Picnic in the Park!

What to do on a beautiful day while the kids don't have school!  I got up early and did my reading and headed to the gym, babies slept late after staying up late watching American Idol.... not having a routine for Spring break is such a treat, as much as I love routine, I equally love a break from it.   I was able to work a few hours this morning, needed do get some work done in my business.  While I did this from the comfort of my kitchen, the kids played outside until it was time to go and do an "outing"!

We loaded up the suburban and headed to a beautiful park right on the Atlantic, Lynch Park in Beverly, Mass.   We walked up to our favorite part for a picnic (it is really Gramma's favorite spot) where you have ocean views on both sides.  We laid down a blanket and had a nice lunch together.  I relish in those moments and I could not help but think all of the times we have had "picnics" in the ordinary days of being home with my kids.   I would work a few hours each day and also then have time them, each day (I so treasure that)!

Today, we ate, laughed, talked until my boys got restless and wanted to go to the playground at the park.  "Sure" go ahead and I will be right over.  They ran and ran up and down and all over the large play area.  I love seeing them get exercise, fresh air and most importantly be nice to each other (which is a daily challenge in our house)!!!!   

A picnic in the park costs nothing!  What a great easy way to connect with your kids.  Blanket, a few sandwiches, good potato chips (I love Wachusett) and 3 happy kids!  

Life is a picnic!  Have a HIPP day mom and go have a HIPP picnic in the park!

Create Memories and Capture Memories!

It is the day after Easter and we had a lovely day.  The brunch at my home went well, despite a few mishaps while preparing, no one saw the water everywhere because I forgot I had the pot filler (faucet) going while I walked away (and completely forgot I was filling a pot of water for my pasta for shrimp scampi)--it was a Lucille Ball moment (am I dating myself)! 

 We had beautiful weather, both families here and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  The cousins off playing and having fun with their cousins (both big and small), that is my favorite part of the holiday, seeing the kids building their memories or family traditions and holidays together, it is priceless!    I am so grateful for my rock star sister in law that has the gift of "capturing the moments" with her camera and great eye.  We laugh because she will give me credit for putting on the parties, dinners and events, which I like doing (although it is a lot of work), I enjoy feeding people, celebration and traditions that create memories for the kids and also each generation--especially for family gatherings.  I am so busy preparing, and making sure food is served, and everything is moving along that I am not able to stop and take pictures and capture the moment.    She is our family photographer (much like my sister Susan is on my side of the family), they capture the moments, the memories and the things that will last forever.  I am so grateful for this because it truly is a partnership.  We laugh and I say "I will create the memories, and she then chimes in "and I will capture them"!  It is awesome!!!!

As we wrap up the Easter holiday, I want to share how grateful I am for this day and the reason behind the day.  As much as we love the tradition, cute dresses, chocolate eggs and yummy food, while at church in the morning and throughout the day, I am reminded to celebrate HIM and give thanks to HIM!  

With Easter Sunday behind us, it is Monday and that is always time for renewal.  Time to say no to those chocolate eggs or marshmallow peeps!  Time to think about beach season being only less than 2 months away.  It is Monday, and it is time!

Wishing you a HIPP day and reminding you to not only create those memories but capture them too!

Dance Little Sister, Dance!

I am not only a hockey, baseball, lacrosse and football mom with my 2 boys, I am a dance mom too!  Not like other dance moms that are "so into it and even wear shirts "dance mom"!  I start sweating when it is time to do hair and make up and I cringe putting color and lashes on her beautiful 10 year old face.  It is all so worth it when I see my little girl on stage, her passion for the "sport" comes alive and she is owning herself and living her passion!  As a mom, there is nothing like that.   I often wonder, is it crazy to go from activity to activity with 3 kids and a busy schedule.....?  Hockey is a big commitment sport, competitive dance is a big commitment sport/activity.  We are busy most days after 3:00pm and I have become the car pool queen and mom on the go.  When I see my baby girl shine and dance her heart out, it makes my heart beat and reminds me that it is all so worth it.  I often say, "I don't care where I need to drive or go, if my kid loves it, I am there!  Sure, I will complain at times, and sometimes it does feel too busy, BUT, seeing them participate and understand the importance of hard work, commitment, team work and progress are important life lessons which are unfolding as they learn, stay active and spend time away from tv/computer and too much down time.  On free days, out door play and not structured days are alway important and we do that too!  I am so grateful to be able to have flexibility to be there (working at home rules), and while I have had to make the commitment (financially and time), it is so worth it because of the lessons learned and also the passion being unleashed!     So, for all you moms out there that are not sure it is worth it, or your not sure your child has found his or her nitch...  Keep trying, keep going and for sure, all of this "work" will work out!  Have a HIPP day and know any time you spend with them carting to and from activities is so worth it.....   I hope you see it and I hope you dance!

Family Time & Traditions

more to be added soon.