Lemonade Stand

This past weekend Jessica really wanted to have her own lemonade stand. She was so excited about the whole thing. I was a little hesitant. It was super hot out, we live on a street with absolutely no traffic and many neighbors weren't around. Who was going to buy anything?? But I wanted to support her lemonade enthusiasm so...She made her sign. We put together our lemonade supplies and set up shop at the foot of the driveway.

The night before she was so excited she said: "I have to figure out what I am going to wear for the lemonade stand...yellow, yellow, yellow...I need to look like a LEMON!!" So funny!! (By the way, she wore pink anyway.)

Scott and I bought some lemonade. I took a few pictures of the girls in action...waiting to sell lemonade. And that was pretty much it until.....the man who saved the day showed up....our mailman! He got out of the truck, bought a cup of lemonade (which Jess was selling for 5 cents) and gave her a quarter. She was so happy!

After he left, I decided to bring the girls in for a little bit to cool off. 10 minutes later the doorbell rang and it was....the mailman...wanting seconds!! We all scrambled out the door and I had to get a pic of our mailman with the girls. He was so kind to both of them.

The lemonade stand was a success!

Fourth of July 2010

Well, today is July 5th and we have had a pretty eventful 4th of July...to say the least.

Last night, Scott got sick, my mom got sick, the power went out, it was 100 degrees outside and all our smoke alarms went off at the same time. Never a dull moment.

We still were able to enjoy a nice BBQ at Grandmom and Pop Pop's house and today I took the girls to our town's 4th of July festivities (bounce houses, pony rides, sand art, games, food etc.) in order to help give those who were sick a peaceful house...at least for a little bit.

Happy Father's Day 2010

We had a wonderful Father's Day this year. The girls made a scrapbook album and a photo collage for Scott that he will have forever. We spent the day at the beach and just had a wonderful time together. I was supposed to make a yummy french toast breakfast but we wanted to hit the road early so he took a raincheck. He's awesome that way. He gives of himself all the time and he always gives his best and he never complains. I'm not really that way. :-) He always has a clear perspective on things. He is authentic, honest, committed and loyal and an incredible father to Jessica and Lauren. They can't wait for him to be off from work or for him to walk through the door at night. They love to cuddle with him and play with him. He is adored by them.

In many ways, my dad and my husband are different. However, there are some sweet similarities. My dad is patient, calm and is never quick to anger. So is Scott. My dad is honest, faithful, kind and is the rock I always knew I could lean on when I was growing up. So is Scott. He is completely committed to my mom and to his family. So is Scott. They also LOVE hockey but that is a minor point. :-)

I am so blessed to have these two men in my lives. I honor them today. I appreciate them and love them more than words can say.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Potty Training Lauren

Well today is Tuesday June 15th. It is Lauren's first day of potty training. I totally forget how to go about doing this. I was actually still trying to hold off on the whole thing until after my mom left. However, Lauren kept asking me to change her and sit her on the potty every time she peed...every time. She wanted to wear her Dora underwear too. It is the middle of the afternoon and she's gone in the potty a few times and had 2 accidents. I really hope I didn't start this too early with her.

I'm glad we can just be home today and tomorrow to get a good start on this whole thing. I get nervous taking them out the first time. I'm not a big fan of public accidents. Well lets hope all goes well.... :-)

Easter 2010

We had a wonderful Easter this year. The day before Easter we took the girls to the Easter Bunny train ride in Whippany. It was really hot on the train but the girls had fun taking a ride and seeing the bunny.

On Easter Sunday we did our Easter Basket hunt and then went to church and then to visit Grandmom, Pop Pop and Nana along with our cousins. The kids had such a great time together.

Spring Cookies & Spring Showers

It has been raining a lot around here lately and April isn't even here yet! We can't wait for the sun and some time at the playground or in the backyard. We've just been wearing a whole lot of rain gear. Like this...

Poor thing ~ she needs a little raincoat. Hopefully I can find a little Hello Kitty one to match her boots. Oh and she goes through the hat/glove basket and makes her own selections. Totally not worth messing with it. :-)

It is days like this that make me wish we could put our car in the garage. Lugging kids in and out of the car when it is pouring is not fun. But there are worse problems to have so we try to make the best of it and do some baking, reading, playing and spending time with friends and hopefully the sun will be shining soon.

We baked cookies this week. I'd like to say they were Easter cookies but aside from some bunny cookies cutters I had, they were more like Spring cookies - no cross, no eggs - just butterflies, tulips and a random cupcake. The girls had a lot of fun with making the dough and tasting it, cutting the cookies and tasting them, making the frosting and tasting it and decorating the cookies and tasting the decorations. Do you see a trend here? It was really nice that Lauren could really participate too. She was a pretty good listener too except for when I told her no more chocolate chips and she kept sneaking them.

Making the Dough - Don't let Lauren's face fool you - she had fun, really she did. :-)

Rolling & Cutting

The Decorating Set Up

And drum roll please....

Lauren Turns 2!!

Today we celebrated Lauren's 2nd Birthday! She really had a great time today. We had her Elmo party at Baby Power in BH and then came back to the house to hang out a bit and open presents. She really enjoyed all the activities at her party. She loved playing in the gym...I think that was her favorite part. They also did circle time with bubbles and parachute and some sing a long songs. We had a little lunch and then it was time to eat Elmo cupcakes and sing "Happy Birthday" to our big girl.


We celebrated with close friends and family and I know Lauren enjoyed everyone's company. Even though my family couldn't be there, their creative touches and thoughtful gifts certainly made us feel their love and presence.

There are certain pros and cons to having a birthday party outside the house. I know she had an awesome time which at the end of the day is all that matters. But with 1 1/2 hours to celebrate, I do feel a little rushed and I also don't have full control over setting up decor which I enjoy doing. But all of that is minor. Lauren's happy face all day was wonderful to see. She has grown so much in the past year.

Our beautiful Lauren,

It seems like just yesterday that I brought you home from the hospital. I do miss those "baby" days but watching you grow has been even more wonderful. We are so blessed to have you as one of our daughters. We truly couldn't imagine our life without you.

Lauren, you've got a lot of spunk. You love to do things yourself - especially putting on shoes and socks and getting dressed. If there is something you think you can do yourself, you have no problems saying "I do myself". You are learning to ask for help when you know you need it. You love the outdoors and you love to climb, slide and swing. You love to color and play with your babies and strollers. You love your big sister and she loves you dearly too.

You are talking so well now. You are repeating everything we say and we pretty much can understand all your needs and wants. It is funny though that even though you try to be fiercely independent there is a total teddy bear side to you. A side that likes to hold hands while you eat. A side that wants me to hold your foots while I am driving. Seriously, you will cry so hard but once I touch your foot you are totally calm and at peace. You love to snuggle in bed with mommy and daddy and you love to rest your head on our (mommy and daddy) shoulder when you are carried. I cherish those moments. You come to us for hugs and comfort - so sweetly. You love to play with us and say "mommy pway blocks me pwease". Gosh you sound so sweet when you say those words. You love to dance and follow Jessica's ballerina moves. It won't be long before you're taking dance lessons too. Instead of putting on Jess' ballet slippers, you'll have your own.

You used to do a lot of high pitched screaming no matter your mood - happy or upset. Now you tend to giggle and squeal more with delight. You love to be tickled by your daddy. And you love when he picks you up and plays with you. You love to hear your daddy coming in through the door from work. Your face lights up so much when you see him.

Some of your favorites:

Food: pancakes, syrup, bacon, strawberries, red peppers, cucumbers, pears, steak and a few sweet treats :-P

Books: we call it the "I can do it" book, hungry caterpillar, bear hunt, brown bear, brown bear

Toys: babies, strollers, purses / backpacks / baskets - just about anything that you can put a bunch of stuff in, Dora stuff, crayons and coloring books, play doh, blocks

Activities: Playing outside and taking a bath

You and Jessica are such a joy in our lives. I can't believe we've been blessed with the privilege of raising both you and Jessica. We truly hope and pray that you and Jessica will have a lifelong bond of friendship. We love you both so much.

Happy Birthday sweetie! Mommy and Daddy couldn't be more proud of you. You truly are an incredible gift from God to our family. We love you!

Love forever and ever and always,

Mommy & Daddy

P.S. Lauren had her 2 year appointment today (3/30/10). She weighs 29 lbs. (approx. 75th percentile). She is wonderfully healthy and we couldn't be more thankful.