Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

So if you don't know by now, or couldn't tell from my Facebook status messages, the Madore-ables are going through a phase that I would give my right arm to skip over. It is called the "Terrible 2's" and the "Terrible 3's", perhaps you've heard of them? I have also been informed that this is only the beginning. Oh dear.

It's a comfort to know that I am not the only full time, stay at home Mom who is going through this. There are many days where I feel like this:

And there are many days where I get to the end of the day and I realize, "Wow, what a great day!" And I stop and think, "I wish there were more of these!"

Over the weekend, I was trying to get us ready for church and the Madore-ables just weren't cooperating for me at all. Every time I'd put something into the diaper bag, they'd pull it out, or I'd be ready to put on their shoes and their coats and they decided that now would be the perfect time to play a game of "Run away from Mommy". Or better yet, Sarah would decide that moment would be the perfect time to uhh, well build some projects in her diaper. I just remember standing there half laughing and half thinking "I'm going out of my mind". So I decided to start some conversation with Samantha to see if that would help get her mind back on track and focus on what I needed her to do. And if Samantha was putting her shoes on, then Sarah would do the same.

"Samantha, have you seen Mommy's mind? I seem to have lost it"

And Samantha of course, without missing a beat,

"Your mind is in the basement Mommy. I can't get it for you now, but maybe after church".

Oh...that's not all.

A minute passes by and Samantha says,

"Mommy, I FOUND IT!"

"Found what Sam?" (I actually forgot what we were talking about)

"I found your mind Mommy!" And she proceeds to come over to me with this imaginary "mind" in her hand and and asks me to skooch down so she can tap this imaginary "mind" onto the top of my head. The whole time I'm laughing, and before I can say anything to her, she responds with:

"You're welcome Mommy!"

So, it may not always be Camp Sunshine here at the Madore-able compound during the day, sometimes it's Camp Partly Cloudy. I can always guarantee that my Madore-ables will keep me laughing and entertained. You have to go through the rain to get to the rainbows. I just need to remember to be consistent when discipline needs to be made and give surprises and treats only when they are truly deserved. Being Mommy is the best job I have ever had here at Camp Sunshine. I try to look at each day as a learning experience. It just makes me feel good to know that I am not alone.

A Playdate In Boston

Saturday was quite an exciting day: not only for Jeremy and myself but for the Madore-ables. We set up quite a huge enormous gigantic copious monster play date not only for adults, but for the kids too.

Jeremy and I met up with our friends Jerome, Caroline and their daughter Jasmine. We haven't seen them in over a year, and thanks to Facebook we've been able to keep in touch. Unfortunately this play date was bittersweet. It was a great way to meet and catch up on the past year's events, but it also meant that this would be the last time we see them for a long time as they are moving to France very soon. We had a wonderful time with them and the girls of course loved having a new playmate.

For the adults, we decided to take a tour of the Sam Adams beery brewery. I'm not a beer drinker at all (and I'm sure I just lost a few readers after that last line) but the story behind how Jim Koch came to be was pretty fascinating. Plus, John the tour guide was very comical and kept the crowd well entertained. For the girls we went to the Boston Children's Museum.

We decided not to tell Samantha about what we were doing until the girls were dressed, but to no avail she heard Jeremy talking on the phone to Jerome planning the day's details. Samantha heard "Boston" and it was all done there. She was very giddy with excitement. What we didn't tell her was that we were going to drive to Alewife Station and then take the T into the city. Sam has been on the train before, but not since she was a year old. I don't think she remembers it...but she certainly keeps talking about her train ride on Saturday. Sam was so excited, I can't even begin to tell you. It really was very cute. She kept saying "thank you for the train ride" even after we got home.

We had a fantastic time and the only thing that disappointed us was that there just wasn't enough time to explore the entire Children's Museum. So, we'll just have to go back and visit again...I don't think Samantha or Sarah will seem to mind.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day:

Samantha couldn't stay still she was SO excited!

Sam thought the trains were really loud...so she blocked her ears.

This smile is only the beginning...

Sarah had a lot of fun exploring the T...

Sarah LOVED standing up on Mommy's lap. She's not quiet often, but you know her mind was racing with all of the sights and sounds that were happening.

"Daddy! We're going really fast!"

Sam could not stop smiling...this was just the T. We hadn't even gotten to the fun part yet.

I wish I knew what was going through her mind exactly.

The Sam Adams brewery tour and maybe a small sample ; )

Sarah at the Children's Museum. This was the "Bubble Room"

Samantha looking at the turtle display

Exploring with Daddy

Sarah was in awe of the displays

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Samantha and I cranking out some energy in the "Electrical/Power" area

Come on Sarah! Let's go explore the next floor!

We were just so happy that the girls had such a wonderful time...and happier that Samantha was saying "Thank you Mommy & Daddy" and "this is so much FUN!".

Thank you to Jerome and Caroline and Jasmine for making the trip down to Boston. It was wonderful to see you! Good luck as you move to France. We hope to see you very soon. Bon voyage! Au revoir!

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Made Me Smile This Past Week

1. Jeremy had this past Monday off so we got to spend a lot of time together. We just relaxed around the house and did a whole lot of nothing as a family. Oh wait, that's not true. We actually left the house for awhile and did some errands. It was nice to just not have any schedules.


2. The local library started Monday and Tuesday story time followed by a small craft. The Madore-ables absolutely loved it. This week's theme was books about snow men. Afterwards the girls colored pre-cut out snow men and added accessories: shoe laces for a scarf and buttons for, well...snow men have buttons :) Either way, the girls had a BLAST and we can't wait for next week. Plus, we've been taking out books to borrow and returning them. The girls have a great time putting the books on the conveyor belt and waving "bye bye" when we return them.


3. Working out has been going extremely well this week. I'm going on day 5 of working out and that includes waking up 1 hour earlier than the girls so I can get my Wii jog in. I've been trying hard to reach for a piece of fruit every time I want to snack. It's only been 5 days, but I seriously feel so much better and I have so much more energy. Endorphins are pretty awesome! I feel like a different person.


4. Molly, one of my best friends came down to visit on Tuesday. We weren't able to see each other before Christmas, so Molly brought Christmas to us. Molly brought a "few" gifts for the girls, but one of them has provided more entertainment in the last few days than ANY of their toys. The Madore-ables have had so much fun with this castle that I'm sure it will definitely be part of the blog eventually : )


5. Samantha received a few games for Christmas...so starting this past week after dinner we've had "Family Game Night". We can tell Sam has been enjoying it because first thing in the morning, she asks me if we can have "Game time like last night". Then after lunch, Sam asks when Daddy will be home so he can play a game with her.

A Madore-able New Year!

Jeremy was fortunate to have last Friday off from work, so we left our house after breakfast to head up to Orr's Island, Maine and spent New Years with my sister in law, Jessica and her fiancee at his home. We really enjoy going to visit for the company and for the lovely views of the ocean.

Our weekend started last Friday morning after breakfast. Jeremy and I packed us up and got into our car to head on our merry way. Well, I use "merry" very loosely. What should have been about a 1 hour 45 minute car trip turned into about a 3 hour ride complete with car sickness and lots of whining, and complaining. It was one of those car rides that Jeremy and I kept asking "Are we there yet?"

Luckily the weekend was a LOT more fun than the ride up on Friday. New Year's eve we played a fun little game called "Cranium" and had a glass or two wine. It was boys vs. girls...and I just have to point out that that girls won. WOO HOO!

New Years Day we had a very relaxing day, full of well...FUN! When you're on the island, it brings new meaning to the phrase "Island Time". No schedules. No time frame. Just fun. Watching the Madore-ables certainly reminds us to just to just relax.

While we were visiting, my brother in law, Christian and my sister in law Kate and their children came over for dinner. We had a great visit with them. We were able to see our little niece Clara who we haven't been able to see since the Fall when she was about 3 weeks old. Time flies when we don't see our sweet nieces and nephews. Now Clara is holding her head up and full of smiles.

Slumber Party At Nanny's

Last week Jeremy had to fly to Washington D.C for a business trip. So while Daddy was away, the Madore-ables and I played at Nanny's house! We had a pre-New Year's eve sleep over and went out in style...Madore-able style of course ; )

The Madore-ables Were All Packed And Ready To Go!

Sarah All Ready To Go To Nanny's

"Go Mommy! Go!"

Sarah Being Silly With Nanny

Time For Lunch!

Sarah Pouring Afternoon Tea

Time For Baking Cookies!



Sarah Stirring The Cookie Dough

Samantha Taking A Turn

Samantha Lining Up the Cookie Sheets


"Mommy! The Cookies Are Getting Flat!"

Sarah Starting To Get Sleepy...

Does that mean we're ready for bed?

No silly rabbits! It's a sleep over!

Time for movie time!

Time for the necessary refreshments!

Mmmmmmmmmmmm...yummy!

What movie was playing that evening?

Why Elmo's Bedtime of course

After the movie was over, the Madore-ables went right to sleep.

Playing, tea parties, baking and watching movies is really hard work!

So you might be asking, what did Nanny and I do after the Madore-ables went to sleep?

Well, we had our own "tea party".

"Tea Party" = Kahlua Sombreros

We didn't have a movie marathon, but instead....

Game started at 8:00pm

Game finished at 11:52pm

Dear Sarah (25 Month Update)

Dear Sarah,

Today you are 25 months old and are acting like you are so much older on some days. You have accomplished so much and continue to amaze both Daddy, myself and everyone around you.

In the last month, you've really increased your vocabulary. You are really communicating very well these days and letting Mommy and Daddy know what you're looking for. Although, we're hoping you learn very soon what the word "wait" means. It doesn't mean "no" it just means "not right at this exact nano-second". I assure you, Daddy and I will get whatever it is you're looking for to you...it just may take about ten seconds or so. Daddy and I think that you're newest phase is very funny. You've brought "peek a boo" to a new level. Instead, now you're saying in the cutest, and the most quietest of voices, "Iiiiiii seeeeeeeeeee yoooooooooooou". I only wish that I had a way to record you, but it's really cute and funny.

I'm very sorry to say that you're finally sprouting your 2nd year molars in the last few weeks. We're a little surprised seeing you started sprouting your baby teeth at just 4 months old (that's you below at 4 months old in April 2009). It's helpful now that you're talking, you do try to let Mommy know that your teeth are hurting.

You've taken a liking to a lot of the things that your big sister is into these days. I just recently introduced you to baking recently. You were a huge help when it came to baking cookies for Christmas. I definitely have to keep ingredients for cookies inside the house when it gets too cold to go outside. You are having a great time playing with your Little People farm set. We need to work on sharing toys, but we know that will come in time.

We are also going on our third week of "project no nap". You've done a fantastic job and Mommy enjoys not being tied down to any sort of schedules. The local library has story times that we can go to and you've been doing a great job sitting down to listen. You're also doing a great job at saying "grace" at the table, and saying prayers before you go to bed. You're especially doing a great job while we're at church. It's very cute that you like to shake everyone's hand during the passing of the peace. It's also very cute that you yell out "A Bob" (Father Bob) whenever you see him during Mass. Although, Daddy and I wish that you would not choose the most quietest moments of Mass to pick fights with Samantha or with Mommy and Daddy if we need to take your Sippy Cup away or something.

Always know that Daddy and I love you so very much and we want everything for you that we couldn't or didn't have.

You make us proud, remember that.

Love Mommy & Daddy

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

This is what you look like now in January 2011

Dear Samantha (42 Month Update)

Dear Samantha,

Happy 1/2 birthday! It's hard to believe that just six months ago we were sitting in the sunshine and the heat celebrating your birthday at Nanny's house. We've had so much fun since then haven't we? Thinking of warm weather makes me want Spring to arrive soon!

So, we just celebrated your 4th Christmas and this year you were quite excited over the things that you received underneath the tree. Namely your slippers and your ice skates. Daddy and I are very excited to take you out for your first skating lesson. You've been practicing your skating quite nicely on the kitchen floor in your socks. In fact, I know Angelina Ballerina would be quite impressed with your pirouettes.

You received some other great Christmas gifts this year, such as the Brain Quest flash cards from Nanny. You've already gone through one stack. According to the box of cards, it's ages 4-5, but every time Mommy and Daddy show you the cards, you just fly right on through and answer the questions. It's great to see you actually think before you say the answer. Some of them you need help on, but really the majority you answer all by yourself.

You continue to be independent on many of your daily tasks. We love the fact that you enjoy helping Mommy and Daddy around the house by cleaning. I know you're not going to enjoy that in a few years, so Mommy is enjoying this time and hope it lasts a long time! Your Uncle Chris gave you a toy broom and mop set and you are just so considerate to clean my kitchen floor all the time. We also love the fact that when you wake in the morning, if Sarah is still sleeping, you sneak downstairs to play with your toys until Mommy and Sarah wake up. That's quite the treat for Mommy.

You're teaching a lot to Sarah these days not too mention that you're doing a great job being the big sister. I think you're responsible for a lot of Sarah's new vocabulary these days. I know she drives you crazy most days, but I say this all the time...it's ok to share your toys with your sister and it's ok to play by yourself. You don't always have to play together.

Thank you for continuing to entertain us; thank you for continuing to show us to be better parents and thank you for continuing to show us that it truly is the little things in life that are worth getting excited over like a pair of slippers underneath the Christmas tree.

I should also point out that it was this day 4 years ago that your Daddy and I realized that we were pregnant with you. I'll never forget the day when I went to my OBGYN's office to see what was going on with me. I was so exhausted and tired all the time...I thought I had mono. (Plus, I was never regular, so that came as no shock.) Expecting to hear that there's nothing wrong and just make sure you go to bed early, nope. Then that's when they told me that we were pregnant and they shoo'd me down to the ultrasound room seeing that I was 13 weeks along. The Ultra Sound tech told me that you were perfect and everything looked great!

We love you and always will love you. Love always, Mommy & Daddy

This is what you looked like 1 year ago in January 2010

Here's what you look like today in January 2011