H2O Container Celebration!

Summertime can only mean one a few things:

• 
  
  Hot weather (or as we say here in Boston, "HAH-T")


• 
  
  Outdoor playdates


• 
  
  Dirty piggies


• 
  
  POOL PARTIES!!!!!!!!!

Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

So recently I took the Madore-ables to the playground, and while the girls were swinging on the swings, a moped drove by. Here's the conversation that played out following the passing of the moped.

Sarah: Mommy? What was that?

Me: That was a moped Sarah.

Sarah: A moped?

Samantha: No. That wasn't a moped Sarah. It was a motorcycle with a funny exhaust.

Samantha is definitely a Madore.

Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

Recently, the Madore-ables were getting ready for bed. We had just finished reading stories and saying prayers. After saying prayers, the girls give each other big hugs and kisses and usually say "Good night Sammy or good night Sarah".

It's not uncommon, but there are some nights where the girls are over tired and get feisty and cranky with each other. So I told the girls that they need to be nice to each other and say nice things to each other.

Samantha seemed to understand what I was saying, so she gave a second full hearted attempt to be nice to Sarah. So the two gave each other nice big bear hugs. Sarah says "I love you Sammy". Sam says, "Sarah, you smell like macaroni and cheese".

I did tell her to say nice things.

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Made Me Smile This Past Week

1. I am not ashamed to admit it, but I love the fact that the Madore-ables love to say grace before each meal as well as saying their nighttime prayers. They do such an amazing job. Even though we say it at each meal, they "remind us" each time. So proud.




2. I have found that going to the gym in the morning before Jeremy and the girls wake up is just plain awesome. It sets the tone for the day and I find I'm less likely to want to drink a cup of coffee.




3. I'm really looking forward to my playdate with my friend Sarah and her 3 children today. It's been awhile since we've been able to get together, so this should be fun!




4. My amazing husband let me sleep in this morning. Do you know how long it's been since I've slept in until 8:30 a.m? What a treat!




5. I love this time of year. We just officially started Summer this past week. Plus, July 4th is next weekend. Which means Samantha is going to be turning 4. I've spent a lot of time looking at her baby pictures and wonder where did the 4 years go? Lots of big things happening for our big girl!!

Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

Yesterday while we were at my Mom's house, the girls and I took a trip over to the playground. In order to do this, we need to cross through a parking lot. There's usually a lot of traffic that runs through the parking lot anyway for the after school program that they run. So we really need to be extra careful.

Well, of course there were a few cars that zoomed past us before we crossed the street. So what does Sarah yell out to the cars as they drive by?

Not slow down!


Not be careful!



Only Sarah would yell out:

"DESPACIO!"

(Which means, "slow down" in Spanish)

Thank you Dora :)

E-I-E-I-O Speedwagon

Yesterday while we were in the car, I had the radio playing. Samantha asked me who was singing the song at the time, and it just so happened there was a REO Speedwagon song on. ("Time for Me to Fly" just in case you were really truly wondering).

So, I told Samantha that it was REO Speedwagon. Samantha responded with "REO Speedwagon?" as if she didn't believe me.

Sarah's response?


"Old MacDonald had a farm. E-I-E-I-Ooooooo"

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of the Year

Why is it the most wonderful time of the year?

Because it's Summer-time!

Time for sunblock and sunglasses.

Time for extra sippys.

Time for trips to the beach.

And swimming in Nanny's pool.

HAPPY SUMMER!

Off To Portsmouth!

Over the weekend, Jeremy and I took the Madore-ables to the Children's Museum in Dover, New Hampshire. The girls had so much fun! They really loved the hands on items and took advantage of using their imagination.

To top it all off, I managed to score a free pass for 50% off admission for all of us. Fun for all of us and our wallet.

Happy Father's Day

I just would like to stop and wish my husband, Jeremy a very Happy Father's Day. I hope you know how much you are loved, how much you are appreciated. Thank you for everything that you are and everything that you do. I'm just the lucky girl that married you and our Madore-ables get to experience life with such a wonderful Daddy.

Free picture slideshow generated with Smilebox

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Made Me Smile This Week:

1. In case you didn't know already, The Boston Bruins won the Stanely Cup! I am not a hockey fan at all, and the only time I watched the games was when I was at the gym and I actually sat down to watch Game 7 on Wednesday night. What an amazing feeling to witness history on the t.v. They worked so hard for it. Congratulations B's!



2. As much as I enjoyed working full time (out of the house that is) all last week, it was great to stay home this week with the girls and have all of our outdoor adventures.



3. I managed to snag a FREE pass for 4 to the Portsmouth Children's Museum for this weekend. How psyched am I?



4. While I was at Babies R Us earlier in the week, I managed to dig out a $10.00 gift card from my wallet that I completely forgot about. PLUS the very friendly mother that was standing behind us in line found a coupon that she wasn't going to use, and handed it to me. Nothing like getting $15.00 off two boxes of diapers. It's not much, but anything helps, right?


5. I've changed my gym routine a little this past week just for an experiment. Instead of going at night when the girls go to sleep, I've been going early in the morning. I'm thinking of sticking with this routine because I feel absolutely AMAZING. Plus, there are very few people there that early in the morning too. It really sets the day.

Open Gym...Closed Eyes

Yesterday the girls and I went somewhere that we've never been before. I took the girls to the local YMCA for what they call "open gym". By far the best decision I could have made.

The girls were moving around quite a bit, so it was a challenge to get photos of them. Seeing their faces, I think you'll get the idea of just how much fun they really had.

The girls litterally ran around. Bounced around. Flipped upside down. Jumped up and down on the trampoline. They were in bed and asleep by 7:30 pm last night. Here's why:

I'm glad I brought two extra sippy cups for the girls. They were so thirsty at the end of the hour.

Our Strawberry Shortcakes

Yesterday, my Mom and I took the Madore-ables to go strawberry picking. The girls had never been before, so they were in awe of all the strawberries that could be picked. They really had a great time! We were fully prepared and dressed in rain boots and rain jackets, but the weather held out and was perfect for picking.

It didn't take long at all to fill up our Tupperware buckets. So right before we were done, Samantha started to protest that she wasn't done picking yet. When I explained to her that we only brought two buckets with us, she then asked me how were we going to pick all the other strawberries. Sam didn't understand that they didn't have to pick the entire field of strawberries which I thought was hysterical.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day :)

We Found Nemo!

Over the weekend, the Madore-ables were invited to go fishing with Shannon and her father, Jimmy. Samantha has been pretending to "fish" at home with various toys, so when she found out that she was going fishing, she was very excited.

The weather wasn't very cooperative, so we didn't bring our camera with us, but I did manage to sneak in a video after a trout was caught.

Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

We recently started attending a new church, so yesterday on the way to Mass we had to slow down the car before turning into the parking lot due to lots of foot traffic crossing the street as well as cars coming and going. Samantha made a comment regarding the traffic.

Samantha: "Daddy, this [the line of traffic] is just like communion".

Jeremy: "What do you mean Samantha?" (with a slightly confused look)

Samantha: "Well, this line of traffic is going slow, just like when we wait in line to take communion at church!"

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Week That Made Me Smile:

1. This past week, I've been filling in for the office manager/receptionist at work who is on vacation. I've really enjoyed myself and learning what goes on around the office. Plus, I get to commute with Jeremy. Special thanks to Nanny for keeping the girls entertained this past week even in this hot weather.




2. Jeremy and I leave the house in the morning before the girls wake up. But in the afternoon after we leave work to go pick up the girls at my Mom's house is full of "MOMMYYYYYYYY" and "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADY!". Coming home at the end of a long day and hearing those happy shrieks is so worth it :)




3. This week's weather has been amazing. I've been fortunate to be inside with air conditioning (sorry to rub that part in), but the Madore-ables have played hard all week outdoors. No time for television when there's sunshine and sidewalk chalk and games to be played with.




4. Jeremy the girls and I went to Kohl's earlier in the week to purchase some new clothing. This is something that I haven't done in quite awhile, so it was nice to dress up for work all this week as a result.




5. Mom is holding a yard sale this coming weekend which means we were able to clean out our house a little bit :)

Gene Kelley Would Be Proud

Some people avoid puddles.

Some people avoid the rain.

Gene Kelley danced and sang in the rain.

He seemed pretty happy when he did that.

I think my girls secretly love Gene Kelley and just don't know it yet.

Lots of singing and dancing going on in these puddles.

Cafe de Madore-able

Welcome to Cafe Madore-able! We are open from 11:30am-12:30pm EST. Picky eaters need not sit down. Our menu is quite large: PB & J for Samantha with a cheese stick or yogurt and fresh fruit. Goldfish crackers for "dessert". Cheese stick or yogurt with fresh fruit for Sarah.

The girls plan out their menu each day, and each of the girls makes sure that the other one has their sippy cup for something to drink. Such thoughtful people in our cafe!

Morning Lullabies

Samantha loves to spend her mornings out on our back deck. Lately, she brings out a beach towel out with her and loves to roll herself up in it and "nap" on the deck. We think she just likes to cuddle up with a blanket personally.

Each time Samantha does this, Sarah rubs Samantha's back and sings lullabies to her. "Twinkle Twinkle" is Sarah's favorite lullaby to sing.

I Am Mother Goose

Each time the Madore-ables and I go to the playground we've noticed a small family of geese. We've been making frequent trips to this playground for the last month, so we've observed the goslings growing up each time we're there. Samantha made an interesting observation: the baby goslings stay very close to their Mommy and Daddy and when the Mommy and Daddy move, the goslings listen and follow them too.

I mentioned to Samantha, half jokingly that she could learn a lot from those little goslings. (Samantha is going through a phase right now where more often than not she feels that she can test her limits and argue with what Jeremy and I have to say.) So, as plain as day Samantha announces to me:

"Mommy! You can be our Mother Goose, and Sarah and I will be your little gooses. We'll stay right next to you, and we'll try hard to listen to you."

Dear Sarah (30 Month Update)

Dear Sarah,

Today is your half birthday which makes you 2 1/2 years old today! Daddy and I are just amazed at the things you're doing now. You're growing up so quickly and doing everything that Samantha wants to do.

You continue to love to color with crayons and enjoy making pretty pictures for us to hang on the fridge. Mommy and Daddy with we had a bigger fridge and more magnets to accomadate all of your artistic creations! Lately, you're actually observing Samantha when she's writing her letters and you've followed suit! It's a different letter each time you write it, but nonetheless, you write it and you're able to identify it.

You really enjoy singing songs, especially songs that we make up with silly lyrics. What's cute is you actually become very serious and try to correct us. Your favorite song to sing is "Twinkle Twinkle". Whenever Samantha lays down, you run right over to make sure she has a blanket and rub her back while singing to her. It's very sweet.

You do very well when it comes to using your imagination. We just need to learn the "sharing the toys" part. When Samantha is playing with a toy first, it means that she has a turn first and then you can play with it. I know we'll figure that out, but hopefully sooner or later.

We have recently discovered that you like broccoli. After months and months of saying "I don't like it" you tried it, and what do you know? You love broccoli. Who would have thought? You also enjoy green beans, peas. You're our little veggie queen.

We've also discovered that before you say goodbye to something/someone you always say goodbye followed up with a BIG hug and a kiss.

We're so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We'll always be here for you to teach you more. Always remember that we love you.

We love you forever and a day,

Mommy & Daddy

Here is what you looked like one year ago in June 2010

And here is what you look like today in June 2011

Dear Samantha (47 Month Update)

Dear Samantha,

Today you turn 47 months old. You are just one month away from turning 4 years old! We don't know where the time has gone. So much has gone on in the last month.

You ask a lot of questions. And we mean a LOT of questions. You're curious about so much. Curious about what things are. How things work. Mommy makes sure she asks you questions too. While we're outside playing in this beautiful weather we've been having, we conduct experiments like "Do leaves float or sink in the puddles?" or "If you color the palm of your hand with sidewalk chalk, and put your hand on the ground palm side down, yes you'll leave a hand print".

You have taken an active interest in learning to drive a car. When we're in the car together, you ask questions about what highway we're on. What direction we're traveling in. You seem to know that when we travel to Nanny's house, we travel south and when we go to Mamere and Papere's in Maine we travel north. Daddy said that when you're driving in the car with him, you enjoy taking the head rest off the passenger side seat so you can see where Daddy is driving.


You also enjoy having your nails and toe nails painted as well. You usually start asking Mommy to repaint your nails as soon as you have a chip in the nailpolish.


Daddy and I are looking at enrolling you in school for this coming Fall. Your mind is so excited to learn what you don't know. We're still trying to decide at this point where you will be going, but we already know you're going to LOVE to learn.


We've enjoyed watching you grow up. It's hard to believe you're going to be starting really big girl things so soon. We know you're really going to enjoy school and will make friends very easily. You always seem to make them whenever we go to the playground. Keep up the great work with writing your letters and always be excited to learn. Just do us a favor, ok? Don't rush to grow up.

Love you always,

Mommy & Daddy

This is what you looked like one year ago in June 2010

This is what you look like today, June 2011

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Have Made Me Smile This Past Week:

1. The weather we've been having has been absolutely great. Kid tested and very mother approved. We've been able to have picnic lunches, and dinners. If we weren't able to have a picnic, then we were able to spend a few hours at the playground. Either way, the Madore-ables have been playing hard. Lots of fresh air + big appetites at dinner = early bedtime.





2. I cannot believe that Samantha is going to be 4 years old next month. Holy cow, when did that happen?





3. All this warm Summer-like weather we've been having has really gotten me excited about cookouts, and fresh produce/Farmer's Market. We've had several cookouts with friends already, so we've started the road to Summer off just right. I'm looking forward to strawberry picking in a couple of weeks.





4. I've been cleaning the girls closet and removing all of their old clothing that they've outgrown. I cannot believe they were that small once. It just seems like yesterday. I'm one of those wierd mothers where I don't remember my name sometimes, but if I look at one outfit from my girls, I know the exact day and location/event where she wore it. So, I've been doing a lot of reminiscing.




5. I may need to knock on wood several times for this one, but it's actually nice to see that gas prices are going down some. It's nice to spend $50.00 to fill my tank rather than $65.00. How's that for optimism?

Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

Recently Samantha and I had a very interesting conversation. There was a very interesting banner advertisement on my email home page that contained a photograph similar to the one shown to the left here. Samantha saw it, and this is how the conversation played out.

"Mommy? Who is that?"

"That's called a model hunny. Some girls model different things like clothes, shoes, makeup, jewlery and lots of other things"

"Mommy, what's up with her make up? Her face looks funny. You don't put on make up like that"

(I'm cracking up at this point) but I explain to Sam that some girls put on makeup differently. When I put make up on, I don't like to put on a whole lot of it. This girl wanted to do something different.

"Mommy, what's up with her hair? Why is it so big?" (Again, still laughing at this point)

I explained to Samantha that God makes everyone different. Different hair color. Short hair. Long hair. Sometimes no hair. God wants us all to be different because that is how He made us.

After a few seconds, Samantha seemed to ponder what I had just said and of course just had one more thing to say:

"Mommy? Her hair is messy and big. She doesn't look fabulous at all."

Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

The honesty in children is amazing sometimes. They truly don't know how funny they can be.


A recent conversation with Samantha and I recently:



"Mommy, I love you. You're the best Mommy we have."





"Why thank you Sam. That was really sweet of you to say that."

"Yeah, I really really love you...even when you're grouchy."