Skip to main content

another winter family tradition


Growing up, my parents instilled in my (5) brothers and I the value of being together, spending time with each other and creating memories and family tradition. My husband’s family is also big on “togetherness” – no matter how big or small the venue is!

For twelve years now, my husband and I take the kids off from school for a week. It probably sounds like I don’t value education. Far from it! Luckily, my kids are great students. I also believe that they learn so much from all the adventures and experiences they get from all the vacations and/or trips that we’ve taken them.



Although I never thought a yearly trip to a ski resort is one of them!

Being born in the Philippines, my body just never got accustomed to the cold, freezing weather. It’s ironic that we leave New Jersey in the middle of winter to go away and be in a colder weather.

The first two years of our ski trip were brutal! Talking about freezing – below zero temperature!

As I learned from my mother, sometimes as a mother and a wife, I have to do things that are not necessarily fun for me. I just have to be part of it because the family enjoys it and most importantly, the husband eagerly planned-out something special in his mind that the entire family will totally cherish.

But can you imagine a 32-year old Filipino “ewok skiing? My husband loves skiing and wanted our children to experience the fun of skiing, too. So 12 years ago, I actually put on those heavy ski boots! The kids loved it but I was scared to death - I even broke my tailbone on the 2nd year that we went skiing. But I kept pushing myself because my husband and kids believe that I can do it!



Every year, we go to Smuggler’s Notch Resort in Vermont. You can say it’s a 12-year tradition.

It’s a special place where
the skies are blue,
the trees are covered with snow.

It’s a special place where
you can smell the fresh air,
you can forget any anxieties.

It’s a special place where
Old fashion charm still exists
And the sun shines
And its radiance bounces to the
brilliant white powder that wraps the mountain. (That's why face sunblock is a must!)




It’s a special place where
The kids learned the wedge, the pizza and the duck walk;
Kid-friendly ski instructors who are stoked
With the news of six to ten inches of snow!

It’s a special place where
the kids jump up in the air, ski in the woods,
Meet new friends from beginner’s level
to intermediate and advanced skier.

It’s a special place where
Families ski the green trails
the blue and most of them (not me)
the black diamonds , double and even triple!

It’s a special place where
We laughed, we cried, and
we Ben-and-Jerry’d;
It’s a special place where
We all temporarily press the pause button
To a very hectic school-work-growing-up routine;
It’s a special place that Daddy made into a tradition!

Luckily, we figured out a way to keep the spending low and stayed in the budget.
We only rented on the days we actually ski,
We didn’t go to the restaurant to eat,
We shopped at the town’s grocery store,
We bought what we need and NOT what we want.

The kids are great, they didn’t even complain!





Today, I’m glad I skied! It was just so peaceful, serene and just beautiful up there.
I love hearing the boys’ laughing out loud as they race downhill – all four of them!
I’m so lucky that my husband introduced me and my kids to skiing!
I wish that our entire family can experience our winter tradition, too.
With all the sore-bones, anxiety and anticipation, three things are evident:

My body remembers the reflexes of skiing,
But
My brain remembers the pain of falling.
However,
My heart remembers the joys of being with the family.
(We all miss our Nicole who couldn't come because if midterms/college).

-----
Photographs by Jen2 (2009)

Copyright 2009 © GottaLoveMom CJ Solutions, Inc Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited

----
Other related posts:

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Completed my first 16 Week IsaBody Challenge: Believe You Have A Purpose

My family is what matters most to me.  I’m 51 and a mother of 4 (ages 14 – 26). I wanted to be healthier, more active and stronger not just for me, but for the people I love.  I wanted to set an example for my family that we each possess the tools to master our wellness and vitality. I've always been petite except when I was pregnant ( when I gained an average of 50 pounds per pregnancy - 4 times!) Over the years I had tried various diet and exercise regimens, and I did enjoy a degree of success, but the results were not to the level I hoped for, and they were somewhat short lived.   Achieving stable, long-lasting results proved stubbornly elusive.    Then when I hit menopause everything became more difficult.    My body stopped cooperating altogether, and I was constantly grumpy. My waist and hips expanded and I found myself napping in the afternoons.    I started to accept the idea that there would be this new, less vibrant version of me. I just completed my P

SPICE-up a young child's development: social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional

Children are the precious gems of a family. When they’re young and innocent, they are like sponges that willingly and quickly absorb any knowledge and emotion. That’s why at an early age, we encourage our children to read, be creative, be happy and feed their curiosity. With all the technology and instant gratification that children get from playing video or computer games, asking a child to read a good book has been a challenge for some parents .     “Your children are not your children.       They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.       They come through you but not from you,       And though they are with you, and yet they belong not to you.       You may give them your love but not your thoughts,        For they have their own thoughts.        You may house their bodies but not their souls,        For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,        which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.” -                     Kahlil Gibr

Immigration and Family: Will my mom ever get to see my daughter walk down the aisle

Last year when my father passed away in the Philippines, I went home and took some time to visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila to ask what the options are for my mother to return to the U.S. The consul reminded me of the 10-year travel ban. That on or after November 8, 2015 — not earlier – or 10 years after my mom, was deported in 2005 for overstaying her visa, I can email the U.S. Embassy and inquire about my mother’s approved petition. I asked if I need to file another petition, and she informed me I didn’t have to. I asked if I could… and she stopped me and said to ask everything on or after November 8, 2015. This is where I am, and where my thoughts are drifting as I celebrate this month my 16th American birthday. I am counting the months, the weeks and the days. My daughter is getting married in January 2016 and I would love to have my entire family, especially my mother, to be here when that momentous occasion happens.

Helping others surpass their goals and expectations

"It's not about the end goal. It's who you become by consistently pushing to the edge of your limits." - Robin Sharma Do you ever wonder why you stumble on new things?  Do you ever wonder why unsuspecting strangers cross your path? Do you ever wonder why your mind takes you to a direction you didn't think exist? I was walking to StarBucks to meet my husband when I noticed a sign...

Still shaky, skidded in snow, but so blessed my guardian angels are looking after me!

"Never again wonder, what to be thankful for..."   - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life It’s yet another snowy day in New Jersey. Beautiful, yes but dangerous! In line with my goal for this month is to get back on schedule. I got up around 4am to get my 15yo ready for his Model United Nations conference. (Thankful that our neighbor offered to drive him to school by 5:30am ) I got my 9yo ready for school and I'm thankful that my other neighbor offered to drive him to school. I then drove my husband to the train station to Manhattan. I decided to stop by the Community Center and decided to run a fast 5K on the treadmill. I was 1 mile short because I was so sweaty and hot. (Note to self: dress lightly next time) While cooling down inside the car, I read Day 14’s chapter of Rick Warren's the “Purpose Driven Life” book. I felt really good because it just reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for no matter how awful yo