Thank you God for 2011

"We meet today To thank Thee for the era done, And Thee for the opening one."
-- John Greenleaf Whittier

 

Ended 2011 on a most peaceful note going to Church and singing God's praise (though we did come home to bang the pots and pans).

H a p p y  N e w  Y e a r.

Library outing

It's the simple things I say.

Daddy made the below igloo/hideout for Matteo & Chloe out of the blue mats we have - and as you recall our friends made Matteo the ten that hangs.  Love homemade gifts :-)

Anyway, today as a treat I asked Daddy to come to library with us to show Matteo how to use and respect (of course) the local ipads available at the library.  You see previous I never let Matteo go on the computers - but today I felt as though he should start to be introduced to our technology.  Matteo was more than thrilled - and Chloe May enjoyed the puzzles with myself.  After about an hour, all 4 of us sat and played a  marble game a few times on the ipad - I was happy we could all come back together as a family.  Then - because it was so super inexpensive yesterday- we walked back to the pizzeria, ate a late lunch and walked back to the park - this time staying even longer.  I'm telling you I am experiencing the holidays in Florida - the weather is so beyond mild.....and I know I said I was ready for a nor'easter, but I think I am backtracking and loving the not so freezing temps!  

Homerun

After a relaxing morning of finger painting,

Jules & I bundled up the kids in the wagon (though not too much as the temps were warm), walked to the local pizzeria, did a light food shopping and then walked to the local park for about 45 minutes.  Funny thing about the park - when I heard Matteo go up to two boys (slightly taller) and say "can I play with you" - that split second feels like an eternity.  You see I'm not sure if the children are going to include Matteo or if this is going to be one of life's lessons.  They included Matteo and he enjoyed a game of tag with them.

We then came home ... and despite it getting chilly Matteo wanted to try out the new bat and ball that Cousin Rocco's Mommy gave the kids.  That gift was a homerun :-) (punny).

Chipwrecked

After two days of relaxing and regrouping at home (from two days of travel and excitement), today I decided to venture out into the kids.  When if you think about it, venturing out during the school holiday can be scary, as there are LOTS of other kids out there.  But we played it safe and went to the movies - to see CHIPWRECKED!!!

Matteo was really excited and is always still as a rock and doesn't move during the showing of any movie, tv show, commercial, etc.  Daddy & Chloe May came along as well and even Chloe May was well behaved in the movie, though for the last 25 minutes or so she kept going between my lap and the empty seat next to me.  Not bad I say.  After the movie I took the kids out to a new burger joint where we enjoyed....burgers.  And then we walked over to the bookstore and spent another 1.5 hours there - reading books, playing with trains - just enjoying being together.  A great time by all.

I neglected to say we started the day by making pancakes for our 91 year old neighbor Helen - as it was her birthday.  On the way home I stopped to pick her up flowers (after all you are only 91 once) - and we rang her doorbell at 4:30 and serenaded Dear Helen.

Truth be told, Helen is always most excited to see Walter - she is a dog lover.  Helen has even taken to feeding walter for us - today she told us Walter came over for roast beef and gravy......... I wish Helen fed me some time :-)

Happy Birthday Helen - you don't look a day over 60.

Tattoos

Another hit from Santa was our monster tattoos.

Awesome right?!?

Though within seconds of receiving her Chloe May declared it "hurt" her and she needed it taken off.  No way!  Because the second I took it off, I knew she would be crying to have it back on - so I left it on and ironically the "pain" went away.

Jingle Bell Monkey

Surely you must be wondering what all the fuss is about::

 

This monkey, a gift from Santa, is beyond awesome.  And when I tell you the kids walk around all day playing with him, I mean all day!!!! :-) 

Christmas morning

Having fallen asleep somewhere between 10:30 & 11 PM last night, Matteo slept in - - though not by long.  He then got up to use the potty and told me the "stockings fell" - not realizing it was christmas morning.  So I told him it was Christmas and he snuggled in bed to read a book with me for about 45 minutes while Daddy & Chloe May slept.

Then we decided to get up and open presents - so Matteo woke Chloe May with a kiss (she responding by kicking and crying - after all who likes to be woken up!).

Santa you heard Chloe May's repeated request for a butterfly backpack!

Matteo got the singing monkey he wanted (but forgot to ask for) as well as a book of mazes (which he loves doing over and over with his finger).

Chloe May also got a surprise gift of the cash register she enjoyed playing with at our friends' Rory and Elissa's houses.

Ironically stickers in their stockings had these two halting the mornings activities to mellow out and do enjoy some sticker time.

Santa also gifted Chloe May with a fish - Clarice to be specific (though she is a "he").

The morning was lovely, yet simple.  A few gifts under our tree from neighbors (our friend Franny), Helen (pic to come on 12/28), and Amy.  One of the most touching gifts I personally received was a "mother's helper" gingerbread pin from Matteo's teacher - as she views me as the class mother (an honor).  Another gift I received that I found so touching, and yet ironic was from a mother whose daugther I walk into school about 4 times a month.  You see the mother is a sitter and in the car are 3 other children - so she cannot leave the car to drop off her daughter (a semi-neighbor of ours).  Now you see I feel so happy when I get to walk in this little girl as Matteo always runs ahead, is happy to get to class, etc.  But this little girl always waits for me to hang her coat, get her settled and kiss her goodbye.  It's so touching and yet I received the gift - when in fact the present is in my spending a few minutes holding her hand and just being with my little friend :-)  A lovely thought not doubt.

Celebrate the wonder of the season by enjoying the moments.

Merry Christmas

First stop of the day - as if you had to ask- GRANDMA'S HOUSE!

Chloe May was all to happy to shower Gramps with hugs & kisses (which is good because usually all our attention is directed towards Grandma!).

While we were sorry to have missed our cousins (we were eager to give them their knock hockey present) - we were happy to celebrate Christmas with Grandma and Gramps.  Grandma's tree looked festive - as always - and we always enjoy all Grandma's decorations.

Matteo was more than happy to sit on Grandma's lap for this once yearly video I make.

 

The video is a "year in review' of all the pictures I capture through the year, those that are shared with me, etc.  A touching tribute, sometimes jaw dropping at how much a little one has changed, sometimes sad as those moments too are reflected on the video - however as the below snipped illustrates, most times funny (i.e. Gramps almost falling ice skating).  So pulling two random numbers out of my head, I give you a small preview of our 2011 video::: which happens to be all of cousin Jesse's ice skating b-day party.

Back at Grandma's house - remember I said above how we enjoy her decorations, this is the third(!!) time this year that Chloe May has picked up Grandma's decorations and declared she wants it.  Really what is a "great" grandma to do, but quickly wrap same up for Chloe May to take home to treasure.

After two hours at Grandma, we then went back over to celebrate Christmas dinner with Nanny - and this time Cousin Rocco was there to join in the much more mellow (compared to last evening) celebration.

Pulling in at 10 PM we dragged ourselves to bed and bid a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Wine transfer

After last night's late celebration, Daddy was none too happy when I woke him up for some last minute wrappings and to transfer the wine.



However his mood quickly brightened up when I suggested we sample a glass at 6:15 AM! :-) The wine is formenting nicely and Daddy said after April's transfer will be ready for consumption. Nevertheless we bottled one full liter and took it to Poppi's house for him, Uncle Rocco, & company to sample - though not fully finished formenting it does taste yummy.

Christmas Eve

All dressed up for Christmas Eve.

A last minute change in plans had us moving our celebration from Aunt Lois' house (we'll miss you!) to Nanny's house (change is good).  But before arriving at our destination we stopped to visit some family we wouldn't be seeing, including our cousins, Grandma & of course OMA!

 

Smiles and laughter is what the holidays and every days should be about.

A winning smile makes winners of us all.

Oma you wear your smile beautifully.

Christmas Eve celebration

Our journey then continued to Nanny's house - where - though we missed Christmas Eve mass with Grandma, our attention was quickly turned to seeing all of Jules' relatives whom we don't normally see.  Now mind you Jules' mother is one of 9 children (8 living) with each sibling having 2-3 children.  So to celebrate with about 2/3 of those cousins was really a joyous celebration.  Perhaps the best part of the evening was watching our Matteo sit on Jules' cousin's lap (age 24) and play this young man's ipod for about 40 minutes.  Other cousins surrounded and took turns, but this young man really took to Matteo & vice-versa.  Also Uncle Rocco is also always loads of fun.  Nanny put together a feast fit for a king - the seafood overflowing and most delicious.  And finally we stuck around to wish everyone a Merry Christmas at the stroke of midnight.  Leaving Nanny's at 12:30 gave Jules & I time to straighten ourselves out (ahem), Chloe May still awake and ironically I called Grandma on her car phone and they were just leaving Aunt Lois' house.  So we stayed in touch with Grandma & Gramps and at a certain point put on our flashers and saw them across the highway - a perfect ending to a joyous day!

Ironically when we pulled in the garage at 1 AM on Thanksgiving I thought to myself "I am too old for this."  However when I pulled in at 2:30 AM Christmas morning, I knew Santa would be arriving soon and my energy was through the roof.  When I finally laid my head on the pillow at 4 AM  I was sure everything was in place and ready for a great celebration.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night

Christmas Party & Haunkkah Celebration

All dressed up for Matteo's Christmas party at school today!

After singing Jingle Bells, Must be Santa and You'd Better Watch out...we were treated to a visit by Santa & Mrs. Claus.  Even Chloe May got out of the pew to see St. Nick.

After school we stopped home briefly and then headed over to our friend Marisa's house to help celebrate Hanukkah.  Our celebration included brisket, potato pancakes, mashed potatoes and a whole lot more!.  But first we enjoyed a viewing of the Christmas Wipeout. 

Aunt Jen always comments on what a great hugger Chloe May is - and with someone as loving as Aunt Jen, how could you not want to hug her.

Though their was a small gift exchange by Jen, Marisa & Myself among the children - most of the gifts being gag gifts - Daniel received this much deserved and biggest surprise bicycle by Marisa & Brad.

Can you feel the joy and excitement in the room?

A lovely way to start the Holiday Weekend.  Cheers.  e.

Decorating ornaments

Daddy decided to take the rest of the week off (yipeee!!!) and we all enjoyed a relaxful morning painting our homemade ornaments to give out as presents (I try to stress the importance of homemade, rather than most expensive).

In the early afternoon we enjoyed an extended play at the local park due to the milder than usual temps.

Later we enjoyed a rendition of Rudolph.

A lovely Christmas season indeed!

Holiday Fun

HI, I'm back!!!! Sorry we were temporarily off-line - - - someone forgot to pay the electric bill :-)  
Looking like a candy cane can be lots of fun when you are 5.......or really any age :-)

And Dolly still loves her Santa.

Gingerbread cookies

Wanting to make gingerbread cookies with the kids and decorate them too -

was anything but successful!

However as Daddy pointed out our success should not be measured in the output, rather the fun we had.  I change my mind.....we were very successful!

Flowers

Our neighbor dropped these off for me yesterday - to help decorate the house and thank me for the continuing gift of friendship.




Indeed they brighten up an already glowing home.

Bodie update

Happy to announce that our client's little boy Bodie is gaining weight, over a month old and tipping the scales at 4 lbs. 3.5 oz.!

Our prayers continue for strong boy.

Birthday Fun

Forgot my camera today - but we went to our second birthday party and oh what fun we had!  Lots of bouncy and swing sets - even Chloe May enjoyed the fun.  However by the end of the day Matteo had a fever and I think he may have caught the cold that Jules has been suffering from (thus causing him to leave work early and come home on Wednesday).

Anyway, Happy 5th Birthday Michael V.

Dinner & a Movie

Almost never do we do dinner and a movie, but when I have Charlie Brown taped, I think the season calls for it.

 

And our little friend never gets tired.

 

(Please don't report us to PETA).

Gingerbread house

Having received a gingerbread house for this 5th birthday from our Dear Neighbors, we thought it would be appropriate to take same out today and...... decorate! 

I'm telling this year is all about Matteo and his concentration on arts and crafts.

Viola~!  With a little festive help from mom and dad (we wanted some fun too!).

Finally, we find humor in watching this squirrel try to navigate our bird feeder (which is indeed squirrel proof). 

We are going to have to leave our furry friend a treat.

2 lbs. 11 oz.

The birth announcement we received from Jules' client:




Her son was born at 27 weeks - weighing 2 lbs. 11 oz.

We pray for Bodie.

candy

i always love celebrating birthday parties - whether old or young, party favors or no party favors (i actually prefer the later), cake (no option there) - however I must admit the ONE thing I can do without is the candy!  I mean so much candy.  In our pinatas we have put hershey kisses, and that is it.  But wow, do I feel like (and perhaps because it is the holiday season) - that we are on candy overload.  First we have an advent calendar - which the purchaser told me DID NOT contain chocolate - - it does - - one a day.  Next, our recent birthday party - again fabulous time - has Matteo asking DAILY for candy - to which I replied we are not having any more.  If you know Matteo - and any child his age, their teeth are beyond gorgeous - so young, healthy, etc.  Why why ruin them with an overload of candy?  And it being the holiday season - well you know candy canes are around (not our house).  And the topper on the cake - Matteo loves the new "orange box" cheerios at school - - I only come to learn when we are in target shopping he is referring to the receses pieces "cereal" (and I use that term very loosely) that he has for snack at school.

Sometimes an apple would be nice :-) 

There was no point to this - just needed a venting station.  Thank you for allowing me this time to vent.

Did I mention we are going to be making our gingerbread house this weekend - yes, Matteo received the kit for his birthday (so ironic).  But yes, it will be our first and I am looking forward to it.  Notice, I didn't say EATING it, just rather making it.  (let's see how long that lasts).

6 months

I dare you to try and tell Chloe May that the 6 month dress (that has been hanging in her closet from Day 1) doesn't fit.

Dare you - and I tell you, you will have a child on your hands for ONE WEEK STRAIGHT telling you that YES IT DOES.

Until you are so broken down that you allow her to demonstrate exactly how well it fits.

And her smile and joy is so priceless that you allow her to wear it.

Just don't bend down sweetie.

So today I ask you is 1) Chloe May in love with the dress; or 2) being like so many woman out there trying to squeeze into a smaller size than she really can?  Either way we are revising our list for Santa and requesting size 6 months dresses with lots and lots of tights :-)

Cheers to giving in when it really doens't matter - man I love this girl's passion!