Christmas Reflection

About 3 Christmases ago, our family found out my dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. The feeling that runs through your body when you hear your loved one is struck with the dreaded "C" word is unexplainable. I remember so well the bittersweet feeling of that holiday season. It was Mig's 1st Christmas, yet every time I found myself enjoying this first Christmas with our first born, in the next breath I would feel that lump in my throat and pain in my heart thinking of the upcoming months of treatment for my Dad once the New Year started and dreaded unknown of what could be.
My dad chose to do the weekly radiation treatments and the laser radiation surgery just so he would not have to be separated from Mig . Had he chosen the more typical course of treatment of implanting radiation seeds on the Cancer he would not have to endure the more invasive and physically tiring treatment that he did. But the thought of not being around Mig for 6 months or more was not a choice. We all believe that the power of love truly helped my Dad get through each day of treatment and recovery. Mig was his rai·son d'ê·tre; his reason for existing.
He would schedule all his treatments in the evening, so that he would still be able to play and spend time with Mig everyday while I went to work. I honestly don't remember my dad ever complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Just seeing Mig seemed to give him strength and put a smile on his face. He did what needed to be done and relied on his faith and his Mig to get him through.
So, on this Christmas, 3 years later, I wanted to reflect on this time and not forget. I want to remember all the things I have to be thankful for.

My hero with his.

Thursday Photo Challenge - "Three"

This is a photo of Mig on his 3rd birthday when we were still a family of 3.  Diggs was born 2 weeks afterwards and it was the best birthday present we could've ever given to Mig.  

Baby Loves Disco!

 Since having kids, going out "clubbing" with the girls has become a distant memory - until recently.  A good friend of mine found this great, novel idea of going out to a bar/club, but with a twist.  Baby Loves Disco.  The name alone was enough to make me want to check it out!  It basically is a child-friendly atmosphere of dancing, lounging, and healthy snacks held at a trendy, cool venue in the city.   There was a DJ, a bubble machine, a toy/games area for kids, convenient changing stations, and loads of free mommy samples and goodies to take home! There is an event held in many cities so if you are looking for something fun and different to do with your children and your friends, check out the website to find one near you!  Baby Loves Disco

our event was held at Le Poisson Rouge on Bleeker St.

Diggs mesmerized by the lights and bubbles!

kiddies AND parents having a blast dancing together!

Mig and friends at the toy area

Feeding Time!

Before Diggs was born I was worried that Mig would have a hard time dealing with the change.  But Mig has proved us wrong and he is such a kind and gentle big brother.  The love between them is already so clear and it's so nice watching their relationship grow each day.  

Mig's Rainy Day Activity

One rainy afternoon, Mig decided he wanted to make playdoh.  This was the simplest recipe to make, but VERY messy!  Mig had a blast and it kept him off the TV!!

recipe: 

• 2 cups flour
  
• 1 cup water
  

Mix together well. You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough.

Have fun!

Thursday Photo Challenge - "Thankful"

so very thankful . . .

Wordless Wednesday - Secrets between brothers...

Weekend Snapshots - Halloween '08

the halloween scene 

mig's 1st door-to-door trick or treating experience

mig and diggs with cousins -  the big strawberry and the 2 princesses

Thursday Photo Challenge - "Hands"

Thursday Photo Challenge - "Favorite"

This was an easy challenge for me this week...My favorites, my greatest accomplishments, 

my loves... one of many  favorite photos of each of them,

Mig

Diggs

Weekend Snapshots

apple picking at Masker Orchards

celebrating at Dylan's NICU graduates picnic

Thursday Photo Challenge - "tiny"

Wordless Wednesday- nice to meet ya!

Weekend Snapshots - Sunday Brunch

the biggest French Toast I've ever seen 

We had a nice Sunday brunch in the meatpacking district celebrating Mely's birthday.  The weather started off as a soaker, but by the time we finished feasting at Pastis, the sun came out and the day turned out to be a good one to be in the city.

Wordles Wednesday - Silly Face

Diggs 1st taste of cereal! - Weekend Snapshot

the ingredients

mmm, doesen't it look tasty?!

give it a stir

and enjoy!

Weekend snapshot - 85 years of life and love

MrD's grandmother turned 85 this past weekend. She is still sharp as
anything and has an infectious smile and laugh that could brighten
anyone's day!

Weekend Snapshots - Captain Ed's

A group of our friends and us used to make this an annual dinner outing until the kids started popping out.  This year, after a 4 year hiatus, we made a return to our favorite Jersey Shore restaurant - Captain Ed's in Point Pleasant, NJ.    You can even cook your own steak on a hot stone, and their catchy phrase to their restaurant is "Get stoned at Captain Ed's!".

the most delicious buffalo calamari

the best house salad

surf and turf: lobster and steak with smashed potatoes 

Happy Birthday MrD!

Today is MrD's birthday and he took off from work today and tomorrow, which is a rare treat because he rarely ever takes random days!. We don't have any specific plans, but just being able to spend this birthday together as a new family of four is something special for us.

Years ago looking through MrD's childhood albums I came across this photo of him. I've always loved this picture as it captures the hope that we all have that "wishes do come true".

MrD, as you greet yet another year, may you continue to hold on to the magic of your wishes and may you never stop believing that everything is within your reach. I love you beyond what words can ever express and you are my wish come true. Happy Birthday...ilyp.

Taco Salad

This is mig learning how to make taco salad at cooking class. He had a blast!

The final product!

And for the recipe:

Ingredients:

Makes 4 individual salads

• 4 flour tortillas (8-inch)
• Avocado, peeled, pitted, cut into pieces
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Romaine lettuce, torn into pieces
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Shredded carrots
• Frozen corn kernels, thawed
• Grape tomatoes, cut into halves
• Canned black beans, canned, drained
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 pound ground sirloin
• 3/4 teaspoon ground chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Sliced scallions

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly brush tortillas with 4 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Press one of the tortillas into the ovenproof bowl. Bake 13 minutes; an adult should transfer shell to a rack to cool. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Meanwhile, make beef filling:
3. In a mixing bowl, combine beef with tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and onion; season with salt and pepper. An adult should heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add beef mixture, and cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; set aside.
4. Make dressing: In a jar, shake together vinegar, 1/2 cup oil, lime juice, and salt and pepper.
5. Using a box grater, shred cheese and carrots. An adult can prepare the other toppings, including corn: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat; add 10-ounce package frozen corn. Saute 3 minutes.
6. Divide beef filling among shells; add toppings and dressing.

**NOTE: For Mig's cooking class, the taco shells and ground meat were already made in advance by the teen class before him.  So if you decide to make this with the kids, I would pre make some of the things too.  

recipe ref: marthastewart.com