All Things Choisez

Lent

2011-03-13T20:39:00.002-04:00

So it is Lent again and once again I have given up something I love-desserts! Why I do this, I do not know but I do. Today while I was at church, Mother Abby talked about temptation. I really took this to heart. Some of my friends ease the Lenten burden by allowing themselves to eat or have the item they have given up during the week on Sunday. We never did this growing up so I always continue my Lenten observance on Sunday as well.

This weekend has been tougher. My niece, Kelsey Baby made cupcakes. They are vanilla with white icing my favorite. They are sitting on the counter calling my name. I am avoiding temptation and writing a blog:) I figure if Jesus could die on a cross, I can avoid a cupcake. His strength was greater than mine but I am going to live up to him because I can.

I also am trying to do something nice daily which my friend Tracy does. Again not the easiest weekend but I am channeling my Aunt Marion. She always has a big heart and is the most forgiving person I know. So I am thinking about her when I need to do the right thing.

Well one week down and five more to go!

Thoughts found

2011-02-13T17:27:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to figure what life is about. My brain is finally working now my body,s giving out.

Or perhaps

I'm right on schedule for a very special date. My body's is running right on time, but my mind is running late.

Presents

2011-02-01T17:16:00.002-05:00

Back on January 10, Jim turned 44. It was a very special birthday because he got to spend the whole day with his mom. He has not done that since he was little. Between school, activities and working, this was the first time in a long time.

Mom loved presents. She liked to pick out just the right gift for you. She would watch intently as you opened your gift. Beaming brightly when she saw the joy in your face. She probably liked getting gifts just as much. She would study the package. She would shake the box. She would carefully unwrap and save the paper. She savored opening the present and how much thought and love you put into it.

Jim says he got the best present by spending the day with her. He even joked he did not have her at the hospital at 2:00 am on his day of birth. She became an angel on 1/11/11. I am sure she is still giving out presents in Heaven. I know she me the best present-my family.

2010 Comes to an End

2010-12-28T21:37:00.002-05:00

So Jim wanted to know about writing to this blog. I finally remembered my login information so now I can write again. I am writing from my iPad. It was a gift for my birthday which has been useful for the whole family.

Here is a recap of 2010:
Jim has been training for marathons. He will be running the NYC marathon in November 2011. He has also applied to run up the Empire State Building again at the beginning of the year. He is still working at the hospital but is now working days which is a wonderful treat.

Jess is now a freshman in high school. She continues to ride her horses and still loves to read.

Nicole is at the Jr/Sr High Scho this year. She played field hockey and will play lacrosse in the spring for the town and school. She is still dancing and was picked as one of the youngest dancers to open the annual benefit show.

Molly is six months old now and is a bundle of crazy. She keeps us all on our toes and makes palying fun. She loves playing with her cousins and goes to school. She is our maltipoo:)

I am still at Jetblue and working on the Disney Moms Panel. I will be back full time starting January 1 answering questions about the Disney Vacation Club.

Our big trips this year included another voyage the Disney Wonder. This time we visited Key West which was a fun stop.

I will try to update this a little more frequently:)

The phone

2010-04-08T21:15:00.002-04:00

Nicole has been wanting a cell phone ever since Jessica got her phone for graduation two years ago. Since Nicole never really goes anywhere without us, we told her she would get her cell phone for graduation too.

Well for the first few months after Jess had hers, Nicole began to lobby why she should get one. Jim and I decided that if she stayed on the honor roll for two years, she could get her phone in May of sixth grade. Well true to her word, she made the honor for two years. Luckily for her, school issued reports a month earlier so we honored our word.

Of course, the shiny pink phone never is far from her side and it beeps with all of her friends' text messages.

Congrats Nicole!

Classic Shortbread for a Classy Lady

2010-04-06T19:42:00.000-04:00

This month we read The Help at book club. Tracy, the classiest lady I know, picked Classic Shortbread. Somehow this fit with her pick as I could see the ladies eating these.

Enjoy!

Classic Shortbread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the pan
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Sift together flour and salt into a bowl. Put butter into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; beat until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture all at once; mix until just combined.
Preheat oven to 300F with rack in the upper third.
Using plastic wrap, press dough into a buttered 10-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. With plastic on dough, refrigerate 20 minutes. Remove plastic wrap. Cut out a round from the center using a 2 1/4 inch cookie cutter; discard. Put cutter back in center. Cut dough into eight wedges with a paring knife. Using a wooden skewer, prick all over at 1/4 inch intervals.
Bake until golden brown and firm in center about 1 hour. Transfer pan to wire rack. Recut shortbread into wedges; let cool completely in pan. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Note: I do not own the pan in the recipe. I simply used a round baking dish and lined it with parchment paper coated in butter. Not as fancy but just as yummy!

Peanut Brittle

2010-03-30T20:00:00.000-04:00

My book club, Tequila Tuesday, read the book Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons when we first started over five years ago. The one character in the book whom I most identified with brought peanut brittle to the club every month. I continue this tradition with my own club as I think they like the brittle more than me:)

Here is the recipe I use and it is all made in the microwave:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup peanuts or other nuts just not dry roasted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon baking soda

In a 2 quart microwaveable cooking dish, mix the sugar and corn syrup. Microwave for 3 minutes. Remove, stir in peanuts and microwave 3.5 minutes until light brown. Remove and stir in vanilla and butter and microwave for a minute. Remove and stir in baking soda until foamy and pour onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Cool and break into pieces which can be stored up to one month in a sealed container.

Note: This recipe can not be doubled. I tried and it was ugly. If you need it to set quickly, put it in the refrigerator to cool. It makes it honeycombed inside which my friends like. Also, the humidity plays with the texture so stick it in the fridge for sure when it is humid. To make clean up easier, use hot water immediately into the dish when done.

To be or not to be?

2010-03-26T13:27:00.000-04:00

I am not a fan of meat. I never have and never will be. A juicy steak is not my idea of a good meal. Most of the time I just eat the veggies. Now this begs why not become a vegetarian? Simple:

1. I love McDonald's. When I am sick, a hamburger, french fries and coke cure my aliments. I can not explain it but it works.
2. Pot roast and sauerbraten! Enough said.
3. Aunt Hilda's sweet and sour meatballs.
4. When Erin makes filet mignon, you have to eat that as it is delicious.
5. Nothing beats a dirty water dog or hamburger at a summer barbeque.

So while I will not go out of the way to eat it, I can not let it go either.

The Christmas Cookie Club

2010-03-25T20:00:00.000-04:00

My book club celebrates the holiday season with a gift between friends. In years past, we have done an ornament swap, and this year we picked gifts for someone else in the club.

Linda, an excellent baker and chef, gave me Martha Stewart's Cookies. First, it tied to the book we read, The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman. This is about friends who swap cookies every holiday season. I love that idea! Second, Linda knows how much I love to bake and she and her daughter enjoy this book so they gave me a copy.

I decided that I would make each book club hostess cookies they chose from the book for their meeting. Yes I would still bring the peanut brittle I assured them!

The first one up was Rosie with the Blueberry Bonanza Bars. The granola is added on top of the cookie base and is cooked this way. You do not cook the granola twice.

1/2 cup silvered almonds, toasted
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 cus blueberry jam

Line a 9x13 baking pan with foil, allowing a 2 inch over-hang and coat with cooking spray.
Process the almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Add flour, confectioners sugar, baking powder and salt; pulse to combine. Add butter; process until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Lightly beat egg, egg yolk and vanilla in a small bowl. With the processor running, add egg mixture; process until clumps form. Pat dough into bottom of dish; refrigerate until firm and cold about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350F. Prick dough all over with a fork. Bake until edges are golden about 25 minutes. Let cool 25 minutes.
Spread jam over crust; top with granola. Bake until jam is bubbling and granola topping is browned about 30 minutes. Let cool on wire rack. Lift out and cut into 2 inch squares. Can be stored at room temperature up to a day or frozen up to a week.

Almond-coconut Granola
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
3 cups old-fashioned oats
2/3 cub slivered almonds
1/2 sweetened shredded coconut

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Melt butter with honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar; stir until dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in water. Stir together oats, almonds and coconut in large bowl. Pour butter over the mixture until combined. Evenly spread out the mixture on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring frequently until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on a sheet on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for two weeks.

Note: I did not have a food processor big enough to do the job. I processed the almonds but than threw them into my KitchenAid Standing Mixer. I used it to finish the dough.

Sweet Sixteen

2010-03-25T18:15:00.002-04:00

I love March Madness! Attending the Final Four is on my bucket list because I love the craziness that insues as college teams vie for the National Championship! I am a big college basketball fan though I do not follow it as closely as I used to when I had no children.

Still it is the one thing Jim and I bet on every year. Every year, we complete our brackets and bet on what the prize is. I have only one once and I got a cool watch. Jim has won many prizes including many of his golf clubs.

This year however I have not followed my bracket. Why? Cause it got crushed. Temple lost and then the other big teams fell. I am not sure I have a team left.

I will still root and cheer for WVU because my friend's godson is on the team. I will still root for Cornell even though they beat Temple because I like the underdog.

I will still watch the Final Four and dream I get to see it in person because it is the greatest sporting event there is!

Oh to be 16!

The Great Cookie Debate

2010-03-19T08:03:00.000-04:00

I grew up on cookies, pastries and all delicious sweet things that you can bake at home. It was what we did as a family and I remember laughing with my mom and sisters. It is a tradition I continue with my girls.

However, when we were not baking, my dad had us at the bakery. It was we did with my dad. My dad is known for his daily trips to the store which lasts for hours. Like me, I really think we cannot still at home as we get stir crazy!

The bakeries we would visit would be either Barry's or Piazza's. Both were Italian bakeries. We would always get a little Italian cookie when we visited the kind with jimmies (or sprinkles) on them along with other treats like donuts or a crumb cake. My father still visits Piazza's as Barry's moved about 30 miles from Levittown. The one thing the girls, especially Nicole, look forward to when they visit my parent's in the summer for camp is a daily trip to Piazza's. (To be fair to my dad, John the owner, has given Nicole icing lessons and cake decorating tips so it is educational:))

Now when I moved to Floral Park, my husband took me to Tulip Bakery, a German bakery. Tulip cookies are good but nothing beats the Italian cookies. Maybe it is because German cookies have more butter and I am not a fan of butter. Maybe it is the memories that Italian bakeries or making cookies at home. Or maybe it is the thought of being with my dad that keeps Italian cookies the ultimate winner in my book.

St. Patrick's Day Limericks

2010-03-17T18:53:00.002-04:00

Nicole's teacher challenged his class to come up with a limerick for school. The prize is lunch with him.

Here is our submission:

Social Studies has places
Science experiments looks for traces
As English tells rhymes
and Home Ec has chimes
Art draws many faces.

My favorite is this:

There was a mom from Floral Park
She liked to eat peppermint bark
She ate so much
Her pants' buttons could not touch
So she went dancing in the dark.

Happy Saint Patty's Day!

MM+Pizza+Cupcakes=Fun!

2010-03-16T17:11:00.009-04:00

One of the best things to come out of my being a member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is that I have met some really wonderful friends. One of my friends, Joanne, and her daughter, Nicole, came to visit New York for the week. Joanne is from Canada so trying to show some "Southern" hospitality was very easy for me.

After picking them up at JFK along with my Nicole, we headed into the City. I brought them in via the Van Stuck-oops-the Van Wyck and then the LIE towards the City and over the 59th Street Bridge. I figured this would allow them to see some of the Manhattan skyline as it was coming out of the rain clouds.

We headed over to their hotel on the West Side. After settling into their room, we walked towards Times Square. We ate dinner at John's Pizza which is one of my family's favorite places to eat in the City. The garlic bread with mozzarella is a favorite along with the pizza. We opted for traditional and a half of bruschetta. While both Joanne and I liked the bruschetta, the traditional was the favorite.

Time Square was next. We showed them where Mary Poppins is playing since they are going to the show. The famous New Years Eve ball, the discount ticket place and of course M&M World and Hershey's. We then decided we needed some dessert.

We walked over to the Magnolia Bakery. The new location located next the Radio City Music Hall was packed. We each got a cupcake. Joanne opted for the lemon, Nicole the chocolate with chocolate icing and the Choisezs got the vanilla with vanilla icing. They were yummy and sweet! You forget how sweet things are when they are all natural! My Nicole and I decide we were going to go on a cupcake crawl through Manhattan!

We showed them which way to the American Girl Doll store and NBC Studios and then headed back to the hotel.

While the visit was short, it was fun! Tanya, Anna, Erin and Jonas now need to continue the "Southern" hospitality which I am sure they did.

Pierogies

2010-03-12T08:16:00.002-05:00

So it is Lent which means no eating meat on Fridays. While I follow this tradition throughout the year, I have been known to eat meat during non-Lenten Fridays-mainly when Chik-fil-a is an option.

One of my favorite foods to eat anytime of the year but especially during Lent is pierogies. These Polish ravolis are yummy and healthy when you do not fry them in butter! However, pierogies always remind me of my mom. We used to make these on Fridays when I was little. We would have so much fun rolling the dough and pinching them closed. We would only buy them from the Ukraine church down the road when we could not make them.

Now, while I have not made pierogies in a long time, I still eat them. I generally buy a national brand because no matter how good the others, are they are still not my moms!

JessiQuotes

2010-03-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

Jessica has decided to start her own blog entitled, JessiQuotes. I am so excited for her to take this challenge on!

I hope she still has time to blog for the family.

Here is the link.

NCIS

2010-03-10T18:07:00.002-05:00

We are a big fan of a t.v. show called NCIS. It is on CBS Tuesday nights at 8:00. It is a show about a team of government agents who investigate murders in the Navy. It spawned a spinoff show called NCIS: Los Angeles. The agents are very varied. Leroy Jethro Gibbs is the team leader and is very protective of his team. Tony Dinozio is the "very special agent" and he dates a lot of people. Ziva David is from Israel and she is going to take a citizenship test soon. Timothy McGee graduated from MIT and he writes novels. Ducky is the medical examiner and he talks to his bodies. Palmer is Ducky's assistant and is commonly referred to as the "autopsy gremlin." Abby Sciuto is the forensic scientist and is the "happiest goth you'll ever meet." Anyone who is reading this blog should check out NCIS next Tuesday at 8:00.

Tequila Tuesdays Book Club

2010-03-09T13:28:00.000-05:00

For the last five plus years, I have been in a book club with my friends. Most of us knew each other from Wednesday Mothers' Club. We rotate almost monthly through each other homes to talk about a book. While we often talk about the book, sometimes we just talk unless you are the husband or children of the hostess who will say we gaggle lke turkeys.

We have had our share of favorites and duds. I am probably the record holder of duds because of the type of books I choose. I decided I would pick only the classics. So far my picks have been:

The Catcher in the Rye
The Pearl
A Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Breakfast at Tiffany's
As I Lay Dying

I decided to pick the classics because I love going back to a book from my past. The last pick, As I Lay Dying, was my first Faulkner. The snippet review made it sound like National Lampoon's Vacation with a dead body. Well, no one could see how that review was appropriate. I could see that perspective when they are in the water trying to save the coffin instead of themselves. As a matter of fact, they try to save the coffin from a burning barn which is nuts.

However, the one thing I did take away from reading Faulkner is that literature is a work of art. We are all perfectly fine listening to a song a hundred times or admiring a photo, sculpture or painting and enjoy its beauty without being embarrased. However, if we need to read a book or article again, we feel ourselves foolish. Well, Faulkner convinced me that you need to read "art" a few times to get it and that is okay. Jessica clearly realizes this more than anyone else!

So, I will continue to pick a classic. Send suggestions!

Seussical-Thing 2

2010-03-07T13:46:00.004-05:00

One of the best things about the Floral Park-Bellerose School is the drama club. This no-cut club is open to fifth and sixth graders. Each production includes a cast of about 120 children.

Jessica was a wiz behind the stage and could recite both the Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan line-by-line though she never said a word.

Nicole was out in front for Annie as a maid last year. It really was a cute show.

This year Nicole was cast as Thing 2. While she only had 1 line to memorize-"Wake Up! Wake Up! Wake Up!"-she was in the show a lot. Now while I volunteered to help on costumes and designed the program, I never really saw the show until opening night. I had an idea how much Nicole was in the play as I placed her character in about every scene of the program.

On opening night, I asked her what she wanted to eat. She said something "hardy" like a deli sandwich. Since it was snowing and there was only an hour until she had to be to school, I offered raviolis. She downed them quickly and then off to hair and make up.

Through the ninety minute show, Thing 1 and Thing 2 wizzed on an off stage. They moved props, the moved the story and they moved the audience. Acting without words in ridiculous costumes is not easy-nurses, hunters, flower pickers, feather attachers, etc. They had a tough job but they were great! I almost wished she had some lines it might have been easier but not funnier.

On closing night, I was prepared with a big meal so she had energy to go! She definitely broke both legs!

While she said I could not post a picture on Facebook, she said nothing about the blog!

Bravo!

I'm Back

2010-03-05T12:36:00.002-05:00

This blogging thing is tough. I admire all of my friends who post on a daily basis. But since one of my Disney Moms friends has convinced me to go to BlogHer, I better step up my game.

So, I am going to take some advice from my other blogger friends to have a few posts in the "can" to help when I am busy.

Plus since I am about to stop watching tv as my cable company and my tv station duke it out over money when people have nothing, it might not be to hard to keep up!!

Disney World Moms Panel

2009-09-10T16:45:00.003-04:00

So today is the day. Once again, Disney is looking for 10 experts to help guests with planning their trips to the Walt Disney World Resorts in Florida. If you have the skills, head to www.disneyworldmoms.com/2010 to complete an application.

This time a year ago, I was thinking how my first 9 months on the inagarual panel had been so magical. Myself and 11 others started out giving advice to guests who asked us to help them plan their trips to WDW. We were sprinkled with so much pixie dust, I could barely answer the door without another magical treat coming my way. The biggest being able to experience the magic with 11 amazing folks.

Now two years ago, I was being prompted by my husband to enter the panel. Yes I helped others plan their trips. Yes I gave advice to guests in the parks. Yes I had been to Disney 28 days in the past year. But would that be enough magic? I guess it was because they picked me. My only regret was missing my parent's 40th wedding anniversary to participate in the training. But I know my parents would not have wanted me to miss this journey!

Good luck 2009 Moms Panelist!

School Year 2009-2010

2009-09-10T16:38:00.004-04:00

So it is back to school already! Jess is headed to 8th grade and Nicole is off to 6th grade! Wow!

Jess was raring to go to school. She was up and out and even came home and started homework last night with no fights.

Nicole was a little more hesistant. She changed her clothes six times and her hairdo. I really think it is the realization that she should have come school shopping on Sunday instead of watching tv at Grandmom's than nerves. I am not sure she likes her class but it is what it is.

I on the other hand was nervous and sad. It is the last first day at Floral Park-Bellerose. While I have had my battles there, at least it is territory I know how to fight on. I have LOVED serving on the PTA and being in the school with the children. The teachers have been amazing to my girls and some I will always be in touch with. For the nerves, who knows why but I am sure it is because of the amazing trip we are going to take this year together.

So happy 09-09-09!

I'm Back!!

2009-07-01T21:19:00.002-04:00

So I am back! I start my next three month adventure with Disney's Moms Panel. While I had extra time not answering questions every week, I realized how much I love Disney and helping people enjoy my family's favorite vacation spot!

So if you have a question, click here!

A sip of soda

2009-06-27T20:45:00.002-04:00

I love soda! Or I should say a sip of Jim's soda!

It is widely known that I rarely finish a drink unless it is Jim's. I love just a sip of his. It taste so much better than if it were my own.

I think I developed this "sip" from when I was little. A sip of my mom's ice tea was my favorite refresher in the summer.

Now any drink, non-alcholic, that Jim has, one sip is mine!

Finally Summer

2009-06-27T20:25:00.002-04:00

So we are all done with school for the year! Jess has survived 7th grade and did really well.

Nicole is now a 6th grader and had a great year too! It is the last year at Floral Park Bellerose which will be a hard to go there for only one more year.

The girls are off to Grandmommy and Grandpoppy's for the week. I will miss them but they will have a blast!

Out with the old and in with the new!

2009-03-31T18:11:00.004-04:00

Hi everybody! Jess here. You're probably wondering where my mom is. She said I could write a "guest" post. So anyway, drumroll please... we bought a new car! It is a Mini Cooper Clubman, Pepper White, and brand new. I was the first kid, first passenger, first person to sit shotgun, first girl and first female to sit in the car. I might even be the first student driver! We usually name our car, but we haven't decided on one yet. The choices are Bonny Lass, Peppermint Patty and Snoopy. Please decide on your favorite, and we're open to suggestions. I hope you loved this guest post. Please tell me what you thought.
Signing off,
Jess

What's up!

2009-03-28T14:49:00.002-04:00

Okay so we have been busy. I try really hard to do the blog thing but it is tough with two girls and a husband who works until 8.

I decided it was time to be more fluid. I am going to model the blog more like my friend Dan's blog which I love. Congrats to Dan, Minna, Hannah and Jane for welcoming a new baby girl into their family.

So we returned from Disney and Jim turned 42. No birthday gift for him because he really needs a new car. Luckily, our friends, the Schlectherberries, and our cousins, Rick and Erin, lent us a car to use. Jim's beloved Rodeo went to car heaven. The power steering was gone. We bought this truck a week after Jess was born so it will be sad to see it go. But a new car should be wheeling into place any minute!

Nicole was in her school play Annie. She as a maid in the Warbucks household. With over 120 children on stage, the show was a lot of fun to watch and see. I had the pleasure of being a costume maiden to all those stars.

Jess was finally able to go back and ride Pie. She even got off the leadline which was a big accomplishment. She is looking forward to spending more time this summer riding her heart out.

As for me, I am trying to stay out of trouble. I know my friend Bri would be disappointed at that statement but hey I have to be an example. JetBlue continues to be busy and I will be soon ramping up again for another round of the Disney Moms Panel. I have been finding my cousins on Facebook which has been awesome. I have over 40 first cousins of which I hardly see. Now at least I see them virtually!

Mouse Ears

2009-02-07T13:38:00.003-05:00

While shopping for shirts, Jim decided to visit La Chapeau for a hat. When the girls and I arrived, he discovered the new Mouse Ears. With the new Mouse Ears, you pick a beanie, two ears and then add jewels, patches or your name. Well we all decided to make our own Ears - Nicole made two pairs! My ears glow in the dark!

The nice thing about this souvenir is that you can easily spot your child in a crowd because the combinations are endless! The price is about the same for traditional ears.

Of course, I became a fanatic for having the string not showing but this did not stop Jim from hiding his!

My Wish!

2009-02-07T13:31:00.002-05:00

I got my wish by being in Magic Kingdom for New Years Eve. By 10:00 pm Main Street was closed except for you to leave! They were even escorting guests out of the park through cast member only areas!

We watched the fireworks in Frontierland which was empty! I made my annual midnight call to my mom which she always takes! We then proceeded out the front.

We needed to make two stops so I took Nicole and Jim took Jess. Once we exited the park, the front gate was PACKED! I was glad I only had Nicole. We new the monorail was not going to be an option so we had planned on walking back to the Polynesian.

However, as we made our way to the paths, the boat launch was working so we got on line. Jim and Jess were ahead on line but of course my morals got in the way and we did not cut the line. Two boats later we were headed to the Polynesian and in bed by 1:00 am!

Cinderella's Royal Table

2009-02-07T13:27:00.003-05:00

Because we knew the park would be at capacity, my idea to eat at the California Grill in the Contemporary was shifted to New Years Day. We ate with Cinderella and her friends! It was a fun meal with wands, swords and magical deserts!

Magic Kingdom - New Years Eve

2009-02-07T12:48:00.003-05:00

One of the reasons we picked this week to go on vacation in Disney World was because I have always wanted to be in the Magic Kingdom on New Years Eve. I got my wish along with 74, 996 other guests (okay maybe not their wish but they were there!).

We started the day eating at Crystal Palace. Nicole even got an autograph book for autographs! We went on our favorites only once for most especially considering Space Mountain broke down! It was a magical day!

Best Friend

2009-02-07T12:42:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite memories was having my picture taken with Jess and Towmater! I love Towmater because he is what a friend should be. I hope I am that kind of friend to my friends and eventually my daughters when they are older!

Disney's Hollywood Studios

2009-02-07T12:33:00.005-05:00

We love this park because of the rides-Rockin' Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror and of course, Toy Storymania! We fell in love with Toy Story in Disneyland and could not wait to ride it here. Of course, with the larger crowds, we needed to wait 15 minutes for a FastPass and by 10:00 am all of the FastPasses were gone so only one trip for us!

We skipped Tower of Terror much to the delight of Jessica and myself and could only ride Rockin once which was not going over well in our house! We usually ride this at least three times a visit! Except for the main rides, other lines were quick!

We did get to enjoy the Osbourne Family Lights and had dinner at the famed Brown Derby!

A Star is Born

2009-02-07T12:18:00.004-05:00

Jim has always wanted to be in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios. However, Nicole never lets him volunteer. She would throw a crying fit if he raised his hand and would force it down. However, this year she let him go! So Jim is in the stripped turban on the far right hand side of the picture in Cairo. The above shot is the souvenir for being in the show. We did ask Nicole why she would not let him go and she said she was afraid he would not comeback! Very sweet but she has seen the show at least 10 times and know they come back!

Hook and Loop

2009-02-07T12:11:00.005-05:00

Jess and Nicole got to be a part of a show which taught about the wonders of velcro aka hook and loop. They were contestants in building a block tower cover with hooks and loops.

Jim was a part of the show too. He had to diaper babies and carry them on his apron! Very funny!

Nicole's Take on EPCOT

2009-02-07T12:09:00.002-05:00

Do you think she could sell this as stock material? Not bad for a little point and shoot picture!

EPCOT

2009-02-07T11:57:00.002-05:00

We spent almost two full days in EPCOT. The bonus at EPCOT during the holiday season is that they tell stories in all the countries about how they celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa or New Years Day. We enjoyed listening to all the stories. We also got to eat in two favorite countries - Canada and Japan. Jess of course stayed true to her French and had French ice cream every chance she could.

With the additional crowds, FastPasses were gone for Soarin, Test Track and Mission Space by 2:00 pm. The queue for the ride in Mexico featuring the Three Callberos was all through out the attraction. Spaceship Earth which was update posted a 30 minute wait time. We all enjoyed the new features in Spaceship Earth but a lot of the original still remains.

One highlight in EPCOT was seeing my friend Laura who now works for Disney. She invited us to a taping of a video in America. My friends Gary and Pam were there too, and we even got to be in the video! Okay, we held a sound screen so that when Angela Bassett recorded the video you could not here the air conditioner! We did get to meet her and her husband, Courtney Vance. She was very sweet. We then got to listen to them read the Candlelight Processional. I was not sure I was going to enjoy the show again because I had experienced it last year. However, the show takes on a different feel depending on who is reading it. I think I enjoyed it more. Jim really loved it and would gladly go again!

I think EPCOT was my favorite park during the holidays!

Hello Polynesian!

2009-02-07T11:51:00.002-05:00

We were very lucky to spend the week between Christmas and New Years at Walt Disney World. This was my reward for working with the www.disneyworldmoms.com for the year. We stayed at the Polynesian which was a new experience for us. We loved being on the monorail and our room was near the main building and pool though we only swam New Years Day.

We took Magical Express, another first, and arrive around noon to our hotel. We were greeted with leis as is the tradition in the Hawaiian islands.

We quickly unpacked and headed to EPCOT for the start of our vacation. We even got stuck on the monorail for about fifteen minutes and overlooked Spaceship Earth with its winding line another first!

Christmas Day 3

2009-01-04T20:25:00.002-05:00

Since we could not go to PA with our family, they came to us on Saturday. My parents, sister and nephew all drove up to see us.

Jessica really wanted a fur hat and Grandmommy came through. She proceeded to scooter on her new wheels with her hat.

We played Wii and ate pot roast along with Jim's mom. We are very lucky that the parents live 90 miles away or we would never have a babysitter as they would all be vacationing together!

I think my dad was surprised I could cook!

Christmas Day

2009-01-04T20:20:00.003-05:00

So just so you do not think I am not like the typical American mom who only makes gifts, we did splurge and get the girls the iPod Nanochromatic for Christmas.

While we thought they would be handy on our trip flying Delta, the girls played with their DS instead.

However, they were dancing with them the whole day!

Since Jim was working, we spent the day in New York. We ate Chinese with him at the hospital. While we were feeling sorry that we could not be in PA with the rest of our family, we discovered a series of 911 quilts in the atrium of the hospital where we ate dinner. One of the quilts was about a friend of Nicole's dad who died in 911. I will never be so grateful to eat dinner in the hospital again.

Christmas Day

2009-01-04T20:11:00.003-05:00

This year Jim and I made the girls a present. These are known as Linus Blankets. They were orginally made for children in hospitals to have something of their own while they were getting better. Nicole received one from her friend Emma but she wanted another. Here are the instructions to make a no-sew polar fleece blanket (we used 2 yards of fabric)

Christmas with the Choisez's

2009-01-04T19:56:00.004-05:00

Since we have family in two different states, Christmas is celebrated over a long period of time. Christmas Eve is celebrated in New York. Since Jim's family comes from Germany and Switzerland, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve with them at his brother's Ken's house.

Since we both had to work, the girls went to their cousin's house, Brendan and Kelsey, to visit and get ready. They headed to four o'clock mass at their parish which I attended as well. Only problem, they were downstairs and I was up.

We met at Ken's about 5 and waited for the rest of the family to arrive. The kids opened their gifts before dinner starting with the youngest, Kelsey. We ate and then waited for Jim to arrive around 8.

That is when the fun began. The adults do a "Gift Card Exchange". Everyone buys a gift card and wraps it. Then we draw numbers to pick the order we choose our gift. From there, a lot of stealing and plotting begins but everyone has a good time.

From there, it was off to home to place cookies and hot chocolate out for Santa. I still had to wrap Jim's gifts but it was a fun evening!

The Last Two Months

2008-12-14T21:10:00.003-05:00

So what have the Choisezs been up to:

Nicole ran for Vice President of Student Council and lost. We had a Sarah Palin party for her and her friend Emma who ran against her. She also turned 10 which means no one in the house is in single digits. She still has not decided on how to celebrate her birthday with her friends.

Jessica continues to help out the freshman class at FPM. She started and completed her science project on hydroponics. She grew bamboo in four mediums: soil, water, legos and cloth. She also had her first horse jumping competition. She did really well with a fifth place and two sixth place ribbons. She loves her horse, Humble Pie, and now wants a horse along with a dog.

Jim is trying to get back into running. He is working many hours of overtime and enjoys the work. While he will be working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, he says it is okay because he is saving lives.

I have been very busy. I went to West Point for three days for work, was home a day and then went to Disney to help with the new Disney Moms Panel winners. Only 17 days to ask me a question. I have become addicted to social media and regularly update Facebook and Twitter. Now I need to get them to work in tandem on the iPhone which is my favorite treat ever.

We are all ready to go on our first vacation over Christmas-yup we are going to Disney!

Crispy Sugar Treats

2008-10-14T20:34:00.002-04:00

I saw a recipe on the Food Network to make healthy treats. The recipe was by Ellie Kreiger, and it is simple enough so we tried it tonight.

You take a package of wonton or egg roll wrappers, 2 tablespoons of canola oil and powder sugar.

You heat your oven to 375. You cut the wrappers into triangles and dip them in the canola oil until coated. You then bake until light brown - about 5 minutes in our oven. When cool, you sprinkle with powder sugar and they store for up to four days. These are great snacks for under 100 calories.

Jessica's Present

2008-10-14T20:24:00.004-04:00

Jessica recently started taking riding lessons. She goes to Lakewood Stables every Saturday for her lessons with Taylor. She rides a horse called Humble Pie. She is very good at trotting and is learning to jump.

Grandmommy and Grandpoppy gave her money for her birthday to buy a riding helmet. You may ask why she chose pink. The reason is one you cannot see in the picture. The sides of the helmet have silver horses.

15 Years

2008-10-09T15:00:00.003-04:00

Okay so I am not as technically savy as my children but here is a picture of Jim and I on our wedding day. We had a great day and dashed off to Disney, the first of many trips there, the next day.

I remember missing my Grumpy but knew he was with me that day.

Now, we have Jess and Nicole and though it has not always been easy, we still laugh a lot.

We share are anniversary with two other sets of friend:

Patti and Ed -Happy 25th!

Neha and Ash - Happy 3rd!

Student Council Representative

2008-10-08T17:36:00.006-04:00

Nicole was elected as Student Council representative for her fifth grade class. As a fifth grader, she can go on and run for Vice President of the entire Student Council.

I wish she was 25 years older because she would make an excellent President.

Congrats!

Happy Birthday Jessica!

2008-10-07T18:44:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, Jessica turned 12! She celebrated the day with homemade french toast and bacon for breakfast. She had a scavenger hunt to find her presents-new digital camera and case. She went to King Umbertos for dinner. Finally, she celebrated with a Carvel cake. Her best friend, Kaitlyn, decorated her locker for her. It seemed weird not to have to bake anything to send to school. She is still deciding on a party but at least this year I have some notice.

Finished

2008-10-07T06:30:00.001-04:00

Michelle and her husband, Brian, and Darcie and her daughter, Tori, are glad the race is over. They looked like they had fun after running 3.1 miles, going through an obstacle course and then returning back into the park to complete a scavenger hunt.

There was a party after the race and Michelle and I headed to Expedition Everest to ride the rollercoaster. We met up with most of the other ladies and Lou Mongello. We rode the coaster in the dark which was awesome!

My family does not have to worry about me jumping ship again as I am not do in Disney until December 5 for 4 days and then back down again for 6 days with them.

Triceratop Spin

2008-10-07T06:28:00.005-04:00

While my friend, Michelle, ran the race I played Mary Poppins for her daughter, Elizabeth. We waited in the corral with the other moms to start and even got videotaped as we stroded out of the gate and into Animal Kingdom.

Elizabeth made sure we went on Triceratops Spin two times before we ate ice cream and then two times after we ate ice cream. We had no problems.

Disney again?

2008-10-07T06:28:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Jim, Erin and Lillian I was able to join my friends in Disney for the weekend. They were all there to run a 5K race called Expedition Everest. I was suppose to run but during race registration oil was at $125 a barrel, and I was not taking a chance of having no seat to fly in.

Lucky for me, the flights were able to squeeze me on and I made it to the party! I went to Mickey's Halloween Party Friday night, breakfast at Boma Saturday and then toured EPCOT for a few hours. Saturday night, I was at the race in Animal Kingdom. Sunday, I went to Disney's Hollywood Studios and then home.

JBU at T5

2008-10-06T06:19:00.000-04:00

JBU was waiting for ice cream during the afternoon. Bernadette, Randal, Wendy, Terri, Shana, Dan and Lynn wait for anything Mr. Softee has in stock.

Neha was smart and got her ice cream before lunch!

T5 Opening

2008-10-06T06:14:00.000-04:00

On Monday, September 22, JetBlue opened its new terminal to its Crewmembers to tour and explore. We had a good old fashioned cookout, guests and then a party at 3:00 pm to rock out.

The restaurants served some amazing food -stop by Revolution for made to order guacamole. There was a passport to have stamped which entered you for some fun prizes.

Here I am with Bernadette, Neha and Wendy my main peeps at Blue!

Jim Radiographer

2008-10-05T12:53:00.003-04:00

So Jess and Nicole thought Jim should have his picture taken on the first day of his new job.

He is officially a radiographer and is at the same hospital he trained at South Nassau Communities Hospital. He works 12-8 so he takes the girls in the morning and I have them right after school as I now work 7-3.

He also works a lot of overtime but seems to be enjoying his new career!

Nicole Fifth Grader

2008-10-05T12:49:00.005-04:00

Nicole is venturing to Floral Park-Bellerose alone this year. She has Mr. D the most popular fifth grade teacher. She is continuing chorus this year and is going to join the drama club.

She was even selected to be in Probe which is for gifted children.

Jessica Seventh Grader

2008-10-05T12:46:00.003-04:00

It is bright and early for Jessica heading over to Floral Park Memorial High School. She is now officially a Knight!

She seems to be enjoying school and has been helping the Freshman class with their activties.

Some classes on tap this year besides the standards-French and Home and Careers.

The Whole Gang

2008-10-05T12:45:00.004-04:00

Here are all the kids who enjoyed the last Saturday of summer on Daisy Avenue!

Block Party 2008

2008-10-05T12:42:00.004-04:00

So we ended our summer with a block party. One of the games the deejays played was Stuff the Shirt. Each team had to blow up balloons and then stuff them under a shirt. Jim was the winner with 40 balloons under the shirt.

The party was a lot of fun!

Trainer in Training

2008-09-26T19:26:00.001-04:00

Jess took a picture with one of the orca trainers. I know she would have loved to have been a trainer for the day but she needs another year before she can do it.

Wrapping it Up in California

2008-09-26T07:36:00.001-04:00

The whales came right over to us after dinner. We headed back to our hotel so that we could get a good night rest before heading home in the morning. We all loved California and I know Jim and I would move in a heartbeat. It was relaxing without being slow and the weather was perfect. I am glad we went!

Dinner with the Whales

2008-09-26T07:33:00.002-04:00

Okay so I got a little crazy and decided at the last minute to eat with the whales. The food was good but the experience was unique. I do not know if I would go back but those whales are about ten feet from my girls.

Dolphins

2008-09-26T07:31:00.002-04:00

Nicole and Jessica are petting and feeding the dolphins. We wanted them to experience these gentle and kind creatures before we go swimming with them on our next vacation. The girls really had a lot of fun with the dolphins.

Rays

2008-09-26T07:28:00.002-04:00

Jess and Nicole pet the rays. Jess and I actually swam with the rays but they always make her sad now because of Steve Irwin. Hopefully, they will make her smile again!

A really big whale

2008-09-26T07:23:00.001-04:00

This female whale is the star of the show. At almost 40, she is kind to the new trainers and other whales. All of the other trainers have learned from her. Her fin which is bent is due to genetics and not because her tank is too small as noted in the Free Willy Movie.

Sea World

2008-09-26T07:16:00.001-04:00

For our last day in California, we went to Sea World. Jess and Nicole are in front of Shamu's Stadium though there is no longer a Shamu.

Nicole decide we needed to sit in the splash zone so I am standing at our seats taking this picture. Jim who was buying popcorn could not believe we chose these seats. But where else would any kid choose to sit?

We did not get soaked but we did have fun!

Wanted Two Cute Girls

2008-09-23T07:12:00.002-04:00

Nicole and Jess stand for their mugshots in front of the Shrek attractions. This was one of our favorites rides at Universal and it was well done. After a long day in LA, we headed South again to San Diego for the final day of vacation.

Universal Studios

2008-09-23T07:02:00.001-04:00

For our final day in LA, we headed to Universal Studios.

Though it was a part of our City Pass Ticket, it was not a favorite stop for any of us.

The park was split in levels and the food lines were long.

We enjoyed the Backlot Tour and Shrek but the other rides were just okay.

Walking under the Golden Gate Bridge

2008-09-22T06:59:00.001-04:00

This is the gang heading into the park after dinner.

California Adventure

2008-09-22T06:50:00.001-04:00

We spent our second day in California Adventures. This is Disney's version of the old fashion theme park at the beach but with Hollywood Studios thrown in for the Disney twist.

On the California Pier, they had the new ride, Toy Story Mania. Since there was no FastPass option, we headed there on the rope drop. We then proceeded to wait about 45 minutes.

But the fun we had!

Splash Mountain

2008-09-21T18:46:00.000-04:00

This is team Choisez prior to going over the falls of Splash Mountain.

Unlike Disney World, you ride single rider for this log flume with one double seat in the rear.

The trick here is that you must be at least 5 feet to ride in the first spot. Since I was not going to volunteer, Jim got the best seat in the house.

Indy's Helper

2008-09-21T07:10:00.002-04:00

Nicole got to help Indiana Jones with one of his adventures. Here she is helping the "assistant" solve a clue.

Disneyland

2008-09-21T06:25:00.000-04:00

So we finally arrive in Disneyland. We leave the Comfort Inn where we stayed overnight and head to the Disneyland Hotel. We check in at 9:00 am and then walk to Disneyland.

The hotel is located on the other side of Downtown Disney. This whole area has completely changed since Jim and I were here 14 years ago.

We enter Disneyland and who do we find but Jessica's hero, Indiana Jones in Adventureland. She was so excited she got to touch him! I could not image what would have happened if it was Harrison Ford. Nicole was a part of the show and we had a great day at the park. We loved the quaintness of the park and never felt rushed to get everywhere like we do in Disney World.

We ate in one of the restaurants in the Bayou and of course I had to have the ratitoulle and the Mickey Mouse beignets.

So Jim...

2008-09-20T18:18:00.004-04:00

So Jim took the "big" test on Monday, August 11 to get his radiographers license. He was happy he passed.

Since he passed, we got to go on vacation without much stress except getting on a flight. Thunderstorms have been bad this summer and it forced us to change where we flew into for vacation. We landed in San Diego with me flying the jumpseat. I actually helped the crew and met Billie Jean King.

This is Nicole and Jim on the bus tour of the San Diego Zoo. We arrived around 3 and had lunch. We took the bus tour and then went back to see some of our favorite animals. We loved the meerkats, giraffees, koalas and the panda bears.

It was a nice way to stretch our legs before we headed two hours north to our hotel in Anaheim for the LA portion of our trip!

Jo Bro Concert

2008-09-20T18:12:00.003-04:00

So it is off to the Jonas Brothers Concert for the Choisez women and the honorary Choisez, Brigid.

Jim travelled all the way to Trenton by train to pick Jess up from camp at my parents.

We left for Jones Beach and what fun we had. We signed the band's tour bus and mailed them cards.

Demi Lovato opened for the boys and the boys came on at about 9:00 pm. It was about this time Jess decided she wanted to go home as she had been up since about 7:00 am that morning and spent the day in camp. However, she stuck with it.

All of us were signing and dancing and agreed that our favorite song was Burning Up and Big Rob. If they would have been selling Big Rob shirts, we would have bought four!

The Rest of the Crew

2008-08-11T09:32:00.000-04:00

Jim's cousins, Rick and Erin, along with Nicole, smile for the camera. Rick is Nicole's Godfather and Erin could be her mom because they look so much alike! We love hanging out with them whether it is out their house or on their boat! I always smile when I think of them especially when I am making my coffee!

Women in Jim's Life

2008-08-11T09:29:00.000-04:00

Jim's mom and Aunt Hilda congratulate the Valedictorian. Both of these women are very special to us and Jim is who he is today because of them. When one of the sisters could not help, the other one was right there! We have spent a lot of good times with these ladies!

Xray Technician Graduate and Valedictorian

2008-08-11T09:24:00.000-04:00

So after 104 weeks of blood, sweat and tears, Jim graduated from Radiographer school. He gave the class speech because he did it last year and no one in his class wanted to do it this year.

He also was the class Valedictorian! He squeaked out a 97% average and made us all proud. For his cousin, Rick, and our friend, Andy, they were both shocked he was smarter than 10 other people in this world. I of course proclaimed Jess the reason for his knowledge.

After a lovely reception at the hospital, we had a celebration here. Of course, still has to study for the Registry test on today but he starts his new job at South Nassau where he trained!

We are all proud of him!

The Ben Franklin Bridge

2008-08-10T09:10:00.001-04:00

Nicole, Ryan and Jess are standing outside the Aquarium at the Camden Waterfront. New Jersey has done a nice job trying to revitalize the area.

The bridge in the background is the Benjamin Franklin which is one of the many which connects New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

This bridge plays a big part in my family's history. My grandpop, Grumpy - a name a gave him, used to work on the bridge. However, one day he fell off the lower portion of the bridge into the Delaware River below. He then got out of the water and walked home to his apartment in Philadelphia. I am not sure if anything was broken but he did go to work the next day.

My Grumpy was an amazing man. He survived seven heartaches in a row where they could not stabilize his heart and lived to the age of 79. He always new how to make me laugh, and his favorite express was "Down in the front peanuts" because we always blocked the tv. (Of course, it was a large color console tv which was amazing when we only had 19 inch black and white-remember I am 40!)

He had a bar in his den, and one year for Christmas I got a 7 Up Soda dispenser which my mom would never let me fill with anything. Not Grumpy, all soda was dispensed from my 7 Up machine. He and my grandmom always let us get away with these small infractions.

He passed on my one week aniversary of being married but he got to see me in my dress that day! He was very sick the month before, and he told my aunt he had to make it through my wedding. So if ever asked what my favorite gift is or was, my Grumpy being with me on my wedding day is the winner every time!

New Pets?

2008-08-09T09:07:00.001-04:00

Grandpoppy, Ryan, Jess and Nicole are all petting bamboo and sand sharks. They enjoyed this little sharks and I think they would be easier to take care of than a dog-no shedding! They also touched stingrays and jellyfish as well.

In the Belly of the Beast

2008-08-09T09:05:00.000-04:00

Nicole, Jess and Ryan make a very nice meal for a great white shark!

Mini Vacation and Reunion

2008-08-09T08:53:00.001-04:00

After the first week of Jess being away, we went to visit her in Pennsylvania. First stop was to Uncle Bob's because the cousins, or namely Zack, was whining about how he never sees us. Now this mainly because Zack is an amazing athlete and is on two travel teams. It is tougher to see him than the Jonas Brothers! We spent the day hanging out in the pool and had dinner with them before heading back to PA.

On Sunday, my dad and I took Jess, Nicole and Ryan to the Camden Aquarium. I had not been to this aquarium since it opened but enjoyed it! They had hippos, seal show and numerous touch tanks. They had a scavenger hunt to participate in as well to keep little minds active.

My favorite part and Jessica's least was the shark tank. Now Jess likes sharks but she did not like them swimming over her head!

After dinner at the house it was time to head home without Jess:( but I think she grew 10 fold with her grandparents who we are truly blessed to have in our lives! :)

Camp Round Two

2008-08-08T08:05:00.001-04:00

With a Mets game in
between, the girls headed to round two of camp. For Jess, this meant traveling down to Pennsylvania and Camp Expressions. She got to stay at my parents house and go to camp daily. At camp, she worked on social skills through a variety of activities including writing the newsletter, taking karate and her favorite, stream stomping.

Her camp had a luau, favorite color, an animal show and crazy hat day. Of course, Grandmommy could not let Jess go with any old hat. So Grandmommy and her designed a hat which of course won! Besides camp, she went horseback riding and shopping as well as scooter until her heart's content with Ryan.

Nicole got two weeks without her sister and a minimum of four hours a day with one of her best friends, Brigid. They attend an acting camp and then got to hang out afterwards. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it was pay dirt as they were together almost 12 hours!

Nicole got the part of Annie for the finale which she was very excited about. The problem, her very cool parents, got Jonas Brother tickets for the same night. The drama over what to choose!

Camp Round One

2008-08-07T20:00:00.002-04:00

Jess and Nicole spent two weeks at camp at Hofstra University. Nicole chose soccer with her friend Emma and Jess chose Camp Adventure which is a program that physically challenges you.

Each morning at 7:45 am the girls would board the bus and would not return home until 5:30! For Jess, it was not so bad because she could relax after camp. For Nicole, it meant going to lacrosse at 7 on Tuesdays and musical theater at 6 on Wednesdays!

They were both great and made new friends as well. Jess had the added responsibility of being in charge of Nicole and Emma and texting us and Emma's mom when they were on the bus.

Both girls want to go back next year which means we finally made the right choice!

Jess and Nicole's Gift

2008-07-17T14:49:00.004-04:00

Jess and Nicole gave me vanity license plates for my birthday which say WDW MOM on them. I immediately asked Jim if this meant we were moving to Virginia because this is the only state where everyone has vanity plates. Luckily, we are staying put.

The funny thing about this gift is that I was driving with illegal plates for about a month! This is why Jim was volunteering to take my truck because he did not want me to get the ticket from the cops!

I would have had a heart attack if that would have happened!

Party Extras

2008-07-17T14:43:00.004-04:00

So no party in the Titus household would be complete without some fun. My sister and Aunt Mary decided I needed to wear a tiara, pink feather boa and have a magic wand to sprinkle pixie dust. I think they are taking the Disney thing too far!

There was a picture of me when I was about 4 months old and had no hair, and the party favor was my picture at about age six on a cookie. The cookies were brought all the way from Piazza's Bakery (my favorite bakery) in Pennsylvania.

Finally, a scrapbook with all my embarassing pictures was passed around the room.

The best is that I now have a year to plot Kathy's 40th and three years to plot Mary's 50th.

Revenge-priceless!

As for my Schlegel family contributions, Erin did the invitations and held my presents. Also, Rick and her arrived early to decorate and start the beer tab. As for the flowers on the table, compliments of Aunt Hilda's garden.

Truly a family effort!

Happy 40!

2008-07-17T14:32:00.004-04:00

So I have finally joined an elite club the over 40 crowd. What a weekend I had.

On Friday, my actual birthday, I went to lunch in Jackson Heights at the Jackson Diner for Indian with my friends from work. It is my favorite place even if they did not have samosas and then we had 7 Up Cake at the office.

When I got home, we went to dinner at the St. James and then to Frozen Cup for ice cream just the four of us.

Saturday had us at the pool and then I went and cut 10 inches of hair off my head to be donated to Locks of Love.

Finally, my surprise party with my family and friends was Saturday night at a great Italian place called Piccola Bussola. I had my parents, sister Kathy and Aunt Mary from PA come up as well as my best friends, Bob and Trish from Jersey. (Trish did not believe it could take four hours from their house to ours!)

I recieved my first, second, third and fourth gifts from Tiffany's compliments of my sister and friends as well as Disney items, more jewelry, gift cards and my own Kreuig coffee machine. Jess and Nicole have drunk more hot chocolate this week then all last winter.

This was all pulled off by Jim and my cousin Erin. Great party folks!

Our Family from Holland

2008-07-14T23:09:00.003-04:00

Our good friend Trisha's mom is from Holland. This year Oma's family came over to visit for three weeks. Since Oma has always taken care of me, it was my pleasure to play tour guide in my home city.

We visited the World Trade Center, Battery Park, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, Chinatown and Little Italy where we had delicious pizza.

The girls, Chloe and Nicky, were most impressed with the MTV Store in Times Square.

Here is a picture of Chloe (blue tank), Alex, Nicky (behind Jess), Jess and Uncle Bektus on the Brooklyn Bridge. We did walk halfway and could see two of the Waterfalls which are a part of an exhibit.

The Whopper

2008-07-14T23:06:00.003-04:00

Okay so here I am with the only keeper of the trip - a 23 incher baby! Of course, I really should give credit to Jim for not tangling up my line and Rick for diving under the boat to hook it.

Seriously, the credit goes to Jess who picked my bait!

By the way, it tasted delicious!

Just Fishing

2008-07-14T23:04:00.004-04:00

We got to spend a Saturday with Brendan and Rick on the best boat, Oppa's Crew, for a day of fishing. Everyone had a lot of fun and the kids had fun just sitting on the back of the boat.

Last Day of School

2008-07-03T17:18:00.000-04:00

Nicole poses with Mrs. Oerzen, her fourth grade teacher, and Carroll outside of school. She is dying to look inside her envelope not to see her grades (straight As) but to see who she got for next year.

The lucky teacher - Mr. D. He is the most popular 5th grade teacher and she is happy!

Graduation Party

2008-07-02T22:21:00.003-04:00

Jessica decided to have her graduation lunch at Benihana's. Here she is with Kelsey, Nicole and Brendan. Her friend Gabby decided to have her party here too!

It was the first time to Benihana's for Grandpoppy and Grandmommy who both enjoyed the meal.

Later, the rest of the family came to our house for cupcakes and snacks.

Best Friends and Seventh Graders

2008-07-02T22:16:00.003-04:00

Jessica and Kaitlyn pose for the first time together as seventh graders. Kaitlyn won many awards at graduation. She is a great friend and since Jess finally got her cell phone as her graduation gift the texts have been flying.

Graduation

2008-07-02T22:10:00.002-04:00

On June 25th, Jessica graduated from Floral Park-Bellerose School. She won the award for the highest average in reading which was a great achievement.

At the ceremony, awards are given, the band and orchestra play a song and the class sings a song. This year's song was Breaking Free from High School Musical.

Afterwards, a reception follows in the gym which is still decorated from the dance.

Here Jessica is with Grandmom Lillian, Grandpoppy, Grandmommy and Aunt Hilda along with Jim and I. Nicole was still in school as siblings in school cannot attend the ceremony.

Elvis and Neil

2008-07-02T22:07:00.002-04:00

The dance had funny cutouts to take pictures behind. Jess and Kiera decided to be Elvis and Neil Armstrong.

Also, this year the school hired a digital photography company to take pictures of the kids with their friends and teachers and then had an assortment of frames to display each.

Sixth Grade Dance

2008-07-02T22:01:00.003-04:00

Every year the sixth grade has a dance on the Friday before graduation. The class votes on a theme, Retro this year, and the parents decorate the gym to match the theme. Our gym had records on the walls, old fashioned cardboard cars to take pictures in and a time machine to enter the gym in.

I was lucky to work the dance and the rest of the parents could attend for the last thirty minutes. All of the sixth grade teachers attended the dance as well.

This is Jess with her friends Carolyn, Gabby, Katie, Cassidy and Kiera. They had a great time dancing and goofing off.

How Time Flies

2008-06-16T20:04:00.002-04:00

So we are almost at the end of the school year. It will be a long few days to go. My girls still have tests and homework this week while many of their friends are hanging out these last few days. This is their parent's fault as we like strong teachers. (They do not know we request the tough ones.:))

For Jess, it means the last few days in elementary school as she moves to the Junior/Senior High in the fall. There are so many teachers who have gotten her this far that it will be hard to say goodbye and hello to new friends next year. It is like kindergarten all over again. But first is the dance and then graduation.

For Nicole, it means not having a sister to worry about at school. Nicole is an amazing young lady who has a heart of gold and never leaves her sister behind no matter what. I hope her teacher next year continues to push her they way this year's teacher did.

For Jim and I, it means a new world of cell phones and continuing to let go a little to our girls. Both will be walking to and from school with friends next year but they still get 10 weeks of summer fun. Some will be at camp. Some with be at dance. Some will be at the pool. Some will be with us on vacation.

I hope the some will have more smile than tears.

Jess Bridges to Cadets

2008-06-16T20:00:00.004-04:00

Jessica bridged to Cadets tonight. Here she is reading what Girl Scouts mean to her. She leaves behind two awesome leaders that wanted to hold her back a year because they loved her so!

Next year will be a new adventure with a new group of girls.

Nurse Kelsey to the Rescue

2008-06-16T19:57:00.004-04:00

Kelsey thought all Uncle Jimmy's foot needed was a Dora the Explorer band aid. It must have worked because his foot reduced significantly overnight.

I see medical school in her future!

Coley and Kelsey

2008-06-16T19:53:00.004-04:00

Luckily for the kids, Rick has a pool. Here Nicole and her mini me, Kelsey, have fun in the pool.

Kelsey likes to think she is a big kid and luckily her older cousins like having her to play with.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-16T19:49:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Father's Day. We celebrated on Saturday with dinner at Houlihan's and then we watched Hairspray.

On Sunday, we gave Jim breakfast in bed. This is a photo of Jess which was taken in the afterschool program. Her teacher took the picture, enlarged it and then Jess picked out a frame and personalized it.

He then relaxed for a little bit before we headed to Rick and Erin's for a barbecque with the family.

Jim's Boo Boo

2008-06-14T14:39:00.005-04:00

So while Jess and I are on our trip, Jim and Nicole were having a little quality time. They went to her lacrosse game on Saturday and went to Jim's softball game on Sunday morning. Nicole usually goes to softball because she likes to harass one of Jim's friends, Tom King.

So while he was attempting to slide into third base, the base won and Jim broke his ankle. He collect Nicole, dropped her off at his mom's and went to his hospital for x-rays. He did happen to call and tell me there was no need to come home early.:)

He really chipped the little bone that sticks out on his left foot. The orthopedist put him in a walking cast and told him to come back in two weeks.

Our friends, the Schelecthers, picked us up after the trip, took him and Nicole dinner and bought us food for the next morning.

Our friend, Tracy, made us dinner Monday night which was delicious.

Thanks to everyone who helped Jim and I out! We are truly blessed!