Lazy Jane's

[caption id="attachment_109" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Uncle Kippy and Ben snuggle"][/caption]

My brother Kip lives in Brooklyn, New York.  He is a major world traveler, visiting us several times a year.  On one such visit, he suggested we try a nearby restaurant.  The outside of the restaurant looked like a big purple and green house.  I love someone else cooking me food, particularly a restaurant, so I was a willing participant in this experiment. 

When we went inside there were yummy croissants (Ben's favorite) and scones plus waffles or sausages (Ellie's favorite) or eggs.  Then, upstairs is a play area with sofas, chairs,  coffee tables and toys.  Ideal for eating with children and not having to coerce the kiddos into staying seated at the table.  Very relaxed and comfortable and wonderful.  So extremely glad that Kip suggested it.  I am sure that if you have visited us since Kip's fabulous suggestion, you too have experienced the wonder of Lazy Jane's.   Let's all take a moment now and silently thank Kip for his contribution to our lives...

When Ellie was undergoing chemotherapy, every week before her appointment, we would stop by Lazy Jane's to 'sweeten' the deal.  It made it so much more bearable to stop by and get something yummy before heading to the hospital for a big poke and laying down time (I think chemo took an hour or two each time, but I'm blocking that out now...)

Now we go to Lazy Jane's because it is another establishment that can handle our crazy moments.  On one recent visit, Ben was starting to have a major melt down.  Which then led to Ellie starting to melt down.  Which lead to me thinking about when I could finish the yummy croissant and tea that I had ordered.  The woman who had checked us out came upstairs and talked with Ellie, while I went over to discuss options with Ben.  Then, Karly, the restaurant manager came upstairs with a cup filled with animal crackers for Ben. 

After distributing the goodies to Ben, Karly went over and bent down to talk to Ellie.  Ellie told her, "I'm sorry I got so crazy."  And Karly looked Ellie right in the eyes and said, "It doesn't matter to me how you feel, I am just always so happy to see YOU."  It was one of the most loving things that anyone has ever said.  Karly was able to see past Ellie's crazy moment and continue to love her. 

Now every time we go to Lazy Jane's (which is often), Karly knows that if there are no chocolate croissants Ben is going to be highly upset.  When she sees us coming, if the chocolate ones are gone, she races behind the counter and starts making a special yummy chocolate filled plain croissant.  It is fabulous.  Knowing that there is a restaurant close by where we can go and feel totally comfortable and free to be ourselves and eat yummy food, it is the best feeling.  THEN to top it off, knowing that this establishment is within walking distance from our house makes us never ever want to move.  Thanks, Lazy Jane's for bringing so much joy to all of us so many times!  (And thanks again to Kippy for the idea.)