Happy Mother's Day!

I have to give it to my Hubs - he and and our kidlets were awesome today!  They surprised me with a bagel and a cup of coffee in "bed" and then took me to a wonderful place, after Church, a little jaunt from our house (I was hoping Twink wouldn't get carsick!) The Pub in Pennsauken, NJ ~ it is famous in its own right and has downright wonderful steaks and the best fresh chicken fingers on the planet.  I used to work there while at college - as a hostess; girls wait forever to get promoted to waitress at that place because once you're in, you're in for good!  Many women (and men) have been there for years and years - the business is that good.  We venture here each Mother's Day and Father's Day to celebrate because they open early these days.  Today, they opened the doors at 12:00 p.m. for dinner.  When we left at 1:15 p.m. there wasn't a wait, but the lobby area (which is huge) was getting crowded because they will not seat you until your entire party is there and ready to be seated.

After lunch, Hubs let me take a nap while SweeTart was sleeping.  It was a weird feeling - a nap.  I kept hearing things and kept thinking I wasn't really asleep but after a bit, I fell sound asleep and woke up feeling refreshed.  Then we took the kids for ice cream locally.  Fun!  Maybe I should feed everyone dinner now?  Dinner which will consist of leftovers from our noontime meal at The Pub.  :-)

Tomorrow is the beginning of the NJ ASK test, our annual standardized tests for the 3/4/5/6/7/8 graders.  I think they are the only grades who take it but since we have a 3rd and a 4th grader, everyone is supposed to be settling down early and getting a good night's rest after a fun day. 

A shout out to our Twinkletoes!!  After working hard on her JOGA pre-team for 2 years, she has been officially invited to join the team!    She is so dang excited and so proud of herself for all of the hard work she had done towards this goal.  I'm not quite sure what next year as a "team mom" will bring but I know it will bring lots of smiles, probably a little heartache, and loads and loads of practice time.  Congratulations Twink - we are all very, very proud of your accomplishments. 

12th Anniversary and Celebration Disney Trip!

What were you doing today, in 1999, 12 years ago?  Hubs and I were getting married on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, in Negril, Jamaica.  We've since been back to the magical place where we were married but it doesn't seem like we've been there enough.  Or recently enough, although it's only been two years ... enough time for our "frequent visitor miles" to expire.  We'll have to make up for that sometime soon, like after we hit the lottery and Hubs doesn't work quite so hard as he has to do now.    Did you know that you need to become a "resident" of Jamaica to be married there?  We had to be there for three days before we were able to get married there.  Cool, huh?  I am so not complaining.  It was beautiful.  I would get married there all over again in half of a heartbeat.  To the same man, of course.  The man who makes my world full of love.  Full of light.  Full of happy times and laughter.  Full of children.  (no that is not a segue into an "i'm expecting" segment - you can relax now.)  The man with whom I plan to spend a thousand tomorrows with on our "ride" of life.  xoxox  Happy Anniversary honey!! 

Last week, while the kids were in school, we took a quick trip to Walt Disney World in Florida for not only a getaway but to see the Epcot International Flower & Garden show.  It was spectacular, to say the least.  I've attached a few of the many, many, pictures we took throughout the week.  I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw most of the topiaries - I can see why this event is so popular at Disney!  I'd definitely go  back here again in a minute (especially if it won't be so hot - that was one thing I wasn't expecting!)

 

Goodnight Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann - a book review

From the Publisher:

Children will want to settle down for bedtime with Little Sea Otter as he snuggles onto Mama's chest in a cozy bed of sea kelp and bids good night to all his ocean friends. From sea lions to sea snails, seagulls to seals and sea urchins, it seems he'll never close his eyes. But gently rocking seas, twinkling stars, and Mama's loving arms lull Little Sea Otter—and children everywhere—to dreamland.

My Thoughts:

This book was wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated.  It is the tale of any child trying to say "good night" to everyone and anyone they can think of before going to sleep themselves.  I thoroughly enjoyed the story.  However, my 3 year old daughter, had a hard time sitting still for the entire story.  Maybe she needs to get a hard copy of this book in her hands?  She was captured by the artistry, if not the story, at this time.  I, however, enjoyed the sea otter's interactions with the animals around him.  I would definitely recommend this book to others and will be purchasing as a gift in the near future!

I was given a galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  I was asked to provide my honest opinion of the galley and have not been compensated for publishing my opinion.