It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s a Supermoon!

Posted on May 5, 2012 by mommydaybyday

You might find yourself wondering what you are looking at tonight when you gaze up at the night sky. Have no worries it’s not an apocalyptic event rather it is what scientists have coined a  “Supermoon”

Even if you normally are not a star gazer you should take a peak because tonight’s views are promising to be amazing.

Tonight’s moon will seem much larger in the sky which will afford the beautiful views many will hope to see.

So what is a supermoon? A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbital path comes closest to the Earth within 12 hours of a full moon. Tonight’s moon will only be 221,802 miles away from the Earth and the moon will become its fullest about a minute later. Perfect timing for outstanding views. During a supermoon the moon appears 14% larger and 30% brighter. The view is actually just an optical illusion. The moon is really no larger but just seems larger due to its proximity.

Besides a gorgeous view what can we expect from a supermoon? Volcanoes… Earthquakes… Tsunamis…. We can all sleep easy even though theories abound on the internet there is no noticeable difference between a supermoon and a full moon.

Scientist insist the myth that a full moon brings out the crazies is just that a myth. I beg to differ. I find myself saying often… must be a full moon. Full moons definitely bring out the crazy. Tonight I will be on the lookout for “supercrazies” to go along with the “supermoon.”

So tonight while you are celebrating Cinco De Mayo don’t forget to put down your margarita around 11:15 and venture outside to see what is promising to be an awesome sight.

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Happy 94th Birthday Grandma!

Posted on May 4, 2012 by mommydaybyday

Happy 94th Birthday Grandma!

An undated picture of my grandmother, she must be 2 or 3 in this photo

My Grandma was too cute!

My Grandma on her 94th Birthday

I love my Grandma, she is the best. She is an extraordinary woman. 94 year’s old it is just amazing. I am exhausted at 39 I can’t imagine 94!

It is hard to appreciate just how much the world has changed since she was born. Women didn’t even have the right to vote. Our world today barely resembles the one she grew up in. Her world was one without ipads, computers, telephones, cell phones,  internet, or television sets. All of the things we deem necessities and consistently use on a daily basis simply did not exist. Admit it you shuddered a little of the thought of no tv and no cell phone. Come on I am not the only one addicted to my cell phone.

The amount of technology and the rapid pace that the world has advanced must seem mind boggling to a person who has lived through it all.

Life has radically changed since 1918. Forget inventions and technology think about the history she has lived through.  Two World Wars, The Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, The Space Race, the Moon Landing, the Kennedy Assassination, the Civil Rights Movement, The Cold War, The Korean War and Vietnam,  and countless other historic events. Better than any history book is an afternoon with Grandma.

The key to her longevity is flexibility. Although, she didn’t always agree with the direction the world was going in she always took it in stride. A lesson we could all benefit from.

My whole life my grandmother was an integral part of my life. She visited every week and took us shopping, walked us to school on the first day every year. Every important event of my life my grandmother was always there giving her love and support. There were countless sleep overs at her house and many walks to the local convenience store to get comic books.

And of course it goes without saying I am her absolute favorite of the 8 great-grandchildren!

Today she lives with my mother and my children benefit from seeing her everyday. It teaches my children that it is important to respect and care for their elders. A good lesson I hope they remember.

When I get home from work it always gives me a smile to see Grandma watching Power Rangers and Dora with my 4 year old. They are so lucky that they have a great-grandmother who is with it and who they enjoy spending time with.

They are so fortunate that she has been by their sides, just as she was for me, at all of the important events in their young lives. I am sure one day they will look back on their childhoods and be so grateful for the time they had with her.

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Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater…

Posted on May 3, 2012 by mommydaybyday

NY Post Photo

 Honestly sometimes I wonder what is going on in this world.  Do you realize that there is an online dating site for married people completely dedicated to facilitating affairs? In protest to this site I refuse to even mention them by name. Considering they have 13 million subscribers I don’t believe my one blog boycott will hurt business much… but it it’s the principal.

What’s worse is that this week the Unnamed site released a survey showing the top ten spots where their subscribers live. Proudly each of the top sites are in New York. Number one and number ten were Great Neck and Garden City both Long Island towns and both a short car ride from my house. I am thinking maybe it is time to move!

The NY Post picked up the story and their spin was that all of the towns in the to 10 are wealthy areas. The suggestion being that wealthy residents have the means and opportunity to conduct extramarital affairs. Never was there more proof that money can’t buy you happiness.

The site’s tag line is “Life is short have an affair”

Really??? How about “Till Death Do Us Part”

It’s not that I am against divorce, well I am not for divorce but I understand sometimes that it is necessary. My own parents were divorced when I was in sixth grade so I completely get it. When a husband and wife decide they can’t make it work I am no one to judge.

However to actively pursue a discreet affair is something else entirely. It is just something I can’t wrap my head around. It’s online dating for married people! Rather than get divorced this site encourages you to stay married and get a lover.

It makes you wonder about the people who are members.

It makes you wonder about the person who dreamed this site up?

Interestingly enough I have actually heard the CEO of the Unnamed Site being interviewed on the radio. He defended his site by explaining that his original intention was to start a regular online dating site. However, his research showed that many of those listed on online dating sites were in fact married and trying to pass themselves off as single. Realizing there was a market there he began his site for married people who wanted to have an affair.

It is definitely a modern spin on “If you like Pina Coladas”

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Wow I am quite an artist!

Posted on May 1, 2012 by mommydaybyday

Well not really but I feel like one. This is my masterpiece! I created it at Claytime in Huntington, New York.  I am very impressed with my artistic ability.  I tend to get a little carried away with myself, this might be one of those times. I think I will keep my day job.

I was searching for something fun to do with the kids on our last day of Spring Break. The weather wasn’t cooperating, it wasn’t very springy so outdoor activities were out.  Thankfully my friend came up with Claytime which was both indoors and fun.

There are several of these clay studios/stores in the area. It is great because everyone gets to pretend they are an artist for an afternoon. The kids love it but for adults it is especially fun because when was the last time you were able to let your creative juices flow? Maybe art class in elementary school… And how long ago was that?

When you enter the studio you get to choose what clay piece you want to paint. The pieces are all lined up on shelves with prices clearly labeled. Prices run the gamut and they have everything from cups to plates to banks to statues. Anything you can imagine is there to paint. Of course the tricky part is trying to convince your child to choose a piece that won’t break the bank but at the same time won’t take up too much room in your house. Or better yet try and convince them to choose something useful.

My oldest chose a huge coffee cup reminiscent of the cups Rachel and Ross used at Coffee Perks on Friends. Very useful! My middle chose a bank, she is quite the money saver so at least it will serve a purpose. The youngest chose a princess jewelry box. Well she is a princess and has a lot of jewelry!

Once you have made your choice you can choose up to six colors on you palette. The staff sets you up and there are a plethora of brushes of all different types and sizes available. The even have stamps for decorating your piece, lest anyone think I actually painted that design on my plate.

In addition to the price of the clay piece you also pay a fee for the studio per person.  At Claytime the cost was $8 for adults and $6 for children. The price also includes glazing and firing as well as helpful staff who are on hand to help the kids with their projects. The pieces are not available to take home immediately you have to return in a week to pick them up. However, it is worth the wait because they look so professional when the are completed regardless of the painting job.

Like almost every other establishment on the planet they offer birthday parties in addition to open studio hours. There is even an adults only night on Thursdays where you can bring in food and drink. I am thinking a bottle of wine and a mommy’s night out… Maybe as soon as I have a free night… Wondering when that will be?

But until then I will be finding a prominent place in my dinning room to hang my masterpiece!

Our finished pieces!

We all had a really great time at Claytime!

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My first sleep over

Posted on April 30, 2012 by mommydaybyday

My First Sleep Over!

My oldest didn’t attend her first real sleep over until she was in second grade. Although, she had spent the night with relatives she had never slept at a friend’s house. I would never have thought to let her sleep over a friend’s house before that. She was just too young.

My middle daughter… I can’t even remember her first sleep over. Typical middle child gets a little lost in the shuffle.( I have no problem saying this since I am also a middle child.) However, it was definitely before second grade I think maybe first grade.

My third daughter first sleep over at a friend’s house… age 4!

Her friend Emily’s dad, texted me earlier in the week and inquired if Amelia would like to have a sleep over on Saturday. My husband and I are friends with the family so I felt comfortable with her sleeping there. Not sure if Amelia even wanted to have a sleep over I asked her. She jumped at the chance to sleep at Emily’s house. Of course being a typical 4 year old she then asked if we were going right then. I said.” No, Saturday.” Nevertheless she proceeded to repeat every night, “Is tonight the night I go to Emily’s?”

Forget for a second that I wouldn’t have even dreamed of allowing my older daughters to sleep out at such a young age, I don’t think they would have even been ready to. This is not the case with Amelia, she is so eager to do everything her sisters do. The youngest child definitely seems to grow up fastest! Funny because she is the one I would like to keep young the longest! Definitely the youngest are exposed to things so much earlier because of their older siblings. It certainly seems like the age you permit your child to do something lowers with each child.

I have a friend, Kelly, who has a sibling who is much younger than her. She once told me it was like her sister had two totally different parents than she had growing up. I kind of get that now.

On Saturday she was so excited. Her Minnie Mouse suitcase was packed and ready to go early in the day. Keep in mind it had one pajama, one pair of underwear, one dress, toothbrush and toothpaste which took up about 1/4 of the suitcase. The rest of the suitcase had all her stuffed animals. She painstakingly picked out which animals would attend the sleep over. When she had no more room in her suitcase she announced that Happy Napper and Minnie Mouse didn’t want to come because they didn’t like meeting new people!

When I dropped her off she barely said goodbye to me and ran off to the basement to play with her friend. She was a little put out that I forced her back up to take a picture with Emily for this post. Her response was “Really Mom, for Mommy Day By Day?” She is a character!

It was a little surreal after I dropped her off. The house seemed strangely quite without Amelia. I am used to the other girls having plans and going to friends’ houses. But Amelia is always home with me.

I texted Eddie, the dad several times but he and his wife, Kim are the best and told me not to worry the sleep over was going great. I waited all night for the call to come to pick her up… but it never came.

She had a great time and can’t wait for her next sleep over.

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