Cake and Crab....

For many years, I (Queen Wendy) have tried to remain under the radar when it came to birthdays. While I'm excited to invest in the celebrations of others, I'm rather uncomfortable when big 'to-dos' are made in my honor. It's just not for me. I'm more of a 'behind the scenes' kind of gal.

Today, I celebrate my...er....25th...birthday. Okay, I'm short a couple of years, but you get the idea. I'm not young, I'm not old, I'm somewhere in the middle. :) And, to respect my wishes to remain under the radar, King Tony and the royals put together an intimate, very special, incredibly well-orchestrated celebration which began with my favorite food in the world--birthday cake! I don't understand how cavemen managed without this glorious concoction, since it may very well be the fruit of the Gods! (at least in my book)

As I'm a fan of Deadliest Catch, my husband (King Tony) had former client, Cakes for Occasions (www.cakes4occasions.com) put together an awesome F/V Northwestern birthday cake--which he presented with a number of sentimental goodies, a birthday serenade by the entire group, and of course, king crab legs (his favorite!).

On this most special of days and amid all the celebratory attention, I took serious inventory of my life, my life's work, my passions, my accomplishments, my failures, and all that I have left to do. (A proper time to do so, wouldn't you agree?)

I am proud of many things--predominantly my three incredibly strong, courageous and beautiful children--and my loving and supportive husband, Tony (who may just be the most awesome human being on Earth).

I'm a woman rich in many ways, but richest within my four walls. I have no regrets. Not one. I've lived an honest life--sometimes to my personal detriment--but I would never change myself or my past actions. I'm beyond content. I feel I have it all--although I don't have nearly that of many others. I relish the smallest of gestures--be it an unexpected visit from a neighbor just to say hi, a phone call from a geographically distant friend, a note from my husband tucked inside the cup holder of my car, or the gentle kiss from one of my children reminding me that I'm not just 'me' anymore, but someone's mother--three someone's to be exact. I've had to learn how to be a "good" mother in ways that others could never imagine or wouldn't dare consider.

While others question and complain about the littlest of life's intolerances, I instead choose to leverage the experiences of family members who have returned from the brink of tragedy due to illness or worse. These individuals have become my role models (Uncle Mario, Auntie Penny, cousins Doug and Shae, Beth, Tia Juliana, to name a few.) and I am thankful that through their experiences, I continue to forge ahead even when the challenges seem too burdensome. I have perspective--something that so many people do not have nor will ever acquire. I don't live in a microcosm of just myself or my family. I don't revel in the past, but dream of what the future holds. I raise my children through experiences, friendships, and the knowledge that they have two parents who limitlessly love them, will never give up on them, and will forever be their biggest advocates and champions.

On this day of personal celebration, reflection and introspection--I feel incredibly blessed. I not only have a delicious chocolate cake and ice cream, but more love than most people will ever have in their lives, and the knowledge that every step I've taken, word I've uttered, or deed I've completed, has been the right one. And that is a truly amazing gift worth celebrating!

Oh yeah...not just cake, but cake WITH Cold Stone Creamery's Birthday Cake Ice Cream--the best!

Before the 'real' party begins, the kids enjoy some cake. Prince Alec really likes the blue icing...

..while Aramis prefers the chocolate cake. :)

What a fantastic way to celebrate--cake and crab--a winning combination! :)

Togetherness.....

So, the question is, does it matter where you do your reading, as long as you do it? :)

Our answer is, of course not!!

Princess Abigail has spent the last few weeks encouraging and assisting the twin princes in their efforts to toilet train. She shows them how it is done, helps them select proper reading material (and vice versa as you can tell from the photos) and cheers them on when they succeed! We're all learning in our expanded family what it is like to share...an important lesson which the three royals are resisting at every turn--much to their parent's shagrin. Yet, we forge ahead and try to teach our little ones the rights and wrongs in life--even if they hate the lessons they are forced to learn.

One of the best ways we've found to teach sharing and working together is the three-person see-saw which requires all participants to put forth effort for results to occur! Fortunately, the royals realized how this worked and have spent many hours working together towards the common goal--lots of fun on the see-saw!! :)

Into the attic have gone our winter jackets, boots, mittens and hats, now replaced by shorts and tees. And, instead of hot cocoa, the most popular treat on the list is of course, ICE CREAM!

Using the Nubs....

As the phrase states, "waste not, want not" and in today's slumped economy, avoiding waste certainly is a financially sound idea! Even in the most tiny of ways, the Kingdom has diligently worked for many years to use resources smartly, recycle aggressively, and appreciate all that we have. So, when it came to the bottom of a Ruffles potato chip bag filled with sad, broken chip nubs, we were temporarily left scratching our heads. Since Queen Wendy has a culinary background, the most obvious use was breading--so off to bread tilapia filets she went--and of course, the result was crunchy/salty deliciousness. However, the Kingdom's royals (and our favorite Uncle Peter) love chips...so we have lots of leftover 'nubs' that cannot be placed as breading each and every time. So, this morning, we tried something new--potato chip cookies! Not only was it a fun activity for the kids--to crunch the crumbs into fine bits, but allowed us to be a bit creative! Instead of just doing potato chips, we added chocolate chips to add some chocolately sweetness! You can also put in coconut, pecans or even walnuts to zoom up the flavor and texture--but for our little ones--chocolate chips seemed a necessary and in they went! So, here are the royals working on a new kingdom staple--potato chip cookies. Next time you pop by, ask us for some, and we'll gladly bake you some!

Prince Alec crushing up the nubs....

Princess Abs begins to place all ingredients in the bowl for blending....

Alec takes the reigns and decides to do the mixing---although it got a little challenging at the end, so he asked for help! :)

And here's the dough and cookies before they go into the oven. Pretty fun way to use what would otherwise be tossed away. And, have we mentioned that the cookies actually taste GREAT!?!? :)

After the flood....

Sitting within the heart (or sink hole --- depending on your view) between the Merrimack and Shawsheen Rivers has both its advantages and DISadvantages as the royals have learned after establishing the boundaries of the kingdom in the Northern New England region. There is much beauty, geographic expanse, closely meshed communities, and of course, lots and lots of water.

In the recent spring 'melt' of snow and additional rain (courtesy of Mother Nature) the castle received a few extra inches of water which temporarily uprooted its residents. Alas, spring cleaning commenced as usual and the benefactors of this unexpected weather incident were the kingdom's fair royals--who earned themselves a brand new, pristine new playroom!

Previously thrown together just to keep them at bay, the new play area boasts new carpeting, colorful decorations, lots of soft, cushy spaces for all kinds of horseplay, and even a 'Snack Shoppe' complete with lollipops, M&Ms, pez and a few other goodies--for both royals and guests to enjoy! :) Signing Time videos (including Princess Abs who stars in several of them) are on hand as are a number of Disney favorites to ensure that all guests have something to watch as sleepovers transition from full-on playtime, to reading, storytelling and movie time.

On the opposite side of the play area (photos to come) is a lovely bar/lounge area for the adults so that all have a spot to enjoy. In the end, while we would have been happier without the extra H20, the old adage remains true....everything happens for a reason! We're even happier with our new 'digs' and look forward to sharing it with visitors, young and old, in the months to come!

Prince Ari reviews his new 'alphabet flooring'....

Prince Ari enjoys his car track ---way in the back... :)

Prince Alec marches around his tunnel forts with cars firmly in hand....

Princess Abby investigates the new toy shelf and Snack Shoppe...Yum! :)

Easter 2010....

HAPPY EASTER 2010!

The Kingdom was abuzz with activity as the warm weather returned to the region and major flooding began to subside. It was a joyous time for all as we emerged from winter's grasp and springtime's rage--enjoying the bounty that comes with the Easter holiday. King Tony invested much time in teaching the fine art of egg coloring so that the Easter Bunny would have many items to hide around the royal grounds...and each of the royals is now able to fully participate in the artful process!

King Tony teaches "Egg Decorating 101"....

Our sweet nanny, Carol (or K-WOL as the kids say), helped the twins get some coloring done as we had to color nearly 4 dozen eggs this year! She's super at doing tye-dye eggs!

The next morning, the royals find a special note and 'remains' from the Easter Bunny!
And, a GIANT basket filled with all sorts of goodies, games and fun stuff for each of them! Lucky little guys. Soon after, the egg hunt begins...

Aramis finds a lovely orange egg...

Princess Abigail and Prince Alec both seek out the brightest of eggs...and cross paths many times...

The day culminated as family and friends dined on delicious rosemary-encrusted lamb with all the trimmings (including adult libations). This indulgence obviously led to behavior entertaining both children and adults alike! Thank you Godmother "Left Eye" Abra for some of the funniest photos we've ever posted! We love you!

Rainbow Cupcakes...

While these may not be as beautiful as bakery shop cupcakes, the royal kidlets spent Sunday crafting their very own, homemade 'rainbow cupcakes.' It was a lovely, rainy Spring day activity and one that they could enjoy via many senses--touch, taste and smell! Happy Spring!

The newest Agudelo addition....

After three years in development, we are proud to announce the official launch of our newest business venture, Period Packs, Inc.

This undertaking is definitely one of both necessity and passion, and something we hope that our daughter will one day choose to be involved with as she ages. We have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback shared by family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and community members, and will do our best to showcase the very best entrepreneurial talents we possess! :)

While we are still amid several web site 'tweaks,' we've already scheduled the next three announcements from the company (a very exciting time with new products, partnerships, affiliates, etc.), and have a slew of happy customers. Additionally, several articles/news pieces and blogs are reviewing our products and writing on our little company, so more news is on the way! :)

Should you know a young lady who would enjoy one of our special products, don't hesitate to contact us!

And, to my Meemer--whom I love as if you were my own daughter--thank you for getting your period! Your entrance into womanhood at such a tender age was just the encouragement we needed to turn idea into business plan, and set into motion the founding of Period Packs, Inc.!

http://www.periodpacks.com/

Mr. Salsa....

Prince Alec has a new nickname...."Mr. Salsa." For some reason, our red-haired little guy has become extremely fond of this plastic salsa circle that he now carries, sleeps and bathes with every single day. We're not sure how long this love of salsa will last, but we felt it important to capture Alec's "woobie moment,' as none of our children has had much attachment to any material objects during their infancy, etc. (i.e. blanket, stuffed animal, toy). This is an interesting development to say the least, but maybe, just maybe, Alec is aware that he does have Latin blood running through his veins and seeks to enjoy all that is hot and spicy--just like his Daddy! :)

And they say baking is easy....

For most children, the fascination with food begins while watching Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa in the kitchen, preparing a meal, a holiday feast, or just baking some cookies. The Kingdom's royalty has long been exposed to food--and this year, have reached a point where they are taking part in preparing cuisines for themselves. With any hope, this will translate to wonderful goodies or visitors and family too--but only time will tell. :) It seems thus far, baking is easy and oh so delicious! Yum!

Tasting...a critical step in the culinary and pastry arts. You MUST taste everything. Taste, taste and taste again! :)

It's all about black and white....

We've captured some updated photos of our little ones that we thought everyone would enjoy. Here are the three royals of our kingdom---Prince Aramis, Prince Alec and Princess Abigail.

Quiz for the day...

Which children look more like Queen Wendy and which ones look more like King Tony?? :)

Alabama Championship and Hollywood Elbow Rubbing...

Upon turning 40, King Tony took time to complete a 'life inventory' and began to question whether or not his life was 'half over,' or 'just really beginning." He pondered this reality as his bones creaked and joints cracked while walking through the airport earlier this week, en route to Pasadena, Calif. and the Alabama v. Texas BCS Championship. Donning all of his crimson attire, the King boarded his flight not knowing of the excitement that awaited him. The warm SoCal sun warmed his skin as he tailgated with fellow 'Bama faithfuls and he even crashed his way in to see the GooGoo Dolls pregame performance. After making fast friends with many (including some of Queen Wendy's sorority sisters from Alabama), he was off for what was to become a nail-biting game--ultimately resulting in Alabama's victory! After purchasing all the elephant-covered/styled Championship gear he could carry, the King headed back to the airport where he met yet another new friend--Rob Schneider.

For those unfamiliar with this Hollywood lister, Schneider began his career as a standup comedian, and was quickly snatched up by Lorne Michaels of Saturday Night Live(SNL) fame. Rob spent many years as a writer and actor on SNL and was wooed by fellow colleague Adam Sandler into silver screen roles in Little Nicky and the Waterboy, to name a few. Hollywood soon called for Schneider to lead a film--a request which landed Schneider in Deuce Bigalow-Male Gigolo and Hot Chicks. Recently, Schneider returned to standup and was headed back to New England -- ending up on the same plane as King Tony.

As charming as Tony is, it was inevitable that he and Rob would hit it off--and of course, they did. Talking sports (Schneider is also an avid Chargers fan) and life, the two now 40-somethings enjoyed their airport wait and before parting ways, Schneider gifted Tony two all-access passes/tickets to his show. :) NICE!!!! So, off to the show went Wendy and Tony--who got to spend additional time with Rob--who is just one of the nicest, most down-to-earth celebs around. If he's traveling to your neck of the woods, check out his standup show--it's very good!

After gifting him some Bay State goodies to enjoy on his trip back West, Tony and Wendy parted company with Mr. S -- and who knows, one of our future blog posts will be about having cocktails with the Schneiders :)

The GooGoo dolls perform at pre-game tailgate......

Tony's new friends---Crimson is everywhere in Pasadena. And there is that damn elephant...again!! :)

New pal Rob Schneider makes his way to town....

Our all access tix as Rob's guest. Very cool. He's extremely intelligent, fun to talk with, and very thoughtful. But then again, so is King Tony--so it all works out... :) Most importantly, he has revitalized a very impressive standup performance--go check it out!http://www.robschneider.com/

2010 has already kicked off with a big bang. Tony now believes that his 40's are going to be the best decade of his life (thanks Alabama for pulling out a Championship win--I think it helped), we rubbed elbows with Hollywood fame, and Abby is now swimming independently (thank you YMCA). Next, the twins take the pool....!!! :)

Stay tuned!