Goodbye 2008

New Years Resolution 2009

This year I plan to......
be a better mother
be a better friend
graduate!!!!
continue the Tubiolo tradition of Friday Night Pizza
finally get my house organized
laugh harder
get in shape
see the west coast
don’t sweat the small stuff
give more hugs, it’s a Spanish thing anyway
& try not to worry about what others think, I know who I am

Lately I have had time to think about what kind of mother I want to be. Our move to Texas changed our lives and our busy schedules pulled us away from each other in a way. I love that my kids have friends, but I want them to want to play with me instead, and thank goodness…. they still do. For a minute I thought it was too late but I found that my kids would still rather play a board game, watch movies, and hang out at home with mom and dad. These days will be gone so I plan to make the most of them now.
I want to make more home cooked meals and spend personal time with each of my kids: Ethan and I have Fridays, when I have him all to myself. We will continue to keep our play dates and mommy days for each other. Once he starts school, these days will fly by and be gone forever. I want to build a strong bond with my girls, hopefully it will make the rough years ahead, easier. I already have our first plans….tea house downtown followed by color me mine pottery (that Rachel recommended), I can’t wait. These are the kinds of memories I want to make for my kids. I want them to know that I am always here for them. Being a mom has been great and the best gift I could ever ask for.
I have lost friends and loved ones this year and I know that with each loss you become a stronger person. I learned not to take life for granted and show appreciation for those who matter in my life: my kids, family, and my good friends.
So as I say goodbye to 2008, I welcome the New Year with a sense of hope and happiness about new beginnings and a bright future.

Just Minutes

I only have a few minutes before I have to log off so I choose to blog. So...let's see...what is on my mind?
Well, today is my little brother's birthday, he is 20. Happy Birthday! Brother, I love you, miss you, and wish I could hug you. Mental note: don't forget to call him today.
Why is it 70 degrees in Texas today? It doesn't feel like the holidays at all. I am glad I took down all the Christmas stuff already.
Did crafts, played games, took the kids to the park, where to next?
I need to get to Kroger today, ran out of bread this morning...can't remember how much milk is left!?? With school back next week, I need lunch stuff!
Where the heck is my camera? Why am I always losing things, like my keys, camera, and phone??
What should I wear to the movies tonight???
Did I switch the wash? And why am I always doing laundry???
Aghhh, needless to say there is a lot on my mind right now. It's funny what goes through your mind, when you sit and think about it:)
I hope everyone is having a good day.

This Christmas.....

Christmas is over and I can see our vacation coming to an end. Just around the corner are our busy schedules, getting up early, packing lunches, having my Starbucks in the car (always on my way somewhere), and SCHOOL......aghhhh.

As I fill the recycle bin with wrapping paper and cardboard boxes from Christmas morning, I ask myself why we do this. I spent over four hours wrapping all the gifts, making sure they looked just perfect and they were all unwrapped in under ten minutes!!!!
I put a lot of thought into the kids gifts and tried really hard to get them exactly what they wanted. Sydney was a little disappointed, because the one and only thing she asked Santa for was sold out, so she didn't get it. So after a few disappointing tears, we had a talk about the REAL meaning of Christmas. She apologized for being upset and thanked Jesus for all the goodness in her life. Wow!
Without bragging too much, I do have to admit that I have it made: my parents are wonderful, my siblings are great, my nieces & nephew love me, I have real friends, my hubby and kids are healthy and happy....there is nothing I could want more.
I am so thankful that I was able to spend Christmas with my sister and her family, and some really good friends...eating, drinking, and being very merry!
I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas.

Tubiolo's Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The kids made homemade cookies for Santa tonight,
covered with sprinkles in green, red, and white.
Letters for Santa were left by the cookie plate,
the kids were so anxious, they stayed up so late!
When the children were nestled all snug in mom and dad's bed,
Nintendo's and American Girls danced in their heads.
Mom & dad in their jammies finishing all the gift wrap,
Had just settled down, so desperately wanting a nap.
When out from the closet there arose such a clatter,
We quickly ran to see what was the matter.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
The hidden Santa toys falling all over, oh dear!
As soon as the kids were out for the night,
we put out the toys and turn out the lights.
Christmas day will be filled with love and laughter so dear,
as the excitement and smiles on their little faces appear.
Looking forward to 2009 with family and friends,
As a new and better chapter in our life begins.
This holiday season has been out of sight,
so, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Santa Lives On

I was watching the movie Gremlins with my children. I had a list of things a mile long that I should be doing, my children should have been sleeping. But there we sat. The littlest ones fascinated by a movie much more scary than I remember. If I had remembered there is no way I would have let my kids watch.
I am amazed at how much of this movie I had forgotten. I remember the "Don’t get them wet!" and "No feeding them after midnight!" but the rest is a complete blur.
Take for example Phoebe Cates telling the sad story of her father’s death. How did he die? He dressed up as Santa and tried to come down the chimney and broke his neck. She ends the story by saying, "And that was how I found out there was no Santa Claus."
I looked over at my kids.... no one said a word. I didn't say a word. Santa lives on.