Skip to main content

7 days in winter – that’s all it takes to recharge, reflect and reconnect.

Winter break for my family means a week at Smugglers’ Notch Vermont




I still remember the first week we were here at Smuggs. It was the blizzard of 1996. It was dubbed the blizzard of the century – a severe nor’easter that paralyzed Vermont and other neighboring states.

We packed rented skis because we didn’t know that Smuggs had their own rental facilities – and discounted! We brought our bulky and heavy IBM desktop computer. (My husband and I worked in the I.T. Department).

Needless to say, I over packed the first time we decided to go to Smuggs.

The drive to VT was the scariest we had as a family. Thank God we had the Ford Expedition back then. I could still visualize the icicles that formed on my SUV’s antennae and how frozen the windshield wipers were. But it was an adventure!

The oldest was just 7 years old, the 2nd was just 5 years old and the youngest then, our 3rd child, was just 16 months old.

We thought we would never come back. What a horrible weather we had. Everywhere was icy, I fell so many times learning how to ski, but there was something about that week that made my husband make Smugglers’ Notch our own.

The kids loved the skiing experience. We all enjoyed getting away from the busy and hectic schedule of school and work. We all wanted to come back. My husband analyzed the pros and cons on a spreadsheet, and pointed out that having the option of coming here once a week in the winter is a great investment – for the family!



Even with so many tears of embarrassment on my part since I kept skiing to a tree or a building, that week was a special week.


This winter of 2011 had been long and cold. So a few weeks ago, I wasn’t really looking forward to be surrounded by more snow. But even with snow covered roads and mountains, Smuggs was just different – it is a special place! It’s our home for 7 days in the winter – and it’s a tradition I would like to keep. For how long, I don’t know?

The kids are growing…they are starting to have their own lives, their own schedule. However, my youngest is only 10 and he still has to fill up his memory book with plenty of winters in Vermont.

A week at Smuggs is not just the week of pizza and Ben Jerry’s Chubby Hubby, or a week where we jump into the outdoor heated pool; or a week of making new friends and getting acquainted with old friends; or a week of watching the Science Guy or Marko, the Magician; or a week of walking to the ski lift and skiing down the mountain; or a week of running on a treadmill or going down to the Village for groceries and gallons of water; or a week of sitting on the couch together – all squeezed in, watching a movie. It is the week that helps us focus on ourselves – our family. It’s a week that we get to reflect, laugh and re-charge.

Our 3rd child has grown so much – he is 6 inches taller than I, and is 15 ½ years old today. And our 4th child who just turned 10 and is a reflection of his 3 older siblings. He’s just a reminder that time goes by fast.

Smuggs is home away from home. We do miss the older ones, but it’s a place where the younger ones create their own memories of being together as a family. And just because of that, it’s a place we’ll always come back to.

Maybe someday in the future, I’ll be bringing my grandchildren here, too.


What about you? What is your home away from home?



Comments

Post a Comment

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