The view from our front door
Our backyard
The snowfall was an inch higher than Layla's height!
Layla said "Weeeeeee" whenever she was in the sled
Time to go inside for some hot chocolate!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Snow Day
It doesn't matter how old you are, a snow day is always exciting! Our area got hit hard with a blizzard on December 26th into the morning of December 27th. In total, we got about 31 inches of snow. We couldn't even open our front door!
Fa La La La La...
MERRY CHRISTMAS! And what a merry one it was! Layla was so excited when she came downstairs on Christmas morning. I know she is still too young to really know what is going on, but she sure was having a good time! Her favorite toys were her ball pit, vacuum, baby dolls and shopping cart.
Opening presents
Jumping in the ball pit
Reading Layla's letter from Santa
Drawing at her new table
After Monte made us a great breakfast, my two babies took a nap and I baked cookies.
In the afternoon, we went to Monte's mom's house for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, my camera's battery died, so I am hoping that my wonderful sisters-in-law will give me some pictures. Layla played with her cousins and we had a fabulous meal. On Christmas night, my mom, dad and sister came over to our house and we exchanged gifts. The highlight was definitely giving my dad his family tree and documents that I found about his ancestors. His reaction was worth the work that went into that project!
Even though Christmas is technically over, I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of the holiday season with my family and friends.
'Tis the Season
On Christmas Eve, Monte, Layla and I met my parents and sister at Saint Theresa's church for morning mass. As we were leaving the church, the trucks were just delivering the animals for the live nativity. Layla loved seeing the animals.
Then we went out to breakfast at Joanie's Cafe in Cranford. This has been a tradition for years, and I love sharing it with my family.
Then we went out to breakfast at Joanie's Cafe in Cranford. This has been a tradition for years, and I love sharing it with my family.
In the evening, we went to my cousin Susan's house for our family Christmas Eve party. We had dinner, listened to Christmas carols and exchanged gifts. It was a wonderful night!
Monte played a joke on my cousin Ryan and wrapped his present in a Huggies box. Ryan is a good sport. After the party, we went home to get ready for Santa Claus. Layla was exhausted, so we forgot to leave out cookies and (soy) milk. It's a good thing that she was such a good girl, because Santa came anyway!
Lunar Eclipse
I have always had a great interest in astronomy, so I was very excited to have such a clear view of the total lunar eclipse on December 21st. This was also the first lunar eclipse in centuries that also fell on the same day as the winter solstice. Cool! Monte and I got up around 2 AM to watch the peak. This was one of the best shots we got of the moon.
It was fun standing in the cold with Monte and watching something so spectacular!
It was fun standing in the cold with Monte and watching something so spectacular!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Weekend Update: December 18th & 19th
Well, it's definite. Christmas is in the air! It sure felt like Christmas this weekend, too!
Some exciting things that happened in the past week:
* I found out that my masters thesis was accepted for publication in the Child Welfare journal! I had low expectations about this particular study ever being published, despite several attempts by both myself and my advisor. Although I think the research design is pretty sound, I had very low participation, which makes it difficult for a study to become publishable. I did get to do a poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychology Conference in Boston, MA back in the winter of 2009, and I was invited to present at the 5th International Conference on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology at Roehampton University in London this past July (although I had to turn down this opportunity). Anyway, I need to make minor revisions to my article and I hope to see it published early next year.
* A few weeks ago, I started playing the daily sweeps at freebies4mom.com. I check this website often for coupons, and when I have a few moments, I have been entering some of the sweepstakes. Although you can play every day, I usually don't have the time, but I have won some fantastic prizes, including 2 $10 Visa gift cards, $10 Starbucks gift card, a cooler ($35 value), and a Playstation Move camera, 2 controllers and the game Tron ($240 value) - that's over $300 in prizes! Pretty cool, huh?
* I finished my dad's family tree! I have been working on this project for over a month, and I'm so excited to give it to him on Christmas. I plan to post some of the interesting things I have found out about his family in a later post.
On Saturday, my parents, my sister MaryGrace and I took Layla on a Trolley ride with Santa. I already knew that Layla wasn't a big fan of Saint Nick, but thought this would be fun. After all, she wouldn't have to sit on his lap. Boy, was I wrong! After waiting in line in the cold for about 20 minutes, it was our turn. Layla nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw him, and spent the entire 12 1/2 minute ride clinging to my mom's neck. Poor kid! She never cried, though, and seemed to enjoy singing the Christmas carols.
On Sunday, we finished up our Christmas shopping and watched the Jets game. I love watching Layla's reaction to her Daddy - she squeals and dances whenever he cheers! Here are some pictures from the weekend.
This is Layla's favorite spot in the house. Usually, the gate is up at the top of the stairs, so she goes around to the kitchen, down those stairs and then around to the stairs at the front of our house. It's her little cozy spot. She brings her toys with her and hums and sings to her heart's content. So cute!
Some exciting things that happened in the past week:
* I found out that my masters thesis was accepted for publication in the Child Welfare journal! I had low expectations about this particular study ever being published, despite several attempts by both myself and my advisor. Although I think the research design is pretty sound, I had very low participation, which makes it difficult for a study to become publishable. I did get to do a poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychology Conference in Boston, MA back in the winter of 2009, and I was invited to present at the 5th International Conference on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology at Roehampton University in London this past July (although I had to turn down this opportunity). Anyway, I need to make minor revisions to my article and I hope to see it published early next year.
* A few weeks ago, I started playing the daily sweeps at freebies4mom.com. I check this website often for coupons, and when I have a few moments, I have been entering some of the sweepstakes. Although you can play every day, I usually don't have the time, but I have won some fantastic prizes, including 2 $10 Visa gift cards, $10 Starbucks gift card, a cooler ($35 value), and a Playstation Move camera, 2 controllers and the game Tron ($240 value) - that's over $300 in prizes! Pretty cool, huh?
* I finished my dad's family tree! I have been working on this project for over a month, and I'm so excited to give it to him on Christmas. I plan to post some of the interesting things I have found out about his family in a later post.
On Saturday, my parents, my sister MaryGrace and I took Layla on a Trolley ride with Santa. I already knew that Layla wasn't a big fan of Saint Nick, but thought this would be fun. After all, she wouldn't have to sit on his lap. Boy, was I wrong! After waiting in line in the cold for about 20 minutes, it was our turn. Layla nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw him, and spent the entire 12 1/2 minute ride clinging to my mom's neck. Poor kid! She never cried, though, and seemed to enjoy singing the Christmas carols.
On Sunday, we finished up our Christmas shopping and watched the Jets game. I love watching Layla's reaction to her Daddy - she squeals and dances whenever he cheers! Here are some pictures from the weekend.
This is Layla's favorite spot in the house. Usually, the gate is up at the top of the stairs, so she goes around to the kitchen, down those stairs and then around to the stairs at the front of our house. It's her little cozy spot. She brings her toys with her and hums and sings to her heart's content. So cute!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Christmas 2010
Jolly Snowman Christmas
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Sunday, December 12, 2010
Cousins, Christmas Trees and Cookies!
I've been wanting to post all week, but just finally got the opportunity to do so! This time of year is hectic and exciting. To be perfectly honest, for most of my adult life, I've dreaded the holidays. My childhood Christmas memories are magical - my parents constantly outdid themselves during the month of December. Our days were filled with shopping in downtown Westfield, decorating the house, baking cookies, making homemade presents, and going to see a play every year that I can remember. We would also pick a name of a child from our church Christmas giving tree and put lots of thought into buying a present for that child in need. The holidays were the perfect balance of giving and receiving.
I honestly feel that the season spirals out of control starting on Black Friday. The name says it all - black, bleak, a day of greed and gluttony. It is the antithesis of the holiday season. But it's so hard not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, the buying, wanting, shopping, worrying. Time that should be spent contemplating the reason for the season is wasted in chaotic overindulgence. It is no wonder that I have felt anxious and guilty these past few years.
On top of the shopping frenzy, the quest for the "perfect" gift for my family members defeats the entire purpose of giving. I can't help but feel that my present must equal my feelings of love and gratitude in it's worth. How can a sweater for my dad express what a great father and grandfather he is? How does a candle and some tea tell my mom that I would be lost without her guidance and love? And as much as I know Monte will love the drill I bought him, does it adequately let him know that he has exceeded my wildest dreams in every way imaginable?
This year, however, I am working hard to get into the holiday spirit. I have been enjoying baking cookies, decorating the house and wrapping presents. I am sure having a child has made all of the difference. It excites me to see her face light up when we turn on our Christmas tree. I love seeing her cradle the baby Jesus from our nativity in her hands and give him a kiss. And what's cuter than a toddler with a Santa hat saying "Ho! Ho! Ho!" (even when she won't sit on the "real" Santa's lap at the mall)? I think the biggest change is I have even been listening to Christmas music, which is a tradition that I usually save for Christmas Eve. And as far as presents go, I am trying to believe the adage "It's the thought that counts." While a pair of gloves may not actually say "Thank you for all that you are to me", I know my family knows how important they are in my life.
Anyway, it was a full week! My nephews spent two evenings with us at the house and Layla was absolutely thrilled! We made homemade pizza, watched SpongeBob and played lots of games. Here are some pictures of Layla and the boys playing ball. It's amazing how a baby gate and 50 balls can keep three kids occupied!
I honestly feel that the season spirals out of control starting on Black Friday. The name says it all - black, bleak, a day of greed and gluttony. It is the antithesis of the holiday season. But it's so hard not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, the buying, wanting, shopping, worrying. Time that should be spent contemplating the reason for the season is wasted in chaotic overindulgence. It is no wonder that I have felt anxious and guilty these past few years.
On top of the shopping frenzy, the quest for the "perfect" gift for my family members defeats the entire purpose of giving. I can't help but feel that my present must equal my feelings of love and gratitude in it's worth. How can a sweater for my dad express what a great father and grandfather he is? How does a candle and some tea tell my mom that I would be lost without her guidance and love? And as much as I know Monte will love the drill I bought him, does it adequately let him know that he has exceeded my wildest dreams in every way imaginable?
This year, however, I am working hard to get into the holiday spirit. I have been enjoying baking cookies, decorating the house and wrapping presents. I am sure having a child has made all of the difference. It excites me to see her face light up when we turn on our Christmas tree. I love seeing her cradle the baby Jesus from our nativity in her hands and give him a kiss. And what's cuter than a toddler with a Santa hat saying "Ho! Ho! Ho!" (even when she won't sit on the "real" Santa's lap at the mall)? I think the biggest change is I have even been listening to Christmas music, which is a tradition that I usually save for Christmas Eve. And as far as presents go, I am trying to believe the adage "It's the thought that counts." While a pair of gloves may not actually say "Thank you for all that you are to me", I know my family knows how important they are in my life.
Anyway, it was a full week! My nephews spent two evenings with us at the house and Layla was absolutely thrilled! We made homemade pizza, watched SpongeBob and played lots of games. Here are some pictures of Layla and the boys playing ball. It's amazing how a baby gate and 50 balls can keep three kids occupied!
We also went to the Little Gym, did some Christmas shopping and finished decorating the house. Layla loves playing near the Christmas tree.
And Friday, my mom and sister babysat while Monte and I went to his holiday party. It was a great night out!
Sunday was a relaxing night. Monte made amazing steaks for dinner and now that the baby is asleep, we're going to bake some sugar cookies. All in all, a very fun week!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Fun Christmas Lunch Craft
After our trip to Trader Joe's this morning, I decided to have Layla help me make lunch. The past few weeks she has been picky about what she eats, which is a total reversal of what I'm used to - this kid would eat anything! I've been having an especially hard time getting her to eat any vegetables. Up until recently, she has only had jelly on bread, but I found a dairy-free cream cheese today, along with a yummy looking guacamole and hummus spread. We broke out the Christmas cookie cutters and made two fun sandwiches.
We made a snowman with Tofutti Better than Cream Cheese, raisins and diced carrots. Then we made a Christmas tree with the guacamole hummus spread, peas and corn. Layla had fun spreading it on with a spoon and then "decorating" the snowman and Christmas tree (I did the face). She still refused to eat the vegetables, but she loved the cream cheese and raisins. Her favorite part, though, was when I pretended to eat the snowman's head!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Happy December!
Happy December everyone! Well, the holiday season is upon us and I don't know about you, but one of my favorite Christmas traditions is baking. However, finding recipes that are allergy-friendly is difficult, so I have been experimenting with some of my favorite recipes and tweaking them until they come out right.
This recipe for banana bread is one of my favorite go-to recipes, and the addition of zucchini makes it a nice way to get some extra veggies in. I make it at least twice per month. It is delicious for breakfast (I have it with peanut butter when Layla's not around), snack, dessert or whenever! It's also dairy and egg free. It can be made with raisins, cranberries, or even walnuts (if you're not nut-allergic, of course). This recipe is easy to double and the loaves freeze nicely. As you can see, this is a very versatile recipe!
Banana Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
2/3 cup of sugar
1/3 cup oil (I use canola to make it soy-free)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup zucchini, grated
1/4 cup applesauce (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend sugar and oil in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to sugar and oil alternately with mashed bananas and zucchini and beat. The mixture will be thick. For bread that is very moist, add applesauce. Spoon mixture into a greased 9 x 5 loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour (or until toothpick comes out clean). Let stand for at least 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
This recipe for banana bread is one of my favorite go-to recipes, and the addition of zucchini makes it a nice way to get some extra veggies in. I make it at least twice per month. It is delicious for breakfast (I have it with peanut butter when Layla's not around), snack, dessert or whenever! It's also dairy and egg free. It can be made with raisins, cranberries, or even walnuts (if you're not nut-allergic, of course). This recipe is easy to double and the loaves freeze nicely. As you can see, this is a very versatile recipe!
Banana Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
2/3 cup of sugar
1/3 cup oil (I use canola to make it soy-free)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup zucchini, grated
1/4 cup applesauce (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend sugar and oil in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to sugar and oil alternately with mashed bananas and zucchini and beat. The mixture will be thick. For bread that is very moist, add applesauce. Spoon mixture into a greased 9 x 5 loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour (or until toothpick comes out clean). Let stand for at least 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
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