From The Secret Vault.

So much has been going on around here in the last 2 MONTHS!

Seriously, two months...sheesh!

So, after digging through all of my unfinished blog entries I found this one.

Mothers Day weekend was shared with my favorite mothers.  My mom and I drove up to see Grandma and picked up Auntie on the way to join in on the fun!  A weekend of just us girls, it was perfect. 

We filled our weekend with shopping, eating and talking!

We went to Petaluma, enjoying a bit of antique shopping.  Among our findings was a potty training seat that was identical to the one Grandma used with her kids!  Having boys, I especially loved the creative duck "shield"!

In Sonoma, we found this bread tray made from a wine barrel...very rustic and resourceful. I love it!  I want it, but am thinking of making one myself.  Or bribing one of my uncles to make one for me!!  It would mean that much more to me having it handmade.  wink. wink.

Topping it all off was the wonderful food we ate!  Of all of the places, I enjoyed Buchon Bakery the most.  I gained 5 pounds just looking at all of the delicious pastries and let me just confirm it was so worth it!

Grandma had a muffin with a crumble topping that tempted me.
But not as much as this little cutie!  Yes, that is cream cheese on this danish.  Flaky and perfectly sweetened.  Perfect.  I must find out how to make these seeing as my visits to Yountville are not nearly as often as I'd like and now need.

We then took a stroll by The Bardessono and enjoyed Lucy's Garden, sweetly named after my Great Grandma.  

I felt inspired.

It was a lovely getaway and I could have never done it without my wonderful husband who only flinched a little bit when presented with the idea.  I only had one request before I left...

Me:  Please be nice to the boys while I am gone.  Have fun!

Leon:  We will.

Me: On second thought...don't be too nice.  I want them to miss me and love me more when I come home.

Not only did I come home to happy boys, but boys with freshly trimmed hair and clean clothes! 

They presented me with this display of freshly cut flowers and handmade cards, as well as local strawberries and dinner.  

I am really grateful to have encouraging women in my life.  They help me and inspire me to be my best.  Who couldn't use a little bit of that now and again?!!? 

On The Menu Tonight.

Dinner
Spaghetti and Meatballs

Dessert
Cupcakes


The table was set.

Skepticism was in the air.

Trust quickly grew.

Happiness resulted.

April Fools!
Spaghetti and Meatballs Cupcakes
Cupcakes with Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

The best part was the confusion Leon had all afternoon...
"So what is this really?"
"Are you putting meatballs on the cupcakes?"
"You're not really gonna frost the meatloaf are you?"
"So cupcakes aren't really cupcakes?"

All too much for his busy mind to conceive!

Weekend Wedding.

Saturday we took a speedy drive to San Luis Obispo for a lovely wedding.

This is my cousin Leah and her husband Brad.

Her dress is perfect.
Her shoes which I foolishly forgot to photograph were fabulous!
They are a lovely couple.
We love Leah and know we will love Brad too!


This is the cake and cupcakes mom and I made.
It is vegan.
And thanks to a vegan request,
I have found a very delicious chocolate cake recipe.
Boxed cake mixes, never again.

We had a wonderful time reaquainting ourselves
with extended family and meeting many new faces!

We are so lucky to have been apart of such a beautiful day.

Adoration.

Here is where I confess my undying love.

For him.

And this guy.

And most importantly for this man who chose me.

It's nice being the girl with three boys in love with her!

xoxo

Play At Your Own Risk.

Nothing can challenge the self esteem of your homemaking skills like your 9 year old and his friend deciding to play a game of hide and seek inside your home.

Instead of crushing their creative spirits, I took a deep breath and gave them the green light.

With one exception of course...my room is completely off limits!

With the sun shiny and spring almost here, it is definitely time to spruce up this place. So, I have officially declared we will commence with some cleaning after this play date!

After all, there is nothing more uninviting than sunshine fighting its way through dingy and dusty windows.

I have also decided that we will celebrate with a no holds barred game of hide and seek with Max and friends. After all I do feel the need to redeem myself after today!

1989...we meet again.

When I was in 6th grade I had a major crush.

This is a little embarrassing.  No, very embarrassing.  But here goes...

It was very unlikely that the boy I had this infatuation with even knew of my existence. 

And everyone knew it.  

There was no chance with him.  

Even my parents knew it.  

It must have been painful for my mom to break it to me because she didn't.

In fact she did just the opposite.

She encouraged it.  

She stood in line with me and my friends to purchase tickets to see him.

I knew fate (or the magic of Ticketmaster) would finally bring us together.

But the raging hormones of a love struck preteen are quite unpredictable. 

They can sometimes create havoc within a home and lead to some serious consequences.

And so I was grounded and devastated.

The tickets were sold and life went on...without him.

20 years later and I have a chance to see him.  

I am truly tempted.

Relive 1989.  

Tease my bangs and wear scrunchy socks.  

Maybe some frosted pink lipstick?

What do you think?  

Who wants to go?

Seriously, I have NEVER been to a concert in my life! 

It would be so fun!  

A second chance to relive a moment of my adolescence?  

And you can too!  Now who's going with me?!!?

Oh, and if you choose to be a party pooper, I might just come and decorate your yard...

WITH TOILET PAPER!!!

Welcome back 1989!

Love Notes.

It started with a fun heart shaped card holder...
Perfect for love notes.


So with heart felt sentiments for each other, we wrote.


Max, you are as tough like a tiger and sweet like a bowl of peppermint ice cream.
I love your shiny blue eyes and when you hold my hand!
I love you! Mom


Sam, you are my lovey. I love your kisses in the morning and when you cuddle!
I love you and love being your mom!


Leon, you make me laugh and smile with your silliness.
I love being your wife and I love your muscles (I feel safe).
My love for you is red hot!!!
Love, Jen

and my personal favorite...

Dad, I love you deep down in my heart because you are generous.
Love, Max

I have not received permission to publish the rest, but lets just say they are filled with love.