This Full House Archive

Category: Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

Feeling Hot, HOt, HOT!

Seems like only yesterday, we were ALL complaining about the cold, or the cataclysmic aftermath of Snowpocalpyse 2011 and our not being able to get to CVS, before running out of milk and/or coffee, am I right?!?

[sound of crickets, chirping]

Riiiiiiight!!!

Welcome to Humidaggedon 2011, my friends, where makeup and the use of combustible hair products is optional (albiet, ill-advised) because, MEH, why bother, right?

Breathing is hard enough.

In fact, it's going to be Africa-hot, for the next few days (here in Jersey, anyway) and, well, looks as if my husband, Garth (not his real name) picked a really great weekend to start his summer vacation.

The pool needs cleaning.

No, seriously, we don't have any concrete plans, the pool really does need a good cleaning and the irony of my going away, to attend BlogHer, the following week (of course roundtrip SHEESH!) is lost on no one…most especially, my kids.

"Why can't we just go with you, Moooooooooooooom?"

Speaking of concrete:

Because, I am ALL about having fun and, besides, the kids were SO BORED (how bored were they?)

"Hey, you guys, grab a couple of eggs and meet me outside!"

Hope and Glen each grabbed an egg from the fridge, without question!

[sound of crickets, spontaneously-combusting]

Okay, so our little Humidaggedon Project was a total fail. Still. Trust me when I tell you 37 seconds was about all we could stand, outside, before their sneakers fused to the sidewalk, or worrying about mommy's hair spontaneously-combusting, too.

Until, the sun goes down and the pool gets cleaned…or not…because, at this point, a little bit of green water isn't going to hurt anybody [cough, cough] and I'm just too gosh-darned hot (and tired) to argue.

Outdoor exposure should be limited, don't you know?

"Let's see who could swim to that patch of algae, the fastest, ready?!?"

Man, but these kids are going to miss me.

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

July 22, 2011
Haven’t Slept in Days, I Blame Harry Potter

I was emailing, back and forth, with a friend, early today, when I noticed something funny.

Not like, in, ha ha, funny (I need at least 2 cups of coffee for that to happen) but, more like, hey, wait a minute, that sentence didn't read like that…in my head…anyway.

Which is when I realized something.

Not ONLY do I talk in my sleep (you lucky BlogHer roomies, you!) but, I think real fast, when I write, too.

However, I'm not sure if it's because my mind is used to racing…ALL THE TIME… or, if my fingers just can't keep up and, um, what are we talking about, again?

OH YEAH…I remember now…Harry Potter.

Actually, I was really looking forward to Harry Potter 2 and my 15yo's best friend (since the 2nd grade) was moving to Florida, with his family, the next day, so, I was more than happy to give them once last chance to, you know, hang out.

Standing in line, for an hour, with a couple of 12yo boys (my son tagged along with his bff, however, this was a last minute thing, so the 15yo's had separate tickets, were seated within 5 minutes AND our theater just happened to be the last one to empty out right before midnight, go figure) insisting that, YES, of course I will remember to buy them popcorn, once the movie started (liar, liar) not so much.

So, of course, I had to tweet about it and lucky my friend @melisalw was, you know, still awake.

We FINALLY took our seats (4th row, center, my neck still hurts) at a minute passed midnight and, for the next couple of hours, I literally could NOT take my eyes off the screen and the boys didn't seem to mind the fact that, you know, I forgot ALL about the popcorn.

The movie was THAT good and, well, 2 out of 4 of my kids can now add "Watched the sun come up," to their, "What I did for summer vacation," list.

Right next to "host a playdate with a brand new friend," and "have a Hula hoop contest," oh and "travel into New York City" to see whose spit lands the closest to Jersey (fyi: 12 yo boys seem to really excel at this, just so you know!)

The fact that…YES!…we did all this (and more) at the SAME time, within a 48 hour period, is very relevant to the reasoning behind the title of this post (I think, maybe, I dunno, I forget) BUT, it IS the quickest and simplest excuse to why I most probably will be talking with my hands, too, at BlogHer, next month, and my obvious penchant for writing perhaps the longest paragraphs, in blogging history, really.

Aaaaand, like my busted flip flops and the blisters on my mangled feet, I'm sticking to it (you're welcome!) where's the coffee?

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

July 18, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: <3

Although, it may not be perfect, a little rough around the edges, actually and perhaps even trampled on, once, too often — on this particular day, it was lifted up, brought home, put into a special "treasures jar" and is loved, just the same.

(At least, that's what I see, when I wrote this, at 3:30 a.m., when I should be sleeping!)

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

July 13, 2011
Holy Hula Hoops,Triple-Tasking Girl!

Three weeks into our summer vacation, things are going pretty smoothly and by that I mean, at the end of the day, we're all feeling a bit tired (in a good way) not to mention, sun-kissed and slightly pool-drunk from one too many belly flops.

Of course, I meant to do that and yes…IT HURTS…like a son of monkey's uncle, riding on my back, along with the rest of his family and a couple of his monkey-like friends, while singing, "It's hard out here for a chimp, like me," too.

[sound of crickets, chirping]

Sorry, clearly I'm finding it increasingly challenging, as the social director, here at Camp This Full House, year after year and, well, now that my kids are older?

"So-and-So invited me to the pool club…What's-Her-Name invited me to lunch…I got a job interview, this afternoon…"

It's really not so bad.

"Aaaaand I'm taking the car!"

Really, it's not.

"Wait, what about me?"

Unless, you happen to be the youngest camper.

"Well, you can have a friend over."

Aaaaand, all of your friends happen to be out or having fun, you know, someplace else.

[heavy sigh]

"Sorry, give me a few minutes and we'll do something, together, okay?"

Honestly, the poor kid's heard me say it enough times, I'm actually thinking about putting it on a t-shirt.

"That's what you ALWAYS say."

See what I mean?

"Hey mom, LOOK!"

Long story, short (I know, too late, still) I looked up to see this coming right at me, a few minutes later:

LESSON LEARNED: NO…I don't have very good balance…okay, NEVER have…YES…it would be nice to be able to multi-task, with such grace and cuteness, like that…and NO…I don't know where the heck she gets it from, either, DAGNABIT!!!

Now, if you'll excuse me, the pool is calling and then Triple-Tasking Girl and I are going out for an iced mocha…after Holly gets home with the car, first…of course!

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

July 7, 2011
Wordless Wednesday:
S’more, Summertime, Sightings

A house filled with an endless stream of banter and impromptu late afternoon visits with family and friends.

The smokiness of early evening, when conversations become very, very slow and easy.

This, THIS is what summertime means to me. The end.

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

June 29, 2011
Times Fun When You’re Having Flies

Not unlike many cultures, growing up, my twin brother and I spent a lot of time with our grandmother — especially, in the summertime.

Some of my fondest memories are of helping Nagy Mama cook Sunday dinner, or tend to her vegetable gardens, while listening to awesome stories "from the old country."

To be REAL honest, there were a few downright scary moments when I think she, along with others of the grandparent-ly-type, made up half of these so-called folktales, just to scare us kids into, you know, being good.

So…YES!…I have taken poetic license in re-telling some of these stories…to MY children.

Like, when exploring Uncle John's and Aunt Cheryl's farm, looking for freshwater crawfish (WHAT!?!?) apparently, Jersey's got 'em, who knew?

Aaaand, finding this little dude, instead, then telling my kids that…YES!…it is most definitely a wishing frog .

Which, upon closer inspection, he (or, she???) was obviously ready, willing and seemed to be quite comfortable, actually, in granting us audience, big or small.

Ahhhhhh…but, there IS a catch…you have to catch him, first.

Then…and ONLY then…can you make your wish.

Unless, you find a tall, dark and really, really brave mom-type blogger (preferably, descended from a long line of warrior princesses) to, you know, do it, for you.

Because, contrary to what the Grimm Brothers may have told you, it's really bad juju to kiss a frog (see disclosure, below.)

Go ahead, make a wish (you know you want to) but, don't say I didn't warn you…OH!…and you're welcome!!!

Disclosure: Just so you know, this blog post is for entertainment purposes, ONLY. I am in no way advocating the kissing of frogs. In fact, it's probably a REAL bad idea, as some frogs can give humans tapeworm cysts and salmonella poisoning. (See also: EWWWW and GAG ME WITH A SHOVEL!!!!) It's okay, though, because I didn't really kiss him/her, made sure to wash my hands (before and after) and, truth be told, the frog didn't look too happy about the idea, either. SHEESH!!!

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

June 27, 2011
Perfection is So Over-Weeded

My friend Diana wrote a wonderful blog post on the acceptance of messes (feeling pride in tending to her less than perfect garden) and, well, for me, hers is such a timely story.

My parents always kept a vegetable garden. Growing up in an urban area, surrounded by ironworks, factories, several blocks of shared housing, warranting little more than a quick glance, before the traffic light changes, we were one of the few families to do so, in our neighborhood, anyway.

Still, their vegetables were always so beautiful and, my kids spent hours playing in their green house, when they were little.

Small as it was, our backyard became an oasis and, from the moment you walked through the rose arbor, you'd forget your troubles, become deaf to all the noise outside the garden gate and, well, it was REAL nice to feel privy to that sort of peace, even for just a little while.

Then, my husband Garth (not his real name) and I began looking for a house and, as small (and full) as it is, right now, I am very, very thankful for our REAL big backyard, too.

My parents surprised us, that first year, by planting a vegetable garden, while we were away (I forget where, or why) and, well, life was good.

18 years, 4 kids, 3 cats, 1 Doofus-Dawg and a myriad of OTHER things that I just don't even want to, you know, think about, right now (maybe later) and the garden, well, this is the first summer I have considered “not dealing with it,” either and, you know what?

I did, anyway. Because, as small and overcrowded with weeds as my vegetable garden is, right now, I could not imagine a summer without being able to go outside and, you know, dig in the dirt.

Aaaaand, in the process, perhaps even weed out my mommy brain, just a little, you know?

Thanks SO MUCH for the reminder, Diana.

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

June 24, 2011
The Neglected Side of My Kids’ Family Tree

When my son was in the 4th grade, I asked my parents if they'd be interested in speaking to his class about what it was like to have immigrated to America.

This year, they were excited to be invited back to Heritage Day by Hope's 4th grade teacher, who heard them speak a few years ago and was hoping they'd share their experiences with her class, as well.

This time, I was a little concerned about their being able to go through with it.

To be honest, physically, mentally, emotionally, my parents are in a very different place (who isn't, right?) they have their good days and bad days — not to mention, down right sucktastic times when they can no longer hide the pain from their faces — so, I didn't make any promises and just hoped for a good day.

It was a REAL good day.

In fact, I'm seriously considering taking on a managing role and hitting the public speaking circuit with these two: they are SUCH good tawww-kuhs (or, tock-kerrrrzzzzz, if you're from Hungary!)

My inlaws, not so much.

My mother-in-law suffers from trigeminal neuralogia, has for years, to the point where the simple act of eating, drinking, talking and even smiling, causes her debilitating pain.

Married to their son, for nearly 21 years, I feel it safe to say that it probably hurts my father-in-law, even more. Dad grew up outside of Boston (or, if you're from Boston, then Bah-ston) so, I really do appreciate his strong New England sensibilities and his wicked sense of humor (dry as it is) especially, on a good day, when my mother-in-law is, you know, not hurting.

I don't blog about my in-laws, much. The fact that either one of them might be reading this, right now, is probably making my father-in-law, you know, itch and I'm really sorry about that.

Because, we ALL have learned to enjoy each others company (yes, on purpose!) and, although we may not always agree, let alone, get a word in edgewise (sorry, Grandpa!) my inlaws are an important part of our family's story, as well.

IN OTHER WORDS: Yesterday was a REAL good day, too.

Consider yourselves blogged, Mom and Dad (you're welcome!!!)

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

June 20, 2011
SPLASH! Photography

Phew, now that I got THAT song out of my head (thank you, ABBA!) who’s up for a swim, anyone?

[Cannonball completed by Hope (a.k.a. Robin) photography courtesy of Heather]

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

June 4, 2011
Children of the REAL Jersey Shore
(Now with MORE zeppoles!)

Wake me up when Septemberrrrrr ends!

I love the beach this time of year. The fresh, salty air is a bit chillier, which makes the water seem much, much warmer and, well, most of the Bennies (i.e., the cast of the Jersey Shore, mostly, ironically enough) have ALL gone home.

"When was the last time we were at this beach, again?!?"

I get it. I was young, once (shuddup!) and could NOT wait for Friday nights, in the summer, when we'd head down the Parkway to Seaside Heights and/or Wildwood Crest and sneak into bars study the bible, ALL weekend long!

"I remember, Momma, it was when we showed Dana the ocean!"

I'd forgotten. Yeah, it really was the day we introduced my bloggy friend Dana to the ocean — she's from Wisconsin!

"Has it been THAT long?!?"

Sadly, my kids have outgrown Jenkinson's Boardwalk.

Glen's 1st trip to the boardwalk — Jenkinson's 1999

It really is just the right size for little ones; ALL tuckered out by nap time (me, too) and we'd be loooong gone by the time the Jersey Shore night life, you know, woke up.

"I thought that ride was SO MUCH bigger!"

Then, before you know it, YOUR kids meet the maximum 48 inches to ride and, well, you know, you can't go back.

"Can we get zeppoles?!?"

Yesterday, however, was a GREAT day to get out (considering, September also translates to, "school holiday," in Jersey!) and housewife is such an oxymoron, dontchathink?

Mmmmm….the view inside a big bag of zeppoles (pronounced as zep-poh-leez) or, fried dough, drowning in powdered sugar, if you're NOT from Jersey.

"Noooo, I want funnel cake!!!"

Mmmmm…of course…(or, auf-cawse, if you're from Jersey) there's ALWAYS room for funnel cake!!!

"Wanna eat it on the beach?!?"

Bet you did NOT know we had palm trees, or blue skies, here in Jersey, right? Are they real? You know, I really don't know.

"This was really an AWESOME day, Momma!"

What we DO know is that there's SO MUCH more to Jersey than what some reality t.v. shows would care to admit, sort of.

"Too bad you ran outta money for the rides!"

Of course, it most likely will not be the one that my kids remember but, let's NOT go there…just yet…m'kay!?!?

© 2010 This
Full House Blog / This Full House Gone Shopping

September 10, 2010