Recently, a co-worker once asked me what I do to alleviate stress in my life. Some people go for a run to achieve a Zen-like state. Others will meditate or do yoga. I told him that for me, working on a good jigsaw puzzle has always brought me some peace in this crazy life.

I’ve written about jigsaw puzzles before, but I thought I’d give you a visual so you can see how much our family enjoys them. Everyone from my parents to my kids gets involved. Some of them think they are funny and try to sneak a piece in their pocket. This is so they can be sure to put the one to put the last piece in. Sometimes at the end of a puzzle, we wind up with several missing pieces.

Andrew got a little frustrated.Our most recent puzzle masterpiece is a general store. There was so much to look at, which made this puzzle a lot of fun to do. We could easily break it down into sections to tackle. There are several old-fashioned signs, flower beds and baskets of fruit to piece together.

First and foremost, we do the border first. I know others who like to do the middle and work their way out to the end. Our family doesn’t understand this logic but to each his own.

As you can see, we are missing a border piece at the top. This became a constant source of frustration. But after taking the time to go through the pile, piece by piece, we decided to proceed without it. We do have lives, you know!

This picture was taken after the first day. We get a lot done when we work together.

Over the next few days, we each find some time to put together a few pieces until it is complete. Jenna was particularly happy to find that missing border piece.

Jenna works on the green and white awnings in the puzzle.

Ta-Da!

We typically keep the finished puzzle on the dining room table for a week or so before taking it apart and starting a new one. One may wonder what’s the point of putting together a puzzle that you are just going to undo eventually. To this, I say it is the journey that makes it so enjoyable. You have to imagine the engaging conversations, the no-screen time rules, and the laughter that takes place around our dining room table. Jigsaw puzzles bring me joy, a sense of accomplishment, and, yes, those awesome moments of Zen.

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As I walked into the room, I could feel a mix of excitement and tension in the air. I looked down at my packet and briefly scanned the room. I walked briskly to my seat while simultaneously taking long and deep breaths to try and relax.

After what seemed like forever, the announcements began. I looked down at my card and up at the big screen to make sure I checked off all the boxes. Now, it is just a waiting game. I know my number will be called soon enough.

With each word spoken by our fearless leader, my heart begins to beat out of my chest. I await that elated feeling that will inevitably wash over me soon.

It’s just a matter of time. I must be patient.

And then, I heard it from across the room, and my heart sank.

BINGO! 🙂

Ten games. Zero wins, but had a blast! Thanks, ladies!

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It is that time of year when the entertainment world looks to their own community, pat each other on the back, and pass out awards in a variety of categories.

Wouldn’t it be nice to hand out awards for parenting? It might go something like this:

“And the nominees for ‘best keeping of a straight face while your teenager lies through their teeth’ are…”

Don’t we as parents deserve some accolades too? Where are our trophies and the damn goodie bags? (Yes, I know our kids are the reward…yadda, yadda, yadda. This is a tongue in cheek post. :D)

And now, as the winner of the ‘best actor award for staying calm in the passenger seat while your son/daughter learns to drive’ award,” I would like to put on my best mom jeans —the appropriate fashion for the occasion–and share my acceptance speech with all of you.

Thank you to the American Academy of Parenting Teenagers (AAPT). It is an honor just to be nominated among a sea of wonderful moms and dads. I know I am among friends here–the best friends in the world. I want to accept this award on behalf of all of us.

First, I want to thank my therapist. The $150 an hour fee is worth every single penny.

And thank you to my fellow carpool moms who wake up at 5 am to get our kids to swim practice on time, and then turn around and pick them back up in the evenings. WE ROCK! You, my friends, are the true heroes. (Cue the applause).

Thank you to my Google calendar, which keeps every single aspect of my life organized.
I couldn’t have done this without you.

And thank you to the fantastic folks at Rosalyn Pizza, who know my number and my order by heart. And while I’m at it…thanks to Randazzo’s, Nick’s and Domino’s for your never-ending support. I know I’m forgetting a few places, but you know who you are. 

Thank you to my husband, who gives me plenty of time to work on my craft. 😉

And above all, thank you to my kids because without you none of this would be possible. I love you. Now make sure you put your laptop in your backpack before you go to bed, so you don’t leave it home for the third time this year, and I have to drop it off at school.

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