Christmas Surprise

I got quite the surprise this Christmas! 

My sneaky husband planned an executed a surprise visit from my Mom!  She came to visit us in November, but we had kind of accepted the fact that we would not be seeing each other at Christmas time.  James' vacation was such that he was off the week *before* Ryan's school vacation, and there would be no time for us to travel to Maine and back before James had to go back to work tonight. 

I was home sick with an icky stomach on Thursday, and really was very concerned that we would all be down with 'the bug' for the weekend.  Fortunately, it didn't happen that way, and everyone else stayed well.   The following day, Friday, I knew that I needed to go out and finish a few last minute shopping things.  I headed out the door with a line of questioning from James as to when I would be back.  I tried not to seem annoyed, as he was staying behind with the kids, and I was going out by myself, but he REALLY wanted to know what time I planned to be back.  I told him I hoped I wouldn't be long, but it depended on whether or not I could find what I was looking for, and where I needed to go to find it.  I ended up being out longer than anticipated, and when I called him to let him know, he told me he had to go out as well and that he took the kids with him (obviously).  I didn't question him...it is Christmas, after all, and perhaps he was out buying me a gift!? 

He was out picking up my gift, alright.  Just not the gift I expected!!

I got home just after he did.  When I walked in the door, he was pointing his iphone at me, like he was taking my picture.  I stopped and gave him a weird smile and asked him why he was taking my picture.  I then realized it was a video he was recording, just as my Mom said "Merry Christmas" from upon my couch! 

It was a wonderful surprise, one that I had absolutely no idea about, and it definitely made our weekend that much brighter. 

We went to church Friday night, and then spent Saturday visiting James' side of the family.  On Sunday, we woke up (before the kids, even!), and spent a leisurely morning opening our gifts.  I think my Mom really enjoyed being here to see the kids open her gifts, and they sure enjoyed playing with her all afternoon.

It was the best gift of all to be together.

Did I mention I love my husband??

Christmas Party and "Holiday" Show

For the past couple of years, we have attended a work party held for the Trooper's families out of James' station.  The lady who hosts the party, and all who are involved in making it happen, do a really great job.  The highlight (or not so much for some kids) of the evening is a visit from Santa, in which he brings a toy for each child present.  The kids gather around the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols, and wait for the guy in the red suit to call their name. 

Ryan has no fear.  He goes right up and confidently takes his present (unfortunately, I missed getting a picture of him doing so!).  Ella, however.  She is not so sure of herself...or, of Santa.  This amazes me with my children, because Ella is my "spirited" child at home, and Ryan is my quiet one. 

Anyway, both kids walked away with something they had put on their Christmas list, so they were happy campers.

 

Ryan and his buddy, Will

 

Ella sitting with Daddy...not so sure about all this!

Oops...he caught me trying to take a picture of him singing!

 

Ella (well, Daddy) getting her present from Santa

 

A new baby!

 

A Lego City Police Car!

Ella *thought* she wanted to sit on Santa's lap.  She changed her mind. :)  Even her baby sitting on Santa's lap didn't help.

All of the Kindergarten classes at Ryan's school put on a "Holiday" show.  I am not going to go on some irrate tangent as to it being called a Holiday show, as opposed to a Christmas show, because they actually *did* sing the Dreidel song, and Hannukah *does* start today...so...technically...

Anyway, Ryan was out of school with an ear infection and pink eye last week, and today was his first day back to school.  I would have been overwhelmed by having to perform on my first day back, but...he just goes with the flow...and I love that about him.

Ryan is the cute little elf, second to last row, second child in...cute, right?

Enjoying a snack after the performance!  :)

Gingerbread House

Grandma bought the kids a Gingerbread house kit from Michael's.  Her intent, I think, was to come and put it together with them, but it just didn't work out that way.  So...Ryan was home sick with a sore throat last week, and since we don't EAT the gingerbread house, we decided to put it together.  It was a lot of fun, and the kids enjoyed having their own side of the house to work on.  Here is the final result!

Ella was being a little bit of a stinker and didn't want her picture taken.  Sigh...

Ryan was quite proud of our little house!

Crafting Fun!!

I have really been in the mood to craft lately!  I have been searching crafting blogs for various projects, and Oh. My.  There are SO many creative ideas out there in the blogosphere!!

I made a turkey shirt for Ella for Thanksgiving, and though I meant to take a picture of her WEARING it, I didn't.  And now, while I am thinking of it, it's upstairs in her dresser while she is sleeping.  No need to wake her while I dig for a shirt for a picture for my blog!  Anyway, I assure you, it is cute...even with some crooked stitching (I admit I am not the best at sewing).

These two shirts were super easy. 

The first is a ribbon tree shirt.  I got the idea from a couple of different blogs, and yet, I didn't save them to my favorites, so unfortunately, I can't reference them here.  I did use different ribbon than the two blogs where I saw it originally posted, so let's hope I don't get in trouble!!

Ella tolerated having her picture taken.  Nevermind that her skirt is twisted. :)

The second shirt is probably my favorite, and I got *that* idea from this blog.  The crafter who posted the original pattern chose to sew around her pieces.  I ironed on the felt cutouts, and honestly, I was afraid to ruin it by sewing.  I thought it looked cute without that step, so I left it as is.  I'm not sure how it will wash, but we shall see after tomorrow!  :) 

Fun!  Fun!!  Fun!!!



This and That

I hate when I get behind in blog posts, because it's really hard to know where to start in my updates, and it honestly becomes overwhelming to me to think about all that I *need* to post.  But, really...does it matter?  To me, it does...and it's my blog...so, there you have it.

Here are a few shorts on what we have been up to.

In October, James and I celebrated 10 years of marriage.  That is a pretty big milestone, or so it seems to me!  We celebrated by going on an overnight trip to a Bed & Breakfast in the Hudson Valley (The Stone House).  We had dinner at a nice restaurant overlooking the Hudson, and spent the following day touring a winery.  OK...two wineries.  The first one really was not at ALL what we were hoping it would be.  It sounded lovely in the brochure, but our first clue should have been that the restroom was, well, a port-a-potty.  Yeah...it was that bad.  The second one was much more to our liking.  The tour was self-guided, but the winemaker was there leading the tasting, and he gave a lot of interesting information on the process of making wine.  Great wine, too!

Ryan played soccer this fall.  He didn't really love it like I thought he would.  I think part of it was the disorganization of the whole program.  No two weeks were the same...until the last 2 weeks...which were the best of the season.  Ah, well...perhaps next year.  He is going to try basketball this winter, so we'll see what he thinks of that!

Ella is slowly warming up to preschool.  We have made it quite a few days in a row, now, without any tears.  Here's hoping that will continue after the Thanksgiving break.  She's so darn cute, though, isn't she?  :)

Ella at her field trip to the Fire Station


Some friends and I have started a book group at my house every other week.  We are currently reading "What Women Fear" by Angie Smith.  A GREAT read.  It is opening my eyes to things that I didn't realize that I fear.  Not sure what we will do next for a book...any suggestions??

We are staying home for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, and I look forward to starting (and continuing) some traditions in our own home. James has taken vacation during the week of Christmas this year (he would otherwise have to work on Christmas weekend).  I'm thankful that he will be home to celebrate with us.  I think, so often, of those who are in our armed forces and have been away from their families for months...birthdays and other celebrations missed.  It makes my heart sad...and those commercials that are on this time of year...you know, the ones where the child is reading one of those recordable storybooks to his/her Dad across the miles.  Oh, boy...those get me.  It puts it in perspective when I think about complaining that my husband has to work an overnight, or an entire weekend. 

I guess there isn't really a whole lot to update you on, but I had to start somewhere.  I have more pictures, but I'm having a hard time getting them to upload.  Bummer.  Apparently there is a lot of busy-ness going around, because most of the blogs in my sidebar haven't been updated in quite some time!! 

First Day of Nursery School

 

Here is my pretty Ella girl on her first day of Nursery School.  She was so excited to put on her pink clothes, and her new “sparkle sneakers”.  All decked out with her Princess backpack, and Hello Kitty snack bag, I thought that perhaps we would avoid tears.  Nope.  We pulled into the parking lot and she started with “I don’t want to go, Mommy.”  I coaxed her out of the car, and she grabbed Daddy’s hand to walk into the school.  Just before we reached the door, she threw her snack bag on the ground and started pouting.  Oh, boy.  We got to the cubby room, and she didn’t want to wear her name sticker.  We tried sticking it to her back so she wouldn’t see, but…she found it.  It’s a good thing they know who she is, already!  We went into the classroom, and she hid behind James.  We went over to see the guinea pigs, and phew…she perked up.  We sat down to play with some play dough, and she liked that.  I started the “Mommy’s going to go now” conversation, and then came the waterworks.  I ended up leaving her with one of the other teachers from another classroom, told her I love her and that I would be back soon to pick her up, and I walked away.  With tears in my eyes.  I was scheduled to be a ‘floater’ for any criers that needed a hug, or just to be settled.  I knew I couldn’t be in Ella’s class, so I wandered down to the 4’s classroom.  They really didn’t need me, but they were so kind to let me sit and play and distract MYSELF from the fact that my little girl had a hard time being left in her classroom.  Sigh.  All was well a short while later and she ended up having a good day (like I knew that she would).  She was all smiles when we picked her up after school.  Here’s hoping Wednesday will be a little easier for her. 

Ch…Ch…Ch…Changes

Our family is going through a lot of changes right now, or so it seems.  No, no.  I’m not pregnant.  But, wouldn’t that be fun news?  Ah, I digress.

Let’s see…where to begin.  I interviewed, back in May, for a position at the nursery school where Ryan attended, and where Ella will soon be attending.  I found out shortly after that I did not get the position.  I was ok with it.  I figured God had a reason for me not getting the job, and I was thankful that it wasn’t something our family was counting on…just something I had wanted to do.  Due to some changes at another local nursery school (it closed), the numbers at our school increased, and they found themselves in need of another teacher.  So, while on vacation in Maine, in August, I got a phone call asking if I was still interested in the position.  Yes!  I was (am), and I accepted!  So…I will be teaching Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, starting this week!  I am thankful for the opportunity, but must confess that I look forward to actually only working the 6 hours I was hired for.  I honestly don’t know how working Moms do it all!  I’ve been putting in a *few* more hours a week, preparing for the school year, and I’m finding it difficult to keep up with stuff at home!  Looking forward to a routine.

You see, I was supposed to start last week, but our area got hit HARD by Tropical Storm Lee.  I think I read that our area picked up over 10 inches of rain in a 24 hour period.  That is a LOT of rain, friends.  A whole lot.  Many in Binghamton and surrounding communities have just been devastated by the record flooding.  Some have even lost their entire homes.  We are fortunate to live up on a hill, and we did not suffer any damage from the rain, but my heart truly breaks for those around us that are facing the destruction to their homes and lives.  It is going to be a long road ahead to clean it all up.  It is neat to see how the community comes together to help one another, though.   We have been trying to help in what seems like small ways (to us), but I know that every little bit helps.

Last week was a big week for Ry-guy.  Not only did he start KINDERGARTEN (whoa), but he also turned 6!  We celebrated his birthday the weekend before with a mini-golf party with his friends.  The flooding provided a bit of a challenge, as the place we originally were going to go was flooded.  However, the place where we were able to relocate just *happened* to be donating all proceeds from mini-golf (from now until the end of the year) to flood victims.  It was a win-win situation, and we are so glad they could accommodate our group.  The kids had a great time!

The food!  The cupcakes were frosted with green and I made little golf balls to go on the top.  I made paper flags and glued them to toothpicks, and marked them with numbers 1-18 to represent the 18 holes.  I thought they were cute…and not difficult!

Daddy helping Ella with her putt


Oops…I interrupted his swing!


Ryan was THRILLED that he got a hole-in-one on this hole.


The birthday boy!

All ready to go to Kindergarten!

A hug for Mom before we go!


A little nervous now that we are standing outside the classroom!


Phew, they have Legos!

Ella will start preschool tomorrow.  I’m not sure if she will cry or not.  I was thinking not, but she seems to be a bit clingy lately.  I will let you know how that turns out!  Sigh…they really DO grow up so fast. 

Our lives seem very busy right now, but it’s all good.  I’m so thankful for the ability to BE busy.  I know that there are a lot of people around us that are suffering, and I just pray that in all of our busy-ness…we don’t forget.  That we can help those that need help, and not get bogged down by our own agendas.  No, I don’t want to forget.

Happy Birthday, Ella!

Today was a special day at our house!  We celebrated Ella’s 3rd birthday! 

Ryan made a card for Ella this morning and was anxious to give it to her.  He knows she likes My Little Pony, so he drew her a picture of a pony and wrote her name.   It’s pretty special, for someone who doesn’t love to air his creative side.

…Well, until his sister gets an art easel for her birthday…then he’s interested.   Ha!

 

We had a fun day.  Both kids are taking swimming lessons, so after breakfast and presents, we did the swimming thing and then went out for lunch after.  It was a hot one here today, close to 90, so we came home and the kids splashed in the kiddie pool in the back yard. 

…as you can see, Ella hated it.   Nooooo…of course she didn’t!  She LOVES the water!

I made cake pops for her birthday (though I didn’t actually get a picture of them in all their cute glory), and it was cute to see her get a little embarrassed when we sang Happy Birthday to her! 

It was a good day.  I am thankful for this sweet girl and her big personality.  It is my prayer for her that she will use her energy, along with her loving spirit, for God’s glory,  He has truly blessed us with this little red head, and we have loved watching her grow.  

We love you, birthday girl! 

Tee-Ball

We signed Ryan up for tee-ball this spring.  Due to all of the rain we have had this season, we haven't been able to get many games in, but Ryan has had fun with the few that he has played. 

Each child gets a chance to bat twice, and play in the field twice in one game.  Everyone plays and everyone wins.  I don't think most of them really know what is going on, but at this age, it is just an introduction to the sport.

Here are a few pics I took tonight at his game:

I can still get a grin when I call his name. I realize this will not always be the case.

Ella gets a wave!

Going for the ball

It's funny when there is a friend on the opposing team!

Ella--his number one fan

Ryan takes a turn at bat

Ha!  Connor, a friend on the opposing team, hugged Ryan when he got to first base.

A boy needs a water break after all that hard work!



Girl's Weekend 2011

There is just something so wonderful about old friends.  Not old as in age, mind you,  we're not ready to admit that just yet. 

I was able to get together with 3 of my best friends from college this past weekend.  In the years directly after college, we usually saw each other once a year for either weddings or baby showers.  The past 3 years, those things have kind of slowed down a bit, so we chose to make a real effort to try and get together one weekend out of the year, if for nothing else, just to celebrate our friendship and have some much needed girl time!  It is always a welcome break from the day to day grind, and really does offer a chance for renewing our friendships.

Me and Jenn...former college roomies

This year, we went to Bridgette's house in Ohio. We try to get together at the house of the person with the youngest baby, as the Mom of a newborn is a little more tied down than the rest. Baby Bria (Bridgette's 3rd child) is 6 months old, and for many of us, it was the first time meeting her. Such a cutie!

4 of the 6 of us that made up the "six pack"

We did all of the things that we don't normally get to do...shopping, dinner out without kids, a movie, and pedicures. It. Was. Wonderful. There may or may not have been a rowdy game of some sort where Bridgette's husband Don was bitten by Tara (I said may or may not...it's a little fuzzy...it was late). We missed our friends Marcie and Melissa, but hopefully they will be able to join us next time.

 

Bridgette's husband Don, and their middle son Aidian, waving us a big hello (or telling us to shoo?)

Ahh...now to pack for our NC vacation.  Let the laundry begin! 

Greek Isle Pizza...Kate's Way

I found a recipe for "Greek Isle Pizza" in a Taste of Home magazine that I received in the mail (if anyone out there paid for this subscription for me...thanks...I have no idea why I get it sent to me!?).  It looked delicious in the photos, so I decided to give it a try.  While our family is not COMPLETELY organic, or processed food free, I really do try to limit the amount of processed foods we eat.  If I can make it from scratch without spending my whole life in the kitchen...I will. 

The recipe called for a prebaked pizza crust.  I prefer my homemade crust ANY day, so I went with that instead.  It is delicious, and really doesn't take that long to make.  Here's the recipe for the crust:

Crust
1 pkg (0.25 oz) rapid rise yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tsp. sugar
2 1/2 cups all purpose (or whole wheat) flour (I have used half of each before...yum)
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 425 F

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pkg yeast, 1 cup warm water, and 1 tsp sugar.  Let sit for about 5 minutes.

Add 2 1/2 cups flour, olive oil and salt.  Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes.

Put the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll to desired thickness.  This makes a pretty thick crust, so if you would like it thinner, split the dough in half and roll into 2 pizza rounds.  I usually brush the crust with a mixture of olive oil, italian seasoning and garlic powder.  Add toppings (as desired) and bake for 10-12 minutes or until baked through.

**When using the recipe below, do not pre-bake the crust.  Once you have formed the dough into a pizza round, use the instruction below to assemble the pizza.** 

The Pizza

1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (the original recipe calls for 1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes in oil)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 tsp pepper
grated lemon peel (optional)...I didn't use it
2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 1/4 cups crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup greek olives, pitted and chopped (I didn't have greek olives, so I used black olives)
Shredded mozzarella cheese (the original recipe calls for 4 slices...shredded works just as well)

In a small skillet, saute onion in oil until tender.  Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.  Remove from heat; stir in the rosemary and pepper (if you choose to add lemon peel, do so with this step).  Spread over the prepared crust.  Top with spinach and tomatoes.  Sprinkle with feta cheese and olives; top with mozzarella cheese.  Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.  Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Enjoy!!

Imagination Movers

OK...I'm really getting irritated with Blogger. Like, really. I have tried to edit this post a thousand times (give or take 995), and I just can't get it to look right. I mean, unless you LOVE run-on sentences. UGH!

The long and short of it is that we took the kids to see the Imagination Movers in Wilkes-Barre, PA on Saturday. The Movers are a group of guys that sing children's music, and they have a tv show on Disney Jr. Ryan has liked them for awhile now, and we listen to their CDs in our car...a lot. Choo Choo Soul (also on Disney Jr.) opened for the Movers. Ryan enjoyed the live show. Ella made it through quite a bit of the show, for being only 2 years old. She got a little grumpy about 45 minutes into the show, so I took her out into the lobby for a bit to 'regroup'.

We stopped for ice cream on our way home (our first ice cream stop of the season!), and as you can see the kids enjoyed that as well. I didn't realize that Coldstone HAD a kid sized dish (half of the "I like it" size, in case you're wondering), so both kids got a rather LARGE portion of ice cream. Ryan ate ALL of his. Ella didn't, but she had plenty!

So, NORMALLY, I would post the pictures within the text, but that isn't working for me. You can get the idea, anyway.

I think both kids were asleep within 10 minutes of getting back on the highway. They. were. wiped! It was a fun day!!