Quote of the Day

"Life is very interesting... in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths" - Drew Barrymore

A V8 Sort of Day

Did you ever have one of those days that just rejuvenated your soul?!?!? Mine was today, and boy, it was long overdue.

From beginning to end, I couldn't have asked for a better sort of day...from the things that I did, to the conversations I had, to my child's play that I saw, which wrapped up my day. Every aspect of this day, was something I needed for quite some time.

So I started thinking...what things can I do everyday that just makes me feel like me - separate from the family. So this is what I came up with:

1. Rock out to some killer tunes - dancing like nobody's watching.
2. Take a hot bath, with candles and maybe some softer music.
3. Go to the beach - at least once a week - even for 5 minutes.
4. Try to overcome at least one fear per week (are y'all up for the challenge.)
5. Do something child-like (i.e. blow bubbles, play hopscotch, jump rope.)
6. Jump in my car and cruise with my music blasting.
7. Pamper myself - (mask, pedicure, hair...just something.)
8. Buy something that makes me feel sexy.
9. Embarrass myself somehow...if you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?
10. Look at things through my childrens eyes...it's amazing how different the world looks.

I do know one thing, now that I have that feeling...I am not letting go.

Defining Moments

I recently was told at my work not to let what I do for a living define who I am. I have to say, I found it a bit odd as it was at my job that I heard this. But, it did get me to think...how do I define myself?

For the last nine years, in most instances, I have been associated as Shawn's wife or Tyler and Joshua's mom...pretty important titles to uphold. But when I am at work, I enjoy being Leslie, the person who has a husband named Shawn and two little boys, Tyler and Joshua. Does that make any sense?

Think about it though, when you are introduced to someone who are you? Are you so-and-so's daughter, son, mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend, lover, husband or wife?

Well, the one thing I do know that is however I define myself, I am honored to be loved by those people.

I Still Believe In Santa Claus

Do you remember when you found out about Santa? I mean, when you found out that what you thought, might not actually be? I do...I also remember the great lengths my parents went through to give me that one, last year of innocence.

Now I am facing it with Tyler.

Tyler actually came to know the "truth" during Christmas time when he was 6-years-old. The neighbor's boys kept telling him over and over. Finally, he came and asked us. Me, to this day won't confirm or deny. Shawn, however, felt that Tyler needed to know that he could count on us to tell him the truth when he asked. But yet, my little boy, though knowing, liked to pretend that he did not know.

Move ahead to present day...This weekend I went black Friday shopping. Picked up some things for the boys - not too much, just a bit. Decided to keep everything in the trunk as the boys do not have access there.

On Saturday, though, we took Ty and his friend to see the stage production of A Christmas Carol. I had to take Josh's car seat out of the car so both boys could fit comfortably in the back. Rushing, and not thinking, I popped open the trunk and gave Ty the seat to put in there. When I looked up, Tyler's mouth had dropped open in complete shock. My top secret hiding place, quickly became known. Fortunately, all of Ty's things were hidden, while Joshy's were right on top.

Tyler looked at me as I scrambled for some sort of excuse. Instead he smiled and said, "I know Mom, you were just picking up some ideas for Santa to bring to Joshy." All I could do was nod my head in agreement.

Tyler, no matter that he is verging tween status, just wants to still believe in Santa, and can I blame him? I am 30 plus years old, and every year I stare at the tree and let myself believe.

There's No Place Like Home

Growing up outside of Syracuse, NY, I new that I always wanted to move to the south. I hated the cold and snow and wanted to trade in my boots and winter jackets for the beach and warmth from the sun.

For the last 13 years I have lived at the beach, and during that time, there have been very few moments where I have been homesick. My whole family - parents, brother, grandpa, cousins, aunts, uncle and niece all live back north, but still the beach is now my home and I have no regrets - but around the holiday I miss it a lot.

Every good memory that I have as a child, came from around the holidays. Whether it was sitting around the big table with all my cousins having "sauce" at my grams and grandpa's house in Oneida, going to my uncle's house on Christmas Eve, roasting chestnuts on the fire and drinking fancy drinks that only a 10-year-old could drink or just having some special grandpa and me time when it came to Christmas morning, the holidays were always full of love and festivities - memories that I will always cherish.

As today is the day before Thanksgiving, I do spend it reflecting on what I am thankful for. I am thankful to my parents for my childhood memories, the fact that they allowed me to spread my wings and fly away from home and the knowledge that I can return anytime. I am blessed to be their daughter and pray that I can leave that type of legacy for my children.

It's That Time of Year

I love this time of year...the smells, the sights and the sounds. I especially love it now that I have children. There is something even more magical during the holiday season for me now that I have Tyler and Joshua.


Do you remember that sense of excitement when you were younger, knowing Santa was watching you (good or bad) and praying that everything on your wish-list would be filled? I remember and long for those days of innocence. But fortunately, having children, I have been able to see things, all over again, but this time through their eyes...and their excitement is contagious.


Today Santa arrived at our mall. The boys were able to see Santa and have a donut and milk with him. Tyler, being nine, and not necessarily believing like he used to, acted like the cool-kid, that is, until Santa approached him...knowing his name. For a quick second, my nine-year-old was a little boy again. And Josh...goodness...what four-year-olds eyes don't light up at the sight of St. Nick? This was the first year that Josh really knew who Santa was, without a doubt - and couldn't stop talking about it for most of the day.


Though, in all of this excitement, there was a moment when my heart swelled and I felt such a sense of pride as a mother. As we were walking out, the Salvation Army volunteers were ringing the bell as they always do this time of year. Tyler stopped, looked at me today and asked, "Mom, can you lend me some money - I'll do my chores - but I want to give it to someone who needs it more." I was so proud of him, and remembered even more, why this time of year can be so special.

A New Way of Life

For those of you who do not know, recently I began a position with a Fire Rescue where I live. No, I am not going to be a firefighter, nor would I ever have the courage to do what that job needs. Though, in the last week, I have had my eyes open to so many new things, including a way of life that is absolutely admirable and inspiring.

I knew when I accepted the position, that I would learn more things that I ever thought possible. What I didn't know was that it would be in the very first week. This week has been one of a challenge. I have found that my fears tend to control my life and that somehow I need to break through them.

For many years, I have also learned to trust myself and very few other people around me. For me, it was just easier not to be hurt by others that I let into my life, not accepting that they could have my back. I will say that throughout this week the most important thing that I have learned, is that with the right people behind you - you can accomplish the things you never thought possible...a huge lightbulb moment.

I cannot even begin to express how excited I am to begin this journey. I pray that if it is meant to be, that this will be where I will stay for the rest of my career.

Thank you to those who pushed me, encouraged me, and stood behind me, I look forward to representing YOU.

Oh, I'm bring home a baby bumblebee...

Ok, I admit it. I have finally crossed the slightly crazy and am a complete lunatic. Too much swine flu, copperhead sightings, surgeries...my hypochondriac self can't take any more.

Last night Shawn and I took Josh and the neighbors little boy on a golf cart ride to the Inlet. Both of us wanted just a little time to enjoy the water.

As we leave the Inlet, Josh starts screaming bloody murder...and his foot is bleeding. We stop and Shawn pulls out what looks to be, maybe, a stinger. P.S. - Did I mention we weren't at our house and that both Shawn and I are allergic to bee stings?

Needless to say, I am freaking out, yelling to get home so I can get some Benadryl in my child. Probably scaring Josh more than necessary.

When did little things like this freak me out? Was it when I became a mom? All I know is that the thoughts of my children hurt (no matter how big or small) breaks me into a million pieces.

Re-Inspiration

Sometimes I find it hard to write on my blog (as you can see by the 4 month lapse in entries,) but I had a little re-inspiration over the weekend.

A friend of mine came over to cut my son's hair. She and I are facebook buddies. We may chat every now and again, but really keep up-to-date by looking at facebook.

While at my house though, Beth gave me the best compliment ever on my blog - it reminded her of the things her grandmother would say. Something my children would cherish forever.

From this moment on, I promise myself to continue writing - no matter how tired, busy or crazy I seem to be, that way, one day, my grandchildren can read what thoughts I had about raising their parents.

THANKS BETH!!!!

Mother's Day 2009

We had a great day today! One of the best in a long time.

After sleeping in until 7:30 am (and yes, that is an accomplishment,) we went to the beach and had some fun.

Here is my mother's day greeting from Josh:

My Mommy
by Josh Yancey

My mommy's name is Leslie
and her works at her work.
I don't know how old she is
or what her favorite food is.
But her favorite movie is the dog one we
watched and she likes red.
My favorite thing about Mommy is that
I love her!

King of theThrone

Joshua 4-Wheeling

Stood Up By an 8 Year-old

This weekend my husband took Joshua to North Carolina to see his family. When he mentioned going, I suggested Tyler, our eight year-old stay home with me since we hadn't had some time together in awhile.

Years ago, Tyler and I started a tradition by going on some "dates." Daddy would give him the money so he could pay and we did something special. Whether it be going to the movies, bowling or just getting some ice cream. So when we had this opportunity I was excited.

Nope. Reality check. Tyler said, "Momma, I just want to play with my friends." So no bowling, no movies, and the only kind of ice cream I ate was the Ben and Jerry's pint I bought. Funny thing is...I don't even like ice cream that much.

I now understand that standing up a girl isn't just a "man" thing. It happens when boys are young and realize that maybe its less of a hassle to just hang with your friends.

Cooking Lessons with Joshua

Ok,ok..so the picture is a bit outdated,but it still serves its purpose.

I had to share what happened over the weekend with Joshy.

Lately, he has been all about helping me cook, so this weekend we decided to make a banana cream pie for dessert.

I was responsible for measuring everything out just right and Josh's job was to pour it all in the mixing bowl. When we were done mixing it altogether, I would pour the mixture into the pie crust to let it set in the fridge.

All was perfect...great dessert, everyone couldn't wait to get into it. As Shawn is getting ready to take his second bite he calls me over. Nervously, I walk over to see what the problem was...and there, in our beautiful pie, was a red magnet from on the refrigerator. When I asked Josh who put it in the pie, he shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know Mommy, but it sure makes it taste better."

Well, we all enjoyed our pie, and I am sure that it was because of the extra ingredient Josh added to the pie. Maybe we have a little chef on our hands.

Funny From Joshua

Today Joshua decided to run around all commando...no clothes...just his birthday suit. As he was coming down the stairs on his butt, here was our conversation:

ME: Joshua, don't slide down the stairs with your naked butt. You'll get rug-burn.

JOSHUA: (after sliding down another stair) Oh no Mommy! Is my butt on fire?

Free at Last (or not)

Whenever any of my friends had children sleeping with them in their bed, I just knew I wouldn't be that kind of parent. Why would you LET your children sleep in bed with you? I would wonder.

Then....REALITY hit. Joshua has probably spent a total of a month in his three years, in his own bed. Whether it be that he wakes up in the middle of the night and comes in, or that he starts off in our room, Shawn and I have had the little guy in between us for a long time.

Out of the blue, three days ago, Josh decided he wasn't going to sleep with us anymore. He was going to sleep on the livingroom floor (at least that is one step in the right direction.) You would think we would have been ecstatic...I mean, imagine two adults finally alone...how great!!! Well, neither Shawn or I were prepared for that big change when he went on his own, but that lasted a whole two seconds.

I, who have slept on my side for the past three and a half years, can now stretch out in my big bed. For the first morning in years, I had not one ache or pain. It was actually quite delightful.

Though I will say, as nice as it was, it is still hard to see my baby growing up into such a big boy. But, then again, as I always tell Joshy...he will always be my baby.

Is this true for anyone else?

Has it really been 10 months since I last blogged? I'd love to give a bazillion excuses, but realistically, I just haven't felt much in the creative mood. So many things have happened that it just became quite overwhelming, and I retreated into a not so creative environment. But now, I hope to be back at least on a weekly basis as I am missing so many funny stories from the boys that have happened.

Ok, okay...quick update. Tyler is almost nine...can you believe it? I believe when I began writing this blog he was five. It is amazing to me how time flies. Ty is doing fantastic in school...couldn't be prouder; but when he is out of school, he is so wrapped up in his friends that it is impossible to have five minutes without him saying, "ok, what time can I play with my friends?" In five years I went from being best buddies with him to low man on the totem poll.



Joshy on the other hand is ALL about hanging around and lovin' on his mama. He is all boy though, just the same. Ever since Josh was born, I knew he had a daredevil instinct and boy was I dead on. He is the funniest, most energetic three-year old I have ever met. He has begun preschool and is doing better than we ever expected. He and his brother both should be able to take care of Shawn and me when we are older as they are likely to be doctors, lawyers, racecar drivers...



This year we are planning our first family vacation (without seeing my family in NY or Shawn's in NC) to Disney World. Everyday it seems that Josh is asking if he can hold Mickey's hand. Of course, I smile and nod and secretly hope he holds mine too.