Christmas Eve Passes Quickly

Every year my family has Christmas Eve at our house with family and friends. It's something to look forward to, especially when December 1st comes around. Instead of ordering from some big restaurant, my mom decided to order from someone she knew who cooked out of her home for just such occasions! I thought it was great that she was helping out a small business owner, as opposed to a bigger business. The food was even better than we expected too, from the sausage and peppers and chicken to the homemade cookies and fresh bread!

The whole day my father, brother, and I prepared for the night, while my mom was getting in her hours at work. We made sure the house was spotless, decorated perfectly, and laid out the tables and tables of food. That day I made a few desserts [snowman donuts, candy cane lane cupcakes, and gingerbread bundts], you can find the recipes on my baking blog - here. I got changed, but not before I saw what my brother was wearing - a green sweater, with a white button down shirt underneath and grey pants - so I decided that this Christmas, we should match. Yes, I realize I'm 23 and he's 20, but I still thought it'd be hysterical when I came out of my room and stood next to him. I didn't match exactly, instead I went with a red sweater, a white button down shirt underneath, and black pants. Even though my brother wanted me to change, begged me actually, it became a joke by the end of the night... maybe I was the only one laughing, but still.

When Sal arrived, he gave me a gift - not just any gift, but an Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas gift! This year, since all of those special occasions are within a week of each other, we decided to combine them and go on a trip, instead of giving each other presents. While I still insisted on buying Sal a gift - a much necessary winter jacket, I didn't mind not receiving anything. I've always loved giving more than receiving. It made me smile though when Sal walked in with one single rose, and a packet of paper. I quickly took the packet, but not before giving him a huge hug. He booked a trip for us to go to ...

NIAGARA FALLS! I couldn't believe it; we both had never been there before, nor had we ever gone to Canada, so we're both super excited about it! We leave this weekend for a three-day mini vacation.

Family and friends started to arrive soon after, and after eating all of the food, laughing at all of the jokes between cousins, and just soaking the night in, the night was over before I had even realized it. I'm grateful for nights that I get to spend with those I love, but they seem to go too fast. We always try and take as many pictures as we can in front of our Christmas tree, because some of the people we see on Christmas Eve, we barely see throughout the year, and it's nice to look back on those pictures. My mom got a little crazy this year with the camera though, and I feel like all we did was take pictures, but I know one day I'll cherish them and thank her for having captured those memories.

We went to bed, and eventually my brother and I woke up to the sounds of my mom screaming that Santa came... again we're 23 and 20 and yet we were still laughing at the way she woke us up, because who knows - next year we may not be there - I might be in a place of my own, and my brother might be away for college. Even though my brother and I complained about having to wake up early, I secretly didn't mind it. We let Maddie, our golden retriever, open her presents first. Every year I buy her presents, wrap them, and stick them in her stocking, and it never gets old watching her tear through the wrapping paper to the toys and treats. Then we open our gifts from Santa, and eventually my brother and I give our parents their presents. Time ticks by slowly in the morning, it's like Christmas Eve rushes by so we can enjoy the quite moments the following day - just spending time together as a family, opening gifts of love and eating our breakfast, which is always the same - eggs, bacon, toast... and I wouldn't trade that small amount of time for anything.

We eventually head to our Aunts, and the separate for the night, which is why I'm glad that we have the morning together - always.

Mom's Surprise 50th Birthday Party

My mom turned the big 5-0 on October 24th. She kept mentioning how no one wanted to do anything for her birthday and was really upset about it. Meanwhile, I had been planning a surprise party for her since September. Since I don't know the addresses of many of her friends, I created a private Facebook event. I was extremely nervous for the whole month. Not only did I have to study for an exam, but I had to pull off this surprise. It was important to me that my mom had a birthday that she'd always remember. I couldn't believe it, but there were about 30 people that RSVP'd that they'd be there - 30!? My dad and I went to a local restaurant/bar and reserved an area for the night and it was set. We even made sure that we went out on her actual birthday, on Wednesday, to throw her off. Her one friend invited some of my mom's friends and we went out for dinner and drinks. We even facetimed my brother TWICE that day, because she was upset he wasn't coming home from school - once when she opened her birthday present (yes, we even got her a birthday present too) and again when we were out to dinner, it got quite emotional. Little did she know that he'd be making a surprise appearance later in the week. It was great though, and she really thought that was it for her birthday celebrations. 

That Friday I took my mom out shopping for an outfit. I thought it'd be great to finally be able to spend time together. We went to the mall and immediately ate lunch. We needed fuel before we walked around the mall looking for THE perfect outfit. Even though it was a little early, we decided to have some sangria with lunch to start the celebrations. I told her that Sal and I wanted to take her out for dinner, with my father too of course! 

After our California Pizza Kitchen lunch, we did end up finding the perfect outfit, at Express. Afterwards she got a cappuccino and I refueled with some water. She told me she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go home to sleep; she even suggested just ordering pizza at home, but I was not about to let this surprise party become a failure. I've gotten pretty good at throwing surprise parties - okay, this is only my second one... but they were both successful! 

We headed home, but decided to stop at the grocery store to gather supplies and food for Hurricane Sandy. We wanted to be prepared early in case we lost power or got stuck in the house. We stocked up on batteries, flashlights, and tons of sandwich meat and cheese. We quickly put the things away and began getting ready for the night. I told everyone to be at the restaurant at 7:30pm and I told them I'd be bringing my mom around 8:00pm. Sal picked us up and drove, letting us out right at the door. We hopped out and I walked in as if nothing was special. 

My mom's face says it all... she had absolutely no idea. 

While everyone shouted 'surprise' and 'happy birthday,' we made our way around thanking everyone for coming and saying hello. I honestly couldn't believe how many people had showed up, just for my mom.

She was even more shocked and emotional when she saw my brother sitting there with a smirk on his face. 

So the surprise was a success, and the more friends and loved ones she saw, the happier she got. 

She kept thanking my brother and I, and we just smiled at each other. Knowing that we pulled off the ultimate surprise, because she honestly thought no one was going to do anything big for her - I mean how crazy is that - no party for your 50th!?

My dad ordered pizzas, since they're known for their pizzas, and buckets of beer for everyone. Sal even walked over to the pizza place he used to work at, and made mussels, especially for my mom and dad.

My brother and I had ordered a cake at Baskin Robbins, a specially made cake, just for my mom with chocolate chip mint ice cream, her favorite, and vanilla cake. It had to be one of the best cakes I've ever had, aside from the cookie dough one at Coldstones! 

The party went well into the night, and as people started leaving, we could tell that everyone had a good time, my mom especially. I snapped as many pictures as I could to document the entire night. 

I'm so thankful to everyone that helped me pull it off, and I'm so happy that my mom had a great, memorable time. 

Happy 50th Birthday Momma, and many more! I love you.

Meeting Victor Cruz

For my brother's birthday, I decided to surprise him by pre-ordering Victor Cruz's new book, Out of the Blue, thus securing him and my father a place in line at his book signing!

They're both huge Giants fans, and one year for Christmas, I bought them Giants tickets. Another time, I was able to meet David Diehl and score two signatures. I also met two other Giants players and got their signatures. The 'man cave' is starting to look pretty complete with all the Giants gear!

We got to the bookstore early, even though I already had a number in line - #86!

When we were allowed in the store, we waited in line for a bit longer. Cruz finally arrived and the line slowly moved little by little, as every one took their pictures and had their books signed. When it was our turn, I was nervous! Can you believe that? I was nervous to be the photographer; it wasn't as if I was shaking hands with Victor Cruz or asking him to sign my book. That was all my brother and my father.

They were psyched about meeting him, and my dad even cracked a little joke with Victor Cruz. I was surprised he didn't do the salsa though because he does it at home all of the time, especially when it's football season and the Giants win!

Afterwards, we went to an awesome burrito place in town - seriously, they were delicious. I hope I made me brother's day memorable - with a picture and book to prove it - I'm sure I did.

Kyle's 20th Birthday

[Via Instagram: kristynnicole1]

A few weeks ago, my brother's friend decided to throw a little surprise birthday dinner at a place in Hoboken for my brother's birthday. She told him that she wanted to take him out alone, meanwhile she told all of his closest friends, as well as myself and Sal, to meet them at the restaurant.

Sal ended up getting out of work early that night, thankfully, and we hurried to the restaurant.
We didn't make it in time, but it turned out even better when we walked in, sat at the table and my brother looked up and started laughing! Prior to showing up, I was getting ready and he asked me where I was going, so I told him I was going to a bar with my friend (he had no idea Sal was leaving work early). My brother even invited me out to join him for dinner, but I quickly declined.

It was great seeing the smile on his face when he realized I was there. Dinner was delicious and the view on the Hudson River was gorgeous. I would definitely go there again.

[Via Instagram: kristynnicole1]

Now my brother and I weren't always close like this, but I am so glad we are now. It's incredible to live with one of your best friends, because that's seriously what he's been! I've looked up to him, even though he's my little brother, over the last few years because he's accomplished so much during his two years so far at college, and he's going to school to be a (get this...) DOCTOR! Yup, my brother the doctor. So whenever I think I can't do anything, especially when I was in school, I'd always think ... "My brother has it so much harder, and if he can do it - take tests and pass his extremely difficult classes - then so can I!"

I'm going to miss him when he goes off to school, but I will definitely be visiting often!

I love you Ky - Happy Birthday!

Family Reunion 2012

Last year, in 2011, we had our big family reunion on the 4th of July. I made an amazing flag cheesecake, using blueberries and strawberries. It was absolutely delicious. This year, the party was on the weekend following 4th of July, but I still volunteered to bake. It was extremely hot the day of the party, so I'm so glad that I didn't bring cupcakes or anything else with icing, because it definitely would have melted. I decided to make cake mix cookies, and they came out great. The recipe is super simple, and I'll definitely be making them again. You'll be able to find the recipe on my baking blog.

[ via instagram: kristynnicole1 ]

Last year it rained pretty much the entire party, and this year we had the exact opposite problem. It was extremely hot - so hot that you could see the sweat drip off of everyone. Once everyone had arrived though, we barely noticed. We were too busy catching up and meeting new relatives. 

It's amazing to think that I am related to all of these individuals. 

There were even more people this year, than last year, and I'm guessing the number will continue to rise each year that follows. 

We all had a great time, and I cannot wait to see everyone again next year, and some I'll even have the chance to see throughout the year. 

Cousin's 8th Grade Formal

Prior to going to my friend's graduation party, I went to take pictures with my cousins before their 8th grade dance. I seriously could not believe that they were graduating 8th grade, and would be headed to high school in the fall - the high school where I graduated from! I feel like it was just yesterday that they were babies crawling around in my living room.

While one cousin is blood related, the other one isn't, but that doesn't change the fact that I'd do anything for the both of them.

They have grown up into such gorgeous women, and I couldn't be more proud of all they have accomplished so far. I know they're going to do great in high school - in academics, activities, and of course, sports! I hope they know how much I love them, and that I will be there for them for anything and everything.

I know all of my cousin's have such bright futures ahead of them. I will be there every step of the way, guiding them and giving them advice, while letting them make their own mistakes to learn from in life and love. 

Mother's Day in Pennsylvania

We went to visit my brother for Mother's Day, just like we did last year - because my mom wants to be with both of her children on that day. We needed to take some of my brother's things home, so that his friend would be able to bring him home at the end of the semester, which was fine, until we actually packed the car and there ended up being little room for my mother and I. It was actually hilarious, and looking back on it I still laugh.

We ended up going to the same restaurant that we went to last year, and the food was delicious once again! The joke of the day ended up being that my dad thought it was father's day - you could tell this just by looking at his plate ... I mean surf and turf? Come on! Afterwards, we had our readings read at a machine, based on our date of birth. It was pretty funny to see what everyone ended up with, and what was also great about it, is that we had a keepsake to take home to remember the day!

We snapped some pictures prior to doing a bit of shopping. Then before we knew it we had to pack up the car and head home.

As long as my mom had a memorable time, it was a great day for everyone!

Cousin Dinners & Get Togethers

Remember how I said, in my last post, I wanted to get together with my cousins more, well I did during a much needed, and called upon cousin dinner. We try and get together as often as we can, especially when my brother is home from college. This time one of them decided a cousin dinner was absolutely necessary because she needed to talk. Of course, we made it happen.

We were able to catch up, and talk about all of the chaos occurring in our lives. What's great is that there is no need to explain when it comes to describing family members, because we all know these individuals, we get each other in a way that friends don't, and in a way that other family members never will. The bond is incredible, and even though we don't get to see each as often as we'd like, we always try and make time to put together a cousin dinner, once every three months or so. IT really makes all the difference, and it helps keep us in the loop. We all get busy, but it's extremely important, in my opinion, to make time for one another.

Sometimes we forget to take a picture, but I always try and take one at the end of the night, and it came out so great, I thought it'd be a good idea to send a copy to my grandmother. She doesn't get to see us very often, even less than us cousins get to see each other, since she lives in Florida. We try and make a trip there once a year, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. Therefore, my mom thought it'd be a great idea to send her a copy, and I had to agree. We do look good, dontcha think?

We may or may not have placed the camera on someone's car.

A Fashion Show

When asked if I wanted to attend my cousin's 8th grade Fashion Show, I was extremely excited. I knew I had to intern until 4:30pm, but I knew if I rushed home, I'd be able to make it by 6:00pm. Now I was excited because my cousin's seem to just ignore big events in their life, and don't seem to really invite any family. Okay, maybe they don't ignore them, but it just slips their mind that their family would be interested in attending. It is upsetting to say the least, so when I got this invitation, my mother and I said yes! It turned out my older cousin was invited as well, so we had a great time sitting there and catching up.

It turned out there was a tricky tray and although my mom and I didn't win anything - I had a glass of wine, and her a mixed drink and we enjoyed the night out together, bonding with our family. Tricky trays get a wee bit boring when you don't win anything though, and so we sat there watching the other tables winning the great items, and soon it became dull. We wanted to see my cousin walk out on that stage in her formal and casual wear, shining with that smile on her face, and after dinner, when we saw her, I couldn't believe it.

She looked incredibly beautiful. I'm not just saying this because she's my cousin either. She looked perfect, with her dress and smile so large, it made you smile. In fact, just looking at the picture now, I'm smiling. You can't tell me you aren't either!

Dessert came before they came back out for casual wear, but at that point I just wanted to see my cousin up there on the platform again. Seriously. I know it may be shocking that I didn't want dessert, no matter how good it looked, because I mean really who am I to turn down dessert? Okay, maybe I had the cheesecake, but then I forgot about all of the rest as the 8th graders were walking down the aisle. I kept looking at the brochure, waiting for my cousin's name to be called, and when it was, I was in awe again. The colors she was wearing were incredible together, and I must admit I don't think I would have been able to pull off yellow pants, but she did!

I have to say I am so proud of her for all she has accomplished, and the fact that she's graduating 8th grade, and I'm graduating college in just one month, not even - scares me. It made me think how fast time really does fly. I remember my cousins when they were born, crawling around, crying because they didn't want to do their homework, playing... just being kids - and know they're far from that! I just couldn't believe my eyes. My cousins had grown up, and I just didn't want to believe it. From that point forward, I made it a point to talk to my cousins more often, and see them more often as well. I can't believe I had been so wrapped up in my own world, that I forgot they were growing up too. I always envisioned myself as the cool cousin, who would drive them around and be there whenever they needed me, but I wasn't that cool cousin. They didn't call or hang out as often as I would have liked, but neither did I. I vowed from that day forth that I would try and spend as much time as I could, and see them as often as I could - because I wanted to have the type of relationship with my cousins that my mom had with her cousins, and so far I think it's going better than expected. I hope it continues to move forward, in a positive manner.

Mom's Birthday

I won't reveal her age, but I will reveal that she doesn't look a day over 20 ;] okay maybe 35! I decided to treat her to dinner at this local restaurant that she's been dying to try that just opened up in the strip mall, literally 2 minutes away from where we live. What was perfect about the night? There is a wine lounge right next door, so once we finished dinner we headed next door to meet up with a few of her friends.

[She's the one all the way on the left!]

Prior to dinner, I gave her the presents I had gotten her, after the most difficult shopping adventure. I decided I wanted to get her a J.LO purse from Kohl's, to go along with the J.LO boots that my brother bought for her. So I went to Kohl's and after much deliberation picked up a cute brown wristlet that had a wallet built right in it! I thought how cute right? [click here to see] I also got a card and a bag. I went to the register, and decided to pay half cash and half with my debit card. I gave her the cash, and tried to slide my debit card through the machine. It kept getting declined and I had no idea why. I just checked before I left the house and I had more money in there than the total. I embarrassingly told the lady and she told me she'd give me my cash back, but that I should call the card company. I called and I was told after being put on hold for at least 10 minutes, that my card was thought to be the victim of fraud and that they cancelled it. I couldn't believe it; I was thankful that they closed the account, but I was so upset that no one had emailed me or called me about it! Thankfully I got a new card the next day, but this put me in a dilemma, I needed to get my mom a birthday gift. Luckily Sal came to the rescue and picked up the gifts while I went to class. I am so grateful for that and I'm happy my mom got to have the birthday she deserved.

[Family Picture without my Brother]

I also picked my mom up a makeup bag from MAC, in which I used gift cards for, one gift card that was a present from me last year that she had never used and another gift card that I would probably never use [I'm not into paying top dollar for makeup]. And how could I not pick her up, or I should say have Sal pick her up, Keurig coffee cups, Dunkin Donuts to be precise! She loved it, especially during that brutal snow storm that we just had... yes the weekend before Halloween. It was intense.

Not only did she receive all those fabulous gifts, but I also made her apple fritters and apple fritter cupcakes, which could be found on my baking blog - click here!

I was so happy that I got to spend the night with my mother, and that she had a great night out with family and friends. Next year she turns a BIG number, so we're going to have to do something even bigger! I cannot wait. I love you mom and thank you for all you've done for me!

What I've been up to...

Work  

Class & Homework

Okay, so not all my classwork involves drawing diverse families, some of it is actually harder: studying for tests, writing papers, and trying to score a placement in a local hospital's child life department.

Visiting My Brother & Brother Coming Home

There: 

Here:

I love my family. 

Finally... the post about Florida

I went to Florida for 10 days in July to spend time with my family down there with Sal, my brother, and his girlfriend. It was rough at first, because we all wanted to do different things, so we fought occasionally, but overall I had a memorable time, that I wouldn't trade for the world. From Venice Beach, the mall, and the Sea Shell Factory, to Siesta Keys and Englewood Beach, Universal Studios, and Parasailing, as well as Jet-skiing. We experienced so many adventures together during this trip, allowing Sal and I to cross off Parasailing and Jet-skiing off our list, and let me just tell you I would definitely do it again! 


The rest of this story will be told in pictures.

Siesta Keys

Steak & Shake [Boy I wish they had these up North]

Englewood Beach

My 'little' brother

His girl

Sea Shell Factory

Venice Beach

Parasailing

Harry Potter - Universal Studios

A Goodbye Picture

I just want to thank my grandmother for so opening her heart and home for us to stay at for 10 days. We had a heart-to-heart talks and I will never forget them. I'm so grateful to have such a loving family, even though they may be miles and miles away I know they're only a phone call or plane ride away and they'll be there for me at any time, day or night. I can't wait to go back and visit, but I'm kind of hoping my 'come to jersey for my 21st birthday' will speed that up! :]