Oh I can't wait

For the dwarfs to grow up, move out, get good jobs and have a home of their own. 

I mean I can wait but I can't wait to:

Brush my teeth and wipe my toothpaste mouth on the hand towel because by then maybe they will learn to use water to clean face and a towel is to dry. Ha

Or get out of the shower and leave water all over the floor. Yeah I can't wait till its not me cleaning this up. 

Not rinsing the dishes before putting in the dishwasher? Oh I get giddy just thinking about it :-)

Those will be the days!!

snow wife 

Easter 2013

Easter is right around the corner again...Only a few years later it has gotten better and it's not such a big deal now.  We are booked into our favourite place to eat Sunday lunch (yummm) and have some cheeky desserts of course!

Nothing to exciting but I might even order some peeps to surprise the dwarf(s).  They love them!
Me? I can leave them.  Its more a nostalgia thing for me as they are part of Easter.

We won't be having the typical ham easter dinner but I will bet our beef dinner will beat the pants off that anytime. The main reason? I don't have to cook it! HA!

Happy Easter to you whether near or far.

snow wife

Mother's Day UK

I had written this whole post how Mother's Day was going to basically suck....

I didn't think I would feel the love or even really be acknowledged even to the furbaby but low and behold my PC did good!

I got a card and caramel treats plus the dwarfs got me a few cards too.  They were very sweet cards and not just the basic cheap ones.

We had a wonderful lunch and a few laughs.

I actually liked Mother's Day this year.

I love being surprised

Snow Wife

Perfect Parenting

Ok I will wait while you get off the floor laughing.

You mean to tell me there isn't a perfect parent out there? No way!  I have seen so many who know it all, so that can't be true.

I know mom is obviously always right and knows best right? Well hon sometimes dad is right too, just because they are a man they can still be right.

So please if you have the perfect parent handbook I would love to read it, hell might get it published and I will share the profits with ya ;-)

snow wife

Job hunt

The job hunt was kinda put on the back burner but now is back with a force!
I need a day job and not all weekends. Having a family requires me to be home a bit more plus I enjoy the family aspect. I always wanted it but it has been ignored and the thought was dismissed. I now know I want this. It's in my DNA, no matter if it's my "typical family" or not.

I say we add more dogs! Dogs are the best family members. :-)

I have figured out here the way to get a job is to "know" someone since everyone needs a job nowadays.

So if ya have one pass it my way.

Snow wife

Sun and Laughter

It is amazing to me what sun and laughter can do for your mood.  I realise I need sun more then I thought, it does give you a boost (no those lights don't work the same).  I need my Prince Charming by my side sitting in the sun with a cocktail and laughing about our life and fun jokes.  I need friends who you have laugh's and inside jokes because honestly its true when they say there is nothing better then a good belly laugh!

Note to self PC and I are taking out own holiday next year to reconnect, get sun and laugh!  I miss that.

Remember to laugh loads and get some sun ;-)

snow wife

Furbaby

I don't have my own biological kids and most likely never will so I have a fur baby.  He is my fur child so get over it.  I will post pictures of what we do and accomplishments he completes because for me, he is my fur baby.  It makes me happy - full stop.  I love seeing pictures of puppies and a planning play dates and going places just like you would with your kids.  We do go places with my step dwarfs but now I feel apart of something that is mine and that is my puppy.
I may be a geek.  I am sad.  I may be a loser but I am loved and something that is only 40 pounds makes me stupid happy and I don't want to apologise for it.
I am that person who posts pictures of my dog - ignore it if it bugs you ;-)

This isn't a mean post by any means but understand he is like my child.  He gets feed 3X a day, I hire puppy sitters, get play dates and we have days out.  He just listens better then some kids HA well sometimes ;-)

Ya know that saying? Love me, Love my dog....Never been a truer statement.

Snow Wife

Babies R U

Seriously they are everywhere...Yes I am jealous, I admit it.  At work I see pregnant women everywhere - seriously, everywhere.  I see all the cute prams/strollers and little kids on leashes (ha).  Munchkins in little tom's so excited to be walking and it is adorable.

It seems everyone got knocked up at the same time last year.  I see some people WAY old that are pregnant (I am talking gray hair now).  I flip and flop now on whether I want to cross that bridge.  Some days I can't imagine my life without our own child and then others I am like screw it, we can be selfish!  I kinda like our life and having the freedom that comes with having older dwarfs so I dont know if I want to give that up.

Oh plus I am no spring chicken anymore. I don't know if we are both ready to be those "old" parents.  Our dwarf now talks how so and so parents are preggo and they are like "old" and it will be weird.  YES these are people our age...Sooooo until I wrap my head around this I guess we just go on and get older haha

Meantime I can still be jealous of all the new mommies out there and you can't stop me ;-)

snow wife

We are those people....

We now those people - yes we are splitting an allotment with a friend.
Oh what's an allotment? According to wikipedia, "An allotment garden, often called simply an allotment, is a plot of land made available for individual, non-professional gardening."

Which means these have been around for donkey's years and look like random bits of "plots" put together by random fencing and anything else people can get their hands on. People build buildings and even keep chickens, horses (if its big enough) and anything else they want.  I really considered it like redneck country because it was so pieced together haha

Ours designated spot isn't this nice but gives you a general idea.  I will post before and after pictures once we get more done so you can see the actual change because right now its a bunch of wood, horse shit and wooden boxes = boring. 

The exciting part is Prince Charming is building a shed and a greenhouse so everything is kept there and not in our "yard".  We will get potatoes, green beans, broccoli, pumpkin, herbs, jalapeños, leeks and onions! 

So roll one spring! Let's hope to get some stuff in the ground for this year!

snow wife

Babysitter

I think the dwarfs and Prince Charming (who isn't all that charming at the moment) think I am a babysitter, house cleaner, bed maker, cook and anything else they want done.  Guess what I am not.

You are all grown up enough to manage small tasks on your own - I am not your mother. Yes I can say that.
Being a stepmom can suck wait that is a capitol "S" and some days it can be amazing.
Most days I just feel like a 3rd wheel that dropped in on a family and not sure why I am here - they aren't mine.

Not sure how I have got by this long but this is an awesome site http://www.stepdivas.com/articles/ and the articles were amazing to ME.

Stepmom Bill of Rights - INCREDIBLE!

1. Our marriage is our first priority, and we will address all issues together.
2. I will be a part of the decision making process in my marriage and family at all times.
3. People outside the immediate family, including ex-wives, in-laws, or children cannot make plans that affect my life without my consent.
4. I will not be responsible for the welfare of children for whom I can set no limits.
5. I must be consulted about which children will live with us, when they can visit, and how long they will stay.
6. I will not solely be responsible for housework – chores will be distributed fairly.
7. Others may not violate my private space at home, nor take or use my possessions without my permission.
8. I will never be treated as an “outsider” in my own home.
9. My husband and stepchildren must treat me with respect.
10. I will be consulted on all family financial matters.

AMEN
snow wife

I need to remind myself the reasons I fell in love with Prince Charming everyday...
~me

You can be/do anything if you put your mind to it...

Should be the line every freaking parent adult uses with kids. Full Stop.

I am so annoyed at how parents can hold a child back whether they know it or not (I have a sneaky feeling they do know - they cant be upstaged).  Kids are the future so encourage them - make them better people!

I whole heartily think kids need social interaction like clubs and sports.  Why?
1. It builds self confidence/self esteem
2. They make friends, some of them may be life long
3. Joining the community and helping out the community
4. "Belongs" to something
5. Weekly fun! <--so important
6. Teaches discipline - you signed up and you go even if you don't want too - commitment!
*parents must commit as well because their laziness should not affect the kids
7. Keeps them fit - physically and mentally!

I feel you should encourage your kids and all kids to be the best they can be.  Let them join things and go places BUT the parent has to encourage them.  If the parent or adult becomes lazy and the kids thinks it is a burden on the adult then the children can feel bad and not go because they don't want to inconvenience the adult - bullshit.

Kids read adults quickly. If they crave love like all children do and mommy or daddy promises them McDonald's or 'something fun" with that parent they will take it over anything.  If you are sitting on the couch cuddling with your child and they are feeling the love and you say, 'Ok honey do you want to go to XYZ?' they will look to you, to see what you think? Most kids will say its ok mommy/daddy we can stay right here.
This is where YOU as a parent need to quit being lazy and say, "right lets go to XYZ and when you get back we will have another cuddle."

ENCOURAGEMENT - repeat after me.

I feel so strongly about this because the parent/adult sets the example and the discipline.  If they sign up for something TAKE THEM - don't ask because that is always a way out.  Now I am not saying be crazy when they are ill make them get up and go.  When I say ill I mean throwing up not just tired.

Remember kids are adults in training.  You show them the way.  Kids should learn to thrive, be independent and self confident to be something magnificent in this world and I will do my part to every child I meet.
Parents/Adults - you shouldn't compete with your kids...If you can't dance or sing but your kids can help them shine not hold them back because they would do better then you.
As a parent - I always want my kids to be better then I could EVER be.  Maybe we need more of these types of adults in the world.

snow white

"Children are one-third of our population and all of our future"
Author Unknown

Baby fever!

At the end of last year my biological clock started ticking and it has gradually gotten louder.
I am no spring chicken because at the age of 20 something I don't think I would have been as good as a mother as I potentially could be now.  I have the most wonderful husband and dwarfs but I am so ready to add a new dwarf to our life and I can't keep that clock quiet.  I know the chances are slimmer at my age but hey if it's meant to be it will be.  I say that now but...
So just think good thoughts for me and anyone else there hoping to add to their family.

Maybe it's just me but I swear there are babies everywhere - is this what they call baby fever?
It seems anytime I turn on the TV there is a baby or someone is pregnant.
I get on facebook or talk to a friend, someone is pregnant and pictures of their scans are online (I do smile every time as they are so damn cute!)  Is it that time of the year? Is this what happens after Easter because no one told me. 

Examples:
1. Grey's Anatomy - someone is pregnant and someone else gets granted temporary customer rights for adoption (no names as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it).  This is two baby references in one show.
2. On TV just recently - Knocked Up...'nough said
3. How I met your mother - Yep pregnant
4. 90210 - just maybe someone will end up pregnant, I am waiting for this to happen
5. True Movies - forget it everyone is pregnant or trying to get pregnant or lost a baby
6. Celebrity Juice - Holly was pregnant and still showing episodes all pregnant - she is so cute ;-)
7. One born every minute - OMG talk about babies and what a reality show to watch as I honestly squirm but I admit to have cried once they are born.
8. BBC show the Human Body - from pre conception to death....All I can say is WOW

I bet now that you read this you will see pregnancy and/or babies EVERYWHERE.  The movies just kill me. Full Stop.  Thank goodness I can watch them and shed a tear without anyone around because that would be an emotional wreck waiting to happen and I might embarrass a few people as well ;-)

snow white

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
~Buddha~

Life as a Teenager

oh my it's tough

Top things said:
1. You never let me do anything
2. You are sooooo over protective
3. Give me X amount of money
4. I DID clean my room
5. I always stay up late GOSH I am just not tired

Life is so darn tough isn't it? Let's see everything is bought for you including clothes, bikes, shoes, sports equipment and mom's are like taxi's? And you have it tough?

Buck up little dwarf because you haven't seen anything yet....Life is tough.

snow wife
Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid.
John Wayne

Belonging

Someday's I feel as if I have everything figured out and other day's I feel I am on some kind of roller coaster of confusion.

My life is so incredible different not bad just different then I ever thought it would be.  I have been super lucky not to have some major homesick issues but they do creep in and at the weirdest times ever. (like the last space shuttle landing)

I miss having a "belonging" feeling since I don't quite feel I belong here completely but I don't belong in the US anymore either.  I have friends on both sides but it's not the same, it is different and I miss the comradeship I used to have and yes I know it will happen here it just takes time.  I do have some fabulous friends here but not past history so again it's different.

I feel as if my sense of purpose has almost disappeared - this needs fixing ASAP. I would like to get up and go to work, come home and then spend time with my family maybe see some friends or have dinner.  I think because I don't "go" to work this is starting to throw me for a loop mentally.  I have started the job hunt as I really need a sense of belonging and I need a job that feels I belong there as well.  I want more then a paycheck.  I want a sense of accomplishment and a challenge.

It's weird to me that I am nervous to go back to the US because as they say nothing is the same when you go back.  I don't expect it to be but I do expect to relax and just be able to chill with family and friends and indulge in the US things I think I have missed.

I think I am just getting sentimental in my older age but I feel something is missing in my life.  I love my Prince Charming more then anything and the dwarfs I love although trying at times - I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.  I just need to fill this gap in me.

So I am heading down another world of new beginnings with a job hunt and finding the piece of "working" me that I have realised I so desperately miss.  It's a jungle out there but I guess if you don't fight for it then you mine as well be eaten.

snow wife
Home is where the heart is....
 

Dinner and I mean dinner not lunch

Ohh I have always dreamed of the following scenario...

Me: Dwarfs! Time to set the table for dinner please

It would look something like the below and yes I know I am dreaming but work with me!

Dwarf:#1 I will get the plates
Dwarf #2: I have the silverware and napkins
Dwarf #3: I will get the drinks

Prince Charming: Thanks guys (as he is BBQing the steaks outside)

after dinner?
Me/Prince Charming: Dwarf #2 its your turn to load the dishwasher and Dwarf #1 you bring the plates in and Dwarf #3 you clear off the table

Dwarfs: Easy peasy

How wonderful would that be?

Now reality ha

Grab plates already made up and go eat on your lap...Set the table? What table? Wash the dishes? noooooooo just leave them as I don't trust the dwarfs to hand wash dishes since we don't have a dishwasher.

Oh how a girl can dream of a table someday.

snow wife
All great change in America begins at the dinner table.
Ronald Reagan

Passion for what?

Back Story:
So I have decided in the last month or so to change my eating habits just a bit - ok alot. I am now eating fruit as snacks as breakfast and some type of vegetable with lunch and dinner.  This seems obvious to most to do so but not me - I never liked most fruit or veg.  I am older now and realise I need these nutritious things in my daily diet.

So I am telling Prince Charming about meal planning and explaining this new recipe which is part of my eating plan and it is so yummy and our conversation goes like this.

Me: oh honey I went shopping and got this steak and marinating it and yummmm.  Best part it is on my new eating plan

PC: Do I have to be on this diet too?

Me: It's not a diet. You can have rice, potatoes, meat and chips BUT you always have veg or fruit

PC: So I have to eat this way?

Me: Yes darling and we get to try a bunch of new recipes

PC: Well you have that passion for cooking and love trying new cooking adventures

Me: Passion? haha it's not a passion it's a necessity.  Are you going to cook?

PC: Haha I cook anything right out of the freezer and that's cooking!

Me: That's reheating and that's why I do the cooking since frozen food and canned beans are not the healthiest of meals haha

PC: Fair enough you keep your passion and I will keep eating it

Me: It's not a passion and now I will be teaching you to follow basic recipes because I know you can do it ;-)
PC: but you are so good at it I don't want to interrupt you and your cooking (sarcastically)

Me: Nice try mister - game on

Amazing how Prince Charming made it thru years without me and is still fit.  Now its my turn to get fit since we can't afford a chef to cook every night it will be me and in turn Prince Charming learning to cook.  Hey we take turns and I got him cooking enchiladas from beginning to end and it was good!  It takes baby steps. 

snow wife

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Chinese Proverb

You can't pick your family...

Everyone has heard that old saying, " You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family." Wow nothing rings truer then that.

Family is a funny thing since these are people who are either family by blood or love.  These are people who should tell you when you are wrong, pick you up when you fall or hug you when you feel down. right?

Nope some live in a world, I guess I haven't had the privilege to visit - its called lala land.  Where the world revolves around them, man I wish I had a pass to that theme park.  Not everyone will see eye to eye but you should always respect a person for being a human being. You don't have to agree with everything but you do need to keep the attitude in check.

I would hope my family would tell me if I was acting crazy, help me get the best bang for my buck, give advice when it would make my life better.  I do also wish that family would learn to know when to shut up and when to butt out.  In this world you have one life and it is the longest thing you will ever do so you better enjoy it.  This means staying positive and enjoying life.  Life is not always rainbows and kittens but it is what you make it - so choose wisely.

Everyone I don't care who you are or what culture you are from should use basic manners such as:

Please - adverb (used as a polite addition to requests, commands, etc.) if you would be so obliging; kindly: Please come here. Will you please turn the radio off?

Thank you - adjective expressing one's gratitude or thanks: a thank-you note

I am not one for airing dirty laundry on the internet but little reminders to the rest of the world to be polite and live life doesn't hurt. Get up and dance, learn to cook what you want, snuggle with your dwarfs and significant other, plan romantic things even if it involves a candle and a frozen pizza and most of all smile.  Never let people walk on your or treat you like, don't get taken advantage of and favours work like a two way street.

Smile on people ;-)

snow wife

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

I am no Hercules

I am not as strong as I let on, really.  I have always been the independent, head strong, opinionated,self sufficient and gung-ho individual.  Whether as a friend, sister, wife, aunt, step mom, daughter-in-law, mom or child everyone needs someone to lean on and that someone needs to "get" you and not judge.

Some days it feels as if I am in quick sand and just fighting to be the strong one for everyone else and only when I get a free me moment do I realise I am no Hercules.  I want someone who "gets" me to be here or some where close but that isn't an option.  Not to say I don't have friends where I am because I have wonderful friends but honestly it just isn't the same as someone who you have known for years and years.  Some days I want my mom and I am not ashamed to say it.  I would love mom to be here to have a cuppa with and ramble on about nothing but that is no where in the near future.

I know no one expects me to be Hercules as I put that burden on myself but then again what woman doesn't carry that "badge?"  Aren't you someone's Hercules? Don't you carry the stress and worries of others? Especially the one's you love?

Life can sure test your marriage with family and drama and I know I always have my wonderful Prince Charming to lean on for support but sometimes you just needs the girls.  Do ya feel me?  In the past 6 months I can say without a doubt my marriage is stronger due to overcoming obstacles and becoming each other's cheerleaders - together we are as strong as Hercules.

I guess it's a plus I realised I am not Hercules and just sometimes you need a hug.  Make sure you hug the woman in your life today.

snow wife

"The best gift you can give is a hug; one size fits all and no one ever minds if you return it."
Source Unknown

When tomorrow starts without me...

Copyright © David M Romano December 1993

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we never got to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you..
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too..
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand..
An angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
It seemed my place was ready - In Heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind, those things I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye.
For all of life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you..
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad..
I thought of all the love we shared, and how much fun we had..
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say goodbye, then kiss you ‘til I saw that special smile.

But then I fully realized, that it could never be,
'Cause emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of all those things, I might miss come tomorrow.
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.  
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From his great & golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you.
Today your life on Earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day is the same day, there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were some times you did some things you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free,
So come and take me by the hand, and share my life with me.."
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart.
for every time you think of me, I'll be right there - in your Heart.

In Memory of a fabulous man that I can say I am truly blessed to have known and privlleaged call him family.

Dance on sweet man. 

snow  wife

Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.  Randall G Leighton

Easter is right around the corner

Happy Easter 2011

Oh how I remember Easter very fondly and how special it was even though we weren't religious.
My mother would get us fancy frilly dresses, a hat or bonnet and new white shoes - it was fabulous.  Ok it was when we were little and I am was super happy when it stopped since church got old and I didn't want to be dressed up like a doll.  It was so cheesy but everyone did it and it made for great pictures right?

I did however LOVE the Easter atmosphere. The dying of hard boiled eggs and making our own designs was family time and of course no one ate the eggs we just designed them.  The plastic eggs hidden all over our backyard and house with candy and money inside; even if you had to give the younger siblings a chance to find some.  The jelly beans, peeps, plastic easter grass and plastic easter basket that eventually was a nice wicker basket as you got older = fabulous!
The honey baked ham for dinner and I don't even remember the sides, I just knew we had ham with pineapple on top.

Below are my memories of Easter and what an Easter basket is to me...Yes as we got older we got books and small gifts but not like the UK easter...

Cheesy Easter Basket

We only got 1 - thats it!

I believe Grandpa started this tradition - yum!

Everyone needs Peeps - right?

Standard Hollow Bunny

Foil Chocolate Eggs

My Favorite! Reese's PB Egg!

Easter was about hide and seek and family time with your brothers & sisters with the family dinner.

. 

Here is the UK what I see is it is about getting cash for Easter and very large chocolate eggs from grandparents and parents
The above egg is hollow and weighs .75 pounds - it is crazy to me!

I will keep on creating special holidays as this is what I do even if it just is for me and the dwarfs and prince charming don't appreciate it - it makes me happy.


snow wife

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!
Lucy Van Pelt, “Peanuts”