This Full House Archive

Category: So, You From Joisey?

Driveway Divas

Mom's Driving School: Holly, Day 1 – sitting in our driveway!

We live on a very busy street, so we get A LOT of traffic in the front of our house.

Like, in, HOLY HANNAH MONTANA, I can't even get out of my own driveway…GAH!…oh, forget this, they'll just have to learn to like eating dry cereal, kind of busy.

"Will SOMEONE let me in, already?"

Drives me positively mental and NOT in a good way, either.

"Oh, hey, nice to see ya; how've ya' been?"

On the weekends, however, I take back what's mine and, especially, if the weather's nice (like, this passed weekend) well, then there's most likely a tailgating party at my house!

30 minutes later.

"Yeah, I know, right, anyway, what time should I pick So-and-So up?"

I love it when my kids' friends want to come and hang out at our house, seriously, I really do!

"Oh, don't rush, we're here all day!"

Especially, when the stars are aligned and my husband Garth [not his real name] and I happen to be home, at the same time.

"We've got tons of chores to catch up on, too."

[waves]

Then, the next car pulls up.

"Oh, hey, nice to see ya!"

30 minutes later.

"Oh, take your time, we're here all day!"

Aaaaand, before you know it, there are 4 MORE kids running around the house and they are ALL hungry!

"Mom, there's someone in the driveway!"

Funny thing, living in the suburbs, I mean, one minute I'm cursing everyone (and their mother) and then, 120 hours later, we're sucking on our coffees (or, cawfees, if you're from Jersey) and shooting the breeze…in my driveway.

"Why don't you just invite them in?"

You know, I never even thought to ask.

"But, it's soooooo nice outside!"

Besides, I sorta like the idea of my being a "Driveway Diva," as my 14-year-old kindly pointed out to my sister-in-law, who happened to be over (whoops, and yep, I sorta forgot) and seems to also prefer visiting with us…indoors.

"Um, I'll just catch up with you later, okay?"

30 minutes later.

"Why is your sister's car still here?"

It was just easier to let her take my husband's car.

"There's too many cars in the driveway!"

Is it any wonder my 16 year-old hasn't started driving, for real, yet?

"She'll be back to pick it up on Monday."

Riiiiiiiight.

"As long as she get's here before the early train, or after the school starts!"

Don't believe me? Stop by, anytime, during the week, around the hours of 6 and 11 a.m., or 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. and, well, if you're trying to make a left turn, just fuhgehtaboutit!

I'll just come to your house, okay?

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

April 13, 2010
Just Don’t Call Me a Tech Blogger!
I break things (a lot) so, calling me a tech blogger would be bad (even my kids would back me up on this point) and I am certainly not the most connected or coolest mom and she's pretty much cornered the market on savvy (don't worry, they really do know their stuff) but, does it really matter what I blog about?

No.

If I've learned anything, in my 7 years of blogging (besides, the fact it's not a good idea to change from a hosted blog site, to another, before backing up your archives, der!) the most important take away (ready?) is that the words I write (or, choose to publish) really don't matter, unless I've touched someone, in a positive, or negative way.

Hopefully, in a positive way, because, well, I don't know of anyone who blogs to feel bad about stuff, on purpose, nor would I want to.

Still. Should it make a difference, how I choose to approach (i.e. respond to) this whole mommyblogging business?

Pardon my Jersey, but abso-friggin-lutely!

In fact, last week, I was asked to speak on a panel of (along with the aforementioned cool, connected and savvy) moms who blog (because, not everyone necessarily wishes to be defined by the term mommyblogger) about working closely with brands (there, I said it!) and not just because I'm an expert, or anything (because, I'm not, der!) but, I feel, to provide a slightly different (i.e., seasoned) point of view, when addressing online mom-specific communities, as a whole.

"I blog because it makes me feel good."

Actually, the point I was trying to make (because, some of us write better than we speak, ahem) is really simple: I enjoy making other mothers feel good (seriously, if we don't lift each other up, who will?)

My mission is equally as simple: to help dismiss the idea that anything beginning with the word "mother," or ending in "hood" should be portrayed as nothing, if not perfect (especially, in the media) oh, and pardon me if my blog makes me feel a little better about myself, too.

[steps off soapbox]

I'm not the same person I was 7 years ago and I'm not saying blogging should be, either (times change, you know?) and I certainly don't want to sound like a purist, or preachy (do people really read blogs, anymore?) however, I have to agree with Busy Mom in thinking that perhaps we should all look a little inward, before responding to all the negativity surrounding moms online — or, simply reaffirm the fact that there is a community out there, for everyone, regardless of what type of blog you keep.

With that said, here's a headline you probably won't read anytime soon:

Moms aren't necessarily all about the blog bashing and the comment thrashing, or into the drama of virtual hair-pulling contests, either!

I mean, don't we see enough of that at PTA meetings, right?

[ducks to avoid flying fundraisers]

Me?

I will gladly reaffirm that:
1. I am a dork (but, I'm not stupid)
2. I will continue to share my stories (sorry, Mom)
3. Also, share cool stuff I find online and try not to break things (too much)
4. While, hopefully, continue to give back to my community, in a positive way (without being taken advantage of, by media folks who still just don't get it, der!)
5. Because, well, it's how I roll.
Unless, you think moms are stupid, or blogging about nice stuff is dumb, then it ALL doesn't really matter, anyway, right?

Well, then, there's always Engadget!

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.
April 9, 2010
NWF Be Out There Challenge: Reflections, Senior Living and Shuffleboard

Me and My Mom on Good Friday 2010

DAY 1 of our spring break/challenge was a total RainFAIL! Then, Day 2 and it was time to send out for an Ark!

[wipes feet]

Finally, we were able to get outside and fall into a pot of fairy soup.

[sound of crickets chirping]

Moving on…I love that picture of me and my mom (up there) because, there really aren't many pictures of me, or my mom, let alone, the both of us…together…since, you know, we're the ones usually doing all the picture-taking.

My mom and dad are going through a real rough patch, with several health issues, right now (theirs and my twin brothers) and, well, based on years of personal study (what can I say, I'm a people watcher) in my opinion, hanging with the grand kids can sometimes have a real positive healing effect.

Did I mention, we Hungarians are a very reflective lot? We have open forums and very passionate discussions (ahem) about the meaning of life sort of stuff and, well, there aren't many secrets in my family.

Like, here, Heather is reflecting on the fact that her mother (that would be me) did NOT give her enough time to straighten her hair (seriously, takes forever) before going out…in public…and having to wear a ponytail (which she hates) and, well, I didn't make her smile for the camera, or anything.

I did, however, catch a quiet (albeit, very, very RARE) little happy moment, shared between siblings but…shhhhhhh…don't tell 'em, okay?

Then, there's my youngest, Hope (she's 8) but, her Jersey name is Hopey Baseballs.

Who's STILL reflecting on the fact that mom did NOT sign her up for softball…in time.

As, my only son, Glen reflects on the fact that mom managed to miss baseball sign-ups, as well, DAMMIT.

And, Holly, who insists she HATES playing anything that remotely resembles a sport (she'd rather spend her day reflecting on a piece of art in a museum, somewhere) well, even she seemed to enjoy…using the golf pitch…for baseball practice.

However, all 4 of my kids are ALL about shuffleboard; the sport of cruise camps, senior living facilities and retirement communities, everywhere!

Yep, we ARE down with the shuffleboard and, after 5 years of incessant taunting by their grandparents (i.e., I can't believe I've been beat by a senior citizen!) my kids are gosh-darned good at it, too.

Cross-posted to our 365 Days mircoblog project — where I'm taking a self-imposed timeout, every day, to post wordless (you're welcome!)

No, it may not have been a day in Disney World (seriously, we are
perhaps the only family, in Jersey, who has NOT had breakfast with a
princess, yet) but, it's nice to know that even a leisurely day, spent outdoors, with the people who love you the most, well, Holy Hannah Montana, the kids and I couldn't have asked for a better day!

Reflect on that, Mickey!

Now take your kids and GET OUT (heh) also, you can visit the NWF site for ideas on what you can do to get these kids outside…besides, promising them a trip to Disney…I mean!

[FWIW: I'm a Founding Mother of NWF's Be Out There program
– just helping families (like mine) get their kids outside and enjoy
nature, more – no payment was received for this blog post.]

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

April 5, 2010
NWF Be Out There Challenge: Day 4 – Here Comes the Sun (dah-duh-dah-dah)

DAY 1 of our spring break/challenge was a total RainFAIL! Then, Day 2 and it was time to send out for an Ark!

[wipes feet]

Moving on.

I'm scheduled to work at the gym, this afternoon (stupid braces, dumb college fund) but, I left the camera home, with my kids and, well, it'll be interesting to see what they come up with.

Yesterday, I decided to allow my 2 oldest girls to sleep in (as if, I could wake them, or I had any other choice) and took Doofus-Dawg for a walk.

Having spent the last 3 days home, alone, with 2 very cranky teenagers (trust me on this one) my 2 youngest were more than happy to tag along!

"Let's go and visit the waterfall!"

When they were little-er (yes, it's a word!) we would take pre-nap walks into the next neighborhood and visit "the waterfall."

"It used to look a whole lot bigger."

Still, there's something really cool about the water…even if it's simply rushing over an embankment…no matter how old you are, I think.

Not to mention, the moss-lined creek running through our little corner of the suburbs, in Jersey; who'da thunk, right?

Aaaand, there was lots and lots of onion grass!

Good thing, because the fairies, who live under "the waterfall," just LOVE onion soup; or, so I'm told.

Even though he would NEVER admit it (out loud) Glen still believes in flower fairies — yes, he does — especially, when exploring the woods behind our house, or hunting for fire flies in the summertime and most especially whenever his little sister is around.

We spent the rest of the morning, enjoying the playground at Glen's school and, yeah, it was a little muddy.

Still, it's sorta nice to have the pre-commuters' tunnel…all…to…ourselves…and, when you're 8 and 11, being able to jump, run and even shout at each other, without being hollered at, well, life was good.

Until, someone gets a little too close to the fairy soup.

Accidentally falls into said soup (yes, she's my daughter alright!)

Aaaaand…well, then even this Mom knows that it's pretty much time to go home.

"Wait, take another picture!"

No, it may not have been a day in Disney World (seriously, we are perhaps the only family, in Jersey, who has NOT had breakfast with a princess, yet) but, it's nice to know that even a simple walk through our neighborhood, during a rather rainy spring break, can become, you know, totally blog-worthy.

Now take your kids and GET OUT (heh) also, you can visit the NWF site for ideas on what you can do to get these kids outside…besides, promising them a trip to Disney…I mean!

[FWIW: I'm a Founding Mother of NWF's Be Out There program – just helping families (like mine) get their kids outside and enjoy nature, more – no payment was received for this blog post.]

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

April 1, 2010
NWF Be Out There Challenge: Day 2 – Send the Ark!

DAY 1 of our spring break/challenge was a total RainFAIL! Moving on. So, it's Day 2 and wanna know how it's working out…so far?

Stupid rain!

[FWIW: I'm a Founding Mother of NWF's Be Out There program
– just helping families (like mine) get their kids outside and enjoy
nature, more – no payment was received for this blog post.]

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

March 30, 2010
NWF Be Out There Challenge: Day 1 – RainFAIL

As a longtime National Wildlife Federation supporter (yes, we have wildlife…in Jersey!) I am very excited to be a part of their Be Out There Campaign and modestly tweeted, the same:

I'm taking the NWF #BeOutThere Challenge w/o March 29! (http://bit.ly/bTeL0C) 'cawse, we've got wildlife IN JOISEY, too ya' know! #NWFMoms

So, here it is, DAY 1 of our spring break/challenge AND you want to know how it's working out, so far?

[blows bangs outta eyes]

Well, feeling inspired by the immortal words of John Lennon:

So, this spring break. And what have you done?
Another day almost over and the rain STILL isn't quite done.

And so this spring break. I hope you have fun.
'Cawse, here at our house, we're watching old game show reruns.

So, happy spring break. It's okay, we're STILL not quite done.

Cross-posted to our 365 Days mircoblog project — where I'm taking a self-imposed timeout, every day, to post wordless (you're welcome!)

With 6 days left, maybe…just maybe…we'll actually get outside AND see the gosh-darned sun!

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

March 29, 2010
Wordless Wednesday
Ladybug Crossing

Cross-posted to our 365 Days microblog project — where I'm taking a self-imposed timeout, every day, to post wordless (you're welcome!)

Check out the Official Wordless Wednesday HQ
Tag, you're it: Wordless Wednesday

Also, got some freshly-brewed crafty handmade stuff over at my shopping blog: Klutz Fashion Origami

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

March 24, 2010
National Wildlife Federation
“Be Out There” Founding Mother
Representing New Jersey, YO!

Did you know that this week, March 15th to March 21st, is National Wildlife Week?

[sound of crickets chirping]

I know what you're thinking — what's next, Worldwide Pond Slime Day– perhaps most parents (like me) will agree (especially, if your children are older) these days, getting kids outside and away from computer games, Facebook, Miley Cyrus, whatever, well, you'd think I was asking them to eat dirt, right?

"But, it's sooooooo hot!"

Heaven knows, I'm no saint (shuddup, Busy Mom and I thought you said you burned those BlogHer pics, Jenn?) I spend more time, at home, sitting in front of a computer, than not.

Then, I get up, get out, go help OTHER people work out and, you know, sit in front of a computer, some more.

"Stay inside, don't forget to lock the doors, oh, and dinner's in the freezer."

It's just a little harder now, you know? I don't like my kids to be outside, when my husband Garth [not his real name] and I aren't home.

Weekends, however, are different!

I have no problem ditching the housework, or kicking the laundry to the corner and getting outside — especially, now that spring is, like, two days away.

Day 76: Family Photo Project

WHOOT, here in Jersey, anything above 50 degrees is considered flip-flop weather!

59°F | °C

Current: Sunny
Wind: NW at 3 mph
Humidity: 35%

Fri

72°F | 46°F

Sat

71°F | 47°F

Sun

71°F | 47°F

This weekend is no different; we've been invited up to Pittstown, NJ to visit with Hope's godparents, a.k.a. two of our most favorite dirt diggers (you know, Sassy's mom and dad) who happen to own a beautiful flower farm, too (yes, here, IN JERSEY!) and I'm taking my trusty little point and shoot camera, with me, to help celebrate National Wildlife Week.

Why? Well, seeing as my kids have been reading Your Big Back Yard and Ranger Rick for years (thank you, Grandma and Grandpa) I am honored to partner with the National Wildlife Federation as a Founding Mother of their Be Out There campaign, along with these fine women:

(more…)

March 19, 2010
When the Wet Gets Tough, the Tough Get Wet!

Photo cross-posted to our 365 Day Project

So, how was your weekend? Uh-huh. Ours? Well, Jersey got hit with a BEYOTCH of a storm, I mean this thing had monster winds of 40, 60, sometimes 70 miles per hour (so, I heard) it uprooted trees, knocked out power and left some of our neighbors without electricity AND gas.

Us?

[knocking on wood until knuckles bleed]

Just a few extra leaks, here and there.

"Uh-oooooh, found ANOTHER one!"

So, as my youngest children raced each other.

"Nooooo, I found that one, already!"

Playing an indoor-version of ISpy.

"Nuh-uh!"

To see which of them could, you know, find the most stains on our living room ceiling.

"Yah-huh, don'tcha see the pot?!?"

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I decided that yesterday would be a good time, as any, to leave the kids to their fun, while he and I braved the storm, for some more emergency supplies.

"Could you pick up some Clearisil…I need face make up…could you pick something up at Redbox…aaaand, don't forget the Cheerios, okay?"

Seeing as my two oldest were home recovering from getting their braces (YAY!) and the youngest kids, you know, can't drive…yet.

"Can we come?"

[one beat, two beats]

"NO!"

[lips quiver]

"Buh-buh-but, why not?"

I reminded my son about his sleeping over a friend's house and my youngest that she just spent almost all of Saturday, alone, with me.

"But, you took me to work!"

Okay, but I was training a new hire and, well, I did have her bring crayons and stuff…sheesh!

"Besides, I want some private time with Daddy!"

It's funny, raising teens and tweens, I mean (funny weird, not funny ha ha) how our priorities seem to change.

"Where are we going, again?"

Almost on a daily basis, you know?

"Lowes, Costco and…um…Michaels, I think."

[lips quiver]

"What's at Michaels?"

[hands on hips]

"I'm ALL out of yarn!"

I know what you're thinking; we don't have yarn in our emergency supply kit.

"Maybe I should stay home with the kids."

[one beat, two beats]

"Sure, then maybe you can get an early jump on the to do list."

In our house? I'll pretty much do anything, to avoid spring cleaning, except, maybe something illegal (kids ARE watching, you know?) and, truth be told, it's been a real tough week (for the both of us) and, well, what with the kids crazy school stuff (don't even get me started on our attendance woes) not to mention, my working part-time, into the night (thank goodness, I'm home during the day) Garth [not his real name] and I almost NEVER get any alone time, anymore.

[hands on hips]

Damned if I'll spend it cleaning.

[looks left, looks right and then left]

Okay, all I really wanted was to get back home, snuggle up next to the hubs and work on that crocheting project I started, um, what month is it, again?

"I'll get my wallet."

Just don't tell Garth [not his real name] okay?

[hollers uptairs]

"Don't forget the rebate check."

After a quick-ish stop at Costco for school lunch supplies, of course!

© 2010 This Full House – All Rights Reserved.

March 15, 2010
A Different Kind of Bird Watching in Jersey

I looked out the window and, yeah, more snow (blech!) but, I noticed something else; something I missed, while shutting off the lights and waiting for my husband to come to bed, at 4:30 this morning.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

Actually, this time, my son kicked me in the head, the dog rolled over my legs and, well, I couldn't really blame my husband for falling asleep on the couch, again.

"Oh, look, Mr. Cardinal has gone food shopping with Mrs. Cardinal."

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I could totally relate. In fact, shopping for groceries, or running to the corner for the paper and our weekly runs to Home Depot are the few times that we get to spend together, alone (sort of) except, maybe, the shower (you're welcome!) so, yeah, we do a lot of our shopping, together.

"I picked up some seed and filled up your bird feeder, last night."

We stood there, in silence and each smiled, as Mrs. Cardinal scratched and pecked, while Mr. Cardinal stood by and watched.

"Thank you for taking care of my birds."

He put his arm around my waist.

"You're welcome."

And, considering the precipice that formed between us, last week, I was more than happy to just stand there and, you know, let him.

"I wish you didn't have to go to work, today."

[frowning]

"Me, either!"

What…oh…yeah…I bet most folks think that bird watching…in Jersey…only happens whenever someone flips you one, right?

"Stupid bank!"

As it should be.

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

February 26, 2010