I’ve been taking pottery classes for almost a year now and I’m completely addicted.  This was one of my first mugs.  Sure it has some defects but you know what?  I love it!  I look forward to Craigfast (Craig makes the worlds BEST breakfast every weekend if you didn’t already know - drool) all week long so I can sip the best coffee from this here mug. 

Chihuly
Originally uploaded by minaypal
Last year, when Ben was about 5 months old, Mom and I took him to the Dale Chihuly exhibit at the NY Botanical Gardens. I had no idea what to expect. Glass blowing didn’t sound so thrilling to me. To my amazement, it was the best show I’ve ever been to. Even Ben was in awe. The sun shining through the colored glass was magical. It is something we will never forget. If you ever get a chance to see is work, RUN. I posted the pictures I took on that beautiful day on flickr. Take a peek.

Just returned home from a scrumptious dinner at my parents house.  My Mom went all out.  Crab ceviche, rib-eye steaks, macaroni and cheese (the homemade kind) with sweet peas and bacon and coconut cream ice to finish.  It was soooo good.  Everyone had a great time playing with Benjamin.  He was so busy playing with Abuelito and his fire truck he didn’t want to leave.  When it was time to go, he waved good-bye to me as if he was staying.  What a cookie.  I don’t think we were off the block before he was sleeping.  Happy Birthday Pop.

Yesterday, we went to my sister Julie’s house.  My brother-n-law Samy and Jules really went all out to make a great party.  My cousins were there along with my Aunt and Gram and parents and a couple of friends.  The house looked beautiful with all the Moroccan accents and the detail they gave to the yard was charming.  Benjamin had a ball.  His cousin Jack showed him how to go down the slide and bang fire stones together.  What a great pal he was.  We walked to the beach and picked silver pennies.  My Aunt showed us how to take off the layers to make them look shimmery.  That was pretty cool.  Thanks Titi and Ami Samy - we all had a great time!

I finally have put together this little place for family and friends to have access to Benjamin pictures.  By clicking on any of the photos to the right, you will be taken to my Flickr account.  There you will find various photos I have taken.  Please comment on any of the photographs so I know you were there or you can comment here on earthandskye.  Along with all the pictures, you also get to read about stuff going on here.  Really interesting, right?  I mean, I know you are just dying to know that yesterday I was in the kitchen talking to Craig on the phone (he was at work) and he says, “What’s all that noise?”.  I said, “Oh, that is Ben banging…he is so musical honey isn’t that great?”  As I round the corner (beaming of course because my son is going to be a great musician), there is Ben banging alright.  BANGING MY JADE PLANT!  Did you know that flower containers make great instruments!

I LOVE the new furniture.  Getting into bed last night was truly royal.  It just looks sooooo good.  I have to now make new curtains and a lampshade to tie it all together.  Not to mention a couple of throw rugs would help too.  Sconces for above the night tables and a suitable hamper of course.  I’m so excited.  My sister and I are going fabric shopping tomorrow.  There was a moment, when the delivery guys were here, that I thought we made a huge mistake.  I quickly called my Aunt to come over and check things out.  She gave her stamp of approval which made me feel tons better.  She is in the fabric/furniture business and knows her stuff.  Once things are dusted and arranged I will definitely post some pictures.  Until then   … zzzzzz

We bought a new bedroom set.  It’s being delivered today and I’m so excited.  I will finally have a proper night table with drawers that I can put things in.  How awesome.  I’m used to piling things on top of an old, small, kitchen table.  It was practical for when we first had Ben because I had all of his stuff on there but now it’s ridiculous.  Did I mention that it has drawers?  Three to be exact!