Banksy

New York and Banksy. A fine combination on a beautiful fall weekend with my daughter. We ventured around the city to see what was left of the elusive Banksy work. It fascinated me that I would walk by galleries and museums just to see something that was on the street. What Banksy has done for street art (along with MANY others) is truly bring the art to the people. I want my kids to know and appreciate art and this is the perfect jumping off point...

A long time coming...

Hoping to get back in to this... I'm studying art history and I would like to create a new space for my family and my new passion in art. More to come

A New house

It seems like forever since I have sat down and looked at my blog. The holidays were crazy, like usual, and now it's mid-January....
So the good, or I should say great news (for those of you who still follow:) is that we bought a HOUSE!!! YEA!!
After months of looking and numerous offers on other places we decided on a beautiful house in an area we love of Newport Coast, California. I am so excited and thankful that in these crazy economic times we were blessed to find a house that we love and is large enough to suit our needs. I can't wait to share with you more and am thankful for all the well wishes as we have been on this journey since our move in July. I will post pics soon!!

My new doctor

This weekend Jim, Sam and I went back to New York for Jim's doctoral defense. I was looking forward to it for many reasons...

one of a kind food
some culture :)
i love the city at Christmas time
seeing old friends
taking Samantha back to see her friends
Jim misses the city
and of course to see Jim finish what he has worked so hard on!

We had a great time. It was freezing, but I have to say I honestly enjoyed every minute. I was so proud when Jim was congratulated on passing his defense and becoming an Ed.D in Education.
As I sit here in the sunshine now back in our new home town, I am very grateful that I got to see everyone and in a sense get it out of my system. I am moving forward and excited to do so!

tis the season

This is my favorite time of the year. It seems as though everyone around me changes in one way or another. The kids start making lists and talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are finally old enough to understand the true meaning of these holidays so it is even sweeter. I find myself being a little more patient and a lot more loving. With all these thoughts running rampant I realized that it doesn't need to be November or December to see the best in people, especially the ones closest to me.The generosity and kindness that Christmas brings to me and others is something I need year round.
I am so thankful to be with my family during this time. The last 9 years of being away have helped me realize what is truly important.
I am not sure what brought on this explosion of sentiment, but I am just so grateful for the people around me. In two weeks we are going back to NY for the first time since we have been gone. I can't wait to share our move with good friends, do some shopping, and watch proudly as my husband defends his dissertation...
Cheers and see you soon :)

November already?

When did it become November? I have found lately that the days and nights bleed into each other and before I know it... Trey's foot grows two sizes, my daughter is asking me to explain the Trinity, and Logan is yelling momma from his crib at night ( you know how you wait for them to talk and then they start and you tell them to be quiet :)
Anyway, a couple weeks back my bro and his family were here from Texas. What a wonderful week we had! So I want to share some pics because sadly by the time we see our precious Savonas again, all the kids may be voting.

On and yea, 4 weeks and counting until we go East for our first return trip to NYC. SO EXCITED!!!

Fall

After getting tired of missing the New York fall weather, I decided to take the boys to a So Cal pumpkin patch. Yes, this one was great, even though it was in a mall parking lot :) I threw on their sweatshirts and we ventured out. After 15 minutes we were burning hot in our jeans and sweaters, it was a bit loud because of the freeway right behind us...but we had fun with our new friends Jill, Matthew and Jack. I won't complain anymore, we did spot A tree that was changing colors :)