LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Pauline enjoying her older sister Graceann's softball game....brrrr....it's freezing and doesn't quite feel like Spring!

When she's not enjoying her sister's games....she's playing soccer--and having a great time.

Caroline warming up --getting ready to pitch for her town's softball team. In 3 innings she has struck out 8 and hasn't given up any runs....really great for a lefty!

So we're officially into Spring Sports. I can remember bringing Graceann to her first few Softball games and she didn't even know which way to run after she hit the ball. Imagine the laughs when she hit the ball and ran directly to third! I carted all of her younger sisters to watch the game. They knew if they behaved they might get treated to the ice cream truck. I insured their behavior by packing barbie dolls, stuffed animals, coloring books...or anything to keep them busy. The other moms couldn't believe I had 5 children. I kept wondering it's easy now....Graceann plays softball and the others sit with me....this is the high life....just what's going to happen when they're all involved in sports and I'm running from game to game? That's when life will be crazy. That time has come. Friday Caroline had a game in town while Graceann had a game an hour away. That situation easily solved...my husband took Graceann while I took Caroline. Saturday Graceann had a game away and Pauline had a Spring Soccer game--again we split duties. The problems will begin when all three have something the same day....there isn't a light at the end of the tunnel because before too long Rebecca and Gemma will be in the equation. For a millisecond my husband said, "maybe spring soccer was too much for us to handle". But then we remind ourselves...we need to be fair to all the girls...and this was the sport Pauline really wanted to do. It helps to pool all of their schedules together and make a master calender to keep us in track. It's not easy to juggle...but I thank God I have children to juggle. (Always trying to find the positive)! They say when the going gets tough....the tough get going....we just may need a ride and helping hand in the process.

PROJECT HOMEWORK

Graceann's biome project--a Monarch butterfly (whipped together with 2 pairs of white pantyhose, three hangers, one black knee high stocking, 3 plastic bags and paint.)

I love my daughters....I really, really do....but why is it that after being off for one week of school--they decided to tell me they have homework at 8:00 pm on a Sunday night? And not just 4+4=8 math homework....no--project homework. Project homework is when you're creating a poster, something messy, or researching at all hours to get a paper done. In this case Caroline had 2 projects due. One was a poster on what makes NJ great, and the other was designing a bookmark for the Library. My oldest daughter Graceann said she had a book report--but this was the creative kind....instead of writing about the main story plot--you had to bake a cake in the shape of the main character. (When did these type of book reports start? they didn't have them when I was a kid). Her second project involved a biome...and creating a stuffed animal biome. I didn't even know what a biome was...ugh! Needless to say I'm tired, and cranky after helping with a night of last minute project homework.

SISTERS=BEST FRIENDS!

I think it's great when your very best friend is your sister. Come to think about it....isn't your best friend always your sister? I mean even if you're not blood related--don't you think of your best friend as your sister? I am fortunate to have 3 fantastic sisters--Maria, Teresa and Celena. There's also Kasia who was my best friend in grammar school...I think of her as a sister too. I am lucky because these wonderful women in my life offer me love, support, smiles and joy when I need it most....and even when I don't. They are there for me....and for that I thank them.

My wish is that my five daughters grow up always being best friends...always being there for one another....always helping one another out, loving each other, taking care of each other's kids, helping each other move, get settled, and share their talents with one another. I know it's important to foster that now...the way my parents did with my siblings. Yes...there are days they fight, there are days they scream, there are days they pull each other's hair, or hide someone's school book....but in the end they do love each other and want to protect each other.

My husband's motto is NO DEYO LEFT BEHIND....he tells the girls to always watch out for one another....My heart melts when I see them hug, kiss, or do something nice for one another without being prompted. Keep it up girls.....mommy and daddy love you!

Christina

A WIGGY GOOD TIME!

Rebecca and Graceann....it's Rebecca's Hannah Montana look

A few weeks ago the Tyra Banks Show had a sale--selling off clothes, jewelry, and fixtures from the show. As you know Tyra is ending her talk show. I happened to get invited to the sale and found quite a few gems. Besides beautiful jewelry--which i know is "hot" cause the girls want to wear it--i also bought wigs. There were purple hair wigs, witch wigs, Dolly Parton wigs, old lady wigs, and Hanna Montana wigs (who knows what Tyra used all those wigs for)...but anyway it wasn't a bad deal at a dollar each. I figured I would save them for Halloween when the girls were trying to figure out who to be. But once they saw the wigs....there was no waiting til October 31st....the girls wanted to be their favorite pop star right there--right now. So I let them play with the wigs....the playing went on for hours. They love putting on performances and pretending to be someone else. It was an incredible investment....Moms--if you need a break...buy your kids some wigs--and they'll love it. Of course it'll be quite hard to find a deal like I found at the Tyra Sale...but some Halloween stores may have things on clearance since it's an off month for dressing up. Nonetheless....it was wonderful to see the girls enjoy themselves...and just as wonderful to have some time to myself without screaming or fighting.

On another note...if you can't find wigs...cake mixes always work too. Caroline who loves to bake wanted to bake a cake..."just because". It was a red velvet cake and it was delicious. She used the huge cupcake mold my sister got my for my birthday...sometimes "just because" are the best reasons to celebrate!


Caroline's red velvet cupcake!

Caroline and her creation...yummy...was it ever delicious!!!

On a final note today.....today is my sister Maria's birthday! She's beautiful, crafty, creative, and very smart....wishing her lots of love and joy on her special day....HAPPY, HAPPY DAY MARIA!!! Love, Christina xoxoxoxo

FAMILY TIME=IMPORTANT TIME

Things have been busy lately....work has been crazy, my tooth has been killing me, my mother in law was in the hospital, my dad was in the hospital, my husband's grandmother had a stroke...it seems like when it rains it really pours.....but if there is one thing you can do in this hustle and bustle--it's continue to share family time....even if it is only 15 minutes to sit down and have dinner together. Sometimes the girls fill up on snacks before dinner and don't feel like eating --my rule is that even if you aren't hungry--sit down with the family and talk about your day...or don't talk ...just listen! Family time should be a priority...and it isn't always easy getting dinner on the table (or even home in time from work)...but we try.

HAPPY EASTER!

I know its been awhile since I posted...but I've been having issues....specifically tooth issues. I had a root canal gone bad (as my dentist calls it). My oral surgeon's plan was to drill through my jaw bone and clean out my infection...I had been trying to put this off till the summer when I had more time to get it done and recuperate. Unfortunately the tooth had other plans. It decided to explode and become infected and all that gross stuff. I am still in pain--on antibiotics--and painkillers. Let's hope this story has a happy ending and soon.

In between feeling terrible I was able to take the girls to see the bunny rabbit at the Library. The girls had alot of fun. They enjoyed a story, made a craft and then took a photo with the bunny--I think 12 year old Graceann is feeling a bit old for this...but I drag her along just the same...she's been a good sport.

I'M CLEAN!

So I just completed Dr. Junger's clean program. It was a 21 day cleanse....and I'm happy I did it. I'm even happier that I lost 16 pounds. But now the really tough part starts...maintaining the weight loss and actually keeping it going. It was really tough to start but once I got into making shakes and eating lean proteins it was alot easier. I had a plan. Now I'm on my own...so I need to come up with my maintenance plan. I don't want to go back. I feel healthier...I feel more fit...and more energetic. As a matter of fact my daughter Caroline said to me last night, Mom you have so much energy...you can spend more time with me now. I hope by getting healthier...I'll be spending alot more time with the kids....HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH!