Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Past Week

1. The first week back to school and "every day" normal life after a week of vacation was successful.
2. Jeremy and his oldest brother are working on a project together for our studio.  We're really excited to see the outcome.  He'll be coming down to visit on Monday and to spend the day making our studio look AMAZING for our clients.   So excited!
3. "Goober" our family pet, has been with us for over 3 weeks now.  He comes right up to the cage when I talk softly to him.  He's getting used to us, and hopefully soon we can take him out of the cage.   We're trying to get him used to a schedule.  Removing the blanket just before Samantha leaves for school.  Feeding him and checking his food and water soon afterwards.  Eventually, we'll get there!  It's just hard to train a bird when you have two very excited children around ;)  Ha ha.
4. I've been full time stay at home Mom, photographer, house keeper, family administrator, domestic CEO for over 6 months now.  I've really enjoyed being home, working with Jeremy and helping him with the photography business and making it bigger and better.   While most Mom's complain about being a taxicab service, I love being the drop off and the pick up.  I'm able to go on playdates with the girls and spend time with other adults.  Don't get me wrong, it's not always "Camp Sunshine" here at casa de Madore.  There are days where the girls tempers are out of control, or they're fighting over something absolutely RIDICULOUS, or Mommy and Daddy are having a bad day, but overall, we're home.  We're watching the girls milestones.  We're watching them grow.  Life is hard some days, but other days, it's just amazing.
5. I'm just amazed by the Madore-ables lately.  Both girls love music and have my ability to "name that tune".   They are too funny.

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Past Week

1. We are recovering from  a few days of overnight FUN up in North Conway with our friends Jimmy and Kerry.   Kerry's parents own a home up there and we were fortunate to spend some time up there for a few days and nights.  SO much snow to play with during the daytime which meant for a quiet bedtime ;)  I will blog about our fun experience on Monday!
2. On our drive home from North Conway, we did a little bit of sightseeing and just had a relaxing drive home.  The girls napped.  We listened to music.  We stopped to look at the sights.
3. Samantha and Sarah accomplished a new milestone:  showers instead of baths.  I've never heard so much giggling!
4. This weekend we have two 40 degree days...the icicles are nonexistent and the snow is melting.
5. Photography continues to stay busy!  Really looking forward to gearing up for a new season!

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Past Week

1. So our new "roommate" that I mentioned last week?   Well, "he" is all settled in, and already making plenty of noise.  In other words, already fitting in with our girls ;)
2. Today has been a fantastic Birthday.  Last weekend, my Mom took the Madore-ables overnight Jeremy and I were able to photograph a wedding in Killington, Vermont.  We had a wonderful time.   Not only last weekend, but tonight, my Mom is taking the Madore-ables overnight again.  Jeremy and I will be making some homemade Chinese food recipes that we found on Pinterest.   I'm totally in love with Chinese food.
3. We are definitely having a crazy Winter this year.   We have had 2 storms this past week, and another one forecasted for Tuesday!  Looks like lots of outdoor playtime.
4. Our photography business continues to get busy!  Since the middle of January, we've been non-stop scheduling client meetings with brides and grooms.  We're so blessed to get the opportunity to do what we do.
5. The Madore-ables are officially on school vacation!   We have so many fun things planned this coming week:  skating, a few days away in North Conway, more skating and I'm sure more shenannigans!

Meet our new roomate, Goober!  He's a Sun Conure which means "Very beautiful coloring, but extremely loud squawker"

Five Things Friday!

It's been a LONG time since I've written a Five Things Friday.  Five Things Friday is my time at the end of the week to pause and think of 5 things that I am most greatful, excited, happy about that happened in the last week.

1. It's hard to believe, but we are filling out the paperwork for Sarah to be registered for Kindergarten this Fall!  I don't know where the last 5 years have gone, but it's crazy to think she will be going to school 5 days a week.  Sarah will also be going to the same school as Samantha, so they can take the bus together!
2. Really looking forward to this coming weekend.  Jeremy and I will be driving up to Killington, Vermont to photograph a wedding and the Madore-ables will be having a sleepover with Nanny.   They've really been looking forward to it.  Jeremy and I don't get to go away just the two of us much these days, so thank you Mom for watching the girls :)
3. As a business owner, Jeremy and I are constantly thinking of ways to get the word out about our photography business.   We have met so many wonderful and amazing people in the last 7 years.  Now my newest project is I have joined a women's networking group.  Our first meeting was last night, and I'm really looking to the next one.  There's nothing like sharing business ideas and meeting new people!
4. We just recently had some new neighbors move in upstairs from us, and the Madore-ables are really excited because two younger girls live there!  We had the girls over for a playdate yesterday and they had a great time.
5. We just received confirmation today that we will be having a new roomate in the Madore household very soon!!   Stay tuned for more details.

Five Things Friday

Five (or more) Things That Happened This Past Month That Made Me Smile:

1. We are FINALLY over our sicknesses.  We've been passing around colds, and flu and horrible coughs in the house pretty much all season long.  I am happy to say that we're finally over being sick.
2. We recently had two house guests for the weekend:  Polka Duck and Violet from Samantha's classroom.  They were excellent guests and very polite.  Samantha talked about bringing them home every weekend since school started way back in September.  Well, seeing Samantha's reaction to her bringing them home was totally worth the wait.  We kept both ducks very busy all weekend from playing card games, to driving to Sandwich, Massachusetts for a baby shower.  We really had a great time!
3. Jeremy and I are happy to announce that we're moving and have found a new apartment.  We're just one town over from where we are now, which makes me closer to work.  The sad news is that the girls will be switching schools, but from what we've been told by friends and school administration, the school is an excellent school.  We won't be moving until mid-April.
4. Jeremy was able to snag some GREAT deals on furniture on Craigs List.
5. Both Madore-ables are doing so well in school.  It's amazing to see Samantha's progress in her handwriting and Sarah's progress in writing her name and coloring inside the lines.  Watching our girls grow up and seeing their excitement for what they have accomplished really puts a huge smile on my heart.

Five Things Friday

Five (or so things) that have happened sometime this month that have made me smile:

1. Samantha has earned at least 2 "stars of the day" during the month of January.  It's so nice to see her so proud of doing something kind in her classroom.
2. Samantha has also been bringing home little notes from her teacher saying that she's showing great examples of empathy, respect and kindness towards her classmates.
3. Captured in Moments photography continues to do very well.  We're excited to announce that we have booked 12 weddings for the 2013 year.  Jere and I will be working with some fantastic couples, and we're just excited to be a part of their special day.
4. Jeremy and I have finally joined the 21st century technology world.  We're proud owners of smartphones!
5. My Catering Coordinator job positiion is going well.  They're keeping me very busy these days.  Currently our store is undergoing some much needed construction.  Once everything is done, I'm sure it's going to look fantastic.  The construction is going to take about 3-4 weeks, but once it's completed, everything is going to be much easier and more streamlined.
6. Jeremy and I are adding a new feature to Captured in Moments:  a photo booth!  We've done them for previous clients and have realized that it's becoming a very popular trend, not too mention it's TONS of fun.

Five Things Friday

Things have been very busy here at Camp Madore-able.  So busy in fact that it's been hard to sit down and post blog posts on the daily comings and goings of the Madore-ables.  So, here is a recap of what's going on with the 4 of us.

1. Jeremy is now self-employed.  He has resigned from his Marketing Manager position that he's held for almost 5 years now and will be going full tilt with our Captured in Moments Photography business.  Already, 2013 is looking mighty busy for weddings, so we're really excited!  Jeremy begins his first day as a full time photographer today and already he's busy busy with Networking meetings and setting up photoshoots.  So, if you are in need of a photographer, whether it be for weddings, engagement portraits, head shots for marketing material for your business, maternity and family portraits, give us a call!
2. As a result of Jeremy's new schedule, I will no longer be just a sales associate at Panera Bread, and instead have been offered the Catering Coordinator position just for my store.  I'm really excited about the opportunity, and this allows me several advantages:  (1)  I don't have to work nights anymore (2) I can work just mornings and be home by 2pm.  (3)  I can actually have a hot dinner with my family.  (4)  I can put the Madore-ables to bed.  I'm nervous with the new position, but really excited about the timing and everything going on now.
3. We just came back from a roadtrip to visit Jeremy's brother and his wife out in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  The Madore-ables did an EXCELLENT job during the cumulative 24 hour trip.  Seriously, God has certainly blessed us.  I've heard nightmare stories, but great music, and games and ideas from Pinterest really saved us.
4. Jeremy and I started our Christmas shopping early this year.  Even though we bought just a few things for some people, I feel that much ahead of the game.  Usually we wait until last minute, but I do have to say that our planning has gotten much better over the last few years.
5. I'm just blown away by Samantha's knowledge with things. For example, lately, she's been observing addition and subtraction. She told me the other day "Mommy, 1 plus 1 is the same as 2 minus 1". Sam just sat there looking at me and said this without hesitation, and her voice full of confidence.
6. Sarah is equally the same way as her big sister: especially with music and prayers from church. I'm amazed at how she memorizes songs and lyrics. It's really cute to hear Sarah in the back seat of the car singing John Lennon's "Watching the Wheels" or even reciting the Nicene Creed from church. (I kid you not).
7. Jeremy entered himself into a video contest, and we found out today that we won first place!  Completely unexpected, and very excited!  Here is the video that won us our 1st place trophy:

Five Things Friday

Five (or so) Things That Have Happened In the Past Month That Have Made Me Smile:

1. I was able to go with Sarah and her preschool class to Ingaldsby Farm for pumpkin picking.  Sarah had a great time!  Unfortunately, there was a frost the night before we went, so all the produce and crops weren't very green and lush.  Luckily, the pumpkins were still perfect though to take home.
2. Samantha had her school pictures taken.  I can't wait to see them!
3. I met with Samantha's teacher for a conference.  I was informed by Sam's teacher that Sam is doing EXCELLENT in school.  Her handwriting has improved.  When asked to write down words, or try to  put sentences together, Samantha was one of the few students who took a minute to think before she put her pencil to her paper and wrote.  Now granted, some of the words written weren't the correct spelling, but Samantha's teacher was very impressed with the fact that Samantha would sound out the word a few times and then write.  I'm anxious to see how her progress continues, and how her next assessment will go in February.
4. Halloween for the second year in a row has been postponed due to crazy New England weather.  Last year, it was a snow storm.  This year, Hurricane Sandy.  So, not to fear!  Jeremy still dressed up the girls and took them to the nearest Mall that ran a trick or treating program from 5p-7p.  The girls received a TON of treats from all the store vendors.
5. I usually have Tuesday and Sunday nights off from work.  So I can always count on putting the Madore-ables to bed on those nights.  Very rarely do I get to put the girls to bed by myself.  After dinner, the girls colored for awhile, and then we did bath night, then into bed.  We were able to read several books.  We barely got the 3rd book out to read and the yawns started happening.  Prayers were said.  Hugs and kisses and "I love you's" were given and I never heard a peep afterwards.  It was such a relaxing night.

Five Things Friday

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

1. Samantha surprised me several times this past week at school.  We have gotten to the point where she's ok with me just walking her to the edge of the playground in the morning.  Most mornings, we meet several of her friends along the way while we walk.  At first, I was sad that all she would do is say goodbye and just take off, but then I realized that she was so confident in heading to the playground with her friends.  I only wish I could have been that confident at Sam's age.
2. Sarah is really enjoying school as well.  She only goes two days a week, but on those school day mornings, Sarah wakes up with a jump and with an excitement in her voice.  It's a great way to start the day.
3. Our photography business has certainly been keeping us busy.  Each time we turn around, we have a client emailing us to inquire about meeting with us.  We were once told, "If you find something to be passionate about, you'll never work another day in your life".  Jeremy and I really enjoy what we do, and we're so blessed to receive the wonderful and kind words we receive from our clients.  It's so moving to be a part of someone's special day.
4. This past Tuesday night, I hosted a Pampered Chef party as a fundraiser for my Avon Walk for next May.  The party isn't closed yet, but so far, I've raised about $150.00 to go towards the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer!  I'm so excited to get the final total.
5. We will be traveling to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving to visit my brother in law and sister in law.  The girls know that now we're in October, we just have about a month to go before we make the trip out west.  I told the girls that we should start a countdown.  It's been awhile since we've traveled long distance with the girls, so we're really excited!

Five Things Friday

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

1. I'm really getting excited for my Pampered Chef Party fundraiser next week.  Seeing we're doing a cooking show, I just putting the finishing touches on our menu, but other than that it looks like it's going to be a great show.
2. This past Tuesday, Sarah's Preschool class went apple picking.  We had such a great time.  Sarah just absolutely loves her class and her teachers, and the fact that I got to see her interact with her school friends was just adorable.
3. I'm a little sad that Summer is ending, but I went ahead and rotated the Madore-ables clothing from sleeveless, 90 degree hot day outfits to long sleeved t-shirts and pants.  I'm not quite ready to get the sweaters out just yet, but I know that day is coming soon!
4. Jeremy attended a Chamber of Commerce Event in Lowell yesterday and ran a head shots photobooth.  The response he received was quite positive, so we're really excited about the opportunities we receive as a result of attending these events.
5. I'm just amazed at Samantha's knack for her drawing abilities and Sarah's knack for memorizing things.  Already at 3 1/2 years old, Sarah is memorizing prayers/responses that we say at Mass on Sundays and also memorizing music.  So proud of our girls.

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Made Me Smile This Past Week:

1. Jeremy and I took the Madore-ables to their first movie theater experience on Sunday:  Finding Nemo in 3D.  Sarah kept turning around and saying, "Daddy, this is AWESOME!".  We had such a great time, and because it was 3D, the girls loved the 3D glasses.
2. Sarah only has school two days a week.  On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I will go into the girls room to get them up about 6:45 to and ready for school and I find that Sarah is already sitting up with a cute little smile on her face.  "Mommy?  Is today a schoooool day?"   You can just hear and see the excitement in her voice and see it on her face.  Picking up Sarah at school is the same thing.  The parents have to wait in line to pick up their child.  One parent at a time, that way there's no chaos and children running around.  It's very organized.  Also, if the teacher has to talk to the parent or vice versa, there's some time to do that too.  I love waiting in line for Sarah and just seeing her sweet little smile.  It's as much fun dropping off as it is picking up!  We're so happy that Sarah loves school so much.  I think the only thing she's disappointed with is the fact she only goes 2 days a week!  Ha ha.
3. After I dropped off Sarah at school yesterday, I went on a 3.2 mile walk yesterday.  Gearing up for another year of Avon!
4. Monday, Samantha didn't have school due to Rosh Hashana.  Thank goodness for Pinterest.  I was able to find a "Fun Mud" recipe.  The girls absolutely LOVED it.
5. Jeremy and I get to photograph together tonight for Will & Kristen's wedding.  Not only do I get to meet some amazing people and witness an amazing event, but I get to spend some time with the hubs :)

Five Things Friday

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

1. Sarah started preschool earlier this week.  She absolutely LOVES it.  She had no problem when Jeremy and I left the classroom.  When I picked her up, she was all smiles.  In fact, 3:00am the following morning, she woke up to ask me if she could go to school that day.  So, yeah, I'd say she's pretty happy there.  Sarah is also very excited to go on her first field trip in a few weeks to go apple picking.
2. We're only on day 6 of being back in "back to school mode", but already we're on a great routine.  I wake up a few minutes early to get something to eat and then get the girls up and running.  I can honestly say that I've woken up all this week without a cup of coffee.  (Yes, folks.  It really can be done).  I really enjoy walking Samantha over to school in the morning.  So far, she's had one homework assignment and we turned it in a day early.  I'm hoping this getting stuff done continues.  I LOVE IT!
3. I'm trying my hardest to not procrastinate.  I'm keeping to my "to do" list.  I'm finding some great ideas on Pinterest on how to stay organized.
4. Samantha started a youth soccer program earlier last week.  She has several friends from her pre-school class from last year on her team.  So I guess it's safe to say that I'm a soccer Mom now!  Minus the mini-van.
5. The house process is still continuing to go very well.  Jeremy and I found out yesterday that we are pre-approved.  So this time next year, we hope to be home owners!  Now we're really putting our noses to the grindstone and just saving saving saving.

Five Things Friday

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

What a week it has been!!

1. Samantha began Kindergarten yesterday!  That's right.  Jeremy and I are the proud parents of a Kindergartner.  We've been talking about this for months now, and the day finally came.  Samantha did an amazing job, and I must say that I'm pretty proud of myself too for not bawling my eyes out in front of Sam.  Sam is already in love with going to school.  Each day she's come home, she confirms whether or not she's going the following day.  I'm so happy that she's motivated and excited to go to school.  I will definitely post on Samantha's first day complete with pictures.
2. While Sam has begun Kindergarten, Sarah attended her Pre-School orientation yesterday as well.  She is so excited and has been saying "It's finally Fall!  I can go to school just like Sammy!".  I had to laugh when we pulled into the parking lot and Sarah asked where all of Samantha's preschool classmates were.  I had to explain to Sarah that Sam's classmates were all in Kindergarten and no longer at preschool.  She didn't seem to like that idea.  Sarah's official first day will be next Tuesday.
3. Our photography has been so busy this past week.  Jeremy and I shot a wedding together on Sunday, then a photo shoot on Thursday night.  This weekend, Jeremy is photographing at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum for a wedding, and then will be traveling out to Alpine, New York for tomorrow night.  Plus, we just booked another 2012 AND another 2013 wedding.
4. Tomorrow is Samantha's first day of youth soccer.  Her team name is "Moose" which we find hysterical.  Sam is so excited to play with several of her friends from last year's preschool class.  I'm just psyched that I was able to pay only $8.00 for her entire uniform.
5. Samantha informed me today, "Mommy?  I'm glad I was born".  Completely random.  Competely just stole my heart.

Five Things Friday

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

1. We're winding down to our last full week of Summer vacation.  I can't believe how quickly the Summer went by.  Although, it seems like forever ago since we attended Samantha's final preschool performance.  We certainly had a wonderful Summer.  We began it by going camping, then celebrating Samantha's birthday, followed by many days of play dates at the playground, play dates at friend's houses, swimming in the pool, and trips to the beach.  We had a great Summer and are very fortunate to have been able to celebrate it with so many wonderful people.
2. This past week has been pretty busy for our photography business.  Last weekend we photographed a senior portrait session and this weekend we have another senior portrait session scheduled and a wedding scheduled as well.  The weather is looking great too for the weekend, so hopefully no surprise rain clouds come our way. 
3. Both Samantha and Sarah have been practicing their letters and playing "school" during the week.  Samantha has been writing little notes to her teacher saying how excited she is to start school, so we have these little scrap pieces of paper all over the place.  It's sweet though to come down to my pillow after work and find a little note from Sam that says, "I love you Mommy".  It never gets old to see them.  Samantha is also sounding out more and more words and making a big effort to read signs.
4. This past week I went to pick up Samantha's clothing for soccer.  I was able to pick up next to new cleats, brand new socks, brand new shin pads and shorts for $8.00 at my favorite consignment shop down the street!  I just need to find a team shirt, but one of the Mom's of the girls on the team said she has an extra one that she's willing to let Samantha borrow.  Sooo excited!
5. It doesn't happen too often, but I love it when Netflix makes a "mistake".  I recently added Finding Nemo to our queue list and received an email saying that Netflix received our last video we mailed and would be sending out the next on the list.  Well, I completely forgot about Nemo and just accepted what was being sent our way.  So, we received what I thought was next on the list, and then received another email from Netflix saying that they didn't have Nemo at the time but they were going to send it to me.  I love it when Netflix mails out 2 movies at once when we're only paying for 1! 

Five Things Friday

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

1.  Just when I thought Samantha didn't listen to me.  When Jeremy and I photograph a wedding, I usually show Samantha some of the wedding photos that we took.  If she has questions about the photo, then I'll explain to her.  Fast forward to yesterday afternoon.  Samantha was playing with her Little People figurines and pretending they were in a wedding.  She was making all sorts of sweet comments but she said one that just stood out in my mind.                        

[Talking to her Little People] "Daddy has to walk me down the aisle. [a few seconds later] No you go ahead sweetie. You have someone special waiting for you at the end of the aisle".   

2.  I took the Madore-ables grocery shopping recently.  The girls absolutely LOVE grocery shopping. I absolute love it myself.  The girls (for the most part) are very well behaved and we play a lot of games while walking about the store.  Sarah will help me find the items, and Samantha will sound out the items on the grocery list.  So while we were on our recent trip to the store, I noticed that there were some soft lunch boxes being sold in a display case to which I brought attention to to Samantha.  I showed her all of her options, and she made her choice.  A little while later, a store manager had actually moved the display and we discovered that there were more soft lunch boxes underneath.  Sam and I discovered a purple soft lunch box with glitter and butterflies.  I thought for SURE that Samantha would go for that one.  When I gave her the choice between the purple glittery butterfly and the one she chose before, she decided to stick with her first choice.  Sam then told me why she decided to stick with her first choice.  "I do love the purple one with the glitter and the butterfly, but this one [Sam's first choice] has pockets, and you can do a lot with pockets Mommy.  Besides, some other little girl who really loves purple or butterflies can choose that one".

3.  The house hunting continues to go very well.  I love receiving the daily updates from our realtor every morning with new homes for sale, or price changes.  I get very itchy every morning just thinking about owning our home.  We've been looking forward to owning for a long time now.  So please keep us in your prayers as we both know that this is a long process.

4.  I absolutely love listening to Sam and Sarah sing in the backseat of the car.  I also love listening to them say their nightly prayers before bedtime and each meal time.  It amazes me that their brains can hold all of those song lyrics and information!

5.  We have been very fortunate this year for our photography business.  We're going to be really busy in the next coming weeks.  We photographed a maternity/family portrait session.  This weekend we have a High School senior portrait shoot.  In the next six weeks, we have 5 weddings to photograph.  So excited!  If you know someone who may be interested in booking a senior portrait or a family portrait session, contact me.  Sessions are FREE, you only pay for the prints that you want.  Email me at photos [at] capturedinmoments [dot] com to schedule your session.

Five Things Friday

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

1. My sister in law, and my brother in law FINALLY had their baby early this morning!  Our nephew/cousin Matthew was born just about 3am this morning.  Hooray!!
2. I'm looking forward to everyone coming over this weekend for our family cookout.  My Mom's cousin is home visiting from Italy; my Grandmother is up visiting from Florida.  It should be a great time.
3. I thought we would have to wait until Monday, but we found out Samantha's Kindergarten teacher today, and also found out that there are 2 children from Sam's preschool class from last year that will also be in her K class.  We're so excited!
4. Jeremy and I have been having fun looking at homes online.  It's a good feeling to know that we can afford one now, and there are SO many options available to us.  It's so hard to be patient!
5. This coming weekend, Jeremy and I are photographing a maternity shoot and a family portrait shoot.  The weather is supposed to be really nice.  We're really looking forward to it!

Five Things Friday

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

1. I received my yearly review at work and received very positive comments and feedback and a nice raise to go along with it.  With house hunting and figuring out if we're going to send the girls to private school that's going to come in handy.  It's so rewarding and refreshing knowing that my hard work is actually going somewhere.
2. Jeremy and I don't get a whole lot of time to spend together much since I've been back to work.  Sure, having that extra income on my end helps quite a bit now, but it also means that I'm not home at nighttime until after the girls go to bed.  So tomorrow, my brother and his girlfriend are taking the girls for a few hours so that Jeremy and I can photograph a maternity shoot.  I know the Madore-ables are really really excited about it.
3. Samantha's swimming continues to advance.  She was really interested in the Olympics while they were on television.  She would ask in the morning if there was any swimming on.  Then, she would try the butterfly, or the overhand stroke.  Well, now she's also swimming under the water too.  Holy cow!
4. Sarah is loving her big girl bike.  She has turned our dead end street into a drag strip.  On the same breath, Samantha is really enjoying rollerblading with Daddy.
5. The girls are really enjoying Summer...oh heck.  I'm enjoying our Summer time too.  The swimming.  The freedom to worry about what we're doing for a playdate.  I don't know if we're ready for Fall yet.

Five Things Friday

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

1. My Grandmother from Florida is here to visit.  It may only be just a few weeks, but the Madore-ables are having a great time with her.
2. Our photography business continues to get busier and busier!  This Summer has been kind of quiet, but we'll more than make up for it in September.  Mostly every weekend is booked with weddings, in fact we have 2 weddings in 1 weekend!  We have definitely been blessed this year.
3. The girls have been enjoying watching the Olympics on television.  I was trying to explain to Samantha that there are different kinds of swimming.  There's the butterfly, the back stroke, and a relay race.  Well, in the middle of my talking, she clearly lost interest.  So when we took a swim in the pool that day, Samantha blurts out, "Mommy!  Look!" I'm doing the butterfly!"  And what do you know?  Samantha was doing a pretty good butterfly and she was listening to me.
4. I've been enjoying receiving our realtor's email every morning in my inbox with new houses.  It's so nice to know that there are SO many options for us out there.  Now, we just have to be patient as we cannot actually start looking at the houses until after the New Year.
5. It looks like we're going to be taking a road trip this Thanksgiving to our brother in law and sister in law's house in Pittsburgh.  We haven't ironed out the details yet, but it's a strong consideration.

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 :)

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.