Dear Jeremy

Dear Jeremy,

Today we celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary.  A lot has happened in the last 8 years, and I'm so happy that we've walked this journey together.  I feel that I'm such a different person, and a better person than when I first met you at college 13 years ago.  Who would have thought we would have ended up together?  God knew exactly what He was doing.  We've both come so far in in 13 years.

Since meeting you, I've learned so many things.  To many too mention in this letter, but I know I'm a better person because of it.  You've opened my eyes and my heart and have shown me what it means to be passionate in everything.  Every moment in life counts, and make the best of what you have.  You've shown me what it means to take something, run with it, and making it look awesome.  You are so talented, and most days you have no idea.  I have never been so confident in someone before.  In fact, most days, I'm more confident in you than I am with myself.

You've given us two beautiful children.  You three are my sole inspiration to just be a better person.  I'm so proud of you for the sacrifices you've made while I was a full time stay at home Mom with the Madore-ables.  Yeah, it was rough being on a single income, and one car, but the fact is, we've made it.  The sacrifices were totally worth it.  Today, we've worked hard and have saved our pennies and are actually searching for our future home.  Today, our girls are saying Grace at the table before each meal.  Some days (more so than others) our girls show compassion.  Today, our girls can identify most car makes and models on the highway, all because you care enough to share that knowledge with them.

Life has certainly been much more exciting and better since we've been together.  You are my one and only best friend.  Thank you for making me be a better person.  Thank you for helping me grow.  Thank you for helping me realize that life is worth living.  Thank you for not giving up on me.   I will continue to love you, and be there for you.  God has brought us through many adventures together, and I look forward to facing more of them with you.

I love you,

Love, me

Photo Dump

Another batch of photos from my cell phone!

(My phone is all clean now and ready to take new ones!)

Sarah very patiently waiting for Bapa to show up for Samantha's Birthday

Too hot for a picnic on the front lawn....the cool steps in the shade was a good alternative.

Playing at one of their favorite parks!

Samantha talking on the phone to Mamere on her Birthday

Just hanging out in Target...no big deal!



Sam Practicing On Her Own!

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Past Week That Made Me Smile:

1. The house hunt is on!  Jeremy and I have been looking online and eliminating certain towns and entertaining others.  Right now, just looking is like Pandora's box as we are locked into our lease until at least next Summer.  However, we're looking at the bright side, and if the houses that we're really interested in are still available that time, then it's meant to be!  We're just so fortunate to have stable jobs that allow us to earn an income so we can save money.
2. This time next week, my Grandmother from Florida will be here to visit for a few weeks.  We haven't seen her since Sarah was just 6 months old!  So, the Madore-ables are really excited to see "Nanny-O".
3. It may be only July, but I've been brainstorming for my fundraising ideas for my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  The walk may be in 10 months, but there's no time like the present to start booking events!
4. Samantha and Sarah are really enjoying "playing" school.  We purchased a whole bunch of school workbooks at Target recently, and the girls are just pouring through them.  Samantha told me earlier in the week that she wanted to work on more challenging math pages.  I'm so proud that they like a challenge.
5. Samantha and Sarah are now old enough to sit down and watch an occasional full length.  Their newest LOVE of movie?  Toy Story :)

It's a Picnic!

Over the weekend, my company held their annual Summer employee appreciation picnic.  It was our first time attending and certainly not our last.  Since then, the Madore-ables won't stop talking about it!

There was plenty of entertainment for everyone of all ages.  The Madore-ables LOVED the inflatable slide.  Jeremy and I thought the bumper boats were a lot of fun PLUS the food was amazing!

The girls had a lot of "firsts":  they rode ponies by themselves and LOVED it.  They also were able to pat a skunk named "Alfalfa".



Photo Dump

This is just a collection of pictures taken with my cell phone.

Daddy and the girls watching the "Banana Video" before bed



Being Silly with Sock Puppets

A Super Packed Car Ready To Go Camping in Weld, Maine!

On the Maine Turnpike Heading to Camping...

On the Maine Turnpike And Snoozing Away!

This Ear Of Corn Was As Long As Sarah's Face...and She Ate It ALL Too!

Waiting For Samantha's Pediatrician To Come In

We Started to Feed One Duck, And Ten Seconds Later They ALL Came Over!

Just Checking In!

Hello everybody!  Just checking in.

Samantha and Sarah here.  Mommy doesn't know it but we've hijacked her blog.

We're really having a great Summer! 

Full of playdates with friends.  Trips to the playgrounds in the area.  Swimming in our pool pretty much everyday.  Littering up our driveway with sidewalk chalk.    Riding bikes and rollerblading in the driveway and (our dead end) street.

I am LOVING swimming in our pool.  Mommy puts swimmies on my arms, and I'm off before she can catch me.  I am more confident now than at the beginning of the Summer. I jump from the ladder now and show no fear..

My biggest accomplishment this Summer is now I am completely swimming by myself with no life jacket!  I've tried swimming under the water, but I'm still working on that part.  My arms and legs are getting stronger and stronger, and my Mommy says I'm a little fish in the pool!

Juice box BFF's

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Past Week That Made Me Smile

1. So I decided over the weekend that I need to really evaluate the things that I eat and drink.  So, I'm going on day 5 of drinking water and not soda.  I'm also going on day 6 of not eating junk food.  I woke up this morning for the first time not craving anything sweet.
2. Our photography business continues to do very well and we're busy booking events for not only this year, but for next too!  If you haven't yet, feel free to visit our website and our Facebook fan page and become a fan!
3. I really enjoyed watching Samantha at her doctor's appointment yesterday.  While she was doing her vision test, she sounded SO confident in her answers.  Then, while she was doing her hearing test, she was giggling at the size of the big headphones that were placed on her head, and just was laughing. 
4. It's so nice to be thought of.  Every time my Madore-ables go out for a walk, they think of me and pick some clover.  Every time they sit down and color a project at the table, they color something for me.  They're so thoughtful.
5. These last few days have been cool enough for opening windows.   Yesterday morning, I was able to smell coffee beans roasting and this morning I smelled the beach.  What a great way to wake up.

Samantha Visits The Pediatrician

Today Samantha visited her pediatrician for her 5 year appointment.  Sam had quite the busy appointment!  She started off with a vision test (which she's 30/20) and also a hearing test.  Her vision and hearing are perfect according to the Pedi.   Then she concluded the day with 2 vaccines.  She was a brave girl and listened to my iPod while the nurse got everything ready.  The nurse told her that she was so brave, that she didn't have to have any vaccinations until she was at least 10 or 11 years old!

So here are Sam's stats for today:

45.5" tall (97th percentile)
45.5 lbs (90th percentile) 
Excellent blood pressure of 92/60.



Just for something to compare to appointments in years past:


7/6/2010 (3 years) 41.25" tall 36.5 lbs.





7/7/2011 (4 years) 43.25" tall 40.5 lbs.

Oh the Cute Things Kids Will Say

Recently, Sarah put on her white doctor's gown and decided to give Mommy a check up.

(Here is the conversation that ensued)

 

Dr. Sarah - "Mommy! (pulling out the toy Fisher Price thermometer) the thermometer is not smiling! You are sick. You have to go to bed for (pause while counting on her fingers) 3 days!"

Me - "3 days? (sounding dramatic) but I have to take care of you and Samantha! I have to do laundry! I have to go to work! Who is going to take care of you while I'm in bed for 3 days?"

Dr. Sarah - "No Mommy. Who's going to take care of you? I'll pick up the muffies from work, that will make you feel all better and I'll hold your hand.   Oh wait! Look! (changes the toy thermometer) It's smiling! You're all better now Mommy!"
 
 

Rats...and I was looking forward to resting for those 3 days ; )

Consign-mint

This past February, I was introduced to the $10 Bag Sale over at the local consignment shop here in my town.  I found out then that they have this sale two times a year.  It doesn't take much to make me happy folks.

I say I did pretty well.



The Madore-ables can wear a lot of the clothing this year, and even next year.

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Past Week That Made Me Smile:

1. This past week, the consignment shop that I usually shop at for the girls had their Summer "$10 fill a bag sale".  Let's just say, I went a little crazy and came home with 2 bags and a bicycle helmet for Sarah all for $30.00.  WOO HOO!
2. I've really been enjoying the Summer with the Madore-ables.  It's nice to wake up in the morning, hang out in the house for a little bit, and the hardest decision of the day is which playground to go to?  Or, which towel to carry downstairs to the pool?
3. So many exciting things coming up for our photography business at Captured in Moments.  Check out our website or "like" us on Facebook and receive all of our updates!
4. Working in the retail/customer service world can be difficult sometimes, but every once in awhile a customer comes along and says something that just blows me away:  "You are a wonderful reminder of just how wonderful and how kind the human race can be.  Thank you for what you do.  You make the customer service world so much better".
5. Last night was an unusually long night at work, so I was very anxious and happy to finally get home after a long shift.  When I got home, I went to go check in on the Madore-ables who were snoozing away.  When I pulled Samantha's blankets up around her, she opened her eyes and smiled and whispered, "Mommy you're home!"  And of course, she followed up with a big Samantha bear hug.  I tell you, that was the highlight of the night.

A 2nd Summer Time Math Equation

After yesterday's math problem, I thought I would try to challenge you on another one.

What happens when you add one slide:

and 1 cool swimming pool during a hot day

You get this!

A Summer Time Math Equation

I love Summertime math problems.

For example...

If you take 1 graham cracker...

...and add some chocolate...

You end up with this:



Let's go with another challenge

If you add 1 marshmallow

And you get this...

And at the end of the equation, you get...

Messy faces...

Sticky hands...

and no sounds but the sound of munching of graham crackers.

Samantha's Birthday - Part 2

This past weekend, we held Samantha's 5th Birthday party with her friends and family.  Sam was so excited to have her Godfather, Andre come down for an unexpected visit.  Plus, she loved the fact that she had two of her very good friends from her class there too.  Mommy and Daddy loved the fact that there was beautiful Summer weather and great company to spend the day with!

Sarah was happy that she could hang out with her friends and Samantha's friends too!



Sarah splashing around with her friend Shannon

The cake

The GORGEOUS (and very yummy too I may add) cake made by Nicole. 
Samantha was in awe.

Blowing out the candles

Samantha and her friend Kae

Samantha received some really fun Birthday cards this year...

Sam's BFF's from her preschool class : )

After everyone went home, Samantha wanted to use her new roller blades.

Happy Birthday to our beautiful 5 year old girl :  )