#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨
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Food and Life

Letter to My Son – Happy 10th Birthday!

August 2, 2012 · Narrative

Birthday Breakfast Tower

I don’t think we could have celebrated Nick’s birthday more than we did today. It started with a munchkin birthday tower at home.

First Candle

Breakfast Blow 1

Breakfast Blow 3

Followed by cupcakes with his fellow summer campers later this morning.

Camp cupcakes

Followed by take-out lunch from Panera (his choice).

Followed by a stop at a local ice cream store.

Followed by dinner at The Melting Pot with his Dad, Madeline, and I (again, his choice).

Birthday dinner

Birthday Dinner dessert

Birthday Blow 2


Followed by birthday cake at home tonight with friends.

Birthday Blow 4

Whew.

I wanted him to feel celebrated on his special day, and I do believe we were successful. He said this birthday was awesome, and he was surrounded with friends and family all day. What could be more perfect?

Dear Nick:

I look back over this last year and am amazed by how much you’ve changed.

Grown up.

We’re getting sneak peaks at the young man you’re going to be, and I couldn’t be more proud. You are sweet, polite, warm, and friendly. Your smile is big and it lights up your whole face. You are thoughtful and considerate, and are a great big brother to your sister. Even though you guys sometimes bicker, you look out for her and protect her like no other.

This upcoming year is a big year for you, the last one in your school. You’ll have new challenges, and will be closing out old chapters and starting new ones. You’ve made some wonderful new friends in the past year, and continued strengthening friendships from last year.

You have continued with soccer, making this your 6th year of playing, and have become a bit of a maniac on the field. In the very best possible way.

You discovered new fondness for Math and Science, subjects you once hated, and have your sights set on being a doctor. Or in the Secret Service. Depending on the day.

You have a quiet heart, are very observant, and are cautious about letting people in. You are very protective of those you love the most, and although that is a challenge sometimes, that makes those that you guard very lucky.

You are one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I am forever grateful. You made me a Mom, and I’m so happy to have you by my side in our journey. We love you! xoxo

LIKES: soccer, Dragonvale, Mancala, art, adventures, Science and Math, swimming, dessert, road trips, Cupcake Wars, and Restaurant: Impossible

DISLIKES: early bedtimes, chores, surprises

Please join me in wishing Nick a happy 10th birthday!

A look back…

When he turned nine …

When he turned eight …

When he turned seven…

When he turned six…

When he turned five…

When he turned four…

When he turned three…

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Cathy says

    August 2, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    Double digits!!! Happy Birthday Nick!!

    Reply
  2. Beth says

    August 3, 2012 at 7:02 am

    Happy birthday, Nick! Xo

    Reply
  3. Christy says

    August 3, 2012 at 8:54 am

    Happy Birthday Nick! It looks like you had such a great day full of desserts! Best of luck this year in school and soccer. Dream Big!

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    August 3, 2012 at 9:04 am

    Happy Birthday, Nick!

    Reply
  5. Kris #40 says

    August 3, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Happy Birthday Nick! Sounds like you had a great day!

    Reply
  6. Mandi says

    August 3, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Happy 10th Birthday all the way from Australia, Nick. I’ve been reading your mum’s (sorry! mom’s) blog since you were younger than Madeleine and have loved reading about you and seeing you grow up in the photos that are posted. It sounds like you’ve had a fantastic day filled with celebrations and lots of love – and lots of cake! I hope you enjoyed every single minute of it.
    Mandi recently posted..It’s An Oldie

    Reply
  7. Kavs says

    August 3, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Cate! I’m getting all teary eyed – I have been reading your blog when Nick was Nicholas and just a little baby! He has grown into such a handsome young man…all the best to Nick for his new adventures!

    Reply
  8. Joanne says

    August 3, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Happy birthday Nick! Now that I’ve spent some time with Nick in person, I have to say he really is the amazing little man you describe him as. Such a great kid.
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Zucchini Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

    Reply
  9. MariaV says

    August 3, 2012 at 11:34 am

    Happy Birthday, Nick!

    Reply
  10. Ramona says

    August 3, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    truly awesome birthday for him

    Reply
  11. Christa the BabbyMama says

    August 3, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Very cool! We had our rehearsal dinner at a Melting Pot location. Everyone loved it and they were so nice about our big rowdy group!
    Christa the BabbyMama recently posted..The Power of a Picture to Break My Heart All Over Again

    Reply
  12. Meg says

    August 3, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    Happy birthday, Nick! Hope every year gets better and better.
    Meg recently posted..A changed, once-sacred space

    Reply
  13. Jenn says

    August 3, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    I rarely comment (like almost never), but wanted to wish Nick a very Happy Birthday!

    Reply
  14. Patrizia says

    August 3, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    Happy Birthday!!!

    Reply
  15. Michelle says

    August 3, 2012 at 8:38 pm

    Happy birthday Nick!

    Reply
  16. Sister in-law says

    August 4, 2012 at 10:03 am

    Happy Birthday Nick!!! Lots of Love from Titi & Carlos

    Reply
  17. Paula Ann says

    August 4, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Happy 10th Birthday, Nick, from the Sunflower State!! It looks like you celebrated in style!

    Reply
  18. Sarah Caron says

    August 6, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Happy belated birthday to Nick! You know, Mancala is one of Will and Paige’s favorite games to play … will have to remember that next time we get together!

    Reply

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨

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