Friday, November 30, 2007
Crib Climbing - HELP!
If you've been through the toddler years with your children then I need your help!!! Samuel figured how to climb out of his crib several months ago but only did it once and that was it. He is now 2 1/2 years old and he has decided that climbing out of the crib on a regular basis is a fun thing to do or at least a good way to start training for the Olympics early. Tim and I discussed the possibility of getting a crib tent but it seemed silly to spend $70 on such a device when we'll probably be buying a bed for him really soon. Plus, I just don't think he'll tolerate the tent at this stage of life. It would probably be a distraction. So with that said, a few days ago we lowered the crib rail and put the ottoman next to the crib so he could get in and out safely. He loves it and thinks it's great that he can get in and out of his bed on his own. He's at that stage where he wants to do everything himself and let's us know that he is NOT appreciative of our assistance. Anyway, nap time has been fine - no getting out of bed. He's usually so tired that he goes right to sleep after a bit of singing and cuddling. Bedtime however is the problem. He seems to understand just fine that he is supposed to stay in bed and he obeys us. The problem is that he climbs on his pillow and tries to reach over the taller part of the crib to reach his dresser which is just a few feet away. He wants to get to his lamp and humidifier to turn them on and off on his own. Well, the other night he actually fell over the tall part of the crib because he was reaching so far to get to his dresser - he must of went right over head first. It's a miracle that he did not injure himself. So today I moved his dresser to the other side of the room thinking this would solve the problem. But no, again at bedtime Tim caught him scaling the tall part of the crib and for what reason I'm not sure. So, it seems to me that the inevitable must happen sooner than I hoped. I think it is time for a big boy bed. My question to you is weather to go with a twin mattress on the floor with a side rail or a toddler bed??? Samuel loves his crib. He loves the coziness of having his bumper and often snuggles right up against it. He also sleeps in a million positions. Not to mention his room is tiny. I like the idea of a toddler bed b/c it seems a bit cozier than a regular mattress and it's still the same size as his crib. But I'm not sure if that's just a waste of money. Any opinions??? Has anyone had this problem??? Any suggestions are welcome. We have to do something ASAP for safety reasons plus we are going away in less than 2 weeks and we need to know he's comfortable with his sleeping arrangement. Thanks. By the way I am writing this post at midnight so excuse the typos and poor grammar.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The last leaf has fallen!
Hallelujah! The last leaf has fallen. We have two beautiful, yet gigantic, trees on either side of our home. One is a red maple and the other must be the biggest oak that God has ever created. Ok, ok, a bit of an exaggeration. I still think it's the biggest oak in my neighborhood! Then we have a smaller oak in the back. I love the shade they bring in the summer and the beauty of colors in the fall. However bagging these leaves is an astronomical task! My one neighbor bagged at least 15 bags and we finished up this weekend with another 2o+. I lost count. All this from just 3 trees. Needless to say I'm glad we are done with the leaves for the season.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Pre-Thanksgiving Thoughts

The moment has arrived and I hope it is lasting. My morning sickness and indigestion have gone. I have officially enjoyed food for 3 days now. Yippee!!! What great timing for Thanksgiving this week. I hope I get as stuffed as the bird itself!
Just wanted to post a few things I am thankful for this holiday:
1) The season of joy and peace our family is currently experiencing. It's good to recognize and be thankful for the peaceful, uneventful seasons of life as they can so often be interrupted without warning.
2) A husband who is generous, caring and self-sacrificing. I love you!
3) A husband who will change his clothes when I tell him his outfit looks funny!
4) A son who makes me realize just how big my heart truly can be!
5) The way Samuel talks to my belly and rubs it ever so gently while saying "baby come out." He's going to have a long wait. Perhaps this will help his virtually non-existent toddler patience.
6) An awesome turkey dinner that I am not having to prepare - thanks Donna!!! Plan on a double portion for us. Chick pea and I are finally HUNGRY!
7) For the one pair of non-maternity jeans that I can still fit into. Well, maybe not after Thanksgiving.
8) That my son now asks for an m&m every time he poops (and it's not even in the potty) It's a long story.
9) My family (all sides) who are always thoughtful and supportive of all we do!
10) A God who never lets me go too long without reminding me that his plans for me, his love for me and his kingdom are not out of reach!
And of course I am thankful for you! It has been very uplifting to have this little circle of blogging friends. You are always a highlight in my day! I hope each of you have a beautiful Thanksgiving.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
We are going on vacation!!!
It's finally sinking in...alone with my husband, sandy beach, yummy food, sleeping in, tropical weather. Thank God I only have to wait a few more weeks before we go on our cruise to Cozumel!!! I can't believe we are actually taking a vacation -alone!!! I never in a million years thought we could leave Samuel for that long (4 nights). But it's actually happening and I'm OK with it surprisingly. We tried to plan a family vacation but each time I tried it just didn't feel like a vacation. It just felt like we were going to do the same things we do at home in a warmer climate and in a strange place with no babysitter. Not my idea of vacation and God knows I'm ready for one. I look forward to taking a family vacation when Samuel's older. When naps, booster seats, diapers and the like are not part of the equation. So home he will stay with Papa and Mimi; and I'm sure he will have FUN, FUN, FUN! I know it will be hard leaving but I'm certain that once we are relaxing it will all be OK. I'm ready! I'm really ready! I'm ready to celebrate my 5th anniversary with Tim. I'm ready to lounge by the pool or the sea. I'm ready to be pampered at the spa. I'm ready to take my luxuries before our little "chick pea" arrives in May. And I'm ready to not have to pay for our vacation. Yup, that's right -F-R-E-E! I earned an all expense paid trip for one to Hawaii through Lia Sophia this year and we are unable to go because you have to take the trip in April. Not going to happen at 8 1/2 months pregnant so we took the cash alternative and paid for this cruise. What a blessing! You know, Tim and I took a lovely tropical honeymoon and we are about to embark on another tropical anniversary. I'm thinkng this every 5 year trend sounds really good to me! Maybe next time we'll make it to Hawaii!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Tagged!
Sarah tagged me for this meme:
(Funny thing is I don't even know what a meme is - I'm totally cyber-challenged. But I'm up for some fun)
Four jobs I’ve had:
1. College Bookstore Manager
2. SUNY Research Foundation Ed. Specialist
3. Art Teacher for Migrant Center
4. Bartender
Four movies I could watch over and over:
1. How to lose a guy in 10 days
2. Seabiscuit
3. Count of Monte Cristo
4. Princess Bride
Four TV shows I like - reality version:
1. American Idol
2. Amazing Race
3. Biggest Loser
4. ????
Four TV shows that I like - non-reality version
1. Bionic Woman
2. What About Raymond
3. Seinfeld
4. Friday Night Lights
Four places I’ve gone on vacation:
1. Anguilla (Caribbean)
2. Niagara on the Lake
3. Florida
4. Leaving for a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico in December (HOORAY!!!)
Four favorite foods:
1. Avocados any way
2. Steamed little neck clams dipped in butter
3. Japanese Beef Negamaki
4. Almost any Thai food
Four web sites I visit daily:
1. Lia Sophia
2. Friend's blogs
3. Pregnancy calendars (1x per week)
4. ????
Four places I would rather be:
1. Any white sand beach
2. Cruising through the Greek Islands with a final destination of Italy
3. Right at this moment - napping!
4. On the same spiritual plane as Pastor Dick Dreyer :D
Four bloggers I tag:
1. Courtney
2. Amanda
3. Denise
4. Tarah
(Funny thing is I don't even know what a meme is - I'm totally cyber-challenged. But I'm up for some fun)
Four jobs I’ve had:
1. College Bookstore Manager
2. SUNY Research Foundation Ed. Specialist
3. Art Teacher for Migrant Center
4. Bartender
Four movies I could watch over and over:
1. How to lose a guy in 10 days
2. Seabiscuit
3. Count of Monte Cristo
4. Princess Bride
Four TV shows I like - reality version:
1. American Idol
2. Amazing Race
3. Biggest Loser
4. ????
Four TV shows that I like - non-reality version
1. Bionic Woman
2. What About Raymond
3. Seinfeld
4. Friday Night Lights
Four places I’ve gone on vacation:
1. Anguilla (Caribbean)
2. Niagara on the Lake
3. Florida
4. Leaving for a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico in December (HOORAY!!!)
Four favorite foods:
1. Avocados any way
2. Steamed little neck clams dipped in butter
3. Japanese Beef Negamaki
4. Almost any Thai food
Four web sites I visit daily:
1. Lia Sophia
2. Friend's blogs
3. Pregnancy calendars (1x per week)
4. ????
Four places I would rather be:
1. Any white sand beach
2. Cruising through the Greek Islands with a final destination of Italy
3. Right at this moment - napping!
4. On the same spiritual plane as Pastor Dick Dreyer :D
Four bloggers I tag:
1. Courtney
2. Amanda
3. Denise
4. Tarah
Thursday, November 8, 2007
A Tribute To Our Cat
She's quirky, a bit over weight, annoying at times, has beautiful eyes and responds to her name even though it's ridiculous. This is our cat, Chicken.
Her name was once Korky. Sometimes we call her Chicken Liver (when she's naughty). Every once in awhile we call her Chix, to build her self-esteem. Samuel just calls her Cat. I think she has as many personalities as she has names. Some of you reading this have experienced her bad attitude. Some of you might think she's just the sweetest thing. Well, I guess to us she's somewhere in between but we love her none the less. She is exceptional with Samuel. He counts all her body parts and tries to ride her like a horse. And every once in awhile she'll even let you stack foam letters on her head one at a time. What a great cat!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Taco Soup!!!
Well here it is...my first posted recipe! Even though its called taco soup, it's hearty and thick - a bit more like taco stew. This is an all-time favorite in my house and it's super easy to make. You just need a good can opener. Enjoy!
1 small onion chopped
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 lb hot Italian sausage (pork or poultry) squeezed out of casing.
(You can probably use sweet sausage instead
but I've not tried it. I like it on the spicy side)
1 cup water
1 15.5oz can pinto beans
1 15.5oz can lima beans
1 15.5oz can dark red kidney beans
1 15.5oz can white or golden hominy
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
1-2 small cans chopped green chilies
(you decide how hot)
1 pack ranch dressing mix
1 pack taco seasoning
(Simply Organics in Wegmans natural food section
has ranch and taco mix with no msg or preservatives.)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 lb hot Italian sausage (pork or poultry) squeezed out of casing.
(You can probably use sweet sausage instead
but I've not tried it. I like it on the spicy side)
1 cup water
1 15.5oz can pinto beans
1 15.5oz can lima beans
1 15.5oz can dark red kidney beans
1 15.5oz can white or golden hominy
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
1-2 small cans chopped green chilies
(you decide how hot)
1 pack ranch dressing mix
1 pack taco seasoning
(Simply Organics in Wegmans natural food section
has ranch and taco mix with no msg or preservatives.)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips
Rinse and drain all the beans. Brown the meat and onions in the bottom of a large pot. Add remaining ingredients except the cheddar and tortilla chips. Bring to a boil and let simmer at least 30 min. Serve with shredded cheddar and tortilla chips.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Still Lovebirds
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Little Heartbeats!
Yesterday was the first chance we had to hear the baby's heartbeat. It was nice and strong at 162 bpm. Tim couldn't be with me so my mid wife suggested we send him a voice mail so he could hear as well. It was very sweet. I feel like I've been waiting forever to hear that sound. In an instant it made all the sickness, tiredness, and irritability worth it. I can't wait to see our little chick pea. (Samuel's nickname in utero was was Lentil, so we thought we'd continue the theme). I also must admit I'm having the strangest feeling this one is a girl. We'll know in another 5 weeks...
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Fireman Sam!
Last night was our church's Harvest Party and it was awesome! The children's program is truly phenomenal and they did such a great job setting the whole thing up. There were tons of age-appropriate activities and the decorations were so creative. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your hard work was evident.
When we first walked into "church", Samuel was a bit surprised and a bit cautious. Something was very different here. Once he saw the balloons, it was all history. Samuel REALLY enjoyed himself. Tim and I basically chased him around from one place to another. Surprisingly, he kept his fireman hat on the whole time because he was so distracted. He enjoyed cheese doodles for the first time and his favorite activity was the blow up jumping castle!
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