GottaLoveMom

Woke up, and drove to the park thinking I can probably squeeze in a last run for the year. Driving towards the park, I noticed a few really dedicated runners all geared up and already running. But not me…it’s just way too icy for me.   So instead I just did my virtual run in my head, grabbed my beat-up Cannon PowerShot digital camera, and clicked away! I just love winter wonderland! I’m not so sure about shoveling all that four feet of snow from this week's snow storm, but I still think snow is beautiful! When I’m on top of a mountain at Smuggler’s Notch, Vermon skiing there’s this feeling I just can’t explain. No one adjective to describe it. And for me, it keeps me in check about my faith, my purpose in life. That’s probably why I love coming here to “my” Park. The tranquility and calmness of a newly snowed-in park – untouched, pristine and serene . It gives me peace, recharges and inspires me to be able to do any task I put my hear...

. ..in my case, it's the spontaneous dancing around the house, the "ewok-ness" in me! The year is almost over! One more holiday celebration before we celebrate the New Year. It’s 11 o’clock the day after Christmas, I have a kitchen full of dishes, boxes and mess. I wish I can just twitch my nose and make everything clean, put away and organized. But in the real world….no such thing, ha! But it's okay...in due time, everything will be in place...   Someone asked me, “Jen, how do you do it? How do you make it look so easy?” The past few years had been tough. (It seems like I’ve been saying that for the past five years) . It seems like every time we seem to have gotten pass a hurdle, a new obstacle is knocking on our doors.   This past year, with the help from G-d, family and friends, and with faith, hope and love, I survived the year with a smile! Every night, when I close my eyes, I try to look back and review my ...

It’s already Christmas in the other parts of this world – especially where most of my family members are. Christmas has always been a special day. It’s Jesus’ birthday, and without today, our lives would have been different. A few weeks ago, my other half of the family celebrated Chanukah, and it was a 8 fun-filled crazy nights. Today, it is Christmas. Let us not be shy to greet someone a “Merry Christmas”. It's Christ's birthday celebration, so let's not shy about it. Growing up, Santa Clause wasn’t the main part. It has always been Christ. “ Misa de Gallo ” or Midnight masses begin on the 16th of December until Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Christ. And on Christmas Eve, we celebrate “Noche Buena ”, a traditional Christmas Eve feast, when families dine together around midnight, and leave a few settings of food for the “First Family” – Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Today, I’m busy preparing my traditional Noche Buena, which is totally different from ...

As I was taking a run, I noticed that all of the leaves on the trees I passed had started to wither and fall. I assumed this to be the natural order of things: the leaves grow; they flourish; and nature takes its toll until the leaves die, the branches fall, and the tree is barren. However, when I came across several evergreen trees, its stability and consistency reminded me that some are not subject to the weathering forces around them. This truth reminded me of our family. Despite nature’s toll, we always manage to survive and find happiness. That made me think, “Why is our family like an evergreen and not like the other faltering trees?” I realized that the reason why our leaves don’t fall is because of you. No matter what, whether you are sad, tired or sick, you are always willing to be there and encourage the family. I guess it is ironic that on your birthday you are the one giving us the gift, and that gift is you. I hope that this thank you r...

Once you have it, you will be hooked! Last night, I served Pierce’s spicy chicken wings and the wings exceeded everyone’s expectations! I ordered them a few days ago: $35 for a tray of 50 chicken wings. I know they are beyond yummy since I had a few wings at a summer party. So when I found out I can order and have them delivered – it’s like Santa’s elves and Cinderella's little helpers are truly helping me get a few chores done, without a hitch!