Author Archives: Sunshine76

We Are Back!!

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Hello WordPress friends!

We are back from…WALT DISNEY WORLD! Wooo! But, really, womp! We had such a great trip that we are all bummed about it being over and back to work and school. Ok, tears wiped, but yeah, Disney has definitely changed some since we were there last; which was four years ago, when our kids were 6yo & 8yo! And I was 3…7. Huh, not as cool to think about that. Haha. But. This trip was all kinds of awesome, as our past Disney trips have been, but Idk, I think this is our favorite Disney trip of them all.

A lot of why I am feeling like this has to do with our girls’ ages. They are at such a great age for all the parks, never missing a beat walking miles a day and still a great age for those family magical moments.

Another major part of this trip’s success was the weather! We left home Monday the 16th with chilly rain and arrived to Orlando to a stretch of 9 days of sunny, breezy, 84F-87F. WOOOTOTHEHOOOO!! I never felt happier to be in FL than this week. We couldn’t of been luckier. Actually, now that I think of it, we were lucky this whole trip together… We got to sleep in some, enjoy a lot of pool time, scored the best additional fast passes each day, Magic Hours were truly magical, the park/resort buses always showed up when we walked to the gate number, when it was supposed to rain we got clouds or a drizzle while we were inside/on a ride, the girls rode EVERYTHING without a fear…it all just really worked out!

Considering before we left how I was a wreck from a car accident. I didn’t really share this with many folks because it was just a lot for me to go through. But yeah, Thursday the 12th, 4 days before our trip, I went to treat myself to a coffee only to be struck by a speeding car that cut me off turning out of nowhere. (notice this one is heart shaped?)

He slammed right into me, so hard that he knocked me/my car a few hundred feet. Thankfully, my car didn’t hit anyone or anything as it was thrust into a parking lot (and I had no clue what had occurred till I felt glass in my mouth and smelled burned rubber). I walked away from the crash with some wild bruising and bruised ribs, a tiny scrape and aches from impact but ALIVE. A ton of wonderful people came to my rescue and defense, witnessing the other driver’s reckless behavior on the road. My car was deemed totaled so we grabbed a rental last night to take us home from the airport. This is depressing me because I didn’t need this, I mean, who does, but now I have the expense of finding a new car.

So ….I am taking a new car and how well this trip went as my guardian angel’s way of saying everything is ok. Brighter horizons ahead. Because every time we talked to either insurance company or I felt down because of all my noticeable bruises while in bathing suits, shorts or tank tops, I saw hearts. It’s a weird thing that happens to me, I literally see heart shapes, and in Disney it was kinda crazy how many we all saw. 🙂

OK, so I am going to draft out my day to day posts and photos over the week between work and stuff. Keep an eye out!

Annnd, is that rain I hear outside!? Yup it is… welcome home.

Hope you all missed me! Hah oxox

My favorite poem

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Hey guys!

So, Maya Angelou would have been 90yo today. I have always revered Maya Angelou. Her story..her history. Her dance. Her talent. Her perspective. Her rhythm. Her voice.

Because of her, as a teen, I started drafting poetry. I saw her on a TV show once, and I was captivated. How she carried herself with so much strength, poise and grace. Her voice, so deep yet so gentle. Her words so direct but not offensive.

I had never seen anyone like her on TV before.

As a teen, I would keep a small notebook that I wrote in, which I tucked under my pillow every night. It was my special writing place, where I could share my secrets, dreams, draft poems or scribble, or whatever I felt at the moment. Most times poems ran out of me; those that were savagely romantic or the few that were passionately sad. Also, depending on whatever I felt at the moment.

Being a teenage girl was tragic. Haha.

But, Maya Angelou. When I went to ‘google’ how to make Turkish Delights (yup), I saw the Google Doodle of Maya Angelou’s birthday and there scrolled my favorite poem. Still I Rise.

The first time I had heard this poem at school, it woke me up inside. I carried it with me all through time, because its message was just so perfect. For me as a woman. For me as a human. For me just because. I then read it to my daughters when we talked about the meaning of equality two years ago. Again, it burned me inside. And, of course, I cried reading her impactful words to them. They cried hearing her impactful words from me. Seeing it today brought me to re-read it, look her up on YouTube to listen to her speak it… and cry, of course.

I hope you all know this poem, and at the very least some parts by heart. I mean, this poem is everything inspiring. Everything empowering and just everything.

Happy Birthday to the great Maya Angelou.

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,

Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don’t you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I’ve got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

Easter 2018

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Hey Everyone!

Happy Easter! Buona Pasqua!  Hope those of you that celebrated today had a wonderful day.

It was a great day.  We spent the morning drinking coffee as the kids were opening their baskets. Man, do I love that my husband now drinks coffee, mostly, that he makes me coffee at home.  This has been a big dream of mine, having a coffee brought right to me with a smile. My dreams are not that big I guess.  (Backstory–He wasn’t a big coffee drinker before he got me a Nespresso machine last year. Now it’s a daily thing….so TY Nespresso!)

This was the first Easter that the kids knew about “the Easter Bunny”.  Bittersweet to think back to those days when we laid out carrots and lettuce together waiting on the furry guy to show up…now there’s no carrots or lettuce and I am not furry.  Well, not THAT furry. I wish they stayed younger a little while longer.  I almost have a teenager at home, six months to go till the big 13 here.  OHMYGOD

So, back to today.  After baskets and breakfast, we got dolled up in our Sunday best to hit up mass locally.  THE PLACE WAS PACKED!  I reminded myself to get there a half hour early to park and find a seat, and I am so glad I did.  The seating within ten minutes of us getting there was gone and standing room only from entrance down each aisle.  Insane.

Have I mentioned that I love my church here?  The congregation is wonderful, reminds me of Immaculate Conception in Malden, where I was a member till I moved up north.  This church itself is beautiful, aesthetically, but today they had the most modern bouquets adorning the altar.  They had big blooms of white flowers with yellow sprigs of forsythia, just so pretty I couldn’t help but maneuver myself to look at them the whole mass.  I should really find out who the florist was for those.

After mass, we went up to the Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH, our second Easter.  My family and I go there often, I really like eating there.  We met up with my parents and my sister with her family, like last year.  It was a real nice time, the service was great, the food was fabulous but I also had a lot to drink, so I would’ve had fun eating anyways.  The Sicilian Spritzers are too good, which makes them go down way too easy.  I highly recommend them, and to invite me too! 😛

Then after dinner, we made a short stop at home to grab cookies, gift baskets and prosecco, then took a trip to my sisters for a little after dinner drinks and dessert.  The kids had a great time playing and they actually built a fire in the pit of my sister’s yard.  I was pretty surprised, and sorta nervous, but it was great.  We just got home after a whole day out and eating, so I am pretty tired.  Which means I am leaving my day right here and posting some pictures of the day.  I wish I took more, but this just means I had too good of a time to take them.  🙂

Hope you enjoyed your day as much as I did !!  Till next time WordPress.

 

xoxoxo

The Bunny was here!
If I do say so myself, the Bunny is pretty awesome..
Cuz the Bunny is me…it’s me.
My baby boy was so sad that he wasn’t getting any gifts…i swear he was so upset. haha
Our youngest
The girls together
They have to take one goofy foto… because theyre my kids
My ootd!
OOO Grandma H made the girls the coolest balloon gift. There is money in there! 😛
I really loved this dress… felt super pretty in it. (Ralph Lauren Dresses are the best!!)
Side car and Sicilian Spritzer
The cousins
And the baby!
My mom and I
My nephew is adorbs I know
My Easter Love
My dad and I ❤
With my nieve
My niece, daughter and myself
He is the FRESHEST kid… cute but fresh
And with his eyes closed
My steak was awesome..and worth waiting 40days for
Sooo…weird story here. but some Native American guy gave us his CDs out of nowhere at our table…
Off to my sisters for a fun desserty eveninig
Coconut macaroons
Madeleines
Ricotta pie…uhm this was midway through
kids started a fire…yup. the kids
The only prank of this April Fool’s… our mom was spooked! haha

Easter Brunch 2018

Posted in Party Time! by
Hey Everyone!!
Yay!, it is almost Springtime! Next week, in fact. Yes! Finally!  I’m seeing it now. Rising temps. Warm breezes. Kisses lit by sunshine. Windows rolled down. Wearing colorful sundresses. Blooming flowers and green leaves popping from the naked trees. Getting closer to Summer. And most importantly…NO SNOW!! Can’t wait. (Ok I hear we are getting a storm on the day we turn to Spring but AFTER that we will have no snow …right!?!?)
Also, this time of year is for our annual Easter brunch with both families and our girls’ godparents. Which we threw today.
Ahhhh I had so much fun!!
This get together has morphed a bit through the years. It started (2009) as an Easter Egg Hunt with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. The kids loved it, I did too.  Now it is a pot luck brunch, it has been for two years. Which…me likes.  It isn’t any easier without the bunny or hunt, I still go crazy prepping and cooking, it’s just the snow got in the way too many years and having twenty kids ransack my living room For eggs lost its appeal.  Especially, since most of them are way above average height. 
What fun celebrating with everyone …and busy busy.  I was non stop the whole day, that I am literally laying in bed typing this out. I know. I lead a rockstar life.  Well, I am pretty tired and since the big man has a job tonight I’m going to let the pictures from today tell the story so I can get some sleep.  I must b tired since I rarely go to bed before midnight!
Wish I took more but I was so involved with socializing that I slipped up..socializing also means mimosas.
…Ohmygod lots of mimosas.
Hope you had a great Saturday, too!! 

 

Cheers! I just loveee sparkling drinks.
And my fav man. My dad
Our okdest made a sign for the brunch counter
So i collect mugs. I have like triple this. All Starbucks over fifteen years. I need a new hobby
Coconut macaroons
The cutest plates. I love bunnies
my moms pizza all from scratch
MIL eggs
We r so cute.
Mimosa bar
before everyone showed up!
All the goofy kids
Some kids were missing (came later)
My mom playing her youngest grandson
Glimmering candy corns. They still suck. How do ppl eat these!?
French toast bake from my SIL
My blue eyed girl
And we are cute too. Brunch love 🙂
This dashing irishman. ;).
My beautiful moms
Dessert
Crab no carb mushrooms
i am bummed i didnt get an after photo cuz i dropped eggs in and it was incredibly beautiful and delicious.
Food set up
Oh, and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!!
Xoxo

 

 

For My Girls

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Dear Girls,

You have no idea quite yet how much you have changed my life. I never saw my future self when I was a young woman being a mother, and I guess it was because I never felt like I was equipped to be a life long teacher…till I met you guys. The change was pretty instantaneous, you two, from the beginning, made me feel so centered and loved, that motherhood felt natural. I mean this literally. In the hospital the morning after I gave birth to H, which was only a few hours after I had you, the nurse had that heartbeat monitor on for a while as she talked to me, checked vitals, etc, and after a bit made this sound ‘huh’. So of course, I had to ask what was wrong and what she said was by far the best words of my life. ‘Oh, nothing is wrong’, she said, ‘your heartbeat, as you’re holding your daughter, is much slower than when she is not in your arms.’

Because I loved being with you, my lovely girl. Same thing happened when I had L, except it was her face as they rested her on my chest that filled me with joy. She let out that little sigh as she looked up at me with a half smile. Like she was so happy to finally make it to meet me. 🙂 You were the ingredients I needed to feel good, literally inside.

So this post is a different one compared to the norm of birthdays or travels. This one has been a long time coming. I have had many moments when certain phrases or thoughts pop into my head and I wanted to make sure to write them down for you both; sometimes I forget them by the time I see you or I have been lucky enough to talk them through with you. Or I repeat them so you understand what I’m trying to instill. And. Though you guys know, I’d never really let a day pass without saying what is on my mind, when I remember. My intentions are so you know I love you and want to arm you with a bit of common sense information. Which can be very wordy at times. Do not laugh at your mother!

But seriously, these thoughts are like little life lessons that I know have come up or will, so here I decided to type them out… a spot where I can continue to share with you and they will never be lost.

Sooooooo,  here I go with what’s on my mind…

1a. Be happy. No matter the paths you take. No matter if you make mistakes. Remember the steps you walk are a part of your journey and history. Do not regret your steps, but use them to learn from and keep moving forward.  Mistakes are lessons learned and most likely, the ones you will remember learning most. But happiness inside comes from yourself. It’s a very conscious decision that drives inner contentment, it isn’t given. It is earned with a positive outlook, surrounding yourself with the activities and people who keep that ideal grounded. It’s like a habit of good thinking influences your life.

1b. Most people are annoyed by genuine happiness.  I never understood why, but I think it has to do with their jealousy not figuring it out themselves.  They cannot seem to figure out that it is a choice to make, like everything else in life.  It is a choice every day. Don’t be a miserable jerk like those people, because negative fulfillment is the worst feeling.  Every day is a true gift to be alive, so, as long as you realize that you can wake up everyday feeling happy, which means you can make any path to further contentment/happiness.

2. Beauty you are born with and beauty you manifest inside are different things. What I mean is you or others can’t help how you are born.. your eyes, lips, body, skin, being tall/short, or other features you are born with, are out of your control. Never just think that a handsome face equals a good person. It does not. A beautiful person has inner wisdom, life knowledge or talents that they use for the good in this world; they are soulful, passionate, selfless, respectful (and most importantly respected). Seeing through the mask of outer beauty is tough, but seeing the soul of a good person within is not if you look correctly. Just know the difference.

3. Be confident. Be proud of who you are, where you come from, what you do, what you make, what you have and don’t be afraid to misstep. You are only human.  What I admire about strong people is their confidence. Their confidence in just being; their confidence in not being afraid to try in spite of making mistakes. Their confidence within. Even their resilience to be confident in times they might want to waiver. Stand tall and know yourself well enough to stand grounded.

4. Do not take each day for granted. Participate in the day. In your life. Don’t be so lazy or blue that a day withers on.  The worst things I have seen come from those sloth like people who do enough just to survive, for what?  That is no life, YOU ARE HERE TO LIVE, MY LOVES!! So live!!

5. Find passionate love.  The kind of love that utterly sweeps you off your feet. Where a kiss lifts your spirits and a look from the eyes paints your soul. The kind of love that beckons the birds and music every day. The type of love of your dreams, that brings you the respect, admiration and the complimentary companionship you deserve…and if you can make sure the person you love is also funny and handy around the house, car or yard ..that is a bonus! ;)-

6. Laugh. AT EVERYTHING. Life is too short to not enjoy it. Laughter fills the soul.  At the worst points in my life, I found that one laughable moment would get my spirits back up. Even if it was brief, it made differences I appreciated. And I swear laughter is a part of staying youthful, which is important as we age. So laugh every day…and use face cream. Jussaying. Powerful stuff there.

7. Don’t get wrapped up in what other people think of you. It is their opinion, and it shouldn’t have become common knowledge. It only matters how you know yourself. (as I always say..’screw them. They miss out on the beauty within’.)

8. Your family is the first set of people you love, learn to cope with and love you unconditionally. Never stray from one another. Don’t let moments pass by without sharing them together. Always keep an open dialogue with me and daddy. And. Especially with each other. You and your sister are a special unit, a bond no one else can understand.

9. Stop often to look up at the sky.  Take yourself outside to enjoy what this beautiful world has to offer.  Go on hikes, walk your neighborhood, drive to the beach/ocean, bike trails, visit landmarks.. even sit in the yard.  With your eyes open.  Take it all in.

10. Never stop learning.  There is one thing in this world that no one can ever take away from you.  Knowledge. It keeps us motivated.  Helps us grow as humans, and keeps us connected to the real world.  These things are key. For life. And you just don’t know who you can help with your intelligence.

11.  Stay away from others who cause drama.  People that gossip, argue over nothing or look for things to happen to them by causing conflict.  These people will cause you to lose yourself in their stupidity and you just don’t need that in your life.

12. Never work a day in your life. What I mean is have a career, trade, or job that you love, and you will never feel it is a burden. You will wake up with an eagerness and THAT is a great thing to be able to have each day.

13.  Be true to yourself. If something doesn’t feel right to do, well, just don’t do it. You don’t have to compromise yourself for other people’s ideals. Trust your instinct. Your gut will never let you down if you listen to yourself.

14.  Stay active. Not only is it great for your body but it is great for your mind. You will learn a lot about yourself when you continue to challenge yourself in this realm. Whatever the activity.  You are capable of so much and keeping an active lifestyle helps you see many of life’s challenges ahead in different ways.

15.  Or is this 14a? Anyways. When life gets you down you get up. Literally.  Sometimes the best perspective can be found when you are active. Go for a run, lift weights (highly recommend), hit the gym, hike, be in a place where you are moving your body and you will see more clearly.

OK, I think that is enough for right now.  You know there will be more. Haha.  But I hope you can hear my energy in each thought because I believe that these are important insights to repeat to oneself.

You girls are special, strong, smart, beautiful souls. Such individuals with drive, and I hope my guidance throughout your life brings out the very best in you.. you make me extremely happy and proud.

I love you more than anything in this world.

Mamma

Xoxoxo

 

I love these two girls.
MY GIRLS!
With my girls.
My dressy girls
The girls never tire of dressing up.. ever
The girls got so many wonderful gifts from Santa! and Mamma n Dad!
The girls looooved Times Square… and the M&M store.. the lighting is NOT flattering.. lol
The girls loved it…
My gingerbread angels
November 18, 2012- Me with my two daughters.
The girls excited for the party to start!
My girls are adorable!
Girls loved being part of the parade at night–anything to delay bedtime!
The girls all out of their outfits and ready to blow out their candles.
The girls with the hydrangea at the hotel. Amazingly HUGE!
I love my girls!
My favorite photo of the girls at the AKL
Girls’ Bday Bash!!
This is what I mean by a coffee delivery with a smile. My girls. Every Saturday. 🙂
My girls being silly
My girls!
Between the Blue Water and Riviera they had an inflatable maze for kids.
Our girls together on Main Street.
The Happy Gryffindor Girls!
These girls are ready to partayy!
My girls got in on the fun too! They came out awesome and had fun with it.
Our girls ready for school today!

2017 Recap in photos

Posted in Random Stuff by

Hey Everyone

🍾 Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a great New Year’s Eve celebrating with all your loved ones and that you are all prosperous for a happy, healthy 2018! xoxox

For my first post of 2018, I thought to review 2017 with a year-end recap like I used to do, and because right now I am rushing to get my whole family dressed to go to my parents for our first dinner of 2018 together it is an easier option than typing out a recap  haha.

Eating the first dinner of the year together is a tradition. Lots of traditions in this family, but my favorite is eating lentils together on January 1. I am Italian, so of course, if you are also Italian, you know that this is a big tradition as we believe lentils bring luck.

img_9968

January 1, 2017- We had the first dinner at our house

That is the first photo of the recap, so let me keep going.  I chose the photos for this recap, but am having WordPress put them in random sizes and order because that is how I roll. Ok so here we gooooOOOOoooo!

Photo Recap of 2017…

Then we headed to the pool to get some swimming in
CHEERS TO A GREAT VACATION!
The moon was spectacular, no phone could capture it right…a bright orange/copper moon. never saw anything like this before.
We saw another waterfall
Me n my momz
But then she gets freaked out
High N Tight (mine) and the Ango Daiquiri Time Out (his)
Me and my sister
They were selling these magical balloons that were just battery fairy lights over a plastic ball..but they were beautiful at night.
Cable bridges…these scared the pants off me.. SERIOUSLY
The girls loved the drink and the homemade chocolates.
2017 bday w my Sagittarius babes
A giant vault that held the nation’s gold
Fam photo
PJ KIDS 2017
THE FOOD WAS TDF. we got empanadas, calamari, crab cakes to share… so good. the kids got risotto and pasta..my husband got the halibut over risotto…so good. i am planning to come back next month haha i wish i was kidding.
With my mom 🙂
Crepe anyone?
Blood Orange Cosmos
The motiff of the place is the indigenous people..so the artwork around was fun.
my dish was the jerk chicken and shrimp
but who fell asleep again?
My mom and sister
Daddy and daughter
Proud parents
Playing in the monkey pool
WHICH WAS OF THE VOLCANO!!
National Archives
Campfire
not me tho, just wanted to do nothing
“I want to be Jackie Onassis” ooh yeahhhhhh ok I will stop singing.. So Four Seas is the place in Hyannis for ice cream. My fam loves it here but I hadta skip it this night… too much ice cream for me man!
my baby nephew
and enjoy the sunset from our back courtyard
Sunset is the best time to take pics..and makeout. jussayin. good advice here.
in the cart, leaving .
They looked so cute, and i loved my new dress from J Crew haha
Birthday love 🙂
Their sushi was pretty insane
Not our oldest! She was psyched!!
My waterfall family 🙂
Halloween NIGHT
my girls love to eat.
On the train!
My loves 🙂
SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! This was a fun night in the main restaurant. There were probably 100 people watching the game.
THE BEST sangria of my life has been in Costa Rica. Lordy lord..
Fourth of July
Snowy morning
The trek down to the area was just as spectacular as the place itself.. the stairs going down was a ride!
Asakusa Sensoji Temple market
Aww my Dad. hahah
Our view at bfast- Times Sq Novotel
Off we go!
so I poured myself a lil glass and waited for the boat to return..
i just love her suit..and hat. hee hee she looks like my grandfather.
Side view of the mountains
Tokyo love
Adios Costa Rica!
The outdoor patio had hammocks, a table with cushiony chairs and rocking chairs.
falltime in japan
Scorpion Bowl and Mai Tai
My beautiful soul. I take courage from her because I put myself out there only to be sure she is never afraid of anything. I hope this is working..
Traditional clothed girls
I love them 🙂
Beautiful shells
Got some secret stash rum. :)))
Geiner! You were the bomb my friend!
Japanese Subway station ticket booth Shinjuku Station
Before the party
He was so handsome!
The Rockefeller Ctr Tree from the back
Taking sign making seriously.
We saw a cashew tree
And as we are getting into the tour van to go back to the airport..she shows herself!
Then after we left the waterfall, we went onto La Fortuna. Here was a Lake Arenal Lookout.
this beast is huge…the dino not my husband 🙂
During the show.
my sister in law surprised us with these beauts
Great memories…
This was the abuelo, he was the funniest man. Spoke only Spanish and hand picked every fruit for us to try. i loved him!
CHRISTMAS EVE
MOS crew 12-2017
Then it was time to show Nonna and Nonno all their cool tricks.
My husband too!
El Diria across the street is condos, family swimming, swim up bar and adult only areas. This place was huge..it had an Amphitheater!
With our youngest girl
As the sun set, it was breathtakingly beautiful all around.
The famed large ornaments of the Exxon Building
Then we arrived in La Fortuna
Cheers Everyone!
MY DAD!!
Sunset cutie
MY GIRLS!
All the kids (minus two who came later)
AND THERE SHE WENNNNNNNNNNNT!
That is me with a VOLCANO!
Waiting for our tour
Bus to Club Rio!
All the awesome gifts from the girls
Aw, we are so cute. 🙂
Rainy night love
A Clara in a Porron (sp)
Boston, you’re my home!
bday sisters
COCOA PODS!
she takes after me. :)))
Unicorn themed Birthday Cake
The past and modern city
the food was spectacular
Cousins
Then the guys took the kids out on the pontoon boat
New York Bar french 57 and sidecar
add in my niece!
Then… we went out. Our last Dinner in Tamarindo, at Nogui’s This place was fantastic.
My man is the sweetest, and most helpful. TY for all your help w this party, love!
We hit the pool and i got to read a lot!
So the guys took the kids out on the hotdog
Aww
And they are kindred spirits too
Summer Lovin’
These guys can talk..woo
The craziest color drink ever.. so yellow! Inca Kola tastes like bubblegum and cream soda. the girls gave it a thumbs up but didnt finish them..soooo i dont know if they actually liked it the whole meal.
This elderly gentleman made our day! He sang songs selling shoes…”ding dong din…..” the rest in Japanese. He was so cute!!
I dont normally eat burgers out, but I was glad I did this night! so good!
Oh Hi Mike..
Photobombing galore
My youngest w my oldest niece
Happy Anniversary!
Sunset selfie
PURA VIDA is their motto and salutations, The Pure Life
Arcade Fire 2017
Happy Birthday love!!
Asakusa Sensoji Temple Buddha
This was the best dumplings. Street food usually is. Here is chicken and pork shumai (I love shumai) and pork sticky buns. SO GOODNESS EVERYWHERE. haha I was in heaven
Salute!
Recital 2017- my family 🙂
Georgetown Cupcakes
Dan is growing facial hair..watch out ladies.
My girls!
I WILL MAKE YOU SELFIE FOREVER!
Our sister loved her mitt. hahah
Amy’s arm is longer
At happy hour, the girls (who are whips at chess) are helping this cute girl beat her bf at chess.. they loved the kids so much. 🙂
How cute!!
Concert Love
These girls are the reason I am a Mom. my everything.
We are ready to go to our next stop…
the best beach accessories around… wine bottle and glass! haha
She is such a doll
And we are finally off! our two girls are the cutest!
Love on the beach
I tried being serious, but i look mean hahah
New York Bar
I love these two girls.
Girls w Santa 2017 at Mission Oak
Taking off!
off to breakfast
With the Dude
bloody nails
Dinner at the Little Lion
Face painting
haha see?
before…look at the end
the stem is so small
Made pasta alla norma- pasta al forno
agedashi tofu

Came out super cute!!  Great job WordPress!

So I gotta go eat some lentils!

TTYL!

Enjoy!

xoxoxo

Christmas 2017

Posted in Party Time! by

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white.”

Greetings from a winter wonderland up in Massachusetts!

This Monday we were given a ‘White Christmas’ like those from the movies. We had quite the snowy view out each window as we opened presents by our tree, but as soon as afternoon hit the snow fell softly and the sun immediately shined through the grey skies. It was beautiful. (For the children really, as we adults had to clean that mess up as soon as it ended. Well, my husband had to. Haha)

What a wonderful Christmas this year! We celebrated all weekend with those important to us; from Friday night hosting friends to Saturday night partying to Sunday night at my sister in law’s to Monday together with my family at my sister’s. I hope this is a glimmer of what 2018 will hold for us. Lots of good memories with beautiful people (and amazing gifts haha).

Speaking of gifts!! What an awesome Christmas of giving and sharing this year. I’m a big supporter/advocate of  St. Jude all year round, but those feelings of wanting to do more for those that need it hits me hardest this time of year, and hope you all gave some time or donations too. If not, please look inside yourself to give to a worthy cause; honestly, it doesn’t take much and there are so many who can use your help so the list is long. (And it is a good feeling to do something for someone who needs that help. Between donating time, toys, clothing/housewares or money, giving to a charity can be done in so many ways.)

Outside of philanthropy, I gave some pretty rad gifts this year if I do say so myself. It was so great to see the faces of all my family, especially of my nieces, nephews and godchildren, happy with the gifts their ‘awesome aunt’ gave (you bet your butt I am the awesome one!!). But of course, the best part of talking about all of this is because I can finally talk freely about the girls’ big gift of Christmas and our next planned getaway… A TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD!!! I think I am more excited that I can finally say the word Disney at home without feeling like I am giving clues away, cuz that word comes out of my mouth every day practically.

Ok so the big reveal was fun. After the kids opened their gifts I had them go on a small scavenger hunt to find our Elf on the Shelf. Who didn’t make an appearance all season. Under the tree the kids found a hidden tube of sunscreen with a card attached. The card was from our ‘elf’, which was a hello and a rhyme clue to find her.

Lots of Christmas cheer, but it’s getting hot in here.”

(I didn’t say I was a poet)

As the kids ran everywhere to find her, I quietly grabbed all the Disney themed presents then placed them under the tree.(didya figure out she was in the oven?) That clue led to our Elf holding a big envelope that directed them to the tree to read it (and to find more gifts). It was super fun and they were beyond surprised. Our oldest daughter cried for like an hour over it all. (I got video of them opening the letter, and it is so funny and sweet. I’ll post it later on IG.)

As for receiving gifts… well, I got so many nice gifts; my husband always spoils me from the gift-wrap (Snow White theme this year) to each gift.  Also got spoiled from my parents, sister and my girls, which was super nice. My kids are really thoughtful and in tune with their Mom.  God really did give me a special gift with these two girls in my life.  I am very lucky. 🙂

Here are a few pics of the weekend:

 

Merry Christmas Everyone!
Friday night w friends
Made chocolate chunk peppermint
Made pasta alla norma- pasta al forno
Saturday Night- My new dress- Ralph Lauren blue velvet soooo comfy
Mission Oak Grill- Newburyport, MA- Christmas Party
Girls w Santa 2017 at Mission Oak
I got this centerpiece, and have been dying laughing since
Because it didn’t fit anywhere
except alone in the corner hahah
CHRISTMAS EVE
Before church we got called by our bff…
Our sister loved her mitt. hahah
Made with Kids -cupcake creations
Made Stuffed mushrooms
PJ KIDS 2017
CHRISTMAS DAY- my mom’s succulent made it inside… i saved it!
Snowy morning
My baby girl gave me this tea light 🙂
when your husband surprises you at the end of the morning. 🙂 Every girl wants the blue box w white ribbon.
Snow White Theme presents
Snow white theme gifts
Snow White theme wrapping paper
Look like death (can’t shake this cold ) But I am still gonna party.
Christmas Day- Dinner at my Sister’s
Made Apple Rose Tarts
Made cardone (recipe will be up on GirlCooksFood soon)
Make more kid cupcakes with chocolate hearts
With my mom 🙂
With my love
She loves her owl onsie…smh
Snaps with my nephew

And now, we are here.

Our last official week of 2017. Crazy how fa… (No no, I’m not even going to say my catchphrase from the year). Ahem. So ok, where was I? Oh yeah. Ok …as we are celebrating our last week of 2017, I wish you all a peaceful Christmas week, wrapping up with lots of love, laughter and memories…. And hopefully a slower feeling of 2018 passing than usual. Haha.

Xoxo