Upper East Side Moms

After weeks of mentally JUST making it, the skies parted and dumped a think blanket of powder(and, let's not forget the slush) to come to my rescue. Waking up on Friday morning was a treat! The ground was covered, the streets were covered. It looked like a snow globe from my window. I knew I still had to work, but work would be nothing compared to racing two kids to two different bus stops through the cold and slush while snow was still pouring from the sky! Anticipation must have gotten the best of all of us. We were up before 6am, waiting to hear word. 311 confirmed that the day was ours! The entire early part of our morning was spent cuddling in my bed, watching news reports of all the snow and crazy conditions around our area, while we waited for Daddy to get home from work. It's amazing how much room my little monkeys can find in my bed when they don't want to be kicked out of it! It was such a nice, semi-unexpected morning.Work was a breeze. We spent much of the day watching people try to get in and out of parking spaces and struggle to get up our block. Many got stuck! An amazing friend weathered the storm and brought me a warm pasta lunch. I tackled a few lingering tasks, and then we closed for business when the storm intensified and the plows seemed to be defeated when it came to our block! I couldn't wait to get back to that warm bed.My babies were thrilled to see me so many hours earlier than they thought they would. I wanted to take them out to play in the winter wonderland, but refused to do so while it seemed that more was coming from the sky than was already on the ground. That really is how it felt! The older two took a short trip their friends house next door while the rest of us took a short trip to dreamland. Why does it seem like such a better nap when there is a snow storm outside? I eventually even had to wake the little guy. That was the only bad part about the nap.....no one wanted to get up! Shortly after the sun went down and the snow slowed a bit, I finally mustered the energy to take them out sledding.We brought a couple of friends along and headed a few blocks away to our "play street". It's a blocked off street that is perfect for sledding, especially after it has been packed down all day by prior sledders! The big kids sledded and chucked snowballs while the little one built a snowman with Daddy. It was a pathetic looking snowman but good enough for an almost-3-year-old, I suppose. I simply watched and spread my time between the two. It didn't last very long(since it gets so cold when you are touching snow) but we had a ball.The next day, as the city began to recover from the whole ordeal, we went out again. I have never really been one for the snow, but realizing this MIGHT be the last time to play in it this season gave me the motivation to make the best out of it. My crew had fun again, of course. They came across an unoccupied ice/snow fort, made some additions and repairs, and made the most out of what was left, although it was already beginning to melt! It was a nice storm. Honestly, it was the only one this season that I took full advantage of and truly appreciated. We need "snow days" more often. Days where rules don't necessarily apply. The kind of day that is a little bit out of our control, yet offers a different outlook on what could be accomplished. I needed that break. They did too. We could all use some more days in bed cuddling.

I made it a point when I was young to not have such high expectations when it came to Valentine's Day. I figured that I would be less likely to get hurt that way. Ever since I met my hubby, I have never been "neglected". He always makes it a point to do something....even something little. This 14th ended up being no exception! Knowing I had to work at 9:30 in the morning put somewhat of a damper on waking up and doing something. Being that it fell on a Sunday this year, it was also a little less convenient to make evening plans. I was thinking(yes, a little selfishly)that we could get up super early and all go to breakfast to celebrate and enjoy the day. I figured it would be a good idea since I tend to wake up ravenous lately....and always. I was sure he'd never go for it. When I finally got to bed last night, I dozed off KNOWING that getting up would be a challenge for all since we ALL went to bed later than normal. Much to my surprise, this morning could not have gone any smoother. It couldn't have been more enjoyable, either!When we got up, I gave the kids their Valentine gifts. I got them each a book they have been wanting. Yah, seems kind of lame but they loved it.....and we all demolished a gift basket yesterday that an amazing client/friend brought to me. I could not have seen giving them any more candy after that delicious basket. They enjoyed their books for a few minutes before we left, then we all headed to one of our favorite spots for an extremely early Sunday breakfast. We headed a bit South to 83rd st and 2ND Avenue to Big Daddy's Diner. We were the first people there! That was pretty cool in itself. We usually go when the place is hopping.....which it always seems to be. I found out just yesterday that they are open 24 hours on the weekend days! Very cool for a mom who has to fit in family time and then a day at work. This is, and always has been one of our favorite spots. They are brightly lit, fabulously decorated in a retro-flashback kind of way, and they have very cool and attentive service. We know a few waiters by name. They also have tater-tots. That was always the draw for me! I guess you could say I'm easy.While Daddy and I ordered the much needed cups of coffee, the kids ordered their monstrous mugs of hot cocoa. As if you couldn't tell from prior posts, we are big fans of hot chocolate! The hot cocoa served at Big Daddy's could potentially serve as a meal when it comes to the shear size and satisfaction! I don't know how they make it or what the secret is, but it's good. All I know is that it's delicious, and it is covered with a mound of marshmallows and whipped cream. The spoon they give the kids to use is also just a bit too big for their mouths, which is a riot to watch! They don't seem to mind the struggle though. Must be worth it!We got our money's worth with this meal! We all had traditional kinds of plates this time, although the menu is extensive. They have everything from the outrageously sweet, treat-like griddle items all the way down to the health-conscience, fat-lacking choices. We ate till our bellies were full and were all in need of a good nap! Then we headed back home, but not before inquiring about their trivia night coming up on February 22ND. They start with kid trivia then follow with the adult trivia which happens to be about the FRIENDS television series this time around! Yey! P.S.....I am looking for team-members with a fine knowledge of that series to back up my own! Bring on the FRIENDS trivia!!!!What a day. Big, bright, fulfilling breakfast. 3 happy kids. A happy(yet very sleepy)other half. And a short day of work. Top it all off with a very pretty and thoughtful new "outfit" from the hubby that doesn't make me look like a heffer, and I'd say that was one successful V day! Hugs and Kisses!