Mama Swan's Night Out - The Great Escape and Matthew's Two Top Front Teeth

On Satuday night, I had a much needed and planned night out with some old and new friends. About a month ago, I found a sign at a local club for a Journey Tribute Band.

They are called The Great Escape.

What a fitting title.

I had planned to see them, we got tickets for a few mom friends to get out and what an ESCAPE it was.

The pub where they were playing was a little tight quarters, but so worth it. I had a few too many Smithwicks that four days later, I'm still feeling.

On the way out the door to go out with my friends, Matthew yells "I LOST MY TOOTH!!" We look at him, as blood is covering his mouth from his front tooth that came out.

I only have one picture now of the one tooth, before my ESCAPE was done, when I came home Papa Swan said "The one next to it came out too!"

Now everything he does in so precious with his little toothless grin. He can be so bold and with that grin...we are just dying with love and a little laughter on the inside. I can't believe my little guy who just turned six has now lost four teeth. The ones on the bottom he lost last summer after a light saber incident. They are now coming in.

Everytime I look at his picture from last year on my desktop, I just sigh at the little baby teeth in his smile that are now gone.

Fantasy Friday - Another Reality Mom's Night Out! & more

Well, it's funny. Some people will say "How was your weekend?" or "Aren't you glad, it's Friday!!"

When your a stay at home mom (currently looking for part time work from home at night again), weekends and Friday's aren't the same as they are for the normal working folk.

For the past six years (one more week), every day, every minute, every second, every year....has been combined into one long and lovingly rewarding from Matthew, space of time.

Unfortunately, Papa Swan is still in between jobs, as well, so when he is home, it's like one long weekend as well. It's a good thing for Matthew, he has Daddy to play with him, to help me with errands and housework, and even meeting other mom's for Matthew's scheduled play dates, when I have been sick.

During the past six years, one friend of mine has been consistently there for me. My friend P, aka Twins Mom. Her heart and devotion to me and not letting my lack of phone calls affect her friendship and for that, I am so thankful.

Tonight, together with her and another wonderful friend, N (R's mom), we will finally get out into the real world on a Friday night. With other people that have jobs during the week, and still schedule dates with friends, or real dates for the movies.

It's something how something that simple, can be so taken for granted.

When I was younger, literally every week I either brought my little brother Phil with me to the movies, or went on dates with girlfriends or otherwise to movies every week twice a week...sometimes twice in the same day. hehe

Granted our financial situation, makes my enjoying movies at the theater a fantasy these days. Thank God for P's coupons!!!!

Tonight Mama Swan is going to see Revolutionary Road with Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio. The last two movies Papa Swan and me saw actually in the theater, was one before Matthew was born, and then ten years ago Titanic. He doesn't like the seating in the theater, and would prefer to watch them at home.

I am so looking forward to being with the girls tonight to see the reunion, in this movie. Their chemistry is unbelievable.

Nothing like that unbridled love to make my Friday night! Not to mention my weekend! Or year!

Cinderella is now back to reality (at least for now)

Mama Swan got an unexpected treat this weekend. On Saturday we took Matthew to have his pictures taken for Soccer, and then headed into Boston for a Get Rid Of The Income Tax Rally held in Fanuill Hall.

Before we went, I got an email from my cousin Jeanne who mentioned she would be coming to Boston on Sunday for a conference and if I had time, we could get together.

My cousin Jeanne is not only the most warm hearted, giving, considerate, loving, generous, and devoted person, she also has the most beautiful voice and sings for a band in PA. She has been in a band in one way or another for the past 20 years. She also plays a mean keyboard.

She recently went to Nashville to record a cd that was produced by the same producer for Lorrie Morgan (Country artist). Jeanne has opened up for Lorrie Morgan, Heart, Jason Aldean, Journey and a number of other artists over the years.

I am her number one New England Fan, and would love to see her go far. She is the mom of two absolutely gorgeous children and not only does she sing with a band, but works at a full time job in addition to that, and is part of the town recreation department. She is also very active in church and is blessed in more ways than one. I've always admired her determination, devotion and strength to not let any obstacles get in her way of achieving her dreams. Her children are so blessed to have her as their mom.

On Friday night when I had my hour and a half with TwinsMom, I was listening to Jeanne's cd on the way, thinking to myself I wish we lived closer. Friday night I mentioned to TwinsMom that I wish we were rich and could just get a place to go, just to watch a movie. I secretly to myself wished I had a room just pop up out of nowhere to go to, a hotel...but knew it was just a dream.

When I got her email, at first I thought I would just be going in for a few hours Sunday night, due to the expensive cost of parking overnight in Boston. She offered to take care of everything. I was Julia Roberts without Richard Gere for 24 hours. I felt like I really just became Cinderella, and my gown was about to turn into rags again, as yesterday morning was coming to an end.

We walked to The Union House for a beer. I got us lost and Jeanne had to show ME how to get to the North End. That would have never happened a million years ago. I used to be THE tour guide for anyone coming to Boston from PA. I'm just out of practice.

We had a delicious dinner at G'Vanni's in the North End. I had not had veal since before Matthew was born. At first I felt like I couldn't order it, due to the expense but she insisted. When they brought my plate, I was embarrassed because it didn't look like much. But once I tasted the Vitello Piccata, they had in lemon with capers.....................my dream just got more intense. Not only was I in the North End with my cousin, but now it came with taste. I have never had a more delicious dinner in my life, it is now up there above lobster.

We had Tirimasu and Canoli's and Cappachino on Hanover Street as we walked toward the harbor side. We stopped at The Living Room for one more (two more) glasses of wine for Mama Swan.....and then Jeanne helped me crossing the street to the hotel.

She saw a sign for the Hard Rock, which I insisted was not on that side of town. I had been there many times, years before and I knew it wasn't there. She pointed to the sign...and what do you know, she became the tour guide again...instead of me. But she wasn't in the mood for a crazy atmosphere, so we declined.

We then hit the hay, and had breakfast at the awesomely decored Oceana restaurant in the Marriott, overlooking the harbor in the morning.

Talk about awesome ambiance. And then as I was eating my eggs benedict (another dream), it hit me...my dream was about to end....I had to get home to meet Matthew for lunch.

Mama Swan flew home, to meet him coming off the bus. He said "What did you do at Jeanne's Mommy?" I said "Oh we had dinner, and next time she comes she is going to bring her little guy for you to play with and come and visit our house."

Thanks to Eric for being so understanding in helping me, achieve this dream.

Then my mom and God kept at it and Eric got to go for free to the Red Sox game last night.

His friend/old boss called him, and last minute my car made the third trip three days in a row into Boston and he got to see them beat the Angels and now head into the ALCS 2008.

I know back to mopping the floors, laundry, dishes, vacuuming.....Cinderella is back to just enjoying the memory. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

MNO, Daddy got him to sleep in his own bed!!

I know Silly Saturday title, but I have to give credit when credit is due.

Last night I went out for a monthly sometimes, every two month, hour and a half with my friend twin's mom. We usually are home before ten and last night I was home by 8:30.

We are both in the same financial area, and have limited funds. When we go out, you know it is just to get in my car and possibly get a coffee, or as in this case Wal-Mart so she could find some items for her daughter's Halloween costume. It really is just a chance to be around another human being, another mom for an hour or two. We've been friends for awhile now, and we both dream of winning the lottery (although I don't play), so we can actually stay out til 11:00 and see an expensive movie.

When I came home last night, Eric told me "He's asleep in his own bed, by himself." I thought he was joking.

But sure enough, he stayed there all night long.

This has happened in the past when Mommy's in PA visiting or with Twin's Mom, he is able to say "Go to sleep now, I have things to do", and then walk out of the room with no problems.

That's because He is not Matthew's teddy bear, or blanket to hold and has been holding for almost 6 years, that's been Mommy so it is not that difficult to see that he would listen to his Dad's authoritative voice saying the same thing he says every night. Good night son, I love you, I have to go "do my things."

And I'm not bragging that I'm Matthew's teddy bear, blanket or anything else, because I know that although I absolutely love the love he gives me when he cuddles into me and is so sweet at that time of night, that it is not in his best interest to keep cuddling with Mommy. That the co-sleeping family bed that we believed in as a family when he was a toddler, due to the circumstances of whatever was happening at the moment, is now not the best for him to learn his own independence.

Have to cut this cord..just this one...right now..................

Tomorrow morning, Matthew and I will go to mass and pray that it will go smoothly.

Have a great day!

The First Day Of Pre-School

Well, here it is today is the day. It is now 9:42 am and he is in school...yeah!!!!!!

Last week I started noticing signs that maybe this year will be different. Maybe he just wasn't ready to let me go last year, but now he is. Matthew has been going through the last week or so of being more interested in what time it is. He'll say to Eric "Daddy, What time is it? You're going to be late for work" (not really worried that Daddy will oversleep, just that he won't get up with him to get the day rolling). Last Friday out of the blue he said "Daddy, What time is it? You're going to be late for work and Am I GOING TO BE LATE FOR SCHOOL?" I thought Eric heard him but he didn't. I did....and the funny thing is he wouldn't be starting for another week, but yet he knew inside him that the time was coming and that he didn't want to be late when it did.

Yesterday was orientation for an hour in the morning with parents and children. We saw some familiar faces (including a little girl he had a little crush on last year at the other school) and he also made a new friend and they had their own little conversation going on at the Lego table. Eric told me it was like listening to two little old men. Matthew asked the little boy his name and told him his. The little boy mentioned that he had the Lego's at home. He then mentioned that he also went to the school Matthew went to last year, though in a different class. He then stated that he is now a big boy though going to the big school. Matthew agreed with him and said "Me too!"

I was busy filling out paperwork and talking to the teacher telling her of my apprehension this year of getting involved early on in the classroom. I don't want to bring up last years issue of confusion for him of now Mommy's here and next she's not. I want to make sure that he is comfortable first to the transition before I throw myself in there. Although I already miss not being involved. I wanted to sign up for everything and volunteer but I will wait.

This morning we woke up at 6:15 and I made him French Toast (I know Eric is impressed due to my body liking and needing my sleep). After breakfast we got dressed and you would have thought he was going to just run to school. He was so happy and excited to wear his new backpack, his new sneakers, to see his new friends. I video taped him and said "What are you going to do today in school? " He said "Learn". I was waiting for the playground to come out, but that is what he said first, so I was very impressed.

Before heading into the car, we proudly showed off his pre-school moment to our wonderful neighbors (Grammy R and Pa Man) who basically see every milestone in his little life on a daily basis.

He mentioned "ONLY 4 MORE WEEKS TIL' I RIDE THE BUS!!!!". I corrected him to two years, but couldn't keep down my excitement of his excitement.

I told him you have your Lightening McQueen Backpack and your Mommy is Lightening McQueen in our red car! "How Many Kids Get To Do That?" He looked up at me and said "One!!"

As we pulled off of our street, (for some unknown reason) he asked me why didn't Uncle P make American Idol?

I was trying to explain the amount of people to him and that in Philadelphia there were as many people there as the people in the stands at a recent Pawtucket Red Sox game we went to. I told him all of those people tried out too and that was only one city in the whole country. I said there was other big cities too. I mentioned San Diego and he said"Oh Yeah, I know". I said "You know San Diego?" He said "Yeah....remember the giraffe in Madagascar says they are going to the San Diego Zoo and then they find a rock on the beach but it is hard and not a soft one and that is how they know they are in the wild.." I'm astonished by what his little brain retains and comes out at the right moments.

He amazes me every day.

Then we were at his school.

Daddy had followed us there before heading to work.

We took him by the hand to the teachers waiting outside.

Yesterday they mentioned where the drop off area would be and that if we wanted to not go in as to not confuse him, that it was ok.

I took him in through the little door and the teacher looked at me and said "Well, if you want I can take him down to the class".

I hesitated for a moment because it looked like all of the other mom's were going down to escort them, but then Matthew looked up at me and held his arms out and said "Bye Mom!!!!"

So I gave him a tight hug and then walked out and said Have A Good Time In School!!

It took me awhile before finally leaving the parking lot, because I felt like Did I do the right thing?

Maybe I should be in there?

What if all the other mom's Stay and I didn't?

But I need my haircut again and yesterday Matthew told me "I should get it done while he is in school".

Another sign he was ready.

So off I went with my coupon for a $10.99 hair cut. I should have known it was too good to be true. I drove all of the way out of the way to save the money to get there and tell me they would charge another six dollars to blow dry and style and not including tip. I am trying to spread out the money a little now (tuition, hair, mom's night out, bills etc) so I declined and then drove all the way home. I am going to have to be more prepared and make a few phone calls first.

I wanted to have it done by now because Mommy has a Mom's Night Out tomorrow night and I am really looking forward to it. I really have some celebrating to do with my mom friends to give us a pat on the back for making it this far and for our little ones starting pre-school!!

Matthew's wonderful memory & HIM GROWING UP WAY TO FAST!

We had a nice time the other day visiting Grandma & Grandpa in Boston. Matthew also got to visit his much loved and missed cousins and Aunt so it really made his day. For the whole trip into Boston, he would say "Mom, Is this the town?" I would let him know the town that we were driving through and every time we entered the next town, he would say it again. It was cute.

Finally, we were on the outskirts and on a slight hill and I saw the John Hancock building in the distance and said "Look Honey!! See that building...were almost in Boston!!" He said "Yep! And down that road and then down a hill and down the next road.....is THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE!

Everything in his little life that he has seen so far in Boston, is so exciting for me to watch him experiencing it. Almost more exciting then first time I saw it. At my In-Laws the other day, he was looking out the window and yelling "There is a baby in the city!!" "There is a kid my age in the city!!" and my favorite "Mom, There IS A MOM YOUR AGE IN THE CITY!"

His memory is so amazing to me. Today we were driving home after going to the library and the playground and he saw planes in the blue sky with there straight lines of clouds behind them. (The kind I used to think was the rocket on Sesame Street making the letter I). He also calls them rockets and today asked me "Why do the rockets go into the sky in the morning time?" (It was 4 pm) I said "I don't know honey why they go in the morning?" He said "I'll have to ask Daddy ORRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE CAN GO TO THE MUSEUM IN BOSTON AND THEY CAN TELL US!!!!!

I said "Maybe!" He said "Maybe!"

I am so proud of him today (as always) because he is being my little helper again these days. Holding my face in his hands with his hands, telling me to take a deep breath while I am frantically trying to get out the door all week, telling me (again) to have a good time with my band the other night when I was going on a Mom's Night Out at a restaurant. I'd explained it wasn't a concert, just meeting other moms at a restaurant that might have little boys his age, but he still said when I left to have a good time with my band.

When we went to the library today, I was just resigning myself to the fact, that when he's with me, I probably wouldn't be getting any books for myself. He normally doesn't let me look around, to put it nicely. Today he pranced right up to the children's door like an old pro holding it for me and when he got inside he immediately went and played at the train tables nicely and quietly and would occasionally come up to me while I was browsing the books. Then he said something that made my heart melt. He must have seen Cailou's mom doing it. He said "Mom, Look at this book. Do you want to read it here?" We've always just check them out to read them at home. He said "Have a seat Mom" as he pulled out a little chair for me to sit at and then he sat in a little chair across from me.

My little date at the library with my prince charming...(sigh)....

After our reading we gently picked out movies and then I said to myself, let me try and see what happens if I try and carry all of the books already in my hand and movies and see if anything jumps out at me from the shelves as I walk by the fictional section. I can't browse the computer to look things up, it's just not possible.

When we got to the end of the fictional section, I was trying to glance at these tall shelves and Matthew said to me "Mom, why don't I take a seat here at this table and read my dinosaur book?" He is my angel, my hero and he is growing up too fast!!!!! I love that he was so thoughtful. He also said He wanted to carry his movies to the lady and then he very big boyish put them up on the counter. He then carried them to the car in a plastic bag and when he looked across the street and saw a playground and said "How about we walk over there?" I said "OK! Let's Go!!!" It was really more of a toddler one, but he was happy and so am I.

And we got to talk to K today! So it's a good day.....simple things in life make us happy. Being nice to one another and having someone love you as much as you love them unconditionally.

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

I wasn't going to get to post today, because I have been busy spring cleaning again, laundry and recycling for trash day tomorrow.

I am going out tonight with a group of moms online that I recently joined. They are having a Moms Night Out at a nearby restaurant. Matthew and I will be joining them at a Children's Museum on Monday.

Matthew has a habit of pulling my pony tails out of my hair because he likes to put his fingers through my hair. I have been at my wits end trying to keep myself from cutting it short because I know that this time, once it's cut, it's staying short forever. I would rather just get out and go, not spend 1/2 hour or more straightening, curling, product, big hair brush, etc... I've always loved longer hair, but now with grays coming in more and more, it will be more cost effective to keep it short to color and keep up with and just easier in general for me. I hate wearing baseball hats and I have been wearing them every time I leave the house for the last 2 years. Even after I get it trimmed. If I don't have the time that day, to put the product in and I am going to have to look ridiculous with fly aways and grays poking up, I'm wearing a manly hat!

Anyway, today Matthew pulled my pony tail out of my hair as he was falling asleep next to me on my bed and he threw it on the floor. An hour or so ago, I was upstairs frantically looking through my closet trying to figure out what I'm going to wear. I have 60 tops and two pairs of jeans that look right on me and fit me right. But I stood in front of my closet, looking at my limited pairs of shoes and was having a little panic attack. Like I know the first day of spring was last week, but it is cold enough to wear suede!!! And I love my suede clogs with my little light suede coat!! But then I would need my suede purse and then it would just be too fall!!!

It has been so long since I saw the world and what they are wearing!! See this is my problem. I used to love watching (Before Matthew), Entertainment shows and the red carpet. I used to love painting my nails and always having my shoes match my purse. I have become so hideous. I watch now those shows of people coming to your house to give you a complete make-over, and I wish they would pick me. Although if anyone nominated me I also know, I would cry with my feelings hurt.

Anyway, to put things in perspective, Matthew found the pony tail he had thrown off of my bed today while I was frantically going through my shirts and shoes. He said "Mommy, (with a sly grin) How Did This Get H--e----rrrrr----eeee??? (with that little nah nah nah nah nah sound in the word here)

I said, "Gee I don't know how that got there". He said "Mom, You Look Pretty with your hair like that, Don't Put Your Hair in a Ponytail!!!".

I can't help smiling now. It's nice to have my prince charming think Mommy's pretty. I am going to eat it up while I can, and keep it long a little while longer and just wear my pair of Levis with a shirt and chill out and enjoy myself tonight.

67 degrees, then snow? Only in New England & Mom's night out

Well, I'm not going to be talking about that "d" word anymore:-)

Yesterday we got out for a little while and it was 67 degrees:-) Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were so happy just to be outside and Matthew is really appreciating spring coming and living on the lake. He wanted to fish, but Daddy didn't have any rods hooked up so I told him next week.

So, he had fun anyway looking for worms under some logs we use as landscape edging down by the lake. He found a string and was so cute hooking it onto branches hanging over the water, telling me he was going to catch a fish. I didn't spoil his fun. He was just loving being out and enjoying nature. He even mentioned we had a sting ray and a jelly fish in the water. I tried to tell him it was algae and explain what it was. He kept asking if it was going to bite him.

I got a book the other day at the library on birds of the Northeast by James Audobon. Matthew loves this book and every time he heard a bird chirp, he'd yell" Mom, get my bird book".

Then last night, the weatherman said tomorrow rain and in the evening and Friday, possible nor'easter and snow/sleet! What!!! Listen, Mr. Weatherman, we are done with that season!! No more!! How am I going to explain to my son why there is snow again? And that it will be cold again!!

They say if you want to know when the weather will change in New England, just to wait two minutes. I know that this is happening outside of MA also, but I don't care. I'm sick of it. We just want sunny warm days at the park, zoo's, playgrounds and on the lake...is that too much to ask? LOL

I am looking forward to Saturday night. I am going with a mom/friend of mine who has been trying to get me to hear this girl in concert for over a year. We had tickets to see her in January and she cancelled due to Laryngitis and rescheduled for Saturday night. It has been a long wait, but we are going to have fun. The artist's name is Cheryl Wheeler. My friend burned me her CD, and she's pretty good. I love Jann Arden and she is similar in that she has a comedic performing intimate quality to her shows, so it will be nice to escape life in my mind for awhile.

Then on Sunday, we will go into Boston for their famous St. Patrick's Day Parade:-) Hopefully the weather will be decent that day.