Five Things Friday

Five Things That Happened This Past Week That Made Me Smile

1. I love my nighttime job, but I do enjoy having a random night off during the week once in awhile even more. Samantha was able to have a friend over yesterday, and while the girls played I was able to enjoy some actual adult conversation. The girls had such a great time playing together, and the mommies had a great time just talking.


2. As of this past Sunday, we now have our Christmas tree up with all of the ornaments and lights. Don't know if I have mentioned it, but I love this time of year!


3. Sarah's Birthday is this coming Sunday. Every morning for the last few days, Sarah has asked me an average of 3 times per day if today is her birthday or her birthday party. This past weekend we were fortunate to visit Jeremy's family up in Maine. My Mother-in-law coordinated a Birthday party/family get together for Sarah. She was so excited to have cake, and play pool (billiards) with her cousins. It really was a great day.


4. I've been taking a lot of pictures for the last week or so of the girls. I have so much new blog material to write about now for the next week. WOO HOO!


5. I filled up my gas tank yesterday. $3.11 per gallon. I'll say it again. Woo hoo!

Ten Pins

Earlier this past week, Samantha and I took a "Mommy and Me" date. We decided to head to a local bowling alley for some candlepin bowling. And what game of bowling isn't complete without bumpers? Samantha had never been bowling, and after her reaction it probably won't be her last either. She was very excited to wear the bowling shoes, and yet was a little put off that it was ok for us to wear shoes "inside the bowling house". (The rule in our house is that we don't allow shoes.)

It was nice to get out with Samantha and just be silly and goofy for a little while. We had a great time and when I asked if Samantha would like to come again, she said "Yeah! But, next time, let's bring Sarah and Daddy with us".

Samantha scored a 65!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day.

Thanksgiving 2011

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at our home with my Mother and Father and Brother. It was quite relaxing...even before the tryptophan settled into our blood stream.

This year, we ate turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash and turnip. Plus rolls and homemade cranberry sauce. Afterwards, we had homemade apple pie and a pumpkin spice log from Russo's bakery. (Let me just say that anything from Russo's bakery is just plain yummy).

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day:

The Madore-ables got their aprons on and were anxious to help!

While the turkey cooked in the oven, Daddy played Angry Birds with Sarah

The Madore-ables were very entertained by the squirrels that were running around in the front yard.

In fact, they were laughing!

Oh The Cute Things Kids Will Say

On our way home from Maine this past weekend, we were traveling on Route 95 when we came upon one of the many toll booths.

"I love toll booths!" exclaimed Samantha.

Jeremy and I smiled, knowing that although they are necessary, toll booths just take money from our wallets.

"They would be even better if we didn't have to pay money" Jeremy said out loud.

A moment of silence, then Samantha says,

"But Daddy, the toll booth people give you money."

(We only realized afterwards that Samantha doesn't understand the concept of giving change. All Samantha saw was the toll booth attendant giving our change back, not realizing that in order to get change back we have to give money first).

Oh The Funny Things Kids Will Say

Over the weekend Sarah and I were having a conversation. Sarah is always telling me, "Mommy? I love you". So, I thought I would take the opportunity to let her know that I felt the same.

So I did.

Afterwards I also added, "Elephant shoes!"

Sarah looked at me as if to say, "Mommy, what are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?" Then she giggled.

Then I said, "Olive juice"

This time Sarah didn't laugh, but made a "eww" face at the word olive. Then she followed up with,

"No thank you Mommy. Apple juice is my favorite!"

Tots And Chicken Nuggets 2011

This past Monday, Samantha's pre-school class put together a "Thanksgiving Potlatch" feast. It consisted of several yummy goodies: stuffing, popcorn, corn muffins, cranberry sauce, and chicken nuggets.

Samantha's class compiled a list of what they were grateful for:

And once the meal started, the class transformed from their birth names, to their Native American names. Samantha was "Princess Shooting Star". She completed her wardrobe with pasta and Fruit Loops (a.k.a Wampum) necklaces plus feathered headdresses and vests.

Five Things Friday

Five Things That Made Me Smile This Past Week

1. Samantha had a Thanksgiving "feast" at school earlier in the week. (I have "feast" in quotes because they served chicken nuggets which just makes me laugh. I'm sure the pilgrims had plenty of chicken nuggets and ketchup for their young ones). For the last two weeks, Samantha and her classmates have been feverishly working very hard on hand made crafts. I will be sure to blog about it very soon! It's too cute not to share.


2. I am very happy and greatful that my cold has finally moved on. Not having a voice for 3 days wasn't fun...especially while I was at work. I'm just hoping and praying that it doesn't move on to my roomates.


3. Last weekend we booked two weddings for Fall of 2012, and we also received a lot of positive feedback from the wedding Jeremy and I photographed in October. Lots of great things happening for our photography business. We're so excited!


4. The best thing about hosting Thanksgiving dinner? Two words: left overs.


5. My girls have really taken on a huge liking to the game of Memory. Jeremy in fact, has uploaded a full sized game onto our iPad. Samantha sat down yesterday and completed about 15-20 matches in about 2 minutes. (The game can be set to the clock, or you can play against friends). Both Madore-ables don't understand the being timed concept, but the fact that Samantha completed a game in just over 2 minutes just amazes me. My girls are so smart and I can't believe that I'm somewhat responsible for that. I've never been proud of anything more than our crazy two girls.