Purplicious

So, when Mark was almost four, we let him choose a color for his room. He choose Benjamin Moore's Blue Spa Green, and his room looks fabulous. Naomi is almost four, and her room has been the same Aquarium Style room as when we moved into the house in 1998.

She wanted Benjamin Moore's Purple Hyacinth. Now, when Mark had his room painted, we had a few rooms painted by a painter. Naomi's room is the only room that was being painted, and I thought, I could do it myself. I got the primer, paint and supplies. . . . and started to prep the room with the blue tape, tarp large pieces of furniture, etc.

Two days later, this is what we have.

Holiday Lunch at Work

You all know how much I like to bake. This past weekend during the snow storm, I had a blast: homemade oreo cookies, oreo balls, chocolate chip cookies, snicker doodles, sugar cookies and bread. Today was the day that Adam and I shared the goods. I gave Adam a platter of cookies to take to work, and a BIG box of oreo balls.

Today was our holiday party at work, so I took a cookie platter, a box of oreo balls and a candied cranberry chocolate tart to work. Some background, this is my first year at my job, so I really wanted to wow my co-workers. I bake cookies and brownies all the time. This dessert is a real show stopper. The lunch was ordered from Dom's and then dessert was pot luck. People really liked the presentation of the tart. A few people had no idea that there was chocolate under the shiny candied cranberries. Many people asked for the recipe, which I was happy to give.

I am proud to say that the tart had no leftovers, and the chocolate chip cookies are gone. I haven't looked to see if the rest of the cookies are gone.

Will do extra time on the Wii tonight!

Happy Chanukah

Thought I would share this song from Senator Hatch.

http://vimeo.com/7971216

Eat some latkes.

Spin some dreidels.

Light your menorah.

Celebrate! It's Chanukah

Chocolate Chip Pie

A great recipe!

1 frozen pie crus

1 stick butter, melted
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla.

Stir everything and pour into pie crust.

Preheat oven to 325.

Bake for one hour.

Serve warm (but not hot).

Easy pie.

A winner. People will beg for more.

The Weekend Was Busy

On Saturday we went to the Schwab Family Movie day, which turned out to be great.

Upon check in at the movie theater, each child was allowed to pick one Ronald Dahl book. Then they had a great brunch, which both children and adults enjoyed. Then each person received a coupon for a free small drink and free small popcorn. We were armed with all the right stuff. We went into the theater to see Fantastic Mr. Fox, which both kids really enjoyed. To top off the event, there was coffee and cake at the end.

Today, Mark had Hebrew School, a birthday party, then Israeli Dance practice and then boy scouts. IN about an hour friends are coming over for dinner.

Who needs rest?

90

The other day Naomi was talking about the different months. My parents were there, as well as my husband, my brother and his wife. Naomi told me that in January, I would have a birthday. I told her that she was correct. I was thinking she is sooooo smart.

Then I asked her the question, "How old will mommy be in January?" I was expecting the usual "3," instead she said with a smile on her face "90!"

The whole room cracked up. I have to say, I look pretty good for 89!

My favorite part of Thanksgiving

Was getting the kids together. My kids love their cousins (who live on Long Island). Every day this holiday weekend they woke up eager to play with Sydney and Ethan.

Still prepping

Last night I finished making the Sorbet with Mark.

Then I made the sandwich cookie cake and frosting. (DONE).

Then I made the pie crust for the tart, and the pie crust for the apple pie.

Tonight is filling night - apple pie filling and candied cranberry chocolate filling.

If I have family memebrs lick the bowl, can that count as dinner?

Cranberry Orange Sorbet (Non Dairy)

1 package cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 c. OJ
1 cup water
pinch of salt.

Cook in sauce pan til cranberries start popping.

Cool.

Blend in blender.

Strain out goop.

Cool overnight.

Put in ice cream maker over night.

Get spoons ready.

Winter Can Come

So, winter can officially come. I went to Target today and bought a Toro Electric Snowthrower. We have owned a house since 1998, and this is our first year with something other than our backs and a shovel. Now, I have to tell you, we have great neighbors. My neighbor, John, has traditionally helped us out, by snowblowing us out during BIG storms. Especially the chunks at the bottom of the driveway that the city plow leaves for us. He also has been kind enough to widen our sidewalk after we go inside. Of course, his payment is baked goods. I have made him chocolate chip cookies, or challah, or cake or multiple things at once. He tells me he doesn't mind snowblowing. I tell him that I would bake 7 days a week, and I hate shoveling. Good deal for both of us!

One year it got out to the other neighbors that I pay for snow blowing in baked goods.

Another reason why we don't have a snow blower is that we don't have a garage. No garage. We can't put a gas powered snow blower in our basement, so thus no snowblower.

We are prepared this year. I really don't like snow.

Things to Do List

My things to do list is growing. For Thanksgiving I need to make the desserts: Candied Cranberry Chocolate Tart, Apple Pie, Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Cake and one more thing. And this has to be prepared no more than two days in advance. So, watch out world on Tuesday night! Baking Stephanie is going to town.

Made appointment for oil change and inspection sticker.

Put together a cabinet that I bought for Mark's room. I want to get rid of the toy box. He is too old for that. And sell it on Craig's List.

Start ordering the few gifts that I need for my neice and nephew.

Get Adam to buy a snow thrower for the winter - we aren't getting any younger. We don't have a garage or shed, so we can't buy a show blower.

Get Naomi's glasses adjusted.

Order the present for my dad.

Upload photos to Snapfish to design 2010 Family Calendar.

Luckily Peapod is delivering most of the food tonight.

Figure out what I am making the Saturday after Thanksgiving for my extended family - who are coming to my house.

Things to do. I hope I have enough time.

I made it!

Cookbook wanted

Has anyone tried this cookbook?

http://www.amazon.com/Roses-Heavenly-Cakes-Rose-Beranbaum/dp/0471781738

I have her other cookbooks, and Adam is the beneficiary of those baked goods.

Please let me know!

-Stephanie

A new toy

Oh how I want this new toy. I have been thinking about since Tuesday, when I first saw it. It looks very, very cool.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/b335/?pkey=cbakeware-new

Maybe on Saturday. I need it!

Monday Night Dinner

I made an AWESOME dinner last night. I mean, this is a top ten dinner. And it was EASY. I had been saving this recipe, and decided to make it this week:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Orecchiette-with-Fresh-Mozzarella-Grape-Tomatoes-and-Garlic-Chives-354335

I used shells, since I could not find orecchiette, but it was fabulous. I also used regular balsamic vinegar, but Adam and I just loved this recipe.

Hope you like it as much as I did!

Question

What is your family's favorite dinner?

Sunday Night Dinner

Kugel and glazed carrots. The kids love this dinner. I made butterscotch blondies for dessert. Can't wait to pop one of those in my mouth. Also have a loaf of whole wheat bread in the bread machine. Love Sundays.

Sunday Night

So, Mark went on his first cub scouts camping trip. Yes, camping in New England in November. Crisp and cool. Adam had to go with him (lucky Adam). At first the boys went on a hike, and then started the hot dog fest, complete with smores. The man who was in charge of the chicken stew did not arrive until after dark . . . which meant the stew was ready after Mark went to bed. During the evening I had gotten some texts from Adam - no electricity or running water in the cabin (yuck). So glad it was Adam that went on this trip!!!!

The group woke up today, and took another hike and then went home.

Meanwhile, Naomi and I are enjoyed our girl time, by eating dinner at Johnny's with dessert at Cabots.

Reading

Oh, I love to read. In fact, I have too many books to read and not enough time. For instance, I started to read Julia Child's memoir of her time in France. I am loving the book. But, I also checked out a book from the library, The Zookeeper's Wife, which now has a deadline. (I do have to return it.) I also have an Amy Tan book on the coffee table, along with Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth. I just finished Ted Kennedy's autobiography.

Now, I can read while the kids are playing, and doing things. But I used to be able to read til all hours of the night, and be able to function the next day. I have lost that ability. I have to go to bed at a reasonable hour, or I suffer the next morning, the next day and certainly the next evening.

What are you reading? Would you recommend it? Why or Why not?

Mad Men

I can't believe there is only one more episode of Mad Men and then the season is OVER. I love that show!

Election Day is Tomorrow

Have to finalize who I am voting for in the mayor race and all the other races. Too many people to keep track of!

Naomi

So, tonight after dinner, I let Naomi have a cupcake. BIG MISTAKE. She was covered with cupcake crumbs. Adam had to break out the dust buster! First time ever we have needed to vacuum a child! It was really something.

Halloween 2009

You never know what the kids are going to want to be for Halloween. This year Mark wanted to be Bumblebee from the Transformers. There is no way to make that, so off Adam went to buy that costume.

Naomi wanted to be a red, fast rocketship. That was easy enough to make. She changed her mind after I made the costume to a princess. Maybe next year (NOT). She is loving her costume though.

H1N1

Both kids got their first shot today. Because they are under ten years of age, they need a second shot in a month. Hopefully we can get that done. With the lack of supply, I am seriously doubting it. But, at least they got SOMETHING.

Dr. M is so quick about it, that neither kid felt a thing! That is how I like it!

Off to the crazy world of Thursday nights.

Apple things

So this week, I made two loaves of apple bread in my bread machine. Today I made acorn squash baked with apples. I also made a German Apple Cake and an Easy Apple Thing. Both look good. Still have lots of apples though.

Apples Picking

We went to our favorite spot this weekend - Nashoba Valley Winery. We picked lots of apples, and now I have to start cooking. I made one loaf of bread in the machine, and now have a second. The second will be brought into my office and Adam's office for sharing. This upcoming weekend I will be making apple pie and crisp.

We have been going to this orchard for years (since before we had kids). We love it there. Just the apples. No hayrides. No animals. Just trees. The sad part is that they have had to create new rules because people are not respectful. Such as apple picker poles are now for rent because people knocked down so many apples in order to get the perfect apple and limiting how many people can pick per bag (5). A few years back we went to Look Out Farm, and they charge going in (per person) and then weigh the bag on the way out. It felt like I paid more for those apples than I would in Whole Foods!

After apple picking we went to the winery and got two bottles of wine, and then we went to get each kid a cider donut. We had a good time.

Thursday Evenings

After a full day of work, I rush to the temple (Hebrew School) to pick up Mark and friends. I love driving the carpool, since I can hear all the chatter. It is cute. I drive all around Waban dropping off various children (Thank goodness for the mini van), while listening.

One thing that really annoys me is that Mark’s Hebrew School teacher keeps the class late my five minutes every Thursday. Not because they are disrespectful, but because she has one more quick thing to say. Normally, an extra five minutes doesn’t bother me. In this case it does, because (a) I have been out of the house since 7:30 AM, and am tired (b) I have carpool and the other children and (c) my family would like to eat.

Finally they get out!

While this is happening, Adam is either heating up leftovers for Naomi or making her a sandwich. When Mark and I get home, I do the same for him. He had a PB&F sandwich last night – not my best Julia Child moment. Last night Naomi was in the shower when we got home. After Mark’s dinner, he took a shower; and started his routine.

By the time this ends at 8:15 PM it is time for Adam and I to eat dinner. There are no viable leftovers, so I have chocolate ice cream with hot fudge sauce. Not the best dinner, but it did taste good.

Tonight is Shabbat. I have my challah ready to go. Now I just need a quick and easy main course. Any ideas?

Jackets

My son takes after my husband in many ways. One of those ways is losing things. As it is explained to me, Adam was very good at this as a child. Mark every year, leaves his jacket on the bus on the LAST day of school. It feels as though the bus yard manger and I get to know each other very well.

Being a daycare parent, I was trained to label EVERYTHING! So, on the inside of every jacket Mark's first and last name is written in LARGE letters in SHARPIE, with his phone number.

On Tuesday, Mark again left his jacket on the bus. The bus driver remembers the jacket from last year (bright orange - for a reason), but no jacket. Yesterday we went to the school - plenty of interesting things in lost and found (one sock, underwear, typical lunch boxes, sweatshirts) and no orange jacket. We went to the playground, and there were LOTS of jackets, but not one of them Mark's.

Last year he lost THREE pairs of snowpants in one week.

I love my son.

But, he needs to superglue his belongings to his body.

Naomi and it is never a dull moment

So, yesterday at 11:22, I got a call from Naomi's school. The director. The director has 20+ years of experience, and said, Naomi was running in the yard, and fell and landed teeth first on a toy truck. She wanted me to come take a look.

Off I ran out of the office. Called the dentist, who said they could squeeze us in before lunch.

Picked her up, and determined the director was ABSOLUTELY correct and Naomi needed the dentist.

Finally got to the office, and he looked, and took Xrays. Naomi was a real trooper. The two teeth are NOT fractured. They are displaced. The dentist pushed them back into place, but they were still loose. He said they might need to be removed, but he was doing nothing today.

I was to give her sugar free popsicles, pudding, yogurt, etc. for the weekend.

She drooled alot and hardly spoke the rest of the day.

She watched The Little Mermaid.

Today, she woke up acting her normal self. She had oatmeal for breakfast. The tooth is still loose, and I am sure our dentist will be seeing her again this week.

Because I ran out of the office yesterday, I took Naomi to work after the dentist to clean up and get my stuff. My coworkers got to see first hand the drooly, bloody girl herself.

Hopefully the next few days have less excitement!

Red Sox

So it is not often that Adam and I get to go to a game. So, we had tickets for tonight's game and a baby sitter! Off to the game. This by far was the WORST game I had EVER been to. Because the Red Sox clinched a playoff spot, they sent in unknowns, except for Big Papi and Wakefield. I love Wakefield, but he was having an off night - a waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy off night. And Big Papi did nothing. I have never in my life left a Red Sox game early. We left during the seventh inning stretch.

It was soooooo bad that we were hoping to see the Blue Jay's pitcher throw a no hitter!

It was sooooooooooooo bad that one guy on the team had a hit a homerun, a single and a double. We stayed for his at bat to see if he would go for the cycle.

Nope.

We left as did thousands of others.

I hope I never see another game like that in person. I commented to Adam had we been at home, we would have turned off the game. The guy in front of me laughed. It was the truth!

Kids

So, Naomi has awesome curly red hair. Combing it is not the most fun, but she loves her red curly hair. Imagine my surprise last night while I was washing it the dirt, the woodchips and pebbles that fell out of her hair! I asked her about it and she said her friends put sand in her hair. On the playground, she did not mind it. However, once she was in the shower and saw the volumes of dirt that fell out of her hair, she was upset. She said that next time she will tell a teacher when someone puts dirt in her hair.

On a side note, at the same age, I used to get my hair painted yellow by classmates Harlan and Randy. They thought my blonde hair was not yellow enough.

Girls and their hair.

My son, the mench

So, Mark made his first shiva call this week. He really impressed me, by insisted that he had to go to make his friends feel better (after losing their dad at age 7).

He then decided he was going to use some of his allowance for a donation to the foundation. So he gave me his hard earned $3 (some allowance and some bottle money) and I am going to write a check now.

Guess I am doing something right (at least some of the time).

Backwards Nights

Some nights are crazy busy - especially with a babysitter. I have found a solution to my problem. I don't like the baby sitter to shower each child. It is difficult and frankly I don't feel comfortable having strangers help my kids while in the shower. Mrs. Kaufman, a dear family friend, used to have backwards night at her house when I slept over.

What is backwards night? It is when you eat dessert first, and then dinner.

So I have created my own version. If I know a sitter is coming, I will shower both kids, and then give each of them a cookie, or a piece of candy, and then have dinner. By the time the kids are at the table, the sitter arrives.

Most nights we don't do dessert at all, so having a little dessert is fine with me. Plus, they know if they don't eat their dinner, backwards night won't return for a long time.

So, enjoy a backwards night once in a while! Even if you are taking the kids for the night, with no sitter involved.

Mark - Second grade

Last night we attended Mark's open house. He is now in second grade, and I can't believe I have a second grader. This year he will be learning independence - putting his folder in his backpack after his homework, etc. The teachers want him to develop a love of reading. What is interesting is that we were clearing out some books, and he wanted to keep "The Dot." Now this book is cute, and below the grade, but he loves it. The story is very cute - about a girl who thinks she can't draw, and she has a teacher than inspires her. Of course, we put the book back on the shelf. And now he wanted to read it this morning. I love to read, and I hope to inspire the love to read in both my kids.

This year Mark is going to learn about Ghana, China, Mexico, and butterflies, to name a few thigns. Very cool things.

Rosh Hashana - the end

And now it is the new year. We are still praying for health.

So, to sum up my eruv Rosh Hashana meal -

Challahs - store bought. First time in a long time that I did not make the challahs. The challahs from the bakery are not as good as mine. Somehow, I will have to make them for next year.

Chestnut Apple Soup - Five out of six adults gave it a thumbs down. Only Adam liked it. He was the one who suggested it. Will not make again.

Shiitake Pot Pie with Polenta top - delicious. Expensive since it requires a pound of shiitakes, but delicious.

Cranberry Rice Bake - always a hit

Glazed Carrots - glazed with butter, brown sugar and dijon mustard - no leftovers

peas - good.

Apple Crisp - delicious

Boston Globe Mandelbrot - Yummy and Delicious - http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2009/09/16/mandelbrot_is_a_perfect_treat_for_rosh_hashana/

Starting to think about pre-Yom Kippur meal.

Rosh Hashana Menu

So here is Friday night's menu:

2 Challah's (raisin free and round)
Honey

Apple Chestnut soup (new recipe)

Wildmushroom casserole with Poleta crust
Cranberry rice bake
honey glazed carrots
peas

Apple crisp
fruit
biscotti

Everything is made from scratch, except the challahs.

Health

Rosh Hashana is nearly here. Besides the usual cooking and cleaning, something else is on my mind. This summer, a classmate of Mark's father had a very serious health concern and was in a Boston hospital for weeks, in the brain ICU. A scary place. He has finally made it home.

Yesterday, I learned of another of Mark's classmate's father had a brain aneurysm in front of his wife and kids over the weekend. He is in a coma at the same Boston hospital in the same brain ICU. This father has permanent brain damage, and he is under 40.

This is of course, after my mom's scare in the hospital and after my in-law's friend lost her 5 month battle with bile duct cancer.

This year, I am going to pray for a year of HEALTH for family and friends. May we all be written in the book of life.

First Day of School!

Summer is over.

Forms to complete.

Things to buy.

Things to learn.

Good-bye summer.

Lemon Scones

Shocker of all shockers. Both kids were asleep til almost 8 AM!!!!!!

That never happens.

To celebrate, I made lemon scones. When Adam and I were dating in the 90's, there was a place near his apartment that made the BEST lemon scones. The places was called Panini's and we were there often. Before we got married, one morning as I was reading the Boston Globe Food Section, I started screaming! There was THE recipe for lemon scones. I immediately cut it out, and tried it. They were good. Not as good as going there since they make them and clean up after you, but the best at home. I love making them. The kids love eating them. Adam loves those scones also.

Homemade Pizza

Tonight I made homemade pizza. The dough is really easy, and does not need time to rise, which makes pizza night even easier. Now that both kids eat pizza it is a great meal. The dough recipe that I have makes enough dough for two thin pizzas or one thick pizza. Tonight I made two thin pizzas, one vegetarian pepperoni and one cheese. Both were big hits.

If you would like the dough recipe, please email me.

Back from vacation (m)

Mark was fabulous on the trip. Naomi had her moments. We got to Storyland on Tuesday afternoon and it was EMPTY. We had a blast (after Naomi stopped screaming). Then we went to RED FOX for dinner, again it was EMPTY. Dinner was great. The kids were great.

We stayed at a condo this year, and the kids had their own room! Naomi went to bed after dinner, and Adam took Mark to the game room in the clubhouse.

On Wednesday we ate at Glen Junction, like always and then off for a full day of Storyland. Naomi was exhausted but we ate at the Spaghetti Shed, which was fantastic and cheap!

Naomi went to bed after dinner, and I took Mark to the indoor pool.

On Thursday we ate at Glen Junction and then off to Cannon Mountain for a tram ride. Then to the Flume Gorge, where we were tempted to leave Naomi due to another tantrum. However, we felt bad, and put her in the van with the rest of us.

Reality has hit, and we have done the weekly grocery shopping and other errands.

Vacation Week!

Yesterday was the Stone Zoo. If MA wants to save money, they really should combine the zoos. I feel like I would get more for my money. There are not enough animals at either zoo to feel that the price is right for the value received. Also, they could sell some of the land, and then use that money to design a better zoo. I should be hired by the government.

They should also keep some of the land for a park or something.

Just my two cents.

Off to New Hampshire.

Saying goodbye to a great man (m)

I am having a difficult time comprehending all the HATE out there for Senator Kennedy. Yes, he was human, and had faults, and committed crimes (cheating, killing, etc.). However, instead of self pity, he worked hard for American families. He helped people with every day things, and with big things, such as special education, health care, human rights.

On top of it, he is the last of the four Kennedy brothers to pass away. That is it. No more great legends from the family.

The Senior Kennedy clan loved their family (yes, there was divorce), but they worked hard, and loved life. They used their riches (and yes, the father did make alcohol when he wasn't supposed to) to help the greater good-special needs, etc.

There is NO family like the Kennedy family. Love em, or hate em, but the Kennedy clan fought for equal rights. The Kennedy Family and others FOUGHT so we could have an African American president. Yes, the one that is serving now, would not be here, without the Kennedy Clan, MLK, etc. What family takes time from their day to help the greater society.

There is no one.

Jolie-Pitt? Nope. Sure they have adopted, but have they given up their acting careers to write bills to make them into laws? Nope.

The Clintons, the Bushes? Sure the Bush family has served. But do they push up their sleeves and help special needs students? Are they funding a cure for cancer? Are they making sure the rest of us can reach the American Dream. The Bush family doesn't want me to have affordable health care.

Mr. Romney? Sure he helped MA. What about his kids? What about his personal wealth? Is he helping the greater good?

Nope. We have no one left to look out for us. It is a sad, sad time, to be without a Kennedy in the Federal Government. The Kennedy children for the most part have left politics.

The silence is deafening.

Sofra

So last weekend, we had a kid free experience. We decided to go to the Oleana bakery in Cambridge. I highly recommend this, however, I know I enjoyed much better because I did not have my kids with me. It is very small with limited seating, and on a Sunday morning in was busy. We did snag a table for two. Between the two of us we had a Greek Yogurt Parfait, a Persion Spice Donut, Brioche, a sesame seed scone and coffee. We took home two maureous, which were fabulous! I also got a chocolate hazelnut baklava - out of this world.

Again, go to Sofra.

What do you make for dinner when you invite over a chef?

Homemade Gazpacho

Homemade cornbread
Chili 9000
rice
honey glazed carrots

Homemade maple ice cream
Strawberries

Camp is over

I can't believe that summer is over. Geez Louise. It feels like it just started. Mark had a fabulous camp experience at Meadowbrook. One week of Innovations, a week of vacation and then school.

I already miss July.

Strawberry Ice Cream

Well, what to do with 2 quarts of strawberries????? Strawberry ice cream. Recipe involves strawberries, cream, sugar and vanilla. Easy! Delicious!

Sunday

We spent a few hours with friends at their house.

Mark & Adam are at the Lowell Spinners. Naomi & I went to Johnny's for dinner - just us girls. We had fun! Naomi ate her grilled cheese and part of my crunchy french toast.

Riding the Rails

Mark has not taken a train ride in a long time. Yesterday, even though it was beach weather, we decided to let Mark take a ride. He decided to take the green line to North Station and then ride to Rockport on the commuter rail. The trip from North Station to Rockport is 1 hr and 10 min. They got there, had a snack, and then got back on the train for the ride home.

Riding the train is so relaxing for Mark. He loves looking out the window. Adam brought his zune. I stayed home and made gazpacho, chocolate chip cookies and cowboy cookies (chocolate chip cookies with oats and toasted walnuts).

Corn Ice Cream

This weekend I made corn ice cream. No need to keep the recipe! First, it is messy. You have to cut the corn off the cob, which looks so easy on the Food Network. But the main reason is that after all that work, it tastes like vanilla ice cream. Honestly, I can make a better vanilla ice cream too. First ice cream recipe I have made that I did not like.

Tonight's dinner

MENU:

Salad and homemade cornbread
Chili 3000
rice
honey glazed carrots

vanilla butterballs with a chocolate center
fresh fruit

Tonight is Shabbat and I love Challah

Friday night means challah in my family. If you ask Adam or the kids, their favorite kind of challah is the kind that mommy makes. Of course, working full time, does not make it easy to have a nice warm fresh tasty loaf of challah available every Shabbat.

We are not fans of Cheryl Ann's, which most people around this area love. Instead, we like Breadsong or Big Sky. Breadsong is near Naomi's daycare and on the way to work, so we eat that challah.

I am interested to hear what challah you like to eat. Please let me know.

Mark's Cake

Did I ever post a photo?

Dining Out With Friends

This week I have had the pleasure of dining out twice this week with friends.

On Tuesday, I went to Finale's with an old friend. Once we got there, we found out that if you ordered two dinners and two desserts, it was $29.99. What a deal. My mac and cheese was average, however the chocolate molten cake was to die for! Oh, I love desserts, and this was no different.

On Wednesday, I met up with a group of Angier Mom's at the Biltmore Grill in Newton. I had never been there before, even though it has been there FOREVER. It was a surprise. The food was great. We split an order of calamari, and then I had the heirloom tomato and mozzerella salad. YUMMY. No dessert though. And of course, a glass of Pino Grigio. Yum.

I might forget how to cook by the time the week is over!

End of year (school)

Mark finished up spring little league - next up summer little league.

Naomi had her gymnastics show for the parents.

Mark had his end of year school picnic and met Jason Varitek.

Little League

Mark played his first season of Little League and loved it. He improved alot during the season. His favorite position was catcher. I got to see one game for 30 minutes. Hopefully next year I will be able to see more of the games.

Party Season is Over!

April is always a busy month for us. From March 25-April 29, we have the following celebrations: G-mom's birthday, Papa's birthday, G-Pop's Birthday, Adam's birthday, Naomi's birthday, Mark's birthday and Dave and Erica's anniversary. Of course during that time there is Passover and a trip to Chicago. Now that party season is over, we can rest again til next year. The cake decorating set is put away.

Naomi grew glasses

Inauguration

Both kids watched Obama's swearing in on Jan 20. Naomi's teacher, Abbie, was in DC for the event.

Mark wanted to know why Obama had to repeat the Oath of Office. . . . and why was the judge teaching Obama the words. . . .didn't Obama already know the Oath??? Such a smart kid. Too bad the judge messed up the wording.

All in all Mark thought it was very cool.

Mark

Mark has lost another tooth. This time he woke up at 2 AM and could not find it. We looked everywhere.

Well, the grownups found out where the tooth went. . . . we did not tell him that he swallowed it.

Maybe one day when he is older. It is pretty cool to see no teeth, and then everyday you can see how another tooth is coming in. Reminds me of when he was an infant. So cool.