raspberries,
L

I Heart INA

So Today I will be checking in regarding my New Year Resolutions...
1. Try a New Recipe for February? Yup

This is Ina Garten's Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with an Warm Cider Vinaigrette

It was Yummy!! Even Lena enjoyed it!!

2. More Date Nights - Yup

Me and Juan Carlos enjoyed a fancy night on the town attending his belated Work Christmas Party..

3. More Me Time - Kind of..

I was out alone until 9 pm last night looking for blanket sleepers for David. Not the most exciting way to spend some me time, but hey I was alone..

4. Blog every week - yup!

5. Laugh More - I'll keep it real! I am worn out and exhausted and not too much fun to be around right now..so I'm gonna have to say No!):

Ok, so not too bad. Once again I really do need to stop taking life so seriously, baby steps...

Give me Valium!

Ok, bonus blog time..
So, while I was planning my hubby's 40th surprise party and helping him to welcome in his 40's, I too started to take a look around. Last week, Lena brought home the paperwork for Junior High School! Yes, in 5 months my baby will be in Junior High School!! Also last week I put David on the list for preschool graduation, yes David will be graduating from preschool in 3 months!!! Oh, and by the way, I was also notified my 20 year high school reunion will be in 6 months!!
When did this happen? For the last few years in order to keep my head above water I have been living day by day. Juggling kids, work, chores, and family the best I know how. Setting achievable goals everyday. I am not complaining, I am very proud of everything in my life, my kids are sane, my work is gratifying, my house is comfy and I have surrounded myself with people I love who make me a better person! But, I feel like I really should have enjoyed those little moments more! As Chris Allen (American Idol rocks!!) sings "Live like we're dying". I need to stop spinning my wheels all the time and enjoy the life I have created!!
So, how do I do that? Yup, this is where the Valium comes in!! hehehe
No, this is the question of the day..Any suggestions??

Love and Raspberries

L

Happy Birthday Babe!

Ok, so let me first apologize for my lack of blogging over the past few weeks. As most of you know, I was knee deep in party planning. Juan Carlos turned 40 and I decided to welcome in his 40's with a big bang. So, with some help from my cousin Jen (Thank You!!) I planned a French inspired surprise party. JC was surprised with a 4 course meal prepared by a personal chef (Chef Megan was AWESOME!) surrounded by his brothers, mom and of course me. We ate, we drank, we talked and laughed all night long while all of our 11 kids were entertained by the older nieces in another home. Check out the pics. Yes, two of the courses are missing. Why? Cuz I was having so much fun, I forgot to take pictures!! (:

Happy birthday my love!