the 7 S's

Today:

sweet treats - making WHO bread (for dinner)

and Chocolate-Nut Chewies (for the Superbowl) - see below for recipe

sounds of music - Blaise playing his new cd player

sledding and snow angels

stamps - making Valentine's Day cards

sleeping - currently taking naps

swim - family time tonight at the Y

A day at home

time together

moments of concentrated effort

moments of pure bliss

laughter from deep within the belly

giggles ringing through the house

smells warming the air

tastes so sweet

eyes begging for more

hands covered from fun

outside

hands throwing snow

eyelashes catching flakes

eyes squinting in the sun

laying in the powdery white

inside again, warming up

hug, cuddle and hug again

kiss

peaceful, quiet, sleeping . . .

mommy time (I better go taste that bread with some honey from the Smith hive - thanks Cathy)!

Chocolate-Nut Chewies:

1 c hazelnuts (toasted and chopped)

3 c confectioners' sugar

1/2 c cocoa powder

2 T flour

pinch of salt

3 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 c chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sugar, cocoa, flour and salt in bowl. Beat in the egg whites one at a time using a hand mixer on medium speed. Increase to high and beat 1 minute until the batter resembles chocolate icing. Mix in the nuts.

Drop the batter unto prepared cookie sheets, using 3 T for each cookie and leaving 3" between cookies. Bake for 8 minutes and rotate pans in oven. Bake an additional 7-10 minutes until the cookies are shiny outside and slightly moist in the center. Yield: 20 cookies.

Source: 12 Best Foods Cookbook, Dana Jacobi

magical time

Sparkles in the eyes,

big fluffy flakes of snow falling,

giggles echoing in the night,

sledding down Harvard Street,

lights in the window

from our Christmas tree???

WHAT? Isn't it January 28?

Yes, most families by now have succumb to taking down their Christmas trees and moving onto the next holiday. Not our family. It has been too much fun to watch the boys stare at the tree, ask to have the lights plugged in and feel the tiny pine needles. And who can say no to a three year old asking for just one more week (okay, so this weekend it is coming down).

This year will be a first for me, that is celebrating my birthday tomorrow with a Christmas tree. Gee, I hope there is some cake too!

Well, I know from a good source (Ambrose who obviously can't keep a secret over breakfast this morning) that brownies have been made and a special drawing is hiding in Daddy's briefcase. Don't worry, I'll act surprised. It was all I could do to hold back laughter when very seriously he told me all of the details and then said 'but it's a surprise'.

Sledding down Harvard Street

staying close

Blaise saw the eye doctor today and had his pupils dilated to check the tracking of his eyes; he received two thumbs up! We were told his vision would be blurry for awhile today and as a result he stuck close to me today. He followed me into the bathroom and had too much fun when the heat kicked on. How could I pass up this photo op?

the rules of cleaning

Last night while the boys were playing in their toy room, Ambrose decided it was clean up time. Sometimes we sing "it's clean up time, put away your toys . . . ". On other occassions we simply gather and put toys away. I have impressed upon Ambrose during play that some toys are too small for Blaise and that he can only play with them.

That point has had impact on him as he concluded that we had to put away all of the train cars and trees. The reason: "because they are too small and Blaise can't play with them". Ambrose proceeded to dust them into his dust pan. While doing it he explained to his brother, "Blaise, you always have to obey the rules of cleaning, cleaning is clean-up time".

history made

Ambrose, now 3, was happy to indulge in the treat of sitting at our peninsula in the kitchen to eat lunch today (opposed to sitting round the dining room table). Today being a historic day, it was of utmost importance to me to experience the inauguration of the 44th president, Barack Obama.

First Lady Obama in gold stood listening to her husband give his address, "We Must Pick Ourselves Up". Our president spoke of crises - the fact that we are at war, our economy and the way we use energy to name a few. His promise to the nation that these challenges will be met.

As an adult, I have hope that these challenges are met and that President Obama is the catalyst for change in our great nation.

As a child, Ambrose was excited to recognize the American flag and New York City (well okay it was really the Capitol in DC - still working on his geography). He listened with eyes wide as the President was sworn in, exclaimed that there were 'so many people there watching' and had no less faith then before the address that we needed to read some books after lunch (back to his simple reality).

young minds at work ('play')

For exactly $1 I bought this Christmas gift for Ambrose and it instantly became a favorite. This morning Cousin Henry and Ambrose boarded a boat and went fishing for colorful magnetic fish. I love the simplicity of it! Uncle Matt and Daddy were quickly ushered onto a boat (the steps) after almost walking in the water (the hallway); don't forget to watch out for sharks!



Handmade scarves from Aunt Sarah (made with Kool-aid, how cool!) and musical instruments had these pirates striking up an interesting tune(is there another function for the heat grate?)!

three boys equals

lots of fun at the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

But how much fun can I have trying to get one photo with all of them looking? Well . . .

Henry - good, Blaise - holding a ticket to sit still, oops Ambrose blinked

Ambrose removing ticket, Henry how about a smile?

Blaise please do not put the ticket in your mouth.

I want the ticket in my mouth!

Blaise leaning, oh wait Henry don't get up yet

Henry looking, sort of sliding, Blaise - huh? Ambrose stop blinking.

Lost Henry. Squeezing Blaise who is interested only in the ticket.

Well, one last squeeze and peek-a-boo Blaise.

We saw the 'Giant Insects' and the 'Underground Railroad' exhibits at the RMSC (Ambrose is still wondering where the train is). Both of these exhibits and running around were far more important than sitting still for a photo. Thanks for coming to visit us, Cousin Henry!

special appearance

Normally only seen during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in earnest of keeping warm.

In special appearance, Damian wore his pimp coat to work today; since we were graced with frigid temperatures.

Clients impressed? Talk of the town? No, but Blaise sure did like the collar. Origin of pimp coat: from a friend of Damian's dad (possibly Navy issued).

scrumptious

Eleven months yesterday, oh my how does the time fly.

Your fine soft hair that curls just in the front,

eyes that sparkle and look so innocent even when causing mischief,

the cute button nose a bit red from a cold,

and the smile that lights up your entire face as soon as you see me.

Skin so soft to the touch,

belly that loves to be tickled,

legs that are constantly moving,

thighs that beg to be squeezed,

feet that can reach your mouth,

hands that clap and toes so tiny.

I love the smell of your hair fresh from a bath,

the cuddling during feedings,

the occasional nap together,

and hugs that you are just starting to give.

My baby boy Blaise,

it is hard to believe that soon you will be one.

Please don't grow too fast,

as soon these will be memories

and not everyday indulges . . oh so scrumptious!

tiny hands - feeding

family fun night: ratatouille

During our most recent trip to the library Ambrose asked for some cookbooks to take home. After diligently looking through the kids' cookbook section one of the selections was Ratatouille: What's Cooking? We were lucky enough to find the movie at the library as well, which inspired last night's family fun night.

Chef Ambrose (please note the band aid on his chin is not from a kitchen accident but rather from playing hard at preschool . . . he was outside playing with a bulldozer, slipped on some ice and fell onto the dozer . . the dozer is fine) whipped up a delectable meal right from the cookbook - Faux Escargot, Oven Fries and an Eiffel Tower dessert. Our Sous Chef Blaise made sure that everything was timed for dinner time (after all he is a hungry guy).

While indulging in our fantastic food we enjoyed watching part of the movie Ratatouille and when the chefs got a little restless we had a food relay. What a great evening - Bon Appetite!

tracks

Stepping outside into winter's cold breath
with plans of taxiing to school.
Straying for moments
to indulge in nature's bounty.

Tracks.


Questions.
Where's the bunny? How big?
Did he go here first or here?

Stories.
The bunny went to his house (our pine tree)
and then he went over the moutain (a pile of snow)
and by the fence and . . .

Fresh tracks.

Boot tracks.

Take a moment: http://imaginechildhood.com/blog/?p=409

more handsome

Combing the boys' hair is part of the normal morning routine which occassionally is accompanied with the words 'Mommy I'm handsome'. I'm glad to know that the lesson of modesty is prevalent in Ambrose's mind.

Tonight both the boys' received hair cuts from yours truly. Blaise was treated to a seat on Daddy's lap, music shaken in his face for distraction by Ambrose and a quick snip, snip from Mommy for his first haircut.

Ladies watch out.

first time

Blaise and I dropped off Ambrose to preschool today and headed to the Eastside YMCA. Today was Blaise's first swim lesson. Although he has been in water before he looked at me as if to say 'Mommy what do we do here?'

The instructor was quick to point out that he has 'no fear' at this age and that it is a good time to start him in lessons (he's obviously seen Blaise go right for the stairs at home and not look back).

What a wonderful bonding time for Mommy and Blaise today (just sorry I wasn't available to also take photos; since his smile was contagious)! Front float, back float, scooping and lots of songs later he was one tired bud. One thing I know for sure, Blaise will not require additional lessons in splashing; he is a pro.

ice time

Skates on, helmet tight, a quick peek on the ice and their off! Although we were betting on this New Year's Day activity being a short one; Ambrose lasted two hours (of course this included a snack break and watching Daddy fly around the ice on his own). When asked Ambrose's favorite part was 'Daddy crashing into the boards' (Damian would skate around and then crash into the boards for his delight).



When Blaise wasn't on the ice with Daddy; we watched our skaters, snapped photos and kept warm in the snack bar (how convenient).

I'm not sure who had the bigger smile . . . Blaise being spun around on the ice while checking out the lights. Ambrose with his arms stretched high over his head (so high his tummy showed the whole time) to hold on tight to Daddy's hands. Or, Damian out on the ice skating with one of his boys? Oh wait, it was Mommy watching the whole thing.