Thanksgiving - The Elf on the Shelf

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family and friends. Oh my gosh my stomach is so full. Next Thanksgiving I promise to post all of the dishes I make that "don't have recipes". My stuffing is soooo yummy with carrots, onion, apples, celery, Italian Sausage, and rosemary bread cubes! The candied sweet potatoes were also a hit. Both the stuffing and the sweet potatoes are renditions of my grandmothers old recipes and I don't follow a recipe. Next year I will post them a few weeks in advance in case people want to use them. I was a little to busy to take pictures but just take my word for it....it was GOOD!. This year we brined the turkey for the first time and followed Alton's recipe from the Food Network. He is the guy that hosts Good Eats and the Iron Chef America. We were a little surprised by the cooking process. Everyone cooks their turkey for so long and it often comes out dry. Ours went in at 500 degrees for 30 minutes and spent another 1 or 1 1/2 hours at 350 and it was done. We let it sit for one full hour and crossed our fingers when we cut into it. WOW...the juiciest turkey ever. This year I also attempted my own Cream Cheese Pie Crust and Pumpkin Pie. It was so ugly....but it was so moist and creamy. Much much better than a pie from the store. My husband is a pumpkin pie fanatic...and he said it was the best ever! After dinner we headed to the movies with Nonna and Papa to see Happy Feet 2. The place was empty so it was a perfect day to catch a movie.

 While at Nonna's house the kids were given The Elf on a Shelf. This thing is the best Thanksgiving gift ever. Basically, you open the box and read a book about this elf that reports to Santa every night while the kids sleep. Once you open the package and pick a spot in your house the magic begins. He watches all day and can even see what the kids are doing when they are in the car, at school, and at the park. Every night he waits for everyone to go to sleep and then he awakes to fly quickly back to Santa to report the naughty and nice things that he saw. To prove that he has left and returned, when you wake up in the morning he will be hiding in a new spot in the house and the kids must find him. There is only one rule. The kids may not touch the elf or his magic will disappear. The elf needs to be taken out of the box, named, and then you never touch him again. On Christmas morning he will go back to Santa so on Christmas Eve we will have to say goodbye but now that "George" is our elf he will return every Thanksgiving and stay with us through Christmas. The kids came home with "George" tonight and had me read the book again. Gianni keeps checking on him and tells me that he is opening his eyes slightly and turning his body while we are out of the room. It is so cute. Thanks Nonna for Elf on the Shelf and for coming to visit us. We have missed you and we are glad that you are here for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Feast and Kidstock

 Abel went to school on Thursday to have a Thanksgiving Feast with the kids. They dined on turkey, potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberries, milk and cookies. Sophia Pearson joined Carmen and Gianni, and I hear that Sydney and her Grandma were there although Abel did not get a picture. Carmen has been wearing her turkey hat all over the house lately and is having a blast making Thanksgiving themed crafts at school.

Today was a busy day as usual. Carmen had dance at 9am. Her dance for her recital is coming along so nicely and she is always singing the song. Then it was off to Gianni's 10:30 baseball game. The boys played great as usual. Then it was off to lunch where she ran into some Goodyear Fireman. They were so nice to her. They got down at her level and talked to her, they took her out to the truck and gave her a personal tour. These 4 guys made Carmen their world for ten minutes. They thought it was adorable that such a little thing wants to be a firefighter. They even invited us to the firestation...but we had to decline (which was hard for me to do..hehe) because we were off to KIDSTOCK (a music festival for kids!) They had live bands, bouce houses, free activities, all kinds of kid friendly vendors, face painting, and animals. The kids loved it and we were so greatful that Mr. Pearson was able to get us free tickets! Thanks Ted! Gianni, Jonah, Carmen and Sophia had a fun filled day at the festival.

At one point there was a booth that had snakes for the kids to touch. Gianni was so brave. Carmen said, "ewww mommy gross! I want to bounce!" and she ran away.  

Carmen and Abel headed off for Daddy Daughter Dance Practice while Gianni and I headed home. Cleaned the house tonight and now I am pooped! Got to get some rest because Carmen and I are making sauce and Gnocchi tomorrow!

Happy Halloween

Fall is in full swing. Gianni was hard at work last week helping daddy scalp the lawn to plant the winter grass! What a good helper! This past weekend we hit the Pumpkin Patch for some Halloween Fun. The kids had a great time in the corn maze, bounce house, train ride, and of course the petting zoo. Our weekends have been so busy and I am really looking forward to November. Other than dance and baseball our schedules are much more open.

 On Sunday we carved our pumpkins. Abel wanted fancy designs again this year. This time we had a third child! We were watching my friend Jennifer's little one Audrey all weekend. She loved her little pumpkin! 

 Poor Gianni didn't go to school today but I did let him go out and Trick or Treat. Probably shouldn't have because when he got back his temp was 101.5. He was asleep by 7:20 so I am hoping he will be feeling better in the morning. Carmen was Minnie Mouse of course and Gianni Darth Vader.

Happy Halloween

Go Gianni and Happy Birthday Carmen

 After Carmen's 9am dance class, Gianni had his first baseball game of the season today. The entire team played great. It was very obvious that the practices paid off. They did a great job fielding the ball but the star of the show was their hitting! Wow, the all hit great! We have ourselves a nice little team. We can't wait for Papa to be here to cheer Gianni on at his games.

Gianni's Hit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLvEh7AGvCg

 After the game it was home for a quick shower, some lunch, and we loaded the car up for Carmen's party. The party was perfect! Carmen, Gianni, and 15 of their closest friends had a blast! Carmen invited school friends which was new for me and her special friends "ALEX". They all got a little hyper from all of the M&M's but at least they were able to work off some energy in the gym. The adults munched on veggies and dip, fruit, cheese, chips, and Peanut Butter M&M's while the kids played, opened presents and then finally the cake! The entire party was Micky Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Her cake was filled with bananas and vanilla pudding. It was so yummy!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t930wph0vhE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhouvw3A8Nc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLJezNqj_EQ

Singing Happy Birthday - I had to stop the video to prepare for the "blowing out the candles" picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s1_oNV2vfA

After dance class, a baseball game, and a birthday party.....she was wiped out! Literally! Happy Birthday Carmen. We all love you.

End of Our Break and Our Little Princess

This week we ended our fall break with a short outing to Friendship Park to play and feed the ducks. The kids enjoyed throwing food out to the ducks. Gianni of course was being a boy and was aiming right for the ducks. It's funny....I remember wanting two boys and I am so glad that I have one of each now! Gianni was "boy" in true form this week. He pulled what I am going to call "an Uncle Justin". He went to the bathroom before we left the house and proceeded to leave the bathroom sink on while we were gone. Not sure how much my water bill is going to be. We were gone for over 4 hours. If it had flooded I am not sure what I would have done with him.

 We also headed up to Nonna and Papa's house to go swimming for probably the last time this season. It is in the low 100's but it is supposed to drop. They wanted to show off their skills for Nonna and Papa.

Swimming Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkSsTN52Ge0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDUpLSDilxU

 Carmen and I got our hair done this week. This is just to give you an idea of how long it was because we actually took off over 2 inches so add that in in your mind to this picture.

 Oh my little Carmen! 4 years ago I was packing my bags for the hospital. She was a planned c-section so I remember this night perfectly. I packed 1/2 of what I packed for Gianni and insisted on packing no pink what so ever. I told people I was prepared and calm when I really wasn't. I probably didn't fool anyone. We were all pretty shocked when they told us that she was 8lbs 12oz! I thought, wow, no way. So glad she came the way she did...and a week early : )    4 years later, she is opposite of what I ever thought I would have in a girl....and I LOVE HER! She is super girly, loves pink and princesses, and she is always wearing jewelry! Total opposite of me but people tell me that's what I get for hating pink so much. We are preparing for her big day tomorrow. As stated before, I believe in doing birthdays BIG! She is super excited for tomorrow!

A trip to Scottsdale with my kiddos!

Today the kids and I packed a lunch and some sand toys and headed off to the railroad park in Scottsdale. We try to make it over there a few times a year. They have the best play areas that are covered, sand in the playground, lots to climb on, and wonderful picnic areas. In addition, you can ride the train, walk through a train museum, and of course the carousel!

 After about an hour of playing on the play ground we purchased tickets for the train and carousel. The kids never get tired of these two rides, even though we have been to this park 3 or 4 times. Then it was back to playing again.

 At lunch time we spread out a blanket and the kids decided to show off some silly peanut butter faces!

 The weather was beautiful and after the kids ate they went back to playing. I just enjoyed the peace and quiet as I sprawled out on the blanket with the light breeze in my hair. It was such a relaxing afternoon.

 When we left the kids said, "mommy...can we bring Nonna and Papa here?"

Family Update - A Long Time Coming

 Well I'm guessing you have all been missing my two little cutie patooties! Look at them...they love Sunday football. Gianni was also cheering on the Diamondbacks this week. Sports is in the air! I have been very busy at school and apologize for not updating my blog sooner. I know my family and friends are probably wondering where I have been. Here is an update on each of us!

Gianni

Gianni is loving 1st grade. His teacher Mrs. Merrbaugh is seriously a gift from heaven. He is doing so well academically and behaviorally. His report card was fantastic and he is an absolute math whiz. I have no idea where he gets it from because it is not me. He recently participated in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition at his school and won 2nd place for 6-7 years olds. He was presented with a certificate by the Principal at the school assembly! He also has started baseball with daddy as the coach. Abel and I arrange and plan practices for the team. Their team name is the Cardinals of course which was selected by the kids. The first game is next Saturday.

Carmen 

Carmen is loving school as well. She is making lots of friends (she is pictured with Sophia) and can't wait to have them all at her birthday party next Saturday. Especially her friend ALEX...which daddy is struggling with! She is saying the pledge all by herself and is speaking so much more clearly. She loves the routine of school and she is so proud to go to Palm Valley .... finally! She is still dancing every Saturday and is working on a dance routine for her next winter recital which will be December10th. She is dancing with daddy again so she will participate in two dances. She is very excited.

 Kristin and Abel

 Well, besides working and taking care of these two little munchkins, we recently celebrated (well not really because we never went out that day) our 8th wedding anniversary on October 4th. We had our first baseball practice that night and I had a board meeting so it was hectic. We held our 2nd annual Supper Club at our house which consisted of Peppery Punch, Bacon Wrapped Potatoes with Honey Scallion Sauce, Corn and Zucchini Fritters, Eggplant Ricotta Bites, an amazing Bobby Flay Salad, Veal Milanese, Apple Sausage Mac and Cheese, and a Plum Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream. Delicious! Abel continues to recover from his back injury while back at work. He goes to physical therapy three times a week but says like he feels like he is making progress. They say maybe two more weeks and he will be back on track.

 I continue to work out when I can. I went to my best boxing class yet today. The teacher was an actual MMA fighter with belts and titles. He took the time to work on technique and really pushed me. I have never seen my hands so raw. Keep in mind they are wrapped and in gloves so it was pretty intense. Next month it will be 2 years that the weight has been kept off. I started off at 212 and this week hit 145.0! I feel great and I feel like I am a positive role model for my kids. 

 It is officially Fall Break and the kids and I are off next week. I will try to capture every moment for you all on film and post as much as I can. Tonight we had Holly, Adam and Sydney over for burgers and a fire. The weather has been cool the last few days so we took advantage of it because next week we are back to the 90"s again.