Each stage of parenting brings its joys and challenges... I know this. However, as I reach the next bend in the road I get anxious because I can't see clearly whats ahead. My kids are 12 & 14. I have always worked hard to keep our schedules simple and our priorities of family front and center, but we seem to have hit a pot hole. Let me backtrack. This summer has been a good, albeit busy … [Read more...] about a bend in the road…
The Great Summer-Thunder Sale!
a CHARM*ing beginning Good Carma was created for you to share with those you love (including yourself!) And, no, I didn't spell Carma wrong - it is a play on words with my name Carmalyn! :) I handstamp and personalize charms for your delight. Check out my designs ideas on my Good Carma page https://yougotjoy.com/?page_id=9 or contct me to with your ideas. I use copper, brass & … [Read more...] about The Great Summer-Thunder Sale!
A Blog For Madi!
Fourteen years ago today my life changed forever. I went from simply wife to mother. The sweetest baby girl was placed in my arms and I cried. Fourteen years ago... My "baby" girl is now a high schooler. She will be facing the masses at KHS this fall. She will be a blur in a face of thousands. Or will she. Madi tends to leave a wake of laughter and smiles everywhere she goes. She … [Read more...] about A Blog For Madi!
G.O.A.L.S Getting Over All Limits = Success
I am a very goal oriented person. I truly believe you have to know where you want to go so that you can get there. I can still remember in high school thinking I will move to Texas when I get older!! Ha. one of my first goals I didn't even know I had. I remember a girlfriend used to visit Texas every spring break and come back all tan with cowgirl boots and say she was in Texas. I will live … [Read more...] about G.O.A.L.S Getting Over All Limits = Success
Meatballs = love
What a funny title for a blog...yes? Let me backtrack. As you know by now I am from the Chicago area and from a big ol' Italian family. One of my fondest memories growing up was every Sunday morning going to my Grama & Grampa Buffardi's house for meatballs & cantaloupe. Ok, I know that sounds like the oddest combination so let me explain. My mom has 2 older brothers and a … [Read more...] about Meatballs = love
Holiday (un)Traditions
Carmalyn Rose Buffardi Panzarella…..McCracken - do I have your attention? Yes, I am Italian. I come from a big wonderful amazing Chicago Italian family. Every holiday growing up was spent with numbers of crazy cousins, aunts & uncles, grandparents and parents… Every holiday was spent with tons of food, lots of noise, loads of laughter, volumes of volume… Every holiday was spent rushing … [Read more...] about Holiday (un)Traditions
Unplugged
"That's it!" I said one morning. "Today we are going to be unplugged." What does that mean??? the kids asked...no ipods, no tv, no laptop, no radio and no cell phones. YIKES... they thought. Off to school they went. When they got home they put up their stuff got a snack then asked me to take them to the park to play a mean game of tether-ball. I brought my camera and was playing around with … [Read more...] about Unplugged