7 Quick Takes Friday

1. Christmas was wonderful. We spend Christmas Eve with the hubby's parents and aunts. We attended Mass at St. Mary's Church in MD. Christmas Day was spent with my family. It even included the best Christmas gift, my brother being home from Italy. It was wonderful to have the whole entire family together. On the day after Christmas, my cousins came to celebrate with us. It was wonderful to watch Siena (almost 2 yrs old) play in the family room and bang on the piano. I can't wait to see what next year with bring with two new additions to the clan. (No, I'm not having twins. My cousin is due during the next couple of weeks and I'm due in May.) 

2. Christmas break is wonderful because I have gotten to spend time with my high school friends that I haven't seen this much in a long time. It's a bit sad that our break will be coming to an end but, I'm sure we'll all see each other in the Spring. 

3. I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. All is well and the baby's heartbeat is nice and strong. 

4. Our 20 week ultrasound in on January 3rd. It will be lots of fun to see our little one and hopefully find out the gender at that time. Stay tuned for an update!

5. My mom and I went to start the Baby Registry at Buy Buy Baby and at Babies R Us. It was nice to spend this time with my mom. It helped to go while everyone was at work so I wouldn't be so overwhelmed. Any suggestions on what I should register for (or not register for) would be greatly appreciated! 

6. We received a sample newborn diaper in one of our gift bags from the registries. I can't believe how small it is. The hubby has never changed a diaper before so I might let him practice with that. I need to find a baby doll now! (Or perhaps one of my friends might let us practice on her baby.) 

7. I've had lots of fun beginning to plan for the arrival of our little one. I can't wait to see what the next few months have in store! 

Finally...Christmas Break

It appears as thought time flies when you are pregnant. I can't believe on January 3rd I will be 20 weeks pregnant. I can't believe that Christmas is on Sunday. I can't believe we are already off from school for Christmas break.

Here's the rundown for the next few weeks:
Tomorrow - Oil change, head to MD.
Saturday - Spend Christmas Eve with the hubby's family
Sunday - Head to NY. Spend Christmas afternoon with my family
Monday - Staten Island cousins come over
Tuesday - Doctor's Appointment

After that ladies and gentlemen, I am FREE (until the 3rd when we go for our 20 week scan)!

What do you think Baby Teixeira is??? Boy or Girl?

A little chicken soup...

Last weekend was a great but crazy weekend. This week is a bit crazy as well. As a result, it finally all caught up with me this week. I ended up leaving work early since I just felt terrible. Hopefully, tonight I'll head to bed early and all will be well in the morning.

This is what the week looks like:
Monday : Rehearsal until 9:30 PM
Tuesday: Detention duty
Wednesday: Work until 2:45
Thursday: Tutor until 5 PM
Friday: Kids concert 7 PM
Saturday: Nothing
Sunday: Nutcracker

7 Quick Takes Friday

-1-
It's Advent! It certainly seems to have snuck up upon us. I can't believe the second Sunday of Advent is this week and we don't even have our Advent wreath out. One of the reasons is simply because it got packed up last Christmas. Then we moved. Now, I have no idea which box it is in. 
-2-
So far, the only Christmas decorating I have done is put a few piney looking decorations on the wall and front door, put out a Christmas tablecloth, and placed a Poinsettia on the table. I LOVE to decorate for Christmas. This year the energy just isn't there. Hopefully, I'll get to it soon. 
-3-
We are gearing up for the arrival of our special Christmas visitor! I can't wait until December 20th. His arrival will be the best Christmas gift ever. 
-4-
A few weeks back I bought a scrapbook to help chronicle my pregnancy to fill with sonogram photos, cards, notes, and other random things. I have it all sitting on my craft table but, once again, haven't gotten to it yet. There seems to be a trend here. 
-5- 
Apparently, the doctor won't be doing another sonogram until I go to the hospital for the 20 week sonogram on January 3rd. He used the Doppler thing and we heard the heartbeat. I love hearing our baby's heartbeat. According to the doctor, the baby was very active because he/she kept moving (which we could here on the Doppler). 
-6-
Real tree/fake tree?
That is the question.
I grew up with a real tree. While I was in college, my girlfriends and I had a fake tree which last year the hubby and I used. However, it is in my parents basement, super heavy, and difficult to assemble. I think it might just be easier to buy a live tree because it comes in one piece and all we have to do it take it off the top of the car and decorate it. 
-7-
This weekend we celebrate my father's birthday on the second, my hubby's birthday on the 3rd, and my grandmother's birthday in heaven on the second. It's kind of funny that my mom and I and my dad and dave have birthdays that are extremely close together. Love you dad and hubby! Happy Birthday! 

Thanksgiving 2011 and Baby Update

We have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving it is actually a bit overwhelming when you sit down to make a list! This Thanksgiving we will be spending the holiday with the hubby's parents and then heading back to NY on Saturday to spend the day with my family. This is the first year that my brother will be spending Thanksgiving in Rome, Italy at the Pontifical North American College (aka the Vatican). We got to Skype with him for a little while before the rest of my family in NY called to talk to him.

Yesterday, my boss told the faculty and staff that Dave and I are expecting our first child. We announced it on Facebook. I guess it really is happening!

On Wednesday of last week, my good friend from high school gave birth to her sweet baby boy, James Henry. I got to spend sometime with them on Sunday. it was wonderful! He is just so tiny and cute!

Tonight, the hubby and I have a doctor's appointment so hopefully all goes well there and we'll have some new pictures to show you. I've been feel pretty good. Most of the morning sickness is gone however I still am definitely turned off by some foods that I wouldn't have batted an eye at before. We've started researching baby products using friends reviews, consumer reports, and other online sources. If anyone has advice regarding baby products, I'd gladly consider it! I'm finding it all overwhelming which is why I thought I would start early.

Survivors, Family Members Remember 10 Anniversary Of Belle Harbor Plane Crash

Survivors, Family Members Remember 10 Anniversary Of Belle Harbor Plane Crash

This plane crashed shortly after 9/11 in the neighborhood where I grew up. Tomorrow, the Astoria Symphonic Choir will be singing at the memorial service. We need to be there bright and early in the morning!

7 Quick Takes Friday

-1-
I'm off from work today! I am thrilled to be able to enjoy a day of freedom. I love my job but, sometimes it gets tiring. My plan today is to relax in bed for the morning and then head to Staten Island to visit my cousin and her daughter. I haven't seen them since August! It should be lots of fun. 
-2-
I've been neglecting our blog because we've been busy with a bunch of personal stuff going on. 
Like this! 
We are expecting a baby due on 5/22/2012! 

-3-
I feel like I've lost most of Fall. A few Friday's ago, I made a list of things I'd like to do this Fall unfortunately NONE of it got done. I barely took my summer wreath down and got a Fall wreath up before Halloween. We spent Halloween at my parents house, handing out candy to the little people in their neighborhood. 
-4-
Several weeks ago the hubby was honored at his high school by being inducted into the Hall of Fame! 
-5-
We've decided that we will be going to Maryland for Thanksgiving. We will celebrate with my family on Saturday. The holiday are always a bit difficulty since the hubby's family lives in Md. and my family lives in NY. We seem to work it out though! Next year, I'm sure everything will be different again! 
-6- 
We have been spending weekends with my family. It is nice to be able to relax a bit and forget about work. I've been catching up on TV since we don't have cable at home. I've become obsessed with Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice! The good thing is I can catch up on the internet too! 
-7-
Tomorrow, the choir I am part of will be singing at a memorial service for American Airlines Flight 587. Please pray for all of the families that were effected by this tragedy. 

50 Rules for Dads of Daughters (Repost)


I thought this was a beautiful posted shared with me via facebook. It was originally posted at http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters.
1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.


Photo Credit :: Danielle Rocke Toews
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Is it really October?

I have to say that I find it hard to believe it is actually October. Yes, the leaves are starting to change. Yes, Starbucks has their Pumpkin Spice Latte out. Yes, the houses in my parents neighborhood are decorated for Halloween. However, it was 85 degrees today. I went to the beach with my mother and people were swimming in the Bay. On Sunday, the hubby and I actually put our feet in the water. I was shocked to see that people were in bathing suits in October! It's like we are living in Florida!

One of the things I loved about this weekend was that the hubby and I spent it at my parents house. On Saturday, my parents took a trip to see my brother in DC (just for the night). So, we did LOTS of laundry, ordered in, and enjoyed the many different movie choices. On Sunday, my youngest brother came home from college so we got to spent some time with him. We even got to Skype with another one of my brothers who is studying at PNAC in Rome. My parents, my brother, the hubby and I enjoyed pizza from our favorite local pizza place.

Unfortunately, today, the hubby had to work. But, my parents made us an awesome dinner to enjoy once he gets home! They also happen to provide lettuce and some of the hubby's favorite cookies. Our friend Carolyn gave us some italian bread. So, we have a fantastic dinner! Our family and friends are the best!

Interestingly because of the weird weather, the garden in my parents yard is still yielding tomatoes and cucumbers. The best news of all is that the figs are actually ripening! (Usually, the frost gets to them before they become edible!)

In conclusion, THIS WEEKEND WAS GREAT!

Next weekend, the hubby and I both have to work on Saturday. Hopefully, we will get to my brother's school for the tail end of parents weekend. Oyster Fest is next weekend also at home so I'm sure we will head there with my mom (maybe dad depending on how he's feeling) on Sunday.

7 Quick Takes Friday

Conversion Diary
(1)
I couldn't be happier that it is Friday. My students have been singing the "it's Friday" song all week. They heard part of a song on the radio that includes the words "it's Friday" over and over again. I generally allow them to sing it when they are on their way out of the building on Friday's. The best part of this Friday at work was that we held a dress down day as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. One of our fellow faculty members is fighting Breast Cancer and we will be walking in her honor on Oct. 16th. 
(2) 
I am so excited that the Fall weather finally arrived last night as a result of lots of rain, thunder, and lightning. I can't wait to break out the sweaters and corduroy pants. I love being snuggled up under warm blankets and enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks (guilty pleasure)! 
(3) 
The hubby is headed home from work and I think I'm going to make some chicken parmesan for dinner. It has always been one of his favorite meals and I don't make it too often but, I have the energy and the ingredients so he's in luck! 
(4) 
Last night we watched Big Bang Theory and I couldn't believe my eyes when Blossom showed up on the screen. At first I only recognized her voice but, then I did a Google search and was shocked to find out that she is a regular on that show. Not to mention she is one academically accomplished lady! You should check out here wikipedia page! 
(5) 
I'm hoping to be able to help my dad plant the daffodil bulbs for next Spring tomorrow but, due to circumstance beyond our control that may not be able to happen. Please pray that justice is done and ethics prevail.
(6)
Sunday I will be celebrating a milestone in a beautiful friend of mine's life. I will certainly share more after the event but, it is a surprise! I know she doesn't read my blog but still I wouldn't want to be the one that ruins it! 
(7)
I am beginning to make my Fall bucket list: 
-pick apples 
-go to Westchester to see the leaves change
-bake a pumpkin pie 
-bake an apple pie/apple brown betty 

Shopping for a church

The hubby and I have been married for a little over a year (one year and two months to be exact) but, we haven't registered at a church. We attend church every Sunday at the same parish and have not registered. Some of the issue with registering is that the rectory is only open limited hours and when they are open late I feel badly disturbing them at night. The hubby really thinks that we should go and register together. (I know registering as a family for the first time is kind of important but, I'm not sure it makes sense to keep putting it off until we are both available at a time that is acceptable to the church.) I really just want to register and be officially part of our parish. Prior to being married, I had been part of the same parish since I was three. Does registering really make that big of a difference? No, you get envelopes but, on the other hand you are no longer an anonymous participant who shows up on Sunday. Oh well, just something I was thinking about today as another Sunday is approaching. Happy Friday Eve All!

Happy 7 Years !

Today my hubby and I are celebrating seven years since we started dating! It's hard to believe it's been that long! I can't believe it will be 10 years since we met in March! Crazy how time flying when you're having fun!


It's amazing what you miss...

We've kind of fallen off the face of the earth with regard to our friendships during the past few months. We travelled a lot this summer (Cali, MD, Mass.). Now, we are both back at work. I cannot believe how I've fallen out of touch with friends. I didn't really occur to me until my MOH kept referring to how she was able to see me twice in one week!

We love our friends and they are as important to us as our family. Since I started back at work, I've been completely exhausted by teaching 8 periods a day every other day. This year is like being a first year teacher all over again because I am teaching three new academic classes and running classroom guidance for three grades. It is so much planning and there is just no time to get it done during the school day. So, I come home from work, work until dinner, and then go to bed. This pretty much repeats until the weekend. Weekends are filled with visiting family or visits from family and attempting to keep our modest two bedroom apartment clean.

Frequently, I think that while I would love to live in a house I have no idea how I would be able to keep in clean while working. As it is, the hubby and I split up chores and clean together but, needless to say it feels like I am fighting a losing battle.

As a result, I am grateful for the forgiveness of our visitors when they arrive and our home is not "just so".  Believe me, I try but, this is as good as it's going to get for now. This weekend we were thrilled to visit with our MOH. We had fun simply running errands and sharing a meal. It was great to catch up! As a result of our visit, I know I will be making more of a concerted effort to check in with friends regularly. I don't want to lose our friends because of the massive amount of time both of us spend at work.

On the other side

I am cautiously declaring that I am on the other side of the plague that my students have had over the past few weeks. This is the ongoing list of illness: strep, pink eye, stomach virus, and chicken pox. Knock on wood, I've only had two of the three.

I was disappointed to miss the 50th jubilee of our friend this weekend and could not enjoy my in laws visit as, I spent the weekend in bed at my parents house so I didn't infect anyone. This coming weekend we have a 30th birthday party for a friend and I might have to go into work to help out a friend. Our Concert Choir is attempting to participate in the World Choir Games in Ohio this summer. As a result, they have to do a lot of fundraising. Unfortunately, their director is undergoing chemotherapy treatments and her energy is zapped so, most likely I'll be headed to supervise the kids fundraising efforts this weekend during the alumni reunion.

I was so grateful for our families providing us with food for the week because this means that I don't have to go grocery shopping. One less thing for me to worry about! Now, i just have to find the motivation to cook something. We've been eating leftovers for the past two days but, we are finally out. We have lots of food I just have to decide what we want to eat for dinner but, the good news is I have an hour before the hubby comes home.

I am also grateful for my energetic students who are excited about learning. My middle schoolers come in everyday excited to see what "they will get to do" during the day. Without their energy, there is no way I would have been able to get through the last few days.  They are my fuel at the moment!

Hopefully the hubby and I will get a chance to enjoy some of the beautiful Fall weather we've been having! This is my favorite time of the year!


Fantastic Students and Fantastic Germs


So, I thought this week would be my first full week of school until last night. Last night, I ended up at the doctor for the second time this week. Two days ago I was diagnosed with Strep Throat and last night I was diagnosed with Pink Eye! Yay for me! My in laws came in this week (until Monday) to go to a friend of ours Golden Jubilee with Maryknoll. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll be able to go since I look like something that crawled out of the Gowanus Canal. The good news is at least the Strep Throat has started to go away so, I am less miserable. I am headed to my mom's later today so, I don't get the hubby and my in laws sick. (Thanks mommy!) There's nothing like having your mother take care of you when you aren't feeling well.


In other news, I can officially say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my middle school students! They are so smart and LOVE to learn! It is wonderful. (The only downside seems to be they come complete with germs.) Each student had to bring in Purel and Clorox wipes. Unfortunately, despite my love of Clorox it didn't seem to work on these super duper germs. I clean my house with Vinegar and baking soda. Maybe I should bring some to school?

What is really weird about the Strep throat/pink eye combo is that I am not the only person I know right now in this situation. Another woman that's friends with my mom has it and a coworker's son has it. It's really crazy! Of course, my mother is claiming this is the beginning of an epidemic.

Off to go take some more medicine and rest until I head to mommy's house!

Ten Years Later

Ten years ago, the hubby and I were three weeks into our first year at the University of Scranton. I had never been away from home before and I had never wanted to go home more than I did that day. When I left my small town on Long Island, all was well. Everyone was getting ready to go back to school. On 9/11/2001, our neighborhood was changed forever. In the days that followed, I received e-mails from my mother about who had passed away and who was still missing. Our little chapel was full to the brim.

In the weeks that followed, church attendance dwindled and life returned to the new normal that was post 9/11. The hubby and I are trying to have a quiet weekend together with my family on the island. Yesterday, we walked to church so, we could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Today, we got our egg sandwiches and newspaper from the American Deli. We are enjoying time together. We are grateful to be here with those we love.

At church yesterday, the priest's sermon was about forgiveness. We must forgive those around us. I felt that this was an incredibly appropriate sermon for this weekend. This is an enormous challenge. How can we forgive those who killed so many people? But, we must. We are told to forgive those who trespass against us so, that we can be forgiven.

The First Day of School

Today is the first day of school for my students. They will only come in to get their textbooks and listen to a refresher course on the rules. The middle school kids will come in, in the evening with their parents to get their textbooks, meet their teachers, and learn some of the rules. The Freshmen go on retreat off campus for the day. Last year, I led the retreat with a friend of mine and we had a great time. I hope both the leaders and the kids have a fantastic day this year!

I love the first days of school because everyone is excited to see what the year has in store. Everything is new and clean. The kids are anxious to use their new school supplies. They are geared up to learn. It's a wonderful time of the year.

It's like Christmas for teachers. There are all kinds of sales in teacher stores. Sales popping up everywhere! A friend of mine was so excited that she was able to make it in and out of a local teacher store in less than an hour spending less than her budgeted amount of money. The parking lots of the these store are packed! Despite the craziness, there is a buzz in the air! Everyone is feeding off of the energy. I just love it!

In You've Got Mail, Tom Hanks says, "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils." Isn't that such a sweet idea? I'm thinking about making something like that for my classroom this first week of school. 



Menu Planning Monday

Monday: Dinner @ My parents house
Tuesday: Vegetarian Chili, Corn Bread and Brown Rice (Meal Ministry)
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Roast Pork w/ carrots
Friday: Chicken and Broccoli w/ brown rice
Saturday: Spaghetti w/ meatballs and sausage
Sunday: Dinner @ My parents house

If you need more menu planning ideas, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie - tons of great menus are posted each week for Menu Planning Monday!

Poconos
















This weekend our friends Jenn and Tim invited us to spent a night with them in Albrightsville, PA. They rented a beautiful house in a development with a lake. We saw some changing leaves and deer! The best thing about our visit was that we finally got to meet their beautiful daughter, Emma. The hubby and I really enjoyed spending  time with them. Thanks guys!