I apologize for my absence during this holiday season, but things have been very busy and very festive as of late. I’m sure that you understand.

It is amazing what a little time with your loved ones can do for your spirit, isn’t it?

If that doesn’t fill you with holiday magic, may I suggest a little competitive Pictionary? Seems to work for our family… ahem.

Hope your holiday was just as wonderful as ours was! (All photos courtesy of Edward Winter Photography)

Ever discover something that is so unique and exciting that you just HAVE to share it?

A friend of mine recently introduced me to Rendi. INSTANTLY IN LOVE. Rendi has some of the most beautiful and customizable gifts and home decor items that I have ever seen.

Perfect for the holidays!

The minute I flipped through the catalog and website I started making lists for Christmas. (I’m here to tell you that I could find something for every single person in my life. It has become quite the addiction!) I found gift ideas for my teachers, friends, family members and colleagues.  The fact that each piece is uniquely created for each individual makes it a something that will not soon be forgotten.

A small sampling…

I ordered this beautiful customized “wall tag” on late Monday afternoon and it was completed and shipped by the next day. Talk about service!

Mary Kate Battles is my Rendi stylist. I encourage you to stop by the site today and try it out for yourself!

Note: The last day for regular shipping to get these by Christmas is the 14th, but express delivery is available! And don’t forget that these are also perfect for birthdays, graduation and other life celebrations as well.

Families in the region who are looking for an exciting new holiday tradition need look no further than Christmas on the Potomac at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md.

It is an experience like none other.

We’ve attended Christmas on the Potomac twice (2010 and 2011) and both times our family has been left practically speechless. I’m a  parent of tween boys and trust me when I say that it is getting harder each year to find outings that the whole family can enjoy. That being said, I’m not exaggerating when I say that my kids never want to leave the Gaylord National. (Neither do their parents, truth be told)

But this year, our visit was definitely over the top:

Gaylord has teamed up with Dreamworks to offer “Merry Madagascar,” a two-night one-of-a-kind Dreamworks character vacation. Kids (and adults!) get the opportunity to rub elbows with Po, Shrek, Alex, King Julien and other Dreamworks characters during character breakfasts, scavenger hunts, and wake up calls, ice skating and more.

Have I mentioned ICE! yet? ICE! is a separate interactive indoor wonderland created entirely out of clear, white and colored ice. ICE! continues on with the Dreamworks theame featuring 10 scenes from “Merry Madagascar.” Best part? The two-story ice slide that both kids and adults can enjoy, as well as a sparkling nativity scene made entirely of crystal clear ice. The structure took 40 Chinese artisans 30 days to carve the two million pounds of ice needed for the holiday spectacular. “ICE!” is open daily through Jan. 8, including holidays.

Coupled with Gaylord’s  already extravagant Christmas on the Potomac activities, which include indoor snowfall, simulated Northern Lights and a 7,000-pound Tree of Light, there can be no doubt that it is a magical experience. I highly, highly recommend it!

If you would like more information on the Dreamworks Experience at Gaylord National, ICE! or Christmas on the Potomac, please consult Gaylord National’s website or call (301) 965-4000.

FTC Disclosure: I attended the opening weekend of Christmas on the Potomac as a member of the press for Want2Dish.com. I was not asked to share my experience nor was I compensated in any way for this post. All opinions, videos and photos are my own.

Dear Middle School Teacher,

I am too old for tests. Please, for the love of all that is holy, stop sending home tests for my son to prepare for. Because if HE has to study that means I have to study.

And I don’t want to study.

I’m done with the studying. I’ve paid my dues. Done my time. I’m too OLD, I tell you!

Yet here I sit. Contemplating how to instruct the 12 year old in on how the geographical features of India influenced the development of their civilization. And as much as I appreciate world history, I would much rather spend my evening contemplating Demi and Ashton’s breakup or JLo’s new boyfriend or just, well, anything besides world history.

I’m sure that makes me a bad parent. But at least I’m an honest one.

Sincerely,

Too old for this nonsense

Have you ever been slapped in the face with a reality that you didn’t even know existed? Emotions so raw that you can’t control them when they come bubbling up to the surface?

Unfortunately, that happened to me yesterday morning in front of complete strangers. But more on that in a moment…

The day started out well enough. I was thrilled to attend Hallmark’s Moments Between the Milestones event in Washington, D.C. It was a lovely morning that brought together bloggers from across the area as well as some of the most wonderfully creative minds at Hallmark. (Yep. THAT Hallmark. Some photos here.)

What an honor and a treat to be a part of that crowd!

And it was in front of that crowd, that I had a little breakdown.

We were lead through a writing workshop in which we were to randomly select three words from an envelope to use creatively in a piece of writing. There were no boundaries, only time limitations. We were encouraged to do free flow writing and just let the words take you on a journey.

My three words were MONSTERS… WINDOW… GIGGLE. (Seemed easy enough. I mean, I’d always called the boys “my little monsters” so I felt pretty confident .)

What came out of me was an emotional piece on them growing up…

“They are monsters. Not literally. Well, sometimes. When they try to assert themselves. When they try to be grown up. When they want their own way. Sometimes I don’t even recognize them…. my babies.

They are babies no more.

I remember when they were small. Well, smaller. When they needed me more. When they were little and momma scared away the monsters. We would gaze out the window for hours looking at the sky. Gazing at the rain. Finding animals in the clouds.

I sometimes catch a look or giggle that reminds me of those times and it makes my heart melt.

It is hard to let go, however necessary. We still giggle. We still gaze. But things change. Even the monsters.”

When I was asked to share what I wrote, I had a complete crying jag of a meltdown. In. Front. Of. Strangers.

I know. Not my finest I’ve-got-it-together moment.

I’m sure some in the room were sympathetic. I’m sure some could even relate. I’m sure some thought I forgot my medication.

Looking back on it, I can honestly say that I had NO IDEA I was so emotional about this transition in their/our life. Our daily pace is hectic. There is not much time for reflection. This exercise forced me to acknowledge some feelings that I didn’t realize existed.

Wow. Dare I say, “Thank you Hallmark?”

Yes, I believe I shall. Now, please excuse me while I go hug some not-so-little-anymore monsters…

How about you? Have you ever had a moment or realization about something like this?

I was robbed, y’all.

Admittedly, I had my babies 100 years ago (roughly) but still… I feel ROBBED.

I’m talking about “push presents.” Push presents were not around back in my day.

According to Wikipedia, a push present (also known as a “push gift” or “baby bauble”) is a present a new father gives a new mother when she gives birth to their child. In practice the present may be given before or after the birth, or even in the delivery room.

And these presents aren’t small, oh no…

Rachel Zoe, stylist to the stars, was given a nearly 10 carat cushion-cut diamond ring designed by jeweler Neil Lane. Sarah Jessica Parker received a $6,000 charm bracelet after the birth of her son James Wilke. Tom Cruise gave wife Katie Holmes an 18-karat gold Cartier Love bracelet. And rumor has it Marc Anthony gave J. Lo a $300,000 canary diamond ring and a $2.5 million set of earrings, custom-made with diamonds imported from South Africa. (Naturally)

Wow.

Would I have liked a push present? Absolutely! But my idea of a spectacular push present is a little different.

My idea of cool push presents benefit the entire family:

• Five years worth of house cleaning service (Just until the little one hits kindergarten. Totally understandable.)
• A pre-paid spa treatment every month until the new baby… goes off to college (Back me up here, ladies. If momma ain’t happy…)
• A personal trainer (Hey, it benefits the husband too!)
• A personal chef (Who really wants to eat a meal created by a woman so sleep deprived that she can’t remember her own name? There is no telling what could be in that stew!)

So what are YOUR thoughts? Did you get a push present? What was it?

As I mentioned yesterday, I was thrilled to be invited to feature some back to school must-haves for Good Morning Maryland. The segment won’t officially air until tomorrow morning but I’ve got a copy early to share with you. (Props to anchor Charley Crowson who doesn’t have children but totally hung with me through the Wiggles and lice talk anyway!)

Here is some information on the products that I featured during the segment:

LiceGuard’s Robi Comb:

As back to school time approaches, so does the head lice boom. The Robi Comb is a non-invasive electronic lice comb powered by a single AA battery that detects and destroys lice on contact simply by combing it through dry hair. When the Robi Comb’s metal teeth touch lice, the lice get zapped, die and then get combed away.

They retail for $29.99 and can be found at Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid, as well as thousands of local pharmacies across the nation.

EMTEC Animal Series USB Flash Drive:

Kids these days are so high tech; with digital text books and internet based homework assignments, it’s tough for some parents to keep up! To ensure your child’s homework and digital assignments get to class on time, the Animal Series USB Flash Drive from EMTECH is a cute and fun way to protect your files.

They retail for $13 and can be purchased at Staples, Office Depot, Barnes & Noble and online at Amazon.com.

L.L. Bean Critter Pack and Lunch Box:

L.L. Bean Bags will last your family for years! These bags have bright colors and fun reflective critters for boys and girls. Constructed from durable textured nylon they also have a reinforced bottom and are water and spill resistant. They are tested as safe for lead, phthalates and PVCs.

They retail for $39.95 and $15.95 and can be purchased online at llbean.com.

Whole Foods A Better Bag:

A pretty, oversized lunch bag from Whole Foods. They sum it up perfectly on their web site: “Save the planet while lunching! ”

These bags retail for only $0.79 and are available at all Whole Foods locations nationwide.

What are some back to school products that YOUR CHILDREN can’t live without?

The boys and I participated in a one mile charity run together this weekend to benefit a local elementary school. It was the first race we’ve ever done as a family.

I’ll be honest, I had the inside scoop on this race and it was the reason why I pushed them to go with me.  I was told (by a super secret source, naturally) that the race directors would be giving away real finishing medals to the kids who participated. My boys are suckers for medals. (Just like their momma!) I was secretly hoping that it would get them jazzed about running and they would want to try another one.

I needn’t have worried. The minute they hit the field their competitive spirit surfaced.

In fact, my own son looked his mother up and down and brazenly declared, “No offense mom, but I’m probably gonna have to leave you behind.”

And you know what? Both boys smoked me.

I couldn’t be prouder.

My heart aches…

I sent my oldest son to middle school today.

As the bus pulled away I turned, stifled my sobs, walked back to the house and then … I cried.

I was emotional for so many reasons. For the overwhelming concern he timidly revealed before boarding the bus. For his anxiety. I wept thinking of the long confusing corridors, unfamiliar faces and surroundings awaiting him.

It was as if the release of my own tears would somehow lessen his burden.

I suppose a part of me mourned the loss of his childhood. Because middle school signifies the beginning of a new era. A new era where my son will need me less. Where, if my husband and I have done our jobs correctly, we will no longer be the center of his universe.

It is time for him to transition. To rise to the challenge and start trusting himself. It is time for him to take responsibility. For his choices. And eventually, his life.

And it is time for his mom to start to learn to let go…. eventually.

This week was an exciting one for my pre-teen. He got to see his Invisalign Clincheck and is one step closer to his new braces.

During our last visit, our doctor took x-rays, pictures and impressions of of his teeth and sent them to Invisalign. They were then converted into digital 3-D images. (Which impressed the boy to no end. Yes, I admit, it IS too cool.) At our most recent appointment, she mapped out our treatment plan for us, including the exact movements of his teeth during the process. It is estimated that it will only take 12 months for his treatment. (Wow! I remember kids having them on for three years when I was young.)

Let me just pause for a moment to say that I didn’t think that Ninja’s teeth were that out of line. Once I saw the video of how his teeth are projected to change, I was taken aback.

Here is a video of his teeth (one angle) and how they will proceed through treatment:

Technology is amazing, isn’t it? And those flesh colored dots on his teeth? Those are called “attachments.” They are glued to the teeth to help them move into place. Don’t worry, they will be clear as well.

The funniest part about this whole experience so far is the fact that my son seems to enjoy telling people (friends, acquaintances, random strangers… ) about his “invisible braces.” Their reactions range from “No fair!” to “Aww, you are so lucky!” to “Mom, I want those too!” Jeez, if he is this bad now, hate to see him when he is actually wearing the darn things.

Disclosure: I’m part of the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board and my son is receiving free Invisalign treatment so that we could share our honest experiences.

Follow the other #invisalignmoms on Twitter: @amnichols @thePOSHpreneur @HoosierHomemade @thenagainphoto @Linda_Sellers @AnissaMayhew @SugarJones