valentine fiesta - the day after.

last night, we had a valentine fiesta for some of our closest friends. although, i really wish i had taken pictures, sadly i did  not.  however, i did take a few pictures this morning as i was cleaning up and taking down decorations-

we served fruity sangria and coronas with limes. i made salsa in my molcajete (a tool that i love). for dinner we set up a taco bar with choices of shrimp, fish and carne asada. and also served spanish rice and tamales with portabellas and polenta. dessert included- chocolate pots de creme, creme brulee and cookies. and we sent the couples home with large boxes of candy hot tamales as a thank you for all the sweetness and spice they have added to our lives.

it was truly a fun, fun night with a whole lot of laughing.  and, it was the perfect celebration for the friends that we love.

more often.

i often wonder why we don't get together more often? last night, i put together a small birthday celebration here at home. my children went to bed, friends arrived and the party began. i served roasted garlic with french bread, spicy tomato shrimp, bruschetta and a wonderful tray of cheeses and crackers with fruit and nuts was brought. (thank you simone!)

it was exactly the night i needed. we chatted a lot. we laughed. and laughed some more. and before the night ended, we celebrated two birthdays with my favorite semi-homemade cupcakes. it was such a fun night. really... we must do it more often!

on the river today.

we took a break from swimming in the pool and headed down to the river today. why does it seem like whenever i am near a body of water, i am overwhelmed by this sense of calmness. peace. serenity. does anyone else feel the same?

we spent the entire day with old friends who live on one of many rivers in south jersey. friends, who i have not seen in such a long time. way too long. it was so wonderful to reconnect and catch up on the years that have past. and, so much fun watching our children interact and now play with one another. this was their first meeting, but it was as though they had been friends for awhile. isn't that the way with kids? they are only timid for moments and within minutes they are the best of friends.

it truly was a day to re-establish & to create new bonds of friendship. a day i found comfort in being surrounded by family & friends. a day i was quieted by calmness in all that surrounded me.

time away = togetherness.

I'm sorry I've been away and haven't posted, as I haven't even signed onto my computer in a week... which is really unbelievable. However, I have fully taken advantage of the peace and enjoyment of togetherness. Togetherness of a family that has been apart. Jeff came home last week and we spent a wonderful long weekend together.

I hope you had a Happy Easter too! We spent the entire day with friends and family. The serenity of sunrise mass and excitement of Easter basket surprises. Cooking and eating. Playing lawn games, chatting with visiting friends and an Easter egg hunt for the kids. The day was extremely what I had wished for.

a night with the girls.

It's been awhile since the six of us have gotten together. I have been saying it for months... "let's get together, just us girls." The holidays came and went. The kids had a school break and then went back. Families were visiting. Husbands were out of town. So finally, we settled for a Tuesday night in February after the kids were in bed to, here at my house.

Amazingly, my kids were in bed and asleep unusually early and I was quite happy at my accomplishment. The plan was to have pizzas, and yes, usually I make them on Fridays, but thought it would be simple dinner for the us girls. It would give us time to casually eat and chat.

We talked and laughed and talked and laughed some more. I think it was the therapy we all needed. We all have completely different personalities and all of our lives are completely different right now, sometimes we don't see each other for months, yet when we are together, we rely on each other for support, comfort, advice and inspiration. We talk about whatever comes to mind and sometimes we might laugh (really laugh) or cry.

I am truly thankful for my friends. The six of us have formed a bond of love and friendship for life. It was such a great night. The next day, it made us all wonder... "why don't we do this more often?" So, I think we should, at least once a month.

My friends, were definitely the comfort I needed on a Tuesday night in February after my kids went to bed. Thank you so much.... I love all of you so much for so many reasons!!