family

cookie after dinner

October 4, 2011

in family

We are all a bit under the weather around here.  The boys have slight colds and I have something brewing.  Last night, after dinner, the boys got a chocolate chip cookie from Daddy.  That perked them right up. They plopped in a chair across from me and lo and behold, my camera was just at my fingertips.  I managed to click without them freaking out and Oh am I so happy!

Look:

Photos of my kids together. Lovingly, I might add.

Love it to the zillionth power. Happy Tuesday!

{ 2 comments }

For those of you who don’t know, my brother in-law is from Morocco. This year, he wasn’t able to travel home to celebrate Eid (the end of Ramadan), so we thought we would bring a little Casablanca here to Long Island.

We all did our best as everyone contributed. Dinner actually turned out scrumptious. I researched a ton and realized that Dinners and Dreams was my best resource.  Beautifully written and photographed.

I decided on making Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives.  Oh My was that good.  I had an authentic Tagine from Morocco that, at the last minute, put aside and used a Dutch Oven.  I thought it wouldn’t be big enough.  Afterwards, I realized I probably could have used it.  It made for a lovely serving dish nonetheless.  I also didn’t use preserved lemons.  I didn’t miss them ; )

My Mom picked up some Turkish bread from Nazar for dipping into the juices.

My Mom also made an eggplant side (on the right).  I have no idea how she made it but it was so refreshing.  I made a red cabbage salad which added a nice texture and crunch to the meal.

My BIL made a cous cous that was delish with beef and carrots and other good stuff.

For dessert, Mom made this moroccan biscotti. Filled with Pistachio and raisins, it was perfect with hot tea.

I think that night was the start of a new tradition. Whether it is on Eid or not, having an authentic Moroccan dinner was good for our souls.

Warm comforting and delicious.

{ 5 comments }

Spent the afternoon relaxing at Pindar Vineyards yesterday.  Drank wine, listened to music, packed a picnic and laughed with friends.  Samy from Creative Courses Catering made us steak sandwiches that were too die for.  The kids had a great time getting their faces painted and playing Frisbee.  It was the first day that I actually felt chilly when the sun went behind the clouds.  This is it.  Summer is gone and Fall is here.  The smell in the air is different too.  The East-end was in full swing with pumpkin picking and cornstalks.  I’m not there quite yet.  Maybe in a couple of weeks.

It was a delightful day:

We love trying new wines around here. Do you have a favorite?

{ 0 comments }

End of summer

September 6, 2011

in family,friends

We decided well in advance last minute, to have a Labor Day party. Luckily, our friends were able to make it and we all had a super great time.

Enjoy:

Monsta – by surprise of course.

Carly and Sam

Maritza and Chris

Timmy

My sister Jules and Samy

Cubby

Holly and Rob

Joey

David and Debra

Mary

Tony

Jules and Mia

Jill and Joe

Joey and Monsta armed with their DS’

Party didn’t wrap up till around 11:30. Hung around talking, guitar heroing and laughing.

Today, I sent my boy to his first day of Kindy. Oh my Gosh, I really can’t believe it. I am really excited for him and he was pretty psyched as well. I’m getting pangs of anxiety though (just little ones) trying to think what he is doing at this very second. What if he is lost in the hallway? What if he can’t open the container I put his peaches in? HAHAHA, I make myself laugh. I know everything will be fine and that he will come home safe and sound.

I can’t wait till 3:15.

{ 5 comments }

Here is the last installment of our day trip to Greenport.

The Carousel is a BIG deal:

Monsta is all smiles.

Cubby….not so much.

I think by next year he will be able to grab the ring.

We walked along the docks.

Monsta spotted some jellyfish.

Then we ate fried chicken and french fries while listening to blues and danced under the stars.

Cubby couldn’t believe what this dude was wearing!

{ 3 comments }

Greenport Part II

August 10, 2011

in family

More to come…

{ 3 comments }

The second half as promised…

My little babe.

Sweet Joey.

Full of life, Jules.

A lazy bunch watching the skies.

My honey.

Monsta and a sparkler.

Timeless Andy with his trusty bug watch.

Beautiful Samantha watching the lights.

Happy belated 4th!

{ 2 comments }

A new week

June 6, 2011

in family

A week where I will have a positive outlook

I will try to splash in the pool every day with my kids

We will make cards to wish Grandma a speedy recovery after having her knee replacement today

I will try to make dinners every night (except tomorrow)

I will try to not let stressful things bother me and sleep at night

The end.

Trying to keep my goal list small so I can accomplish it.

How do you set your goals?

{ 1 comment }

My baby turns five

May 27, 2011

in family,Monsta

Five years ago today

my sweet baby was placed into my arms. 

What I felt at that moment was indescribable

Imagine….that feeling

multiplied every time I see

this smile.

The boy that calls me Mamy Gamy

The boy that loves to eat

The boy who sings and sings and sings.

Happy Birthday my lovey dovey.

When Monsta turned F O U R

When Monsta turned T H R E E

When Monsta turned T W O

{ 1 comment }

Happy Birthday Mawm

April 26, 2011

in family

Taking this opportunity to wish my Mom the happiest of Birthdays – EVER.  She is the coolest person I know and we just love her to pieces. 

It has been said that her hips don’t lie but check them out for yourself…

{ 3 comments }