The New New Thing

It's little. You have to wait in line for 30 minutes in a small chic shop that's West facing (and we were waiting at 4 p.m. with the hot sun glaring down - God help them all in August) and you will pay $3.25 a piece. What are they you ask? Cupcakes.

That's right. Flour, sugar, eggs and butter and an oven and some buzz. They are all over the news now - Sprinkles Cupcake shop has done so well in the 90210 ZIP Code that they have come to try their luck just across from Fashion Square Mall.

I will tell you they are cute as a... cupcake. And moist. And tasty. And probably worth the experience once. But only once. Our girlfriend Betty (Crocker) can make up a pretty mean one too, for a lot less money and hassle.

But they are cute...see?

First Official Swim

We've been warm-tubbing in our hot tub the last few weekends; it's fun for us and Emerson sleeps like a dream for the night. But today, the boys officially took to the big pool in our first swim of the season and it's not even June!

Furbabies

Our doggies don't get much Web time or exposure, but they have been with us since just about the beginning. Sophie was our first Boxer, through rescue and as it turns out, she rescued us. We had just suffered a fire at our apartment building and were scheduled to pick her up the first weekend we were displaced and living with rental furniture. We debated calling the rescue group and saying we couldn't take her, but something told us we had to bring this girl some stability, despite being in transition ourselves. A few months later, we got Sidney through a coworker who's dog had just had a litter. At 12 weeks, she and Sophie bonded and they were like mom and daughter.

Sammy was unplanned. He was up for adoption at a local shelter and actually went to another family in the shelter's adoption lottery. But T stayed around after the adoption only to learn that the recipients other dog was not taking well to Sammy and that the owner said Sammy would be outside all day. T jumped in, offering a more loving environment and the guy gladly gave Sammy up.

Sophie's loyal to the end and the family protector. Sidney is the silly girl who likes to play like a puppy even though her 12-year old legs are starting to wimp out on her. And Sammy is the social king, buddy boy, at your heels and in your business 24/7. They have been wonderful dogs, welcoming friends and family and our very own two-legged child with wags and licks. I guess I am feeling nostalgic as they have entered their senior years. We aren't sure how much more time we have with them, but are sure enjoying the time we have.

Mother's Day

This year Emerson was really crafty, making ceramic plates for his Gramma Kathy (pictured) and Gramma Lynn (in OK). He had a lot of fun making a mess with his friend Lauren who made plates for her Grammas too.

I made out pretty good too with some designer shades and my first-ever toaster oven.

Driving Home Today

"I can snap Mommy!"

"You can?" I ask.

"Yes!"

"When did you learn to do that?"

"Well, I am all growed up. I ate all my good foods."

Bubble Boy

Silly School Daze

This week Emerson had dress up days at school all week. I remembered to capture the two best on film:

Crazy Hair Day:


Sports Day:


Although I actually like the vintage-y look I did for this one in photoshop better...

Gal Pal Time

It's official. I have now been to visit my friend A. in Connecticut after she's been here about 20 times (literally in the last 7 years). For never having visited she really played the host with most role either an effort to get me to come back or show me so much I won't ever return - ha!

Her generosity resulted in my seeing TWO Broadway shows - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (with James Earl Jones, Terrence Howard, Phyllicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose) in the third row! And we saw Wicked from the 8th row! I got to shop and snap pics in Grand Central Station, drive over the George Washington Bridge, eat the world's 2nd best pizza (seriously the owner won 2nd place in the worldwide pizza competition in Europe), dine on deelish quesadillas in New Canaan, eat fabulous Italian in Manhattan, walk through Times Square and see Rupert G.'s Hello Deli, buy fabulously frugal jewelry and relax and read. It was pretty divine and I will definitely go back.

Far-Flung-Family Fun

Our folks drove in from Oklahoma in mid-February and have been staying with us. It has been really great for Emerson to have some good, quality time with his Papa Jim and Gramma Lynn. They have been to his swimming lessons, read a few stories, had some good meals, experienced a handful of meltdowns, and seen what a big boy (and potential doctor - see below) he's becoming.

A Cautionary Tale

Running around naked is certainly fun.

Even more fun when you use your jammies to slip and slide with on the floor.

Not so fun is sliding into the wall and banging your head.

Monkey Love

Emerson can't get enough of his monkey slippers, courtesy of our good friends Ali, Dave, Will and Ben...

Geek Love

Valentine's Day came early for us with my first-ever successful surprising of T with tickets to see a live taping tonight of our favorite NPR Quiz Show: Wait, wait... don't tell me!

Hosted by Peter Sagal and moderated by Carl Kassel the show featured the Governor of our great state - Janet Napolitano and had celebrity panelists Paul Provenza, Alan Ferber and Kyrie O'Connor. We even got pix with and autographs from Carl and Peter!!!

While we may not have topped the list for most romantic V-day gifts (or hippest), it was pretty cool for us. AND if you tune in on Saturday for the broadcast in your local area, you may hear us laugh.

Happy VDay!

"Boting" on Super Tuesday

Despite originally being directed to the wrong polling place, I was able to cast my "bote" and Emerson was able to take part in a little bit of American history (and apply his own pronunciation of the process).

The Future of U.S. Swimming

Emerson and friends at his very first birthday party.

The Big Four

Emerson's 4th birthday proved to be the first where he was totally engaged during the entire party (dinner, presents, cake and all), completely awestruck by the fabulous gifts he received, uttering the palindromic 'wow' the whole night through.

What things?

Upon finishing his nightly poop:

"Mommy, I am wiping my butt with the tissue because there are no more butt things."

Translation:

"Mommy, I am wiping my butt with the tissue because there is no more toilet paper."

First Bloom

I have pretty much what you could call a brown thumb. But, I love flowers -- tulips in particular. Well when Costco had a vase of bulbs anchored so that all I needed to do was add some water, I was intrigued. The fruits of my minimal efforts paid off today with this lovely bloom.

Anticipation

Progress in Paradise

The painting project continues, with an interruption to create my first true library. A work in progress, the library is taking place of what would be a formal living room. Since T and I rarely have folks over for a serious formal tea and finger sandwiches affair, I figured that big plush couches, some nice art, a rug and coffee table (all yet to be purchased) surrounded by my books would make for a cozy and intimate setting perfect for the kind of people and gatherings we do host.

So, here we are, my collection on display, with room to grow.

Traditions

While Times Square celebrated it's 100th ball drop, my small group of friends gathered for the 7th year in a row for a ferocious night of game playing, homemade spaghetti eating and Bailey's shake drinking into the new year. The laughter was as rich as in years past and the story telling as animated. I find myself blessed to have such good friends.

As I embark on another year, I look to carry over many traditions from years past and celebrate some new ones, like keeping a journal and reminding myself of the good things in life on a regular basis. Taking a cue from from my internet blogging friend Karen, here are the 25 good things in my life that I never tire of. As you read through it, think of your own, list. Write it down and keep it handy for those days when nothing seems to be going right, or you just want some time for reflection. It's bound to bring a smile to your face:

1. Emerson's laughter.
2. Fresh cut grass under bare feet.
3. A really well made movie.
4. Good music.
5. Book Club.
6. Making my hubby laugh (which is sometimes easier said than done).
7. Clean sheets and freshly shaved legs.
8. A good joke.
9. The smell of rain.
10. Completing a crossword puzzle without any cheats.
11. My mom's cooking.
12. A game of Sorry! or Scrabble with my competitive Oklahoma family.
13. The Olympic Games.
14. Reading and dozing and reading and dozing and reading and dozing.
15. Sitting in front of the fire.
16. Girly weekend in Mexico.
17. A day at the spa.
18. Story time and songs with Emerson.
19. Hearing I love you.
20. Making others feel happy.
21. Taking photographs.
22. Setting up a new calendar or planner.
23. Starbucks Non-Fat Chai - hot or cold.
24. Looking at slide pics on the old projector.
25. Hugging someone close.