ClaudineMJ

Every winter I cringe because in addition to cold weather are the piles of hats/gloves. Trying to keep them in one spot is not easy. Trying to keep mittens together isn’t easy either. Then, I had an idea. In the back closet I put an over the door shoe hanger (that is never used). There are five rows and five of us in this family. Everyone gets a row (by order of height). Done. Read Full Story

So I am somewhat a Pinterest fan. (There’s no such thing as “somewhat”—you’re either sucked in with the rest of us or you don’t use it. You’ve been warned.) I saw a really cool idea of taking a large box (like for diapers) and covering it with fabric to make it look like a nice storage item. Being someone who gets a LOT of things delivered.. my garage is lousy with boxes. I thought I’d try it.     Source: designsbymke.blogspot.com via Claudine on Pinterest The Project You’ll need: Fabric Box... Read Full Story

I just returned from my first cruise. I have friends that have gone and come back glowing from all the rest and wonderful food they had. Let me tell you about my experience. Getting There First, while you can use the various cruise line websites to book a trip—it’s easier to use an agent. I didn’t know anything about cruise ships and our room location could not have been better. I went with Ann Marchese  ( ann@powertravel.net )  who specializes in cruises. She kept me updated when the price... Read Full Story

Several years ago my sister in law and I were talking about cooking. I told her about a new recipe and she sighed saying, “I’m so sick of cooking dinner.” I was shocked. I liked cooking and thought she did too. What was the problem? The problem was three kids and a husband and the day in/day out cooking for them. Now I am her.. I’ve got three kids and a husband and after 20 years I’ll be honest:  I’m sick of cooking for them. But.. I can’t afford a full time chef. Honestly,  if I could, I... Read Full Story

I would call them “holiday” but let’s face it—these are Christmas ornaments. Anyway, the kids have had 1/2 days most of this week (it’s why I have that nervous tick again) and I’m desperate to keep them busy. Today I said, “You want to do a craft?” and Annabelle and her friend Emily started screaming, “ yes!” Max’s interest was piqued from all the fuss and he did one too. Supplies Ornaments--I bought the glass ones from Michael’s (which are on sale this week). They have newer ones that are... Read Full Story

Yes, I cancelled my satellite service. Everywhere grandparents are applauding me and saying what a good mother I am because, clearly, there is too much violence and sex on TV. Hopefully, they won’t read the rest of this post. My action was not a platform for not watching TV (although I think most kids watch too much—but not my point). This summer, judging by other mother’s reactions when I tell them, I had a radical policy of “no screens” from 10am to after dinner. No computer, no iPods, no... Read Full Story

Last November I complained to my doctor about my sinus headaches. They were getting more frequent and more intense. Having already had surgery on my sinuses to alleviate headaches, this annoyed me in more ways than one.  I went to an ENT and he did a full blood workup (and other brain scans). Everything came back fine but he did look at me and say, “You know, you’re quite anemic .”  And this is how the whole story starts…. After months of taking iron supplements I had another blood test. My... Read Full Story

  I’m at the ER a lot. I have three kids; two are active boys. I was recently there with my 5 year old son Max. He had fallen and the back of his head required several staples. Finally in the treatment area the male physicians assistant said, “So what happened Mom?” I looked around for the man’s mother. Apparently he was talking to me. Didn’t he have my son’s chart in front of him? Couldn’t he take a glance and attempt Mrs. Jalajas? No, instead a man I’ve never met, my age or older, called me... Read Full Story

I am the only girl with three brothers. Was there a double standard in my home? Well, I was not allowed to go to the prom (or is it “go to prom” I always get confused by this) and all three of my brothers did. My mother would not allow me to even have phone calls with boys while I was in high school. In fact, one boy got my number from a friend and called me one night. She was furious and accused me of handing out my number to boys. I swore I had no idea how he got it but I was punished... Read Full Story

My son Duke had to have a procedure done today to look for, or rule out, problems. It’s not a life-threatening condition, but the potential is there for life-altering. I feel a little guilty saying this, but of my three children, it’s good it’s my eldest going through it.  The other two would never handle it as well. The procedure was done at the Stony Brook University Pediatric Oncology center . I don’t think we need to consult a psychologist about why I drove to the wrong building. I was... Read Full Story