The Forgotten Kitchen

Wordless Wednesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

For all my "greeks".....

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:48:00 +0000

Some of you may or may not know, I'm in a sorority, well to be honest a women's fraternity - Delta Gamma. I joined while at college and I am still involved to this day as an adviser to my old chapter. I came across this blog post from the current Executive Director of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity called The Cold Hard Truth. It is an excellent article about the importance of Greek alumni to stay involved in their organizations.

Treading Water...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:59:00 +0000

While baking cookies today, I really started to reflect back on the past year. The year started out with promise . With a "new baby" smell. With joy in our hears and a spring in our step. In our minds, the year was going to be great!

But, as the year progressed, the proverbial poop began to hit the fan. Some of the "poop" I have been candid about, but some....not so much. As I have gotten older, I've learned to hold some of my cards closer to my heart than others.

First, it was illness, which ended up being a diagnosis of asthma. With that, came change of routines and a new "normal." We learned all about rescue versus maintenance. We know now how loud the television/radio/video game has to be to be heard over the hum of a nebulizer. Our lives began to revolve around the quiet roar of the compressor.

Then, it was emotional fallout. For longer than I have would have expected, I have been estranged from someone that I care about. But, over time the estrangement has gotten more tense for all those involved. I was seeing those that love each other fight, when they have never have raised their voice to each other before. I was watching how stress can not just take a toll on someone emotionally, but physically. In the beginning of the year, I felt that I tried to bridge the gap, but it did not work. Did I have my hopes up? Yes. Did I have unrealistic expectations? Probably. I was living in a proverbial catch-22 - knowing no matter what I did or didn't do, I felt it will never be good enough in their eyes. So, I stopped. I hung my head down and walked away. In retrospect, by making the conscious decision of stepping back and waving the proverbial white flag was just as bad as fighting to save what was left.

Lastly, it was injury. Serious injury. The kind you do not bounce back from. The kind that leads to disability. The injury has effected everything we do as a family - from what after-school activities we participate in to the fact we cannot go on a vacation that our son has been talking about for months to what we can eat for meals. How we celebrated the holidays have changed. Our children both feel and see a difference in our family. Gone are the days of long walks or trips. Our family spontaneity is gone forever. Our talk centers around a looming surgery and a long, painful recovery. We have had to let go of our pride and ask for help. We have learned who are our real friends. It has amplified the emotional issues that I spoke of above. This has, again, redefined "normal."

Now, that we have entered a new year, I realized we survived - stronger than we were previously. I hope for the rest of the year is smoother sailing than last!

Happiness is...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:13:00 +0000

Every so often I enter to win a contest on a blog. To be honest, I feel a little silly doing it, so I don't do it often. To be honest, I think the last time I did it, was over a year ago. When I do it, I get my hopes up, and then they get dashed when I do not win. My mother-in-law on the other hand wins online contests like they are going out of style. She has won everything from free books to free lumber. My copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking she won from one of these contests. We also have a bunch of melamine bowls and spoons from Honey Bunches of Oats. (Which is not to be confused with this.)

Getting back on topic...

So, on NYE, while watching the festivities in Times Square and seeing random people streak down my street, I entered a contest to win this:

A Silhouette Cameo. It is a electronic cutting tool for crafting. It cuts everything from paper to vinyl. Cool, eh? And, guess what?

I won. Then I jumped up and down. Then I yelled. Then I was told by my 5 year old that we do not yell indoors.

I want to thank the fabulous Brooke from All Things Thrifty for sponsoring this awesome giveaway and for having a kick butt blog!

Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 28

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:12:00 +0000

We have winded down to the last Friday of 2011! I am both saddened and relieved that this year is coming to a close. A year full of milestones, yet a year full of stress-induced sleepless nights. How am I going to celebrate? With Jennifer over at Conversion Diary, of course! It is time for another 7QTF.

-- 1 --

Over the past year, my little ones have grown up so much! The big guy is halfway through kindergarten, while the little princess is already taking her first steps. Time flew this year!!!!

-- 2 --

I have been becoming more and more obsessed with Pinterest! Have you?

-- 3 --

I think my obsession with Pinterest plus my new found love of cleaning and organizing has caused me to covet this:

This is a Silhouette Cameo - a cutting tool, like a Cricut, but so much cooler....

-- 4 --

Talking about Pinterest and my little ones reminds me of how much I need to do this in my sons room:

This is from Jen over at I Heart Organizing. She has done at least three posts on how to do Lego organization plus held a Lego organization blog carnival. I think I am in love.

-- 5 --

Enough gushing over Jen.....

But, more about organizing...We have lots of DVDs, video games, and CDs (still)....but I hate the boxes they come in. When it comes to the video games, you still have to keep the booklets that come with them. It is a quandary...until I found this:

This is the Atlantic Movie Bin with Sleeves. Each sleeve holds two discs plus the booklets. Eight full sleeves equals the size of one DVD box. LOVE IT. I just bought the sleeves only at Target today. I'll be on the look out for a cute bin to store them in.

-- 6 --

Also, today, I picked up two wire cube units and a few cloth bins do do this in our playroom:

This is from Amy, at The Red Chair Blog. I got one set for the big guy with a brown half basket and a brown/black dot large basket and for the little princess, I did a purplely-pink half basket and a multi-colored dot large basket. I can't wait to get organizing!

-- 7 --

Last, but not least......Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! :)

Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 27

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Yes. T.G.I.F. I haven't been so happy for a Friday to come in quite a long time! There is something amazingly relaxing that you feel in your bones on a Friday that don't get to feel during the other days of the week. Ahh....pure bliss and happiness! Since it is TGIF, it is time for another 7QTF. And, lets not forget about our wonderful host, the amazing Jennifer over at Conversion Diary.

-- 1 --

Yesterday, I had to take Bianca for a biopsy. And the only thing that kept me from falling apart in the office was My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This movie cracks me up, specifically this scene. While at Bianca's doctor's appointment yesterday, all I heard was Aunt Voula saying "bibopsy." Replaying that scene over and over again, kept me level headed while a doctor did her magic with a scalpel.

Bianca was the best patient ever. She didn't flinch at all when the scalpel dug into her skin. She didn't even shed a tear, on the other hand, I was teary all the way home. We will be on pins and needles until we get the results.

-- 2 --

Great story *sarcasm*

-- 3 --

My big guy has been home sick for the past three days. He's on the mend finally, but since he's been out of commission (all the while clearing out Walgreens of asthma meds, cough meds, allergy meds, and anitbiotics) he's been upset that he's missing school. So, we've kept up on his homework and added some work from his favorite workbooks:

-- 4 --

LOVE THIS!!!

-- 5 --

With all the recent stress, I had to figure out a way to de-stress. My new mantra...."I'm giving it up to God." By giving up the stress and drama of our recent suffering to God, I have found some inner peace and clarity. But, I am still searching for some sleep!

-- 6 --

I've burned my hand twice this Advent season lighting the candles. Who knew Advent was such a dangerous season!

-- 7 --

Happy Friday!

Staying above water...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:08:00 +0000

I really need a nap.

A long, long nap that I wake up feeling refreshed. But, I do not see a nap, let alone an energizing night's sleep in my near or distant future. I can't remember the last time I had a restful sleep. And, the funny thing is, I can't blame the baby on this one :o) I has been a trying few months in our household for a variety of reasons.

First: Heartbreak. To be honest, this heartbreak isn't our own. We have been helping others to deal with, manage, and cope their specific heartbreak. We have cried with them. We have laughed with them. And we have been their punching bags when they have needed it. Being all of this to those that you care about and love is taxing both mentally and physically, but we feel we must do this. Worrying about the ones you love can be taxing on your mental health.

Second: Mother Nature. We had a wet, wet Summer. If it wasn't raining, it was threatening to rain. Then, we had an earthquake - which I learned that in NYC gas pumps still pump when the ground shakes. Next, we had the awesome duo of a hurricane and a tornado. By Labor Day, our nerves were shot and we were more than ready for Autumn. And Autumn never really came. It was a warm September and most of October was warm. Then, we had a snowstorm the weekend before Halloween. Six inches of the white stuff. November fluctuated between 30 to 60 degrees. And today? It hit 61 and the temp is supposed to drop to below freezing. We can't decide whether or not to take out our winter clothes.

Third: Work. My job has been quite stressful this year. Long hours, lots of deadlines, not enough time. I've been working weekends, and through the night - and I still do not have everything done. As the days progress at work, I've been going from brunette to a gray lady. Sometimes, when it gets to be too crazy, I can't remember why I got into the career I did. Seriously.

Fourth: Health and Wellness. We have not had a good run in the house with health and wellness. Asthma management has become my big guy's full-time job. Every time we think we have gotten his asthma under control, a wrench gets thrown into the works - the wrench being Mother Nature. With the weather radically changing day by day, it seems that our nebulizer hasn't stopped running.

Unfortunately, our largest hurdle has been my husband's health. He's now on month three being home from work due to his line-of-duty injury. It's hard on him not being able to do things he regularly does. It's hard on the kids not being able to play with him like they used to. And now, we are discussing surgery - his most likely next step. Surgery that may or may not work. Surgery that will end his career. Surgery that would change our family forever.

Now, someone may say our run of bad luck is due to karma or bad juju. That we have done something so heinous and egregious previously to deserve this. But, we don't. God doesn't disable because you were naughty. God put things on our shoulders because he knows we can handle it. That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.

Wordless Wednesdays: The "I refuse to keep bows in my hair" edition

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:59:00 +0000

Tutti insieme adesso

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:35:00 +0000

My son has a new obsession with music and dancing. Anytime a song with a peppy beat comes on the radio or TV, he starts dancing. He dances in the car. He dances to commercials. He dances to the piped in music in stores. This past weekend, we were at my godfather's wedding and outside of the liturgical music, he danced to every other song. He became so involved in the dancing at one point, he slipped and fell. He took comfort in the arms of his new step cousin and then went back dancing. He has an awesome bruise on his thigh as a symbol of his dance marathon.

His favorite band to get is groove on, so far, is the Black Eyed Peas. He asks us to rewind (is that still the proper term?) songs to replay them all the time. He asked Santa for the Black Eyed Peas video game. I permenently have this in my head:

To be fair, my daughter does have two songs that bounce around in my head all day. One is a pop-song written in the style of a children's song.....

This started due to those Sprint commercials, and it snowballed from there. And the other one is a children's song, with a message (or two).....

Mind you, I never heard of Veggie Tales until my daughter. It is quite amusing watching it though. Somehow they hold items without arms though....

As much as I want to pull my hair out when I hear any of these songs....I'm glad they like music!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:36:00 +0000

The Unplanned and Unexpected

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000

A year ago, today, my little girl, Bianca entered this wonderful world. A little ball of wonder to make our family complete. She is our unplanned and unexpected bundle of joy who brightens all of our days. Bianca and her big brother, Marty, are best friends. She adores him. He protects her. And my husband and I eat it all up. This is how our family was meant to be - even though she was unplanned and unexpected.

Throughout this year, there has been many more unplanned and unexpected stops and turns in our journey as a family. There is something about the unplanned and unexpected that has made our family grow in ways that we never would have believed. Our family has become closer, while learning who we can lean on when the unplanned and unexpected turn shakes us up. We can depend on each other...we can depend on God. We enjoy our conversations with each other. Over dinner, we discuss everything - from what is the lead story on the news to what Marty did in class that day to figuring out Sponge Bob's age (our guess is 19). Marty tells us about every minute detail about his day, other parents call us to find out information!

And God...what more can I say? I look forward to go to Sunday Mass with Marty each week (if I didn't work, I'd be hitting up daily mass). On our way to mass, we discuss how much he is tithing for the week and why. On the way home, we talk about the readings. Bianca shares my love of running rosary beads between your fingers. All of us love the fact that we can just steal a moment and spend time with God. And I cherish the fact that we learned this so early in our journey.

Over the past year or so, I have learned who I can and cannot turn to when the unplanned and unexpected arrives at my door. I found that those that you hoped you could lean on, you can't. And those that you thought wouldn't care less, were the ones that were my rock.

And now, as our family is on yet another scary, unplanned and unexpected journey, I take pause to give thanks. Thanks to my family. Thanks to my friends. Thanks to God.

Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 26

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I'm still getting back into the swing of things with blogging again. It is late Thursday night and the goal of writing a little bit of this post every day fell flat. But, I promised myself that I'd keep it up and not get all lax again. Like almost every Friday, Jennifer over at Conversion Diary is hosting!

-- 1 --

As I write this post, our family vacation to Florida is winding down. We are starting the long haul back north this weekend. It has been an amazing three weeks down here. Marty and Bianca have had a blast with my parents and I think my parents had a pretty good time, too! Due to the distance, we don't see my parents as often as we would like, but we try to arrange something at least four times a year - twice for them coming up to us and twice for us to come down to them.

-- 2 --

One thing that we did differently this year was swimming lessons for Marty. Since he was a baby, he has never been a fan of being in water - pools, oceans, bathtubs, etc. There was a period of time that he flat out refused to have his hair washed. Now that he's older, he was beginning to seem out of place when we went to pool parties and he would have to wear swimmies. Over the past three weeks, Marty had six one-on-one swimming lessons with a neighbor of my parents, Miss Connie. Miss Connie is a competitive swimmer, who currently participates in various Senior/Masters events across the country. After these lessons, Marty now is comfortable enough to swim with out the aid of swimmies, but still will not go underwater. Off to the YMCA!

-- 3 --

Also, as seen in the picture above, we found out two things about Bianca during our vacation:

1. She is not a fan of heat/humidity

2. The more humid it gets, the curlier her hair gets. (she has straight hair)

-- 4 --

I want to send a big congrats to the godparents of Bianca! They just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Now Bianca has a new friend to eventually play with. :)

-- 5 --

If you are on Facebook, you know that they just redid the groups. Now, I am getting bombarded with messages from the "You Know You're From Sparta, NJ When..." group. The constant information from the group is slightly annoying, but I did find out that Sr. Ruth, the nun that hit me in CCD when I was in 4th grade, and that I thought was in her late 80's then (approx 1986) is STILL alive. And, that I wasn't the only child who was afraid of her. She was one of the reasons why my parents switched parishes when I was a kid.

-- 6 --

Arts and crafts with Pop-Pop was definitely a highlight this trip!

-- 7 --

And someone was a messy, messy eater :)

Wordless Wednesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Hey, Ma! Let's go to Latin Mass!

The Joys of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

When I started working as a kid, I worked in the Summer because my parents were not keen on me working during the school year. When I began my career in teaching, I worked summer school partly for the money, partly because I wasn't sure what I would do with myself with all that time off. When Ant and I got married, I still worked in the summer. Actually, the first summer we were married, I was pregnant, worked full-time, and went to grad school full time. Even after the big guy was born, I worked full time throughout the summer.

Then, I became pregnant with la bambina. Suddenly, I realized if I didn't slow down, I'd miss not just the big guy's childhood, I'd miss la bambina's. If I could, I would be a stay at home parent, but due to where we live/cost of living, among other reasons, I can't. So, last summer, I stopped working in the summer.

Last Summer was amazing. Marty and I grew closer together. We explored where we lived, read lots of books, and capped the summer off by going for a two week vacation to my parents home in Florida. In Florida, we went swimming, visited the Gulf of Mexico and Daytona Beach, took in a round or two of golf, and just played in the sun.

This Summer, we opted do something different. Marty, Bianca, and I flew down to Florida to spend time with my parents. For two weeks, our days were filled with swimming lessons - for Marty 3X a week, trips to the beach, and still, lots of golf! And now, we are here for week three, with Ant. He took this week as a vacation and drove down to surprise the kids. Since he has been down, there has been swimming, sports and soon to be fishing.

Being able to spend so much one on one time with my children has been amazing. This summer has been amazingly relaxing and so fulfilling. I'm learning so much more about them. Both of them are so different, but there are so many similarities between the two. As Marty is about to make the HUGE step into going into Kindergarten, Bianca is about to take her first steps. As I write, I am dreading going back to work in the Fall. As much as I love working in education, I know I will missing spending every waking moment with my children....

Quick Takes Friday Vol. 25

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Wow. I have been MIA for quite awhile! It has been a crazy, but awesome few months. Part of me loved my mini-blog vacation, but at the same time, I missed the camaraderie of the blogosphere. But, since it is a Friday, I thought I'd come back to the world through 7 Quick Takes Friday, hosted by Jennifer at Conversion Diary.

- 1 -

Ahhhh...my little bambina, Bianca. She's almost 9 months old now. She has made our family complete. She has the three of us wrapped around her little fingers. To be honest, I have been so wrapped up in her girly goodness (and a few other things) to even think about blogging! I have been loving getting bows, frilly skirts/dresses, and pretty pink things. I think I've become more girly since she's come along. Scary, isn't it? I feel like if I don't wear a splash of pink daily, I'm not feminine! lol

- 2 -

And, I can't not talk about my lil' man, Marty. He's getting bigger by the day. He's also HUGE for a five year old. Just buying his school uniforms made me cry! In one hand, he's growing up. In the other hand, I weep at the amount of cash I paid to the uniform shop for clothes that may not fit him come June. *sigh*

Talking about school uniforms, can someone tell me why I need to get my child Velcro sneakers? He's been wearing tie shoes since he was 3. Grrrr...plus, they look like scary orthopedic shoes. Plus, he wears a grey pant. There is no way I could match that color to any off the rack pants. Double grrrrrr.

Lets not even talk about school supplies! Between outfitting the class and the house, I think I should own Staples. I feel a little better knowing that public school kids outfit the classroom nowadays. I don't remember having my parents purchase supplies for school back in the day....*sigh*

- 3 -

And let's not forget about my main man, Ant. He's the rock of our little family. He inspires all around him to be better. Plus, he picks out the best hair accessories for Bianca! He has such a soft spot for his little girl - but don't worry, he's still tough as nails.

- 4 -

Our biggest drama this year has been asthma. Marty has had a nagging cough since October. It got better then it just got worse and worse. I think during the months of April and May, we were in the doctors' office at least twice a week with him. He was on every medication known to man - cough suppressants, expectorants, anti-biotics, allergy medication, nasal sprays...At one point, Marty was taking seven different types of medications. We were asked not to bring him back to school until his cough was under control. Marty wasn't sleeping. Marty wasn't eating. He wasn't himself. At one recheck, we saw a different doctor in the practice. We explained everything. He asked questions. We told him more. Then, he said....it may be asthma. Ant and I were taught how to use a nebulizer and Marty was given abuterol, a steroid, nasal spray, and allergy meds. Within 48 hours, our child was back. He's now on hyper-tonic saline (with abuterol as needed), nasal spray, and Allegra and doing great.

Our biggest challenge will start in the Fall when he goes to school. At this time, he isn't going to have the nebulizer at school, but we will monitor him and revise if needed.

- 5 -

Is you family beyond excited about Angry Birds? We have Angry Birds on our phones, the Nook, the iPad, and our laptops. Marty and Ant love the game. Marty even got my mom hooked on it. She bought him the t-shirt above the other day. It is an adult sized small. For some reason, they don't make Angry Birds clothes in a size for kids. Odd...

- 6 -

We have been spending the past few weeks down in Florida with my parents. This has been the third summer that I've taken Marty (and now Bianca) down to my parents. This year, Marty has been getting swimming lessons from a neighbor of theirs who is a competitive swimmer three days a week. He's gone from needing swimmies and staying in the shallowest of the shallow end to swimming on his own in the deep end. He's becoming more confident in the water. Even Bianca has gotten some swim time. I have a feeling that Bianca will be a little fish in a shore period of time.

Today, my dad, Marty, and I drove out to the Gulf of Mexico to do some swimming and to play in the sand. Marty spent all morning going from swimming in 5 ft of calm Gulf water to flying kites to making sandcastles to swimming again. After spending the whole morning at the beach, the big guy was tuckered out and napped all the way back to my parents home.

- 7 -

We flew down to Florida on JetBlue out of Newark to go to Florida. Previously, we flew to Orlando, but this time I got a slightly better deal to Tampa. This trip was awful. The flight was delayed three hours (JetBlue's fault) and we had to wait in an unairconditioned terminal - which is so much fun with a 5 year old and an infant. When we finally landed in Tampa, I couldn't wait to get out of the plane! My plan was to write a note to JetBlue to state how horrible the situation was. Lo and behold, a day later I had an email in my inbox stating that they felt bad for inconveniencing us and we received a travel credit for $50 each! Yea, JetBlue!

Wordless Wednesdays (from sunny Florida!)

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:46:00 +0000

Quick Takes Friday Vol. 24

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:59:00 +0000

It is yet another well deserved Friday, so it is time for 7QTF. This is my, "I've been gone for over a month" edition. So stop on by and see Jennifer over at Conversion Diary for more quick takes.

- 1 -

Yes, I admit it...I've been MIA for over a month. I've been busy, enjoying the fun and the challenges of now having two amazing children, who just happen to have almost a five year age gap!

- 2 -

Since I've been on hiatus, we've gone to sunny Florida and back. And let me tell you, being able to soak in the warm sun during this awful winter was both good for the body (Vitamin D) and good for the soul. We were able to take long walks, swim, and golf - stretching our outdoor legs.

- 3 -

I've also learned that my son is not a fan of bare feet or not wearing socks. His need to wear socks with Crocs makes me want to scream. To be honest, I'm afraid he'll start wearing dress socks with shorts and sandals next.

- 4 -

Need I say more?

- 5 -

We are HUGE NY Giants Fans. Season ticket holders and all. We ended up purchasing this at Sam's Club recently for the upcoming season. There is something awesome about a cordless margarita/frozen concoction maker.

- 6 -

Also, since I've been away, my son has developed an odd obsession with fedoras. He wears them constantly.

- 7 -

I've also learned that my cell phone has a powerful flash, that la bambina does not like.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:33:00 +0000

(Yes, he's wearing a fedora. And, yes, he asked to buy it.)

A Little Shout Out...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Happy 37th Birthday, JD! I hope all your wishes come true :)

Wordless Wednesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:30:00 +0000

Quick Takes Friday - Vol. 23

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:29:00 +0000

Baby, it's cold outside! But, on the brightside, it is Friday. Yea! In honor of the fact that we made it through the week, let us celebrate with Jennifer over at Conversion Diary and participate in another 7QTF!

-- 1 --

Today was yet another snowstorm in good ol' NYC. Here in the Forgotten Borough we had another 18 inches or so. The snow from the Blizzard of 2010 is still on the ground. I think we are at our 4th big storm of the season and it is officially the snowiest January in NYC's history. It might be crappy to shovel it, but its beauty takes your breath away. And yes, the picture above is from my deck in Staten Island.

-- 2 --

As I was looking for a blizzard article to link to from my local rag, The Staten Island Advance, I found an article that my borough president of my lil' island dropped the f-bomb live on NBC. This is not the first time that one of my local elected officials cussed on TV.

For your enjoyment (FYI: the f-bomb is NOT bleeped)

-- 3 --

One of the things that Ant and I are doing is organizing our digital pictures by using Picasa and then uploading them to Picasa's Web Albums. We are starting to find some hidden gems and forgotten memories during this project. While going through some of the pictures, I found this oldie from when my father and I spent Christmas in Ireland in 2001:

This picture was taken in Cork (I think). We had a great time sightseeing, shopping, and having a pint or two. Everyone treated us really nice when we were over there. But, we did learn that everything is closed in a Catholic country on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. *sigh*

-- 4 --

Hi! (Hidden Gem)

-- 5 --

This was the sky this morning. It was so breathtaking.

-- 6 --

Somebody is tired...

-- 7 --

It's Friday...take a nap!

The Bigger Picture: Snow's Warm Embrace

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Yesterday, I had a small window of time to get from the school where I work to my house between the two parts of the storm hitting New York City. With this seasons storms, I know that some of the roads I take wouldn't be plowed for quite awhile - and most New Yorkers aren't great drivers in the snow. Adding to that, I work about 25 miles from my house in a different borough and my commute is a crapshoot - sometimes I get home in 30 minutes, while other times it has taken me over three hours. On top of this time crunch, I needed to do a few errands (gas, grocery, and Babies R Us).

As I trudged from work to Staten Island, I kept checking the road and the sky, waiting for the storm to kick back up. Growing up in Northwest New Jersey has given me the skill of driving in poor winter weather in even the most impractical of automobiles (I drove a '83 Ford Mustang GL), but that doesn't mean I like driving in it. Plus, all I wanted to do was to do my errands, curl up on my couch and watch tv. Will I be able to do my errands? Will I be able to get home to my couch? Will the big guy have school tomorrow? Will I have work tomorrow? Then I saw this while stopped at a light..

An empty bus stop on the edge of a college and a city park.

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was so worried about doing all these "things" in the winter weather, I never noticed the beauty and gift of the snow. The snow was softly draping itself on the bare branches of the trees reminded me of the warm embrace of my family. The stillness of the bus stop brought me back to how my little ones sleep softly in their bed and crib. With this, my hurried state melted away. I enjoyed watching the snow fall on my car while jaunted around town to my various stops. Then, I came home to my family to get a huge hug from my son as soon as I got through the door.

Today, God reminded me that no matter how crazy and hectic my life may get, I have to think about and appreciate the beauty of life around me.

Today is the day to see the simple moments that make up the bigger picture. This is my first week participating! Please join in, over at Melissa's Place. Make sure you visit all the participants' entries.

Small Successes - Vol. 5

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 +0000

It’s important for all moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, the ladies at Faith and Family Live do exactly that.

To participate, just write up a list of 3 of your recent Small Successes and post it on your blog along with the Small Successes button (go here to get the code). You are not required to use the button, but please do link back to the main post here at F&FL. Then you can add your blog using the Mr. Linky form at F&FL.

If you don’t have a blog, you can share your Small Successes in the comments at F&FL.

-- 1 --

That I've learned to both accept and love the winter weather that God has been so nice to give us this past few months in the Northeast. And for some reason, I've become a huge fan of thundersnow.

-- 2 --

I've gotten a morning routine that works for us. I wake up at 4AM, then have some "me" time (prayers/blogging), get dressed and wake the big guy up around 5:15. While he gets dressed on his own, I get la bambina dressed and in her car seat. We meet downstairs, hop into the car, and they are at my in-laws by 6AM.

-- 3 --

Wow...a third success? Hmmm...How about this? I'll give my third to someone else. Congrats on the baby-to-be in the Peach State

Wordless Wednesdays - A NYC Vista

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

The Big Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Kerrie @ TFK) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:17:00 +0000

It seems like yesterday, and by yesterday, I mean 2006, the big guy was a little, skinny (and seemingly annoyed) baby boxer:

Born in the early evening of the 24th of January with intervention of medical science, Martin Joseph was brought into this world. And over the past few years, we have been blessed to be a part of his life.

Blessed.

Happy Birthday Marty! I Love You