Apparently I went to NYC...

My Mom and I took the kids to NYC for three days. We had SO much fun!


The boys's loved that it was Fleet Week.

When we walked into Dylan's Candy Bar (a three story candy store) the kids shifted from 'I am so tired and can not walk another step' to a pre-consumptive sugar high. We literally had to run to find the restroom as two of the three were in such an excited state that I was sure that at least one of them was going to wet their pants.

We formed many memories on this surry ride.......squishing 5 people into a mode of transport that was likely made for a maximum of three.......watching our 'driver' haul all of us uphill as we headed for the entrance to central park......the kids popsicles rapidly melting and dripping onto my shoes, pants and arms.....learning (from an angry NYC resident) that it was illegal to bring a surry into the park.....

The kids were troopers, we hauled them to The Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Liberty Island, through Central Park, to the World Trade Center Site, Battery Park, Toys R Us (with a ferris wheel), Times Square, the M&M's store, Ellen's Star Dust Diner, the Natural History Museum, Dylan's Candy Bar, FAO Schwartz, and to the Lion King.

Apparently Miss A had a birthday...

Nothing like a birthday on a weekend so that presents can be opened first thing in the morning!

Birthday Breakfast is a tradition at our house.
Waffles topped with ice cream and all the toppings!

I designed cupcake sleeves for Allie's cupcakes! I didn't want to pay for them (pricey!) and I couldn't find a template so it was a bit of work but totally worth it!

Allie designed and helped decorate these cupcakes - she is so artistic and creative!

I am so proud of my amazing girl. She is SUCH a wonderful person. I feel so blessed to have her in my life. She amazes me all the time with her maturity, sensitivity, and great attitude. She is 11 this year..........I can't wait to see what she accomplishes. LOVE HER ! ! ! ! !

Apparently I am playing catch-up...

Made a wedding veil for Heather - love her!

Allie's art was in a show at the mall!

Zack's allergies have resulted in a slight case of asthma -
for which he need periodic breathing treatments.

Matt was out of town so the kids took it upon themselves to decorate for
Mother's Day. They sent me on a treasure hunt to find my gifts! Cute kids!

Mother's Day tea at Zack's preschool.

Apparently Mr. N is a lover...

While riding into D.C. to see the Cherry Blossoms (on the Metro) Nick was showing
me the way he was going to stare into the eyes of the girl that he loved.

Paddle Boats in the Tidal Basin (Jefferson Memorial).

Walking around the Tidal Basin

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Eternal Flame (Kennedy grave site).

Life:

She is definitely a 'tween' and has discovered a love for shopping! I love it that she is not too cool to let loose and act silly - as seen trying on a killer wig!

Nick worked really hard on his visual aids, report and displays for the third grade Animal Fair. One of the greatest things about our school district is that they try to foster children's independence from parents 'helping' with their work. They completed 100% of this project at school, including creating their own silk screen for a tee shirt. The only thing I did was iron it on so he could wear it for the fair.
The hubby was not surprisingly out of town for our 13th anniversary (old! ugh!) No pics but I made him his very own anniversary cookies! We are celebrated with a dinner at our favorite restaurant 'Not Your Average Joe's'.
For YEARS I have TRIED to make impressive cakes. This is yet another example of a failed attempt that that was created to celebrate the birthday of a good friend. Hey - it tasted good!
Roller skating with the kiddo's was tons of hilarious fun! I wasn't able to take many pics as at least two of the three offspring were clinging to various parts of my body at all times!

Life:

As I update my neglected blog you might notice that other things have been neglected as well (see previous post). The photographic evidence from 2009 thus far indicates that I took the time to make and photograph cookies though I did not take the time to remember the camera at most of the events that have transpired with my family. Hopefully acknowledgement of my short-comings and redirection of time is penance enough for past transgression.....right?

Valentines Day brought many heart shaped things.....



Every year Nick picks up more tips on how to craft a truly magnificent Pine Wood Derby Car!



Nick and Allie LOVED playing basketball. I was the coach for Allies team (no - I do not have excessive basketball skills but I certain know more that a bunch of 10 year olds - right?). Sadly, the camera did not make it to one game or practice! Zack was not as enthusiastic as basketball. It was difficult for him to transition from soccer, where we had games for all three kids and dutifully cheered for all three kids, to basketball where we only cheered for two of them.

busy...busy...too busy...

I have not blogged on over a month. There are many other things in my life which I have not done in over a month as well. As a wife and mom, most of the things that I SHOULD be doing - I am only doing about as half as well as I am able.

So what is sucking up all of my time?

Cookies.


I launched my cookie biz officially in January and it has been quite successful. All other areas of my life have not been successful though and so - after 4 months - I am going out of business.

We don't need the money, but my kids need a Mom, my hubby needs a Wife, and my house need to be cleaned.

I am kind of sad - but relieved.

Other things that I have neglected that I am now looking forward to:

Going to lunch with friends
Going to bed at a reasonable hour
Spending time with my kids when I am not wearing an apron.
Having a clean and organized house.
Spending more time at the gym.
Getting all of the bags, boxes, and supplies off of my dining room table.
Doing ANYTHING for me that does not involve a rolling pin.
Blogging again.

See you soon!