This Full House Archive

Category: Holly

  • This was only a test; if this had been a real emergency, I’d be wearing matching underwear!

    My oldest daughter started her FIRST part-time job last week (THANKYOUBABYJESUS!) so, I've been driving her to and from work, after school.

    Her job is about 20-30 minutes further south, depending on traffic (which is how we measure driving distance here in Jersey) and, considering we live along the busiest highways leading to the Jersey Shore, it is a bit of a hairy commute.

    Which is pretty much the reason why I drive my oldest daughter to/home from work.

    Yes, she has her driver's license (SOB!) however, we only have the one car to share between us and, well, you know.

    She is saving up for a down payment on a non-minivan and, at this rate, she'll be lucky enough to be able to afford gas for the gosh-darned thing; not to mention car insurance and clean underwear.

    We live in Jersey, enough said.

    It's really not all that bad (mostly) she works twice a week (for now) and every other weekend and my husband can help with that, unless, you know, he's working that weekend UGH!

    I'm just glad the timing happens to work out well with my youngest daughter's softball schedule. 

    Plus, my middle two are bused (AND THEN THE ANGELS BEGAN TO SING!) so, no more worries about getting them to and from school.

    My youngest, on the other hand, is still a walker (which is an oxymoron, because she still gets to and from school, in a vehicle, really) however, we have a mutually agreed upon meeting place that does NOT involve my having to actually enter the school parking lot.

    I learned of it from a few other parents who also have this thing about school parking lots.

    Plus, there's this one particular boy who insists on carrying Hope's book bag and, honestly, it's sort of cute.

    Except maybe on Tuesdays and Thursday.

    BEEEEEEEEEEP! BEEP! BEEEEEEEEEEP!

    [squints at clock]

    "C'MMMMMMMMMMMMON!!!! 

    Okay, most definitely NOT on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    "We have to get Holly to work!!!!"

    However, I don't know which is funnier:  the look on the other kid's face?!?

    "GAH!!!  I FORGOT!!!"

    Or, his hauling ass after my kid…STILL holding her book bag…each AND every time?!?

    © 2003 – 2012 This Full House

  • Good Prom Dress Hunting

    DSCN9642

    I promised my oldest that we would go prom dress hunting this weekend (SOB!) and just so there was no question on whether or not she would keep me to that promise, see pic above.

    So, when my husband Garth (not his real name) and I got back from taking Doofus-Dawg to the dog park yesterday afternoon (whole other blog post, will save it for another time, you're welcome!) the girls and I headed out to the mall.

    Actually, it was Holly's idea to invite her sisters along (NOT MINE!) and, well, if you have EVER had the pleasure of shopping with teenagers (bonus points if they happened to be girls) then, you know.

    Even my youngest was all, like, "You mean you WANT me to go prom dress shopping with you, on purpose?!?"

    At 10 years-old she knows:  going to senior prom is a REALLY BIG DEAL.  She's a girl.  They figure this sort of stuff out REAL FAST.  Trust me.  I've got 3 of them (girls, I mean) and they talk, you know?

    Still, shopping in the junior's department can be a little scary.  Plus, I've heard stories.

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  • All Grown Up, Still Needs Huh Muh-Thuh!

    Remember when I was all, like "WAH!" I am officially a mother of an 18 year-old (a.k.a. a fully-grown adult) and you all were, like:

    "Really?" 

    "Aaaaand, you've only had 18 years to prepare?"

     "Get over it, already!"

    Or, maybe it was just the voices in my head (okay, you guys, shuddup for a second!)

    Then again, raising 4 kids (not to mention, killer dust bunnies) I have grown accustomed to hearing and/or responding to at least 4 different conversations, at the same time (it's a gift) I am THAT good of a lis-sen-nuh.

    Aaaaanyway, said 18-year old went out and got herself a job that pays in REAL money and everything (more than I got paid managing the fitness center, even!) with the promise of keeping the same flexible hours, once she starts college in September (don't EVEN get me started!)

    Although I would NEVER admit it (out loud, anyway) now that 1 out of 4 of our kids are all grown up (mostly) I can't help but feel like, you know, "WAAAAAAAAAH!"

    "Why don't you come on in, Mrs. Thompson."

    [blink-blink-blink]

    "She's a little nervous."

    I was SO wrapped up in my thoughts (seriously, you guys, it's scary in here!) that it took me a few seconds to remember where I was and realize that, you know, a real person was speaking.

    "Aaaand, she's asking for you."

    You see, I took my oldest for her employment physical and she is STILL a little squeamish about needles (yes, she gets it from me) but, I stayed in the lobby because, well, you know, she's 18 and I was closer to the bathroom, anyway.

    "Why don't you go ahead and hold her other hand, Mrs. Thompson."

    As I stood there pretending to, you know, watch (mostly!) I quietly thought to myself, "She MUST be a Muh-thuh, too!"

    "You just go ahead and squeeze, sweetie."

    [eyes go wide]

    "DAYUM!"

    Note to Self:  you are right handed.  Next time, give her your OTHER hand.

    © 2003 – 2012 This Full House

  • Eloquence, Thy True Name is Silence

    You know what's funny?  Not in a, "What do you call a fake noodle?" an impasta (hahahahahaha!) sort of way, either.

    The fact that I have a kid graduating high school (still not the funny part and kind of sad, really, but don't get me started, m'kay?) and everyone is all, like, has she picked a college yet?

    No matter how many times I get asked.  I feel funny answering them.

    "Um…well…she's not sure…that is…uh…not right now, maybe later…er…what?"

    YES!  I am the anti-eloquent.  Articulate people fear me.

    Most recently, standing in line at Dunkin' Donuts in the supermarket (the peppermint hot chocolate was mocking me and deserved a good tongue-lashing, okay?) 

    "How are you, Liz?"

    GAH!

    The thing about having 4 kids, going to 4 separate schools, I pretty much can't go anywhere in town without running into someone who has/had a kid going to school with one of my kids.

    [eyes go wide]

    This time, however, I actually managed to scare the buh-jeez-us out of her with a single word.  And, not a real one at that = I.M. Talented.

    "Sorry, perhaps you should consider cutting back…eh?"

    Thinking back on it now, I should have played along by telling her I was there for the hot chocolate.  But, we're talking me = Queen of the Afterthought.

    "How are the kids?"

    Here we go.

    "Oh, they're fine, thanks!"

    Well, that was easy.

    "Your oldest is graduating, right?"

    Damn.

    "Yes, yes she is."

    Phew.  Too easy.

    "Has she picked a college, yet?"

    Damn.  Also, as if it were THAT easy.

    "No, no she hasn't."

    C'mon hot chocolate.

    "But, my middle girl is going to BU."

    [eyes go wide]

    "What grade is she in, again?"

    [grin]

    "She's a sophomore in high school."

    She politely nodded her head, I paid for my hot chocolate, we exchanged pleasantries about the upcoming holidays and then each went on our merry way.

    Morale of the Story:  When in doubt, don't say anything.  Bring up one of your OTHER kids, instead…or something like that.

    Seeing as my middle girl really does have her mind set on going to Boston University, ever since the 5th grade and, well, it's like I told my oldest.

    "There is NO SHAME in working your way through college."

    Besides, that way, I get to keep them around for a little while longer…but, shhhhh…don't say anything, okay?!?

    © 2003 – 2011 This Full House

  • Nearly Wordless Wednesday:
    Williamsburg, VA 2005

    Williamsburg, VA 2005

    One of our most favorite places and yet we haven't been back since?  Perhaps I can convince Garth (NHRN) for one last road trip before the oldest goes off to college, next fall (SOB!)

    Oh, and I almost missed seeing my youngest, way over there on the right, she was so, so tiny (double-SOB!)

    © 2003 – 2011 This Full House

    I'm NaBloPoMo-ing it, this month (first time NaBloPoMo-er) feel free to check out what I've NaBloPoMo-ed, thus far (PHEW!) and let me know how I'm doing (I mean, 30 posts, in 30 days, really?!?) when you have time, of course!

      Feed me, see more!

  • Keeping Our Options Open, Since 1993

    Brookdale Path

    We took our 18 year-old to an open house at one of the local colleges here in Jersey, this afternoon.

    Key words, rocking my world at the moment, in that last sentence being:  18 year-old and college.

    Yesterday, I became a mother of an 18 year-old woh…woh…WHOA!…man, sorry, but I cannot seem to wrap my head around the fact that my oldest baby girl is 18. 

    Today, we visited with college representatives = fuel to the fire for an especially emotionally-gifted person, like me.

    Thankfully, I had other things on my mind like:

    • Wow, look at ALL these expensive cars!
    • Wonder if she would mind driving a minivan to school?
    • Oh, look at ALL the pretty trees!
    • Are there enough lights in this parking lot?
    • Uh-oh, where's the bathroom again?

    Okay, that last one?  Too much coffee.  Not enough sleep.  Enough said.

    "What course of study would you recommend we follow?"

    Aaaaand, by we, of course I meant, our kid (fyi:  when talking about your kid, as long as we have, it's sort of hard NOT to speak in the first person) however, long story, short (you're welcome) that bridge, you know, the one we said we would cross when we came to it?

    Not only is RIGHT HERE in front of us.

    "Well, taking into consideration the present economy, I recommend all students keep their options open."

    That sucker just got way BIGGER.

    "Oh, look, let's check out the student center!"

    All things considered, we are way excited for her.

    "Oh, look, THIS would be the perfect place to sit, have coffee, talk and, you know, maybe even save the world!"

    [blank stare]

    "Or, maybe that's just me?"

    [grin]

    "Hey, maybe we could take some classes, together?"

    Would you believe:  her words, not mine? 

    "Trust me, you wouldn't want me hanging around for long."

    Because, in a less than perfect world, we ARE…that is to say…I am a force to be reckoned with.

    Or, maybe she was just humoring me.

    "Well, obviously, NOT together, in the same room, or anything, Mom."

    Aaaaand, I figured that out without a college degree AND everything.

    Stupid economy, dumbass bridge.

    © 2003 – 2011 This Full House

    I'm NaBloPoMo-ing it, this month (first time NaBloPoMo-er) feel free to check out what I've NaBloPoMo-ed, thus far (PHEW!) and let me know how I'm doing (I mean, 30 posts, in 30 days, really?!?) when you have time, of course!

      Feed me, see more!!

  • Whoa, man, she’s 18!

    It's official, as of 4:30 this morning, I am the mother of an 18 year-old, as in, you know, a fully grown adult female.

    Lump, meet throat.

    Although, my husband Garth (NHRN) and I knew this day would come way, way too fast (we were right, dammit) aaaaaand, now that is here, well, DAMMIT!

    Whoa, man, she's 18!
    I'm still getting used to the idea of Holly as a teenager (sort of) but, you know what?  I don't mind it so much.  Not that I have a choice, or anything. 

    Beeeecause, no matter how hard I try and will my baby girl back (to about hip level) there is no use denying it, my oldest HAS grown into a beautiful woh, woh, woh, D'OH!!!

    Whoa, man, I swear, I got this.

    [clears throat]

    18 years to prepare for this VERY moment and, still, I've managed to muck it all up with silly, overly-cliché sentiments, like, MAH BAY-BEE GIRL IS ALL GROWED-UP AND EVERYTHING!

    Then again, now that she IS an adult (SOB!) being an embarrassment to a grown up child just isn't as much fun, anymore.

    HowEVER, seeing as I am ALSO celebrating my 18th Motherversary, I feel it safe to say that it's just too gosh-darned late to worry about propriety, at this point, really.

    Happy Momiversary to Me!

    Because, I seemed to have raised myself a new best friend, for life and, you know what else, I'm okay with that, too, you know?!?

    © 2003 – 2011 This Full House

    I'm NaBloPoMo-ing it, this month (first time NaBloPoMo-er) feel free to check out what I've NaBloPoMo-ed, thus far (PHEW!) and let me know how I'm doing (I mean, 30 posts, in 30 days, really?!?) when you have time, of course!

      Feed me, see more!!

  • We Could Write a Bad Romance

    10 days into NaBloPoMo and, well, NOW I remember why I have never NaBloPoMo-ed before.

    This blogging every day thing is hard, man (for me, anyways) however, it's been a great writing exercise (so far) especially, this time of year, when my head could always do with a good, you know, brain dump-ing.

    You're welcome!

    Aaaaaanyway, the cool thing about NaBloPoMo-ing is that there are daily prompts to help get my blogging juices going. 

    Today's prompt is:

    What is your secret (or not-so-secret) passion?

    [blushing]

    Okay, I've got one and would you believe that it's NEVER been blogged either?!?

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  • Just a Walk in the Park

    Yesterday didn't start out very well.  My oldest was in a foul mood: what is that you say, a teenager, grumpy, inconceivable, right?!?

    The youngest was weepy and my son missed his bus:  she's 10, he's 12, enough said.

    My middle girl, however, hasn't been feeling well for weeks:  not even a week into November and she's racked up 5 sick days, already, stupid strep.

    Later, having engaged the powers of sleep, eggs and toast (the trinity, when preparing a meal for a sick kid) she was feeling much better.

    "Can we go to the park?"

    Okay, first of all, it's November (then again, no bugs) but, it's chilly (yeah, but fresh air is good) what about dinner (okay, does anyone else argue with themselves, as much as I do)?

    "Sure, why not?"

    So, we picked up my youngest from school, came home, I put a pot of soup up to simmer and then headed back out, leaving the non-hikers (grumpy and sleepy) home.

    Gold-ish Pond

    (more…)

  • Mother, Daughter, Pen and Ink

    I was cleaning out the girls closet, the other day (don't be jealous!) and found a dusty old manilla envelope filled with some stuff I saved from high school.

    Pictures from my senior prom, birthday cards from my Sweet 16, wallet-sized photos signed by friends I'd lost contact with soon after graduation and re-friended on Facebook.

    This is EXACTLY the sort of stuff that makes me stop and think…Jeez Louise…was I ever that young and…Holy Hannah Montana…did I really think my hair looked good, wearing it like that?!?

    Then, it hit me, like a brick to the side of the head:  I have daughters turning 16 AND graduating high school, this year.

    How did THAT happen?!?  I mean, technically speaking, I know how it happened, ALL 4 times, to be exact!

    It's just that, next year, I will also be the same exact age my mother was on my wedding day (nevermind, just how old, whip-puh-snap-puh!)

    Deep down inside, I still sort of feel like that same awkward 18 year-old, only different.

    Now am I beginning to truly understand my mother and why she can't seem to talk about her grandchildren, without referring to my own childhood and then crying, just a little.

    I placed the envelope back on the shelf.

    "Mom, my Italian teacher LOVED my art project!"

    It's a pen and ink portrait of Holly's Italian teacher with her oldest baby girl.

    Holly's Italian Teacher with ChildArt washes from the soul the dust of everyday life ~ Pablo Picasso

    Enough said.

    I'm NaBloPoMo-ing it, this month (first time NaBloPoMo-er) feel free to check out what I've NaBloPoMo-ed, thus far (PHEW!) and let me know how I'm doing (I mean, 30 posts, in 30 days, really?!?) when you have time, of course!

    © 2003 – 2011 This Full House

      Feed me, see more!!