I am extremely annoyed (to put it lightly).

So Cute

I'm watching Vivian dance right now.  She's following the moves on TV including the crossing of the arms and posing.  So cute!  She's also trying to do a flip by herself. 

Zack's playing Monopoly by himself.  or actually I'm playing but he's rolling for me.  Strange kid.

Went on a Martha Stewart Kick

this weekend.  Zack and Jon's father-son day got rained out so they decided to go see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Zack really liked the movie.  I stayed home with Vivian.  When they came home they carved the pumpkin we bought from Maskers Farms last week when we went apple picking.  I toasted the pumpkin seeds for a snack.  I also baked some cookies.  I also melted some white chocolate chips and poured it over some frozen berries for my discipleship group.  Then on Sunday I made an apple pie from scratch (almost the pie crust was from a box) and baked banana bread to use up some over ripe bananas. 

So was very busy this weekend.

So Angry!

I got a parking ticket for leaving the car with the lights blinking in a no parking zone for 5 minutes while I and Vivian ran in to pick up Zack from after school.  As I ran out I saw the officer writing the ticket.  I yelled, "Wait, I'm here!  I just went in to pick up my son.  The man didn't even look up and said, "You're too late."  My heart sank and that was it... a $60 parking fine.  I tried to explain that I can't leave the baby in the car to get my son in the after school but the man didn't car.  A motorist on the opposite side actually yelled at the officer and parted with, "Hope you sleep well tonight!"

I was angry but Jon says it's my fault for parking in a no parking zone.  But Astoria is really hard to find parking near by.  I don't want to circle to look for parking and then park 3 blocks away and then take Vivian to the after school and then drag both back to the car.   I think I'm just going to have to have the people bring him out from now on.  But in the mean time I'm just really angry.

Awesome weekend

so far.  On Friday I went to the Barnes and Noble on Union Square to meet... Alton Brown!  He's such a cool guy.  I went to Astoria to pick up Zack first (by train) and brought him with me.  Zack was less enthused about it than I was.  But he relished the time together.  We talked about things on the subway and made plans for the next few days.  I managed to get a hold of Anna and we met her and James at McDonald's for dinner right before we headed to B&N down the block.  Alton Brown honestly gets better with age.  He lost a lot of weight but his wit and sense of humor is as sharp as ever.  I even shelled out $40 for his book just so he can sign it.  Bringing Zack really paid off though.  Because as everyone quequed to have him sign their books, the sponsers said anyone with kids can come up first.  So I got to skip the crazy long lines!  I shook his hand, mentioned I met him several years ago at a knife demonstration, Zack told him his name, and he signed the book made out to me and Zack! Hehe.  It was great.  I really enjoyed it.

Then today we went apple picking.  Both Vivian and Zack helped to pick some apples.  They also both ate tons of apples.  I'm so sick of apples right now.  But we have two bags of various kinds.  I'm giving Anna and my mom some and probably give some to Zack's class.  The rest is going to be: dipped in caramel, made into apple sauce and maybe even apple pie...  I'll see how ambitious I'm feeling.    But there's a great recipe for apple sauce in Alton Brown's new cook book. 

Vivian also had a chance to go on a pony ride and Zack did the apple maze.  Vivian had the most concerned look on her face as she rode the pony named Peaches.  But as soon as shee got off she cried, :"More, More!" Strange girl.  Zack took a little while getting out of the maze but finally he got out by himself.  We also bought some pumpkins- one for us to carve and one for his classroom.  Then we had dinner at Fuddruckers in Jersey.  Zack played some air hockey with Jon and also a shooting game.  Vivian was happy just sitting in the driving game and turn the steering wheel.  They also got some candy from the "claw" machine.  So the kids are hyped up on sugar.

We're exhausted but it was a great day.  The weather was a little iffy but it cleared up at the orchards and the sun came out.  The leaves were just turning colors and looked beautiful.  I bet next week it's going to look even better.  Coming home the sun shone just right and the city just glowed.  Now Vivian is watching Yo Gabba Gabba and Zack is playing on his dad's iphone.  Life is good.  Thank you God.