thanks

We opened up our gifts last night at home and celebrated Christmas. We waited until we were back in Rochester since we spent Christmas day in South Carolina with my family (Santa came while we were gone).

This morning Ambrose was trying to decide what to play with first as I was cleaning the breakfast dishes. He came running into the kitchen and very seriously said
'Mommy we have to write thank you notes'.
'To whom should we write these', I asked.
'We have to write a thank you note to Santa for all of the gifts'.

I believe that is more 'thanks' than any Santa could ask for!

'Life is Good' shirts that say 'Have an ice day'.

home at last

After driving 2 hours from my parents' house to the Atlanta airport (along the way being greeted by some football fans headed to the game, luckily traffic wasn't terrible) we 'quickly' returned our rental car. I'm not sure if you can define it as 'quickly' as we had 3 bags, 2 carseats, 3 carry-ons and 2 kids in tow. Let's just say Damian was covered in bags and I in kids.

Check in at kiosk, check bags, explain to Ambrose that yes he will indeed receive his shoes at the other end of security and his Bob the Builder suitcase. 2 kids, one husband, 3 carry-ons - check, check and check. Now down the escalator (of course it wasn't working), so I carried Ambrose while Blaise was in the front carrier and Damian had the bags. Onto the train, Ambrose don't forget to hold onto the pole; moving, yep you have to hold on.

Off the train, gate B1 . . .ugh it starts with B18 (which feels like B1800). Quick feed Blaise some baby food, diaper change, bathroom check and onto the plane. A nice quick flight of about 1 1/2 hours back to Rochester . . . look out the window there's downtown Rochester, there's Cobbs Hill right by our house, landing gear down . . . wait a minute why aren't we landing, why are we climbing, why are we back in the clouds?????

Too high of winds prevented us from landing safely in Rochester; so instead we landed in Syracuse (an hour 1/2 drive away). We were supposed to be home about 5:30pm and instead landed on our doorstep about 1am. We were held at Syracuse airport for several hours while the airlines made the decision to have us bussed back to Rochester (okay, fine). But we had to wait for the buses to bring a plane load full of people from Rochester to Syracuse (throw in another 2 hour wait, ugh), and then there was the fact everyone had to get their bags at baggage claim, get on the bus, the drive....well you get the idea.

While in the Syracuse airport we stumbled across an airplane museum; Ambrose had tons of fun being a pilot.

Although the trip home wasn't a picture perfect one; we enjoyed our trip to South Carolina to see my family (of course it went far too fast!) Ambrose with sparkles in his eyes as he opened Santa's gifts in South Carolina (and what a lucky boy because Santa came to his house too - we will celebrate Christmas finally tonight). We hope everyone's Christmas (or holiday) was a great one and an early Happy New Year to you as well!

tick tock

Time is ticking as I feverishly try to finish several projects (gifts) for Christmas. I decided this year to go a bit more 'green' in gifting; both in wrapping and hand making several gifts. But where does the time go? Two special buds I'm happy to say monopolize quite a bit of my time; which helps to remind me of the real reason of the season . . .

Half of our Christmas was celebrated over Thanksgiving when we went to Milton, MA to visit with Damian's family. A magnetic letter and number board, a skirt and purse and a homemade coloring book are some of the gifts that were given.

Back to my other projects, stay tuned . . .

now open

After months of anticipation, the 'new' DiBella's is open. Ta-da!

Ambrose was amazed when watching the 'old' DiBella's come down. Being that the location is right around the corner from our house; the tendency to drive by increased as Ambrose's excitement did the same. Forklifts, bulldozers, cement mixers, men working in the rain and snow . . . it was an update everyday from my bud when passing by as to whether or not the building was complete.

Now that the work is done we celebrated today by meeting Daddy for lunch at the 'new' DiBella's. Our southern connections will be happy to know that their next trip will not be interrupted since the new location is open.

orKIDStra holiday

Yesterday, Ambrose and I attended the RPO's orKIDStra Holiday Concert at the beautiful Eastman Theatre.

Ambrose, my little man, sitting in the balcony on a red velvet chair with his legs barely dangling over the edge of the seat because it was so deep. Mommy look at the ceiling. Mommy what is that instrument? Where is my bell? (last year they handed out little bells to ring) So many questions from my bud.

From the wooden block, 'clomp, clomp' in Sleigh Ride to the choir singing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' he was fascinated. As a musician myself for 12 years I took pride in whispering the names of a few instruments as it was obvious they were playing . . .do you hear the tuba? the slide trombone? Did you know that mommy played the trombone? (by the way I now need to find it in our attic and play it for him, since that was requested. The last time I played, well let's just say it has been a loooooong time).

We were also treated to a movie based on the book The Snowman by Raymond Briggs with the orchestra playing. A delightful story of a boy named James waking to snow and then he rushes outside to build a snowman who later comes to life.

It was a perfect date for Ambrose and I; who at the end of the concert didn't want to leave because he wanted 'more music'.

the pirates in rough seas

This weekend the boys were playing around a couple of chairs, a dining room table, an oriental carpet and a few toys . . .
or is it Captain Hook (aka) Ambrose and Pirate Blaise sailing in rough stormy weather? Our pirates are after treasure (stickers) and they have encountered their share of obstacles including rough weather where they lost all of their pirate garb (or it was all taken off because we found the treasure very quickly). Either way, a little imagination and hiding from the meanest pirate of them all (mommy) gives way to lots of giggles.

Luckily this pirate found her treasures: A & B.

progressive dinner party

Our progressive dinner party has quite the history, this being the 16th year. I began attending back in 1997 at the time when most of us were single. Our singledom was represented with the beer can ornaments that would adorn the Christmas tree (now those don't appear on the tree as children have entered the picture).

We ventured to three homes starting with appetizers, then main dishes and finally desserts. After desserts the kids were surprised with a visit by Santa. Ambrose was busy playing when he was the first to spot Santa outside the sliding glass door. Although he tried hard no words could escape his mouth from the pure delight in seeing Santa; it was hilarious. I thought he would be a bit nervous sitting on Santa's lap but he definitely had an agenda - to let Santa know that he wanted a broom for Christmas.

So many dishes enjoyed, stories told as time slipped far too quickly . . . can't wait for next year!

Here's the main dish I brought (thanks to Lisa Knowlton for the recipe from her annual Latke Party):

Chicken Pandora:

1/2 c red wine vinegar

1/2 c plus 2T olive oil

1/2 c fresh oregano

1/2 c fresh chopped parsley

1 head fresh garlic, peeled and finely chopped

salt and pepper to taste

3 bay leaves

1 c kalamata olives

5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast - cubed

3/4 c brown sugar

1 c good red wine

8 shallots, chopped

1 c sun-dried tomatoes, halved or cut into strips

2 -16 oz. cans artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half

In a 9x12 baking dish mix the wine vinegar, 1/2 c olive oil, oregano, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves and olives. Add chicken and marinate, covered in foil overnight.

The next day sprinkle with brown sugar and red wine. Bake 1 hour, covered in 350 degrees oven.

In a frying dish saute in 2 T olive oil shallots over medium high heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes.

Pour sun-dried tomatoes mixture over chicken. Discard bay leaves. Serve.

two funnies over breakfast

As if a waitress had come to the table to check on my food; Ambrose this morning at breakfast said "Mommy I love you" right as I stuffed my mouth with cereal. Well, I wanted to respond back but certainly not while spitting out cereal. I guess I didn't chew fast enough because then he said "Mommy I want you to tell me that you love me". Ahhhh . . .

At breakfast I mentioned that we could go to Strong Museum if anyone was interested; immediately Ambrose responded he wanted to go to the museum. The response was followed quickly by him saying, "Mommy when we get to the big green bank (one of those put the coin in and it spins around til it hits the bottom thing), I will tell you if you have money for me". My only question if you can tell me that I have money can you also give me money? Worth a shot anyways, right? Well, you will be happy to know that mommy did in fact find a nickel and we watched it spin around and around and around until it clinked to the bottom. At which point Ambrose said do you have another coin? Oops, all out. . . .conveniently.

family fun night: construction

Tool belts on,
hard hat donned,
several books on construction read,
-There goes a Bulldozer
-Sky Boys: how they built the Empire State Building
- B is for Bulldozer: A Construction ABC

It was time to build a wall!

Wall built by Contractors Ambrose and Daddy.
The bricks were delivered by bulldozer operated
by Mommy while Foreman Blaise tried to intercept.

just the right size

This weekend we forged through the bitter cold, fashioned in our winter gear, saw in hand (Ambrose's hand) to select the perfect Christmas tree. A grueling 2 mile drive where we fought traffic lights and we hiked all the way across the parking lot to go to our church's annual tree sale. It was all worth it, we found the perfect tree . . .

Ambrose 'cut' it down (after reading a story which involved the family cutting down their tree we couldn't leave the house without his saw).

After much coercing we convinced Ambrose that we could buy a bigger tree; the one as tall as he was put back for sale.

And here it is, our perfect tree . . . and yes the angel made it on top without being knocked over. Now Blaise let's just 'look' at the tree . . .

advent ring: baking cookies

Each day it is a great surprise for my bud Ambrose to open up an advent ring. Meanwhile mommy is holding her breath hoping we have the supplies, time, etc. to do the 'assignment' for the day.

Yesterday our assignment was to "make a Christmas decoration"; the above stained glass tree now adorns our kitchen window (the ladies next door get to enjoy as well).

Today we were asked to "bake Christmas cookies". We made magic bars. Ambrose loves hands on participation in baking; his favorite parts were chopping the nuts and eating the chocolate chips (oh I mean sprinkling them on). Of course let's not forget sampling (yum)!

are you napping?

Mommy found this when checking in on nap time today . . .

. . . Blaise pulling himself up at 9 1/2 months.

traditions

What the holidays are steeped with,
it is the beauty of the season,
as a kid your family had them,
and now you celebrate those & add your own.

Traditions.

Each morning Ambrose opens one of his advent rings (a craft made at preschool) and we read the task/idea for the day. In our countdown to Christmas we adopted a new tradition this year; 25 books til Christmas. Ambrose checks a gift bag that is set under our tree. Each day we read a Christmas book and talk about what it means to him. The books we are reading are listed under '25 books til Christmas' on the side of this blog. Enjoy and let us know about your traditions.

what i did for thanksgiving - by ambrose

Ambrose's preschool teacher mentioned during parent report today that she asked each child a question in class - 'What they did for Thanksgiving?'. She wrote all of the answers on a poster board and read some of the 'stories'.

I looked on the poster board but I couldn't find Ambrose's name. Most of the time his responses are quick and to the point, I thought maybe he hadn't shared a story. Then his teacher came up to me and just started laughing because she couldn't believe the length of Ambrose's story.

My eyes had gone right over the first response because it seemed far too long . . .well that was Ambrose's and it went something like this:

I went on vacation to South Carolina (please note we actually went to Boston, but in October we went on vacation to SC). I fed the chickens. I took out the plastic thing and recycled it in the garage because that is where the recycling goes and they need the money (I'm sure Aunt Cathy and Uncle Ed appreciate that!). I took the ice cream containers full of compost and took them to the compost. I fed the chickens. I collected eggs from the chickens. I got to throw the extra food to the chickens and feed them.

The morale of the story is: you just never know what activity (small or large) will affect a three old most. Obviously feeding the chickens won this time.

mama's so proud

The first 'shiner' for my bud Ambrose. While out playing street hockey with his cousins he took a tennis ball right under the eye.

family time - thanksgiving

6+ hours to Boston in the car,

oh, how it seems so far.

To have 19 people all in one place,

our hosts smiled with such grace.

Nine cousins running around

each day more fun was found.

From street hockey to football

to kids running in the hall,

a tie dyeing party

and of course eating hearty.

The only sad time . . . oh my

was saying goodbye.

Cousins gathered in the kitchen - Henry, Tobias, Blaise, Isabella,

Elijah, Ambrose, Morgan, Caitlin and Hudson.

Cousins gathered outside - Isabella, Ambrose, Tobias, Morgan, Elijah, Blaise, Caitlin, Henry and Hudson.

thankful

Thanksgiving is about preparation . . .

preparing to spend time with family (packing, driving, cooking, etc.),
preparing to eat (cooking favorite dishes),

preparing to watch football (after eating too much turkey collapsing on the couch),

sleeping (upon completion of all of the above).

Blaise decided to start early. I'm thankful so I can finish 'preparing'.

satisfaction

- A new snow shovel to clear the driveway

(once I convinced Ambrose that the grass does not need shoveling).

- Laying in the snow and making a snow angel.

-Eating the 'saved' (see the lone one) kiss after unwrapping them for Christmas cookies.

first snowfall

It is early morning and I'm sitting in a rocking chair nursing Blaise; I turn to look out the window and see . . .

A fluffy blanket spread just so on the ground,
white ribbon gently laid on each branch,
small flakes flying as if a snowglobe has been turned upside down,
nothing disturbed on the street,
so quiet, the perfect snowfall.

Fast forward a couple of hours:
25 minutes to get to preschool on time . . .go!
potty? no potty.
brush teeth (check),
put on Ambrose's boots (yeah! they fit),
try on snow pants (check),
label and pack in backpack with extra change of clothes,
put on jacket, gloves, hat (check, check, check),
Why do I have to have snow pants? Why? Why?
Because.

Time check 18 minutes -we're good.
Get Blaise out of bouncy thing . . . oh no he's soaked!
Tell Ambrose to wait in doorway,
Why?
I have to run upstairs to change Blaise,
Why?
Change Blaise into fastest thing possible, sleeper (of course had really cute outfit on prior)
Mommy
coming!
15 minutes - okay, still good.

Wrestle Blaise into snowsuit.
Get my boots, coat, gloves on.
Ambrose stand here while I put Blaise in the car
Why?
Keys (check)
Blaise in car seat (check)
Ambrose in car seat (check)
backpack in car (check)
Close door (check)
7 minutes to go . . .tight.

Drive to preschool . . .

. . .get to preschool, almost going to park
oh my beep, beep (luckily in my head) I forgot Ambrose's sneakers
ARGH!

Definitely will be late.
drive home,
grab sneakers,
drive quickly to preschool (get stopped by 3 lights, note: only 4 lights on the way)
unbuckle everyone,
carry Blaise,
Ambrose carry backpack,
run into . . .
Mommy look at the street cleaner -
try to run into . . .
Mommy the street cleaner -
Yes, Ambrose, not sure why they are 'cleaning' the street . . .
dragging Ambrose now . . .
get to the door,
waiting to get buzzed in,
waiting,
run up the stairs,
Mommy did you see the street cleaner?
Yes.
Come on Ambrose walk up the stairs.
Take off boots put in hallway,
we are not the only late ones!
Ambrose so excited running into classroom.
Ambrose, don't forget your shoes.
shoes on,
jacket and backpack hung in locker,
apologize to teacher (not really that late -they hadn't started circle time yet).

walk down steps,
buckle Blaise into car,
drive home,
nurse Blaise,
Blaise asleep,
sun shining in the window. . .ahhhh, the perfect snowfall!

family fun night: trains

Choo Choo. All Aboard.

We hopped aboard the train and immediately went to the dining car where we enjoyed our hobo dinner (pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans).

The next station we pulled into we hopped off and decided it was time to do some reading. Freight Train by Donald Crews is a family favorite.

With hat on, a blow of his whistle (a few too many I might add) Ambrose was ready to conduct his first train. Blaise assisted in loading cargo onto the trains (or shall we just say slobbering?). After countless times around the track, cargo on and off it was time to watch a train in action. The Polar Express; what a great movie.

I'm not sure who had more fun, Ambrose or Daddy watching Ambrose . . . either way what a great night!

every six months

A visit to the dentist.

Yesterday while at the dentist for my routine cleaning Ambrose decided to follow in mommy's footsteps. He not only went for a 'ride' in the big chair; he received a full cleaning with grape toothpaste. I'm happy to report no cavities for either of us!

childhood memories

It is not chosen.
It is not guaranteed.
It may be something that seemed trivial.
It may be colors, sounds, an experience . . .

Whatever it is, aren't childhood memories so pleasing? It makes me wonder what memories will became ingrained for my buds. Many of my childhood memories came from observation and participation (gardening, canning, playing outside, cooking, etc.)

I can envision . . . just waking from being snuggled under the covers, daylight forcing my eyes open, the smell of apples baking. Could it be? It is! A glass pie dish full of 'apple pancake'. YUM.

I made a dish of apple pancake for a meeting I had today and all the moms loved it! I watched with envy at first as they all ate it (Blaise's diet restrictions do not comform to apple pancake) but then I just found myself back at home as a kid running to the kitchen to confirm what was in the oven. Thanks Mom for a lovely memory and here's to many more to come.

Apple Pancake
¼ c melted butter
3 apples – peeled, cored, thinly sliced
¾ c pancake mix
½ c milk
3 eggs
1/3 c sugar – divided (1 tsp.)
¼ c chopped pecans
1 t cinnamon

Saute apples with butter. Sprinkle with nuts. Mix pancake mix, milk, eggs & 1 tsp. sugar. Pour over nuts. Sprinkle remaining sugar & cinnamon. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

sounds

Pop, pop, pop goes the bubble wrap . . .

Swish, glob, swoosh with the paintbrush . . .

Giggle, giggle.

Thanks Crafty Crow for a fun morning!

The finished masterpiece!

After Picasso (my bud Ambrose) was done with his corn he said it was time to make Blaise more food (at breakfast he noticed our supply was dwindling). How can you argue with that? So out came the vegetable steamer, food processor, knife and cutting board.

Peel,

chop, chop, chop,

steam,

*whirrrrrr . . .

mmmm . . .food for Blaise!

*Ambrose's favorite part - pureeing in the food processor

Can you guess which is squash, carrots, peas, bananas and pears? This reminds me of a baby shower I went to one time where we had to guess what food was in each baby food jar.

After all that hard work a chef should be entitled to sample his homemade applesauce. Why wait to sit down at the table when you can pull up some carpet right in the kitchen?

Upon completion of raking some leaves today after lunch we stepped into the warmth of our house to have our noses tickled with the lingering smell of homemade applesauce. YUM!

peek-a-boo

We went to a Children's Book Festival this weekend that showcased over 45 local authors. Ambrose enjoyed stories read by the authors and some crafts. Blaise was busy performing for lots of admirers his 'downward dog'. (Last night at home we saw Blaise take his first crawl forward, an inch or so counts - right?)!

This photo was captured as we listened to an author read 'The Bubble Gum Kid' (cute story). You know . . . Daddy listening, Ambrose looking around and Blaise playing peek-a-boo. Perfect. . . just for giggles I made it into a 'cartoon'.

family fun night

Last night, we had family game night. Caribou, Candyland, Connect Four, Hi-Ho Cherry-O, Scavenger Hunt and the pea game (made up by yours truly).

Two straws later, a ruler for a 'line' to cross and frozen peas set in a pile . . . lungs expanded, air expelled and oh my goodness so much laughter . . . who doesn't like to see their husband on the floor blowing peas around?

choices

Which toy to play with,
what direction to drive home,
what to have for a meal,
what to read,
to make a purchase or not,
to take a phone call or not,
what to wear,
or whom to vote for?

We make countless decisions each day; large and small. We are so blessed with the priviledge of these choices. Today the buds and I exercised our right to vote; we were fortunate and had no line to wait in.

As Ambrose recounted later 'we voted and the curtain didn't open'. Blaise on one hip and Ambrose's hand in mine my attempt to pull the lever to open the magic curtain failed. The nice lady shouted so the entire room stopped to stare . . .'you need to pull the lever all the way over'. Gee, thanks. Either way, we voted and most importantly we received stickers!

A choice for Ambrose, where to match the leaves? A fun fall game, we photo copied fresh leaves from a walk outside to make a leaf matching game.

fall fun festivities

My buds: Bob the Builder and pumpkin Blaise (as Ambrose referred to him).

It is amazing what a year provides; neighbors' kids lining up for a picture without crying and legs just long enough to climb the steps to each house (no bottle necks this year). Halloween, a gorgeous fall night, where we were embraced with lots of giggling and running to the next candy stop to scream 'trick-or-treat'. The most precious sound we heard though was a soft 'thank you' (Ambrose even told us when he needed to go back up a set of stairs in order to say 'thank you', wow).

My bud, Ambrose turned three this weekend. Or as someone at church poignantly expressed to me, that now I'm three years older. Thanks.

We held a 'recycling' theme birthday party for Ambrose, complete with a 'recycle' hunt, cake and plenty of playground time. According to Ambrose the best part 'was eating the cake'.

Ambrose wished for one thing for his birthday, a wheelbarrow. Our worker bee was in full motion earlier this afternoon; our front lawn spic and span of any leaves. Damian and I joked that we could have walked inside and stood at the front window watching while Ambrose did all the work; so intensely involved using his wheelbarrow (how many more years can we say this?)

This was a very busy weekend for Ambrose but focusing for a moment on my other bud . . . Blaise, doing such a great job sitting up on his own at almost 9 months.

just to be

So many thoughts . . .

I remember as a kid it being so important to be 'someone'. Now I just want to pass on to the buds that it is OKAY to be whomever you want to be. As Damian said when we met him for lunch today, "wow, you sure are making a statement with those socks". Teen years: oh my gosh, I need to go home and change immediately. Now: yes, I am! Aren't they lovely?

So little time . . .

As the buds are sleeping, I'm day dreaming looking out the window as snow is blowing through the air (note to self: check weather for Saturday again, looks like 'outdoor' bday party might be indoors).

Back to reality there goes the internal check list again, #1: write in baby book that Blaise signed 'eat' for the first time today. #2 . .

autumn mosaic

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."
- Stanley Horowitz

A compilation of various hued leaves blowing in the wind, fleece jacket to cut the cool air, blowing on hot soup before the warmness envelopes one's throat & tummy, the crackling of leaves when walking through them . . . compose the mosaic in my mind and why I love fall so.

My bud painting a mosaic on the pumpkin and even more on the plate.

My other bud taking in the mosaic of action all around . . . his big brother painting, Daddy's delight and breath, kids screaming, cool air . . take it all in!

trick or treat

Upon rising this morning Ambrose found a tool belt, construction boots, flannel shirt, and overalls featuring a dump truck laid out on the changing table. Without a moment hesitation he declared this was his 'Bob the Builder' costume and why was it here? And the next breath was 'I need to get my Bob hat from downstairs'.

With tool belt and hat on we headed to the zoo for the annual zoo-boo (crafts, treats, etc.) only to find out mommy had the wrong day. So a bit of vacation-eeze still on the brain, a quick 'oh shoot, I can't believe I did that' thought passing . . . wait, wait where is Ambrose?

Oblivious to the fact the event wasn't today, he was around the corner looking at pumpkins that looked like the owl above them. So without another thought we had sites to see . . .

- These half-brothers (the rhinos) were nose to nose pushing each other, ah what lies ahead.

- Bob the Builder 'fixing' the fences all around the zoo.



- An incredible fall day.
- A short hike (numerous stairs later) to view the river. Please note the river according to Ambrose is not moving; this was unbelievable for him.

What a perfect day, a little 'tricked' on the date but certainly a treat!

My little *pumpkin posing for some pics after getting home. (Thanks to Sarah for a beautiful hat!) *The rest of the costume will appear in a future post.