November 30th 2009
Books and Readers
Here's what we're bringing back to the library today. We've had it out for a while, as we finished up our Native American unit study.
Peter Pan [compact disc] / by J.M. Barrie.
Kaya's hero : a story of giving
First graders from Mars. Episode 3 : Nergal and the Great Space Race
Rand McNally children's atlas of Native Americans.
From Abenaki to Zuni : a dictionary of native American tribes / by Evelyn Wolfson
Fancy Nancy tea parties / by Jane O'Connor
Bonjour, butterfly / written by Jane O'Connor
The true story of Pocahontas / by Lucille Recht Penner
Pocahontas / Leslie Gourse
Pocahontas / George Sullivan
Pocahontas, Powhatan peacemaker / Anne Holler
Jamestown, 1607 / by Michael L. Cooper
The paradox of Jamestown, 1585-1700 / Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier
Squanto / by Feenie Ziner
The Mayflower and the pilgrims' new world / Nathaniel Philbrick
Peter Pan [compact disc] / by J.M. Barrie.
Kaya's hero : a story of giving
First graders from Mars. Episode 3 : Nergal and the Great Space Race
Rand McNally children's atlas of Native Americans.
From Abenaki to Zuni : a dictionary of native American tribes / by Evelyn Wolfson
Fancy Nancy tea parties / by Jane O'Connor
Bonjour, butterfly / written by Jane O'Connor
The true story of Pocahontas / by Lucille Recht Penner
Pocahontas / Leslie Gourse
Pocahontas / George Sullivan
Pocahontas, Powhatan peacemaker / Anne Holler
Jamestown, 1607 / by Michael L. Cooper
The paradox of Jamestown, 1585-1700 / Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier
Squanto / by Feenie Ziner
The Mayflower and the pilgrims' new world / Nathaniel Philbrick
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 15 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 6 days
Books posted by Laura at 11:08 AM | 
Comment
November 29th 2009
Mattress Delivery
On Friday we purchased bunk beds for Zoë and Abby. They were so excited to go pick them up on Saturday and help wipe down the boards and set them up. Today Grampy and Uncle Corey brought over the mattress that Grampy is giving to the girls. It was a mattress he'd used briefly, with a nice memory foam topper, he also brought a bunky board to go underneath it. Grampy's gift to the girls for their birthday/Christmas present will be to buy them a second mattress. Once we have the mattress protectors, mattress pads, and twin size sheets, the girls will be ready for their first night in bunk beds (and twin sized mattresses!)
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 5 days News posted by Laura at 3:25 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
How wonderful...I am so happy the girls have big beds to sleep in! Maybe Santa will bring sheets and comforters!!
November 28th 2009
New bunk beds
The girls have wanted bunk beds for quite some time now. We took advantage of a 40% coupon to purchase them at an unfinished furniture store. We picked them up today and set them up. The girls were super excited and very pleased with the finish product, even though they won't be sleeping on them until we get the mattresses.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 4 days First Moments posted by christopher at 4:22 PM | Comment
November 27th 2009
Native American Unit Study
Today we finished up our unit study on Native Americans. We started back in October with the Northwest Indians, then did a week on the Plateau, a week on Great Basin, a week on Southwest, two weeks on Great Plains, one on Southeast, and finished up with two weeks on Great lakes and Northeast tribes.
We looked on territory maps and current day maps to see which states the different tribes resided in. With all of the different tribes in each territory we read and learned about how they differed and were similar to each other. We met a man from the blackfeet tribe, made canoes and bear claw necklaces and learned about things like cradleboards and headresses. We read stories of some of the famous Native Americans such as Sacajawea, Pocahontus, and Squanto. The girls also watched the Pocahontus movie and saw how things differed from the actual life of Pocahontus. Zoë and Abby are a bit bummed that our unit on the Native Americans is over, they really enjoyed this one. We're still discussing to figure out what unit we're going to begin now.
We looked on territory maps and current day maps to see which states the different tribes resided in. With all of the different tribes in each territory we read and learned about how they differed and were similar to each other. We met a man from the blackfeet tribe, made canoes and bear claw necklaces and learned about things like cradleboards and headresses. We read stories of some of the famous Native Americans such as Sacajawea, Pocahontus, and Squanto. The girls also watched the Pocahontus movie and saw how things differed from the actual life of Pocahontus. Zoë and Abby are a bit bummed that our unit on the Native Americans is over, they really enjoyed this one. We're still discussing to figure out what unit we're going to begin now.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 3 days School posted by Laura at 11:15 AM | Comment
November 26th 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
We celebrated Thanksgiving here at home, just the five of us. We cooked a chicken and veggies in the crock-pot last night, then made chicken soup with it this morning. We also made mashed sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, and stuffing. We had bread with garlic butter and even Enzo enjoyed pretty much everything there was. He got his own dish and fed himself, which of course was messy, but he was actually pretty efficient.
We made two pumpkin pies and had those for dessert with a bit of whipped cream. Besides the food, we put up some of our Christmas decorations and played some games together.
We made two pumpkin pies and had those for dessert with a bit of whipped cream. Besides the food, we put up some of our Christmas decorations and played some games together.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 2 days Holidays posted by Laura at 6:39 PM | Comment
November 25th 2009
Sous-Chefs
Zoë and Abby have been learning the art of being the helpers in the kitchen - we've been calling them our sous-chefs - not constantly pestering about what they can do next or when it will be time for them to do something. We've told them that they can stand to the side and observe (as apposed to dancing around the room together) and then when we have something for them to help with, we'll ask them.
Today they got to be a part of all of the prep for tomorrow's meal. At first we weren't even going to do anything, except some chinese food buffet, but then at the store Chris picked up a hen to cook in the crock pot and it grew from there. The girls helped peel and wash a bunch of vegetables to put in with the bird (after they watched me rub it with garlic butter, which they thought was gross to see) then I figured we might as well make a huge batch of mashed sweet potatoes and you've got to have some garlic mashed potatoes and well we might as well make pumpkin pie since we do have the canned pumpkin hanging around. Tomorrow we'll make the stuffing and I'm sure we have at least one of those canned cranberry sauce things in the cupboard.
I suppose it may make a difference who the chef they are assisting is, as to what level of patience and jitters they have. I heard more than once about certain little girls wishing Zia Elizabeth lived with us, how great that would be, how they'd cook cool stuff all of the time and get to be her sous-chefs. When I was getting ready to do the pies, Chris suggested that I use the graham cracker mix Elizabeth made while here, instead of making crusts for them. We had enough for two pie dishes, but on the second one the mix didn't quite get all of the way up the sides. As Zoë watched this she expressed her concern with not having enough and how would we make more. Abby said that we could just use the recipe and make more but Zoë protested something along the lines of nobody in the world being able to make this graham cracker mix besides Auntie Elizabeth and oh what a tragedy it would be if we couldn't stretch the amount we had and oh if only she lived with us.
We made it work, made two pumpkin pies plus a little pyrex dish of the extra filling with no crust. The girls were already in bed when we got the bird and veggies out of the crock-pot, but they'll be excited to taste it tomorrow, having been a part of making it. We decided to pick apart the bird and put it back into the crock with all of the juices and veggies and some extra seasonings and cook it overnight on low to have chicken soup with all of our sides tomorrow.
Today they got to be a part of all of the prep for tomorrow's meal. At first we weren't even going to do anything, except some chinese food buffet, but then at the store Chris picked up a hen to cook in the crock pot and it grew from there. The girls helped peel and wash a bunch of vegetables to put in with the bird (after they watched me rub it with garlic butter, which they thought was gross to see) then I figured we might as well make a huge batch of mashed sweet potatoes and you've got to have some garlic mashed potatoes and well we might as well make pumpkin pie since we do have the canned pumpkin hanging around. Tomorrow we'll make the stuffing and I'm sure we have at least one of those canned cranberry sauce things in the cupboard.
I suppose it may make a difference who the chef they are assisting is, as to what level of patience and jitters they have. I heard more than once about certain little girls wishing Zia Elizabeth lived with us, how great that would be, how they'd cook cool stuff all of the time and get to be her sous-chefs. When I was getting ready to do the pies, Chris suggested that I use the graham cracker mix Elizabeth made while here, instead of making crusts for them. We had enough for two pie dishes, but on the second one the mix didn't quite get all of the way up the sides. As Zoë watched this she expressed her concern with not having enough and how would we make more. Abby said that we could just use the recipe and make more but Zoë protested something along the lines of nobody in the world being able to make this graham cracker mix besides Auntie Elizabeth and oh what a tragedy it would be if we couldn't stretch the amount we had and oh if only she lived with us.
We made it work, made two pumpkin pies plus a little pyrex dish of the extra filling with no crust. The girls were already in bed when we got the bird and veggies out of the crock-pot, but they'll be excited to taste it tomorrow, having been a part of making it. We decided to pick apart the bird and put it back into the crock with all of the juices and veggies and some extra seasonings and cook it overnight on low to have chicken soup with all of our sides tomorrow.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 2 days Holidays posted by Laura at 8:50 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 24th 2009
Making Brigadeiro e Pão de Queijo
While I had the kitchen warmed up, I decided to try to make Brigadeiro and Pão de Queijo. I found a few recipes online and just went for it. Abby and Zoë helped stir the brigadeiro and form the cheese rolls. We had a fun morning cooking. Enzo even got to try some brigadeiro, which he enjoyed. The cheese rolls were very gummy, gummier than I remember then being. All in all we had a fun time strolling down memory lane.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months Recipes posted by christopher at 12:48 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Hi Everybody, I hope you are well. Looking at the cheese bread, tapioca and brigadeiro, there was no way I couldn´t say they weren´t prepared by a local. Parece delicioso( looks delicious).
The word you were loking for Laura is Salgadinhos, the salty snacks like coxinhas, pasteis, etc...
I can see you having a great time preparing it, with the kids around you.
Bye
Irene
Tapioca Nord'este
Yesterday I bought some tapioca flour at the health food store. I wanted to practice making some Brazilian items for Enzo. I woke up early this morning and tried to make tapioca. I watched about 2 dozen youtube videos. No recipe was given and I couldn't understand the dialogs. I think I got the general gist of it though after watching the street vendor cook ours so many times, I just need the prep steps. I used half the box of flour (200g) and only managed to make 3 tapioca, well four if you count the first trial that was discarded. So about 50g of tapioca flour for each one.
Ingredients
* 400 g grated tapioca (flour)
* 1/2 cup water
* 120 g sugar
* 5 tablespoons oil
Directions
1. Dissolve/melt sugar into the water
2. Add the water to the flour in large mixing bowl
3. Combine and mix while breaking up the clumps
4. Sift the mix/clumps
5. Heat the pan, keep lightly greases/oiled
6. Sprinkle/spoon a level amount and spread to make a mini pancake
7. Cook one side then flip
8. After cooking the first side and flipping, apply topping to the heated side
9. Pancake will appear partially translucent when cooked, when second side is cooked, fold in half and serve.
This mornings variety was chocolate banana coconut. Enzo even tried it. I am still learning to make it exactly right, but was pleased with this mornings effort and result. Next time though I will cook the second side more, it seems slightly underdone and flourery. I need to figure out the timing better and also the prep to make sure the flour has enough mousture to make a gummy pancake.
Irene and Raissa, do you have any advice, tips or recipes to share?
Ingredients
* 400 g grated tapioca (flour)
* 1/2 cup water
* 120 g sugar
* 5 tablespoons oil
Directions
1. Dissolve/melt sugar into the water
2. Add the water to the flour in large mixing bowl
3. Combine and mix while breaking up the clumps
4. Sift the mix/clumps
5. Heat the pan, keep lightly greases/oiled
6. Sprinkle/spoon a level amount and spread to make a mini pancake
7. Cook one side then flip
8. After cooking the first side and flipping, apply topping to the heated side
9. Pancake will appear partially translucent when cooked, when second side is cooked, fold in half and serve.
This mornings variety was chocolate banana coconut. Enzo even tried it. I am still learning to make it exactly right, but was pleased with this mornings effort and result. Next time though I will cook the second side more, it seems slightly underdone and flourery. I need to figure out the timing better and also the prep to make sure the flour has enough mousture to make a gummy pancake.
Irene and Raissa, do you have any advice, tips or recipes to share?
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months Recipes posted by christopher at 9:33 AM | Comment
November 23rd 2009
Enthusiastic head nodding
Enzo has recently figured out how to nod his head 'yes', as apposed to shaking his head 'no' for everything. It's so funny though, because it ends up being this full body movement and his head goes all the way back then all the way forward and repeats. If you ask him a question and his answer is yes, he has to stop what he's doing and gain his balance before giving you a nod of affirmation.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 29 days News posted by Laura at 9:21 AM | Comment
November 22nd 2009
Thanksgiving Church Service
Today was the annual Thanksgiving service at church, when the children dress up as pilgrims and bring forward all of the donated (non-perishable) food items to the front of the church. Zoë really wanted to wear her Pocahontas costume and Abby swore that she'd seen a American Indian costume at church so off we went, a bit early to church to get in costume. The girls also sang two quick little Thanksgiving songs with the kids choir.
It ended up that there wasn't another American Indian costume at church, so Abby got her pilgrim get-up on. Zoë, seeing everyone else get into the aprons, hats, etc., lost her excitement over being able to wear her costume and expressed her desire to dress up like everyone else. I told her that she'd made her choice and had to stick with it, besides it was great that she was representing the Indian side of the deal - not to mention she didn't have other clothes on under her dress.
It ended up that there wasn't another American Indian costume at church, so Abby got her pilgrim get-up on. Zoë, seeing everyone else get into the aprons, hats, etc., lost her excitement over being able to wear her costume and expressed her desire to dress up like everyone else. I told her that she'd made her choice and had to stick with it, besides it was great that she was representing the Indian side of the deal - not to mention she didn't have other clothes on under her dress.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 28 days Holidays posted by Laura at 2:49 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Yes, Zoe we must not forget if not for the Indians the Pilgrims might have starved. A joke for you girls... What kind of music did the Pilgrims listen to? Plymouth Rock!!
November 21st 2009
Lowe's Build and Grow Kid's Workshop - Snowman
Back to back weekend builds at Lowe's. We had a double header with Home Depot last time as well. Daddy is getting all projected out. I have my own home projects I have been neglecting and going to these builds isn't helping me stay motivated, but the kids love them. They like building these projects, even if they complain about the car ride on the way home. That won't be a problem when the Lowe's opens up closer to our home instead of the 25 mile ride, it will be within 5 miles, just like Home Depot. Anyhow this was a super quick build. They girls got to do their stickers and everything. Mommy and Enzo came so I could work with both girls at the same time, this cut the project time down in half and was a relief as I had some shopping to do. I bought some supplies to handle more of the window replacement project and mini roof work. I am still amazed at how fast we can spend money, it just doesn't seem to last.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 27 days Art posted by christopher at 11:18 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Looking good girls! You are becoming "Handywomen" xxoo
November 20th 2009
Passport Renewal Photo Shoot
Abby and Zoë are overdue to get their passports renewed. I have had the application filled out and ready since August, before their old passports expired. We just haven't had the photo session yet until yesterday. Since Nonno Ernie gifted us a new camera I decided to get this task off my list. Abby and Zoë sat through three various photo shoot attempts. I took more than 100 photos in total. I would take 30 or so photos, then take them off the camera and look at them before taking the next set. Of all those photos we narrow the best ones down to 4, then down to the best 2 for each, which I mock up as original and retouched for proof prints. This gives us a total of 4 photo prints to choose from, which we picked up from Walmart last night. The total cost of the proofs was $0.76. When we returned home we picked out the best of the proofs. Today I uploaded the mocked up best print in passport photo size. We will be getting 6 passport photo size prints for Abby and Zoë at a total cost of $1.14. It is incredible to think about what this would have cost at a photo booth or in town. Surely more than the $0.95 for each set of 6 prints per child. We got to save money where ever possible. The minor child renewal application is $60 per child and the processing fee at the post office is $25 per child. Yeah, that is excessively expensive.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 26 days Photos posted by christopher at 11:46 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Very nice I can't believe these are the two girls that were in trouble and weren't allowed candy!! How can that be???
November 19th 2009
Zoë's Bloody Nose Concern
Zoë was resting in her bed, when her nose began to bleed. She hurried up and grabbed herself a tissue and came downstairs to tell me about it. I took her upstairs to clean up her hand and face, as well as the various bed clothes (hers and mine) and she asked, "When a person looses blood like that, does it mean they're going to die sooner?" I said, no not at all and she let out a sigh and said "Phew". It was so funny, a literal sigh of relief. It did lead to a discussion about blood types and transfusions though. :)
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 25 days News posted by Laura at 2:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Chris, I guess Zoe has some of your nose trouble. You used to bleed...remember you would have kleenex sticking out of your nose. You reminded me of elephant tusks coming out of your face!!
November 18th 2009
One Whole Week
We're running out of logical consequences around here. Having two not-quite-six year olds in the house is proving to come with its share of testing and rule breaking, etc. etc. etc. Finally, today after the girls were irresponsible in the play room I took it away for a week, along with anything inside the playroom (usually it's a day). Since their clothes are in the bureau in there, I told them that it also meant I'd be picking out their clothes for them during that time. They weren't pleased at all, but went right to the calendar and realized that at least they'd get to pick out their own clothes and play in the playroom on Thanksgiving.
Later on both of the girls got reprimanded for one thing or another and Chris decided to tell them that they wouldn't be able to get candy for the rest of the day. (Usually they get a piece or two during the day) Then they were sassy and giggling about getting into trouble and it led to no candy for a week... Zoë then proceeded to lose it for the rest of November.
I contemplated not writing about these goings-on but decided that I'd like for the girls to look back (and us) and see how they've grown in their behavior and way down the road it might be funny for them to see how much trouble they really could cause.
Later on both of the girls got reprimanded for one thing or another and Chris decided to tell them that they wouldn't be able to get candy for the rest of the day. (Usually they get a piece or two during the day) Then they were sassy and giggling about getting into trouble and it led to no candy for a week... Zoë then proceeded to lose it for the rest of November.
I contemplated not writing about these goings-on but decided that I'd like for the girls to look back (and us) and see how they've grown in their behavior and way down the road it might be funny for them to see how much trouble they really could cause.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 24 days News posted by Laura at 3:06 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Lets hope it does....
November 17th 2009
Enzo's First Postcard
It took me a while to scan and get the postcards cataloged for the future enjoyment. I noticed that Enzo got his first postcard. The postcard was sent from St. John US Virgin Islands by Aunt Elizabeth. She has just spent a week with us and Enzo was with her non stop. Notice there is a Postage Due of 1 cent stamped on the postcard. Strange, they didn't bill us for it.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 24 days Photos posted by christopher at 9:57 PM | Comment
November 16th 2009
Fall Beach Running
This morning everyone accompanied me to Rye for my orthodontist appointment. We lucked out with a nice day, as far as mid November goes on the seacoast. The water was really choppy, but with the sun out and coats zipped up, Chris took the kids to run off some energy on the beach for about an hour. When they came back they looked in the big window and saw me getting my bottom wire put back on. As I was learning how to attach the rubber bands, Chris got the kids packed into the car and we were headed off for home again.
Amazingly Enzo didn't fall asleep on the ride home and even stayed awake for lunch before pleading to nurse and subsequently falling asleep right on time at 1:00 for his afternoon nap.
Amazingly Enzo didn't fall asleep on the ride home and even stayed awake for lunch before pleading to nurse and subsequently falling asleep right on time at 1:00 for his afternoon nap.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 22 days News posted by Laura at 1:18 PM | Comment
November 15th 2009
Nap Transisitons
Chris and I have decided that it's finally time to transition Zoë and Abby, slowly, out of their afternoon nap. As it was, we'd wake them after about half an hour so that they wouldn't get too much sleep, just enough to refresh them. We're going to just take each day as it is and if one day one or both of the girls seems like they could use a nap then we'll have them take one, otherwise they do quiet activities like schoolwork or puzzles and such.
Enzo is also transitioning his naps. There are days that Enzo is right on with a nap at 10am and another at 1pm, but then there are days where his morning nap and afternoon nap blend into each other because he hasn't fallen asleep until 11:00 or 12:00. If we're home, he's more likely to take the morning nap. If we're out it seems that we're always driving back just after he's missed the morning nap, but before it's time for afternoon nap and he just can't seem to keep himself awake. When this happens the rest of the day is usually a cranky mess, unless I can get him to take a later afternoon nap. It seems that he's moving away from needing the morning nap and will soon probably just be having the one afternoon nap.
Enzo is also transitioning his naps. There are days that Enzo is right on with a nap at 10am and another at 1pm, but then there are days where his morning nap and afternoon nap blend into each other because he hasn't fallen asleep until 11:00 or 12:00. If we're home, he's more likely to take the morning nap. If we're out it seems that we're always driving back just after he's missed the morning nap, but before it's time for afternoon nap and he just can't seem to keep himself awake. When this happens the rest of the day is usually a cranky mess, unless I can get him to take a later afternoon nap. It seems that he's moving away from needing the morning nap and will soon probably just be having the one afternoon nap.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 21 days News posted by Laura at 1:05 PM | Comment
November 14th 2009
Zoë's First Loose Tooth
Zoë has been so distraught that Abby has a loose tooth and she doesn't, so every night before bed, when we're brushing teeth, I check her bottom front teeth. Tonight, exactly one month before she turns 6, I noticed that her bottom front right tooth (same as Abby's) is just the slightest bit loose. That was enough for her, she was thrilled! She shouted to Abby and Abby came rushing in and said, "I'm so happy for you, Zoë!" Zoë told me that she was going to have a great nights sleep and was already trying to decide who she'd call and tell about it tomorrow.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 21 days Baby Teeth posted by Laura at 8:14 PM | Comment
Lowe's Kid's Workshop - Garage
Blah what a cold dark rainy morning. The girls were excited and itching to get into the car this morning for our Lowe's project. So excited that we didn't remember to get our aprons and goggles on before leaving the house. After buckling them into the car I went back into the house to get them. We arrived just after the workshop had started. There were already tons of others there working. We were in the kitchen section instead of the training room. I filled out the forms and got the girls started with the project. Abby started with the camera this time as I worked with Zoë on her project. The project was fairly quick going. We didn't even make any mistakes. Zoë is a soft and delicate hammerer while Abby smashes strongly and wildly. I can recognize her project by the dent and bang marks from hammer misses.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 20 days Art posted by christopher at 11:35 AM | Comment
November 13th 2009
Jumping Jacks
As has been said before, Enzo loves to do whatever the rest of his family is doing. Today his attention has been on wanting to do everything his big sisters are doing. The girls were doing jumping jacks in the living room and Enzo decided he'd like to join in. At first he just got the jumping part, which he does by bending at his waist and knees, it's so funny. Then he added in his hands so it ends up that he does a few claps over his head, then he does his silly 'jump' that looks more like a little chick pecking for feed.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 19 days News posted by Laura at 11:18 AM | Comment
November 12th 2009
Daddy's Kitchen Team
While Enzo and I were out, getting the horn fixed on the car (for the second time in a year), Daddy put the girls to work at home. Zoë and Abby got buckets of hot soapy water on the floor and washed the dishes, giving them to Daddy to rinse. They also swept, then helped Daddy spray the insulation foam around the eight windows installed so far. When Enzo and I arrived home, they were helping cut and peel some things for a 'salad sandwich' for lunch.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 18 days News posted by Laura at 12:00 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I am so very happy that Abby and Zoe like helping out aroind the house.
November 11th 2009
Enzo's Potty Interest
Enzo is officially very interested in the potty. After going pee in the 'big toilet' a couple of times a little over a month ago, his interest waned and sometimes he just plain refused to sit, so I let it go. Recently, at Reanna's while I was using the bathroom, Enzo wanted to sit on the potty that we got Elijah for his birthday. Since then we've made efforts to sit him with his diaper off so that he gets it. Also, whenever he's in the bathroom when one of us are going, we make sure to say all of those key words to hope to trigger.
Just in the past couple of days he's shown that he knows what we're talking about when we say someone is going to use the potty or has to pee (or poop for that matter) and he races for the bathroom. For a while I've shown Enzo the sign and said 'poop' when I can tell that he's going as well. I just brought the little potty down from storage and whenever it's time for Enzo to have a diaper change, I help him to sit on 'his' potty before putting the new diaper on. Sometimes just when I'm using the bathroom I'll pull down his britches if he wants to sit too. Who knows if this is any indication that he'll potty train 'early' but I'm glad that he at least is interested in it and hope that we can keep his experiences with toilet usage positive.
Just in the past couple of days he's shown that he knows what we're talking about when we say someone is going to use the potty or has to pee (or poop for that matter) and he races for the bathroom. For a while I've shown Enzo the sign and said 'poop' when I can tell that he's going as well. I just brought the little potty down from storage and whenever it's time for Enzo to have a diaper change, I help him to sit on 'his' potty before putting the new diaper on. Sometimes just when I'm using the bathroom I'll pull down his britches if he wants to sit too. Who knows if this is any indication that he'll potty train 'early' but I'm glad that he at least is interested in it and hope that we can keep his experiences with toilet usage positive.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 18 days Milestones posted by Laura at 8:07 PM | Comment
November 10th 2009
Enzo is such a copy cat
Enzo only wants to do the same things that I am doing. I thought he would want to do the things the girls are doing, but no, he wants to do everything I am doing. This includes using the power tools to help with the house construction. He is always wanting Laura to take him outside so he can monitor me and then whine when he can't help. He is always grabbing the tools and walking around with them. Enzo is such a copy cat. This extends to things I am eating or drinking. He wants to use the same cup that I am using otherwise it is a big fit and a melt down. He wants to eat the same things that I am eating, even if it is a hamburger or ramen noodles. Yeah, I even have to feed him those noodles with the chop sticks or it just isn't the same. Some kids don't spend tons of time with their father's during the day due to their work schedules, but Enzo craves it. He enjoys his daddy time, even though it is mostly not what I would consider quality devoted time, like the girls get with their projects and such. Maybe that is why he wants to copy cat me on so much, because he lacks that special one on one daddy time.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 16 days News posted by christopher at 3:17 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
He loves you!!
November 9th 2009
Zoë's Decorations
Zoë has been obsessed with making decorations the past few days. She's skipped over Thanksgiving, however, and moved on right to Christmas. ( I guess marketing has worked on her) She's making some impressive candy canes and wreaths and even a Christmas themed pair of old style fancy eye glasses (the kind that has a rod on one side to hold) I'm thinking that watching old Christmas cartoons and the Curious George Christmas movie may have given her some of her inspiration.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 15 days Art posted by Laura at 11:15 AM | Comments ( 3 )
Comments:
Zoe would fit in perfectly here in central Ohio where two people on my street alone have Christmas lights on every night. I believe they put them up the weekend after Halloween because I took a photo of their house with decaying Jack O Lanterns on the porch lit by red/green Christmas bulbs. And Thanksgiving is such alovely holiday to skip. :(
Not to mention the Columbus radio station that switched to hoilday music on Sunday the 15th... OF NOVEMBER! Yes, Zoe would love it here.
Good Zoe when I come for a visit I have some neat Christmas things to make...we will have to get red and green construction paper.
November 8th 2009
I Am Not My Sister
We've drilled this into the girls a lot the past 5, going on 6 years. That they are individuals, that though there's a lot of similarities, they are different people. Lately we've had a lot of bickering about not getting the same as each other... the same amount of something, one getting a treat the other hasn't had, checking to see if one has done work before they prepare to do it themselves. So, again we give them the same line(s) about the fact that they are two different people and they don't need to have exactly what the other is having, they just need to do/have what their own body needs to have/do.
Well, the past couple of days Abby has given it right back to me. Zoë put on her Lowe's apron to help with the windows and Abby asked for her Home Depot apron. As I was tying it up for her, she gave me the speech about her and Zoë being two different girls and that's why she was choosing a different apron. I've heard the reminder a couple of times since then as well. I guess we'll probably see these cycles again and again over the years - of them pointing out the similarities with each other and emphasizing their closeness, and then asserting their separateness and individuality.
Well, the past couple of days Abby has given it right back to me. Zoë put on her Lowe's apron to help with the windows and Abby asked for her Home Depot apron. As I was tying it up for her, she gave me the speech about her and Zoë being two different girls and that's why she was choosing a different apron. I've heard the reminder a couple of times since then as well. I guess we'll probably see these cycles again and again over the years - of them pointing out the similarities with each other and emphasizing their closeness, and then asserting their separateness and individuality.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 14 days News posted by Laura at 6:44 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
As it should be..they are individuals and hopefully can make their own decisions .
November 7th 2009
Abby's Loose Tooth
We discovered today that Abby has her first loose tooth! I handed out pretzels for snack and when Abby bit into hers she yelped in pain. She said that it hurt one of her bottom teeth, one of the ones that she predicted would fall out this month. I checked her mouth and low and behold her bottom right front tooth is wiggly.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 13 days Baby Teeth posted by Laura at 6:57 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Tooth Fairy here we come!!
Home Depot Build and Grow - Trivet
Mommy and Enzo stayed home while Daddy and his girls went to do their construction projects. Abby and Zoë are the stars of the show. They love to hammer and build stuff. Today's project was a trivet. It was a very simple build, just basically 8 nails and some glue. Abby and Zoë took all the photos today, while I helped them build. They got their pin and certificate and we stopped by the tile section on the way out to pick up a 4x4 piece of granite for under a dollar for the center of the trivet. They only had a few styles that would fit, and this was the least expensive option. Zoë wanted a cream colored ceramic embosses flower style, but for around $3 it was out of my price range. The granite is thicker and way classier. The girls are already figuring out who to gift it to for the holidays.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 13 days Art posted by christopher at 11:17 AM | Comment
November 6th 2009
Nursing Funny
Most of the time lately, when Enzo is ready to nurse, he will do the signs for "milk" and "please". Occasionally though, starting just recently, Enzo will just be fussy and grabbing at my shirt. When I ask what he needs, instead of signing "milk", he points to my chest and says, "ta-ta".
I've certainly never encouraged him using this term, so I'm not sure where he got it. I'm sure he's trying to say something else and it's just coming out as 'ta-ta', but for the life of me I can't figure out what that would be. I have to admit, it is humorous when he does it.
I've certainly never encouraged him using this term, so I'm not sure where he got it. I'm sure he's trying to say something else and it's just coming out as 'ta-ta', but for the life of me I can't figure out what that would be. I have to admit, it is humorous when he does it.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 12 days News posted by Laura at 3:02 PM | Comment
November 5th 2009
After Halloween Candy
We found ourselves browsing around Target today, looking at all the after halloween sales. We were looking for some marked down dress up stuff for the girls and just browsing. Enzo had some items on the list too, as well as some grocery stuff like more of that $0.78/box cereal. Unfortunately that cereal was now $2.28/box and Laura wishes she didn't stop me from getting more than 10 boxes last time as we get near our last 2 boxes left. We don't go to Target often enough to capitalize on those types of sales unfortunately. The good news for the girls though was that with the Halloween candy severely discounted, they knew daddy couldn't pass it by with all that practice playing Chocolatier. Most items were marked down to the $0.74 price, basically 75% off the regular price. I wish that cereal was still on sale, but since it wasn't we stocked up on candy. We bought 18.125 pounds of candy actually, just slightly more than half the weight of Abby or Zoë, or 77% of what Enzo weighs. It was funny to actually see mass hysteria in the making. We got to the candy isle and it was empty. As we started to price check items and the girls were yelling prices back and forth down the isle, many other customers, mostly women, flocked to the isle, creating a grid lock traffic jam as the shelves were cleared of candy. One older lady was saying how could you go wrong with a bag of Hershey's kisses for $0.74. I just nodded and agreed with her, and moved out of her way. We ended up buying 21 bags of candy for slightly less than $20, which would have normally cost $80. The per pound price averaged to $0.90. I know this isn't straight chocolate, but the kiss's were and marked the same price. This would mean the per ounce price of chocolate would have been less than $0.06. While in Brazil, we enjoyed Hershey's chocolate at the cheapest we ever had, around $0.31 per ounce at those exchange rates. The best price now on amazon for chocolate is also around $0.51 per ounce. We think we got a great deal on all this candy, now we just need to hide and ration it out so we don't over indulge.
| Type | bags | total g | total lbs. | Sale | Reg. Price |
| Reese PB Mini Assortment | 3 | 1572.0 | 3.466 | $ 3.57 | $ 14.37 |
| Funsize Snickers Mix | 1 | 793.8 | 1.750 | $ 1.74 | $ 6.99 |
| 3 Muskateers Mint | 2 | 623.8 | 1.375 | $ 1.48 | $ 5.98 |
| Funsize Snack Snickers | 2 | 634.0 | 1.398 | $ 1.48 | $ 5.98 |
| Funsize Snack Snickers - Almond | 2 | 580.0 | 1.279 | $ 1.48 | $ 5.98 |
| Snickers Minis Fudge | 1 | 297.7 | 0.656 | $ 0.74 | $ 2.99 |
| Snack Size KitKat | 3 | 915.0 | 2.017 | $ 2.22 | $ 8.97 |
| Snack Size Almond Joy | 1 | 320.0 | 0.705 | $ 0.74 | $ 2.99 |
| Snack Size Heathbar | 2 | 652.0 | 1.437 | $ 1.48 | $ 5.98 |
| Mars Minis Mix - Snickers - 3 Muskateers - Twix |
1 | 1011.8 | 2.231 | $ 2.49 | $ 9.99 |
| Dove Caramel | 2 | 538.6 | 1.187 | $ 1.74 | $ 6.98 |
| Hersheys Kiss Pumpkin Spice | 1 | 283.0 | 0.624 | $ 0.74 | $ 2.99 |
| 21 | 8221.7 | 18.126 | $ 19.90 | $ 80.19 |
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 11 days News posted by christopher at 1:27 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Ditto to you Chris...too, too much.
November 4th 2009
Last Marge Appointment
It's been just about a year since Marge has checked up on the girls, so today she came to see how they were doing. She checked out what vitamins and supplements we're taking, talked to us about their diets, and took the measurements. Both of the girls had the exact same weights and heights, but then that's not surprising. They were 16.8 kg (36 pounds, 15 ounces - basicaly 37 pounds) and 431/4 inches tall. This means they've grown 21/8 inches since last year, that's a pretty good spurt! Even Enzo got on the scale, he is 10.6 kg (23 pounds, 5 ounces).
Marge said that she is finally going to have to discharge them as "they're just too healthy". Zoë and Abby were dissapointed that they wouldn't have any more appointments with Marge, but she assured them that we'll be seeing her around town since she leaves nearby.
Marge said that she is finally going to have to discharge them as "they're just too healthy". Zoë and Abby were dissapointed that they wouldn't have any more appointments with Marge, but she assured them that we'll be seeing her around town since she leaves nearby.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 10 days News posted by Laura at 9:32 AM | Comment
November 3rd 2009
Tooth Loss Prediction
Abby told me today that she thinks her two front bottom teeth are both going to fall out on November 22nd. I told her that neither were loose at all yet, but she insists that they're both going to fall out on the same day and it's going to be the 22nd of this month.
When I asked Zoë what she thought about her teeth, she said that she's going to lose going to lose the same two teeth (those are the teeth that the hygenist at their dentist told them would be falling out first) sometime in November. First she said that she'd lose one in November and one in December, but changed her mind and said they'd both fall out sometime this month, but didn't pinpoint an exact date.
When I asked Zoë what she thought about her teeth, she said that she's going to lose going to lose the same two teeth (those are the teeth that the hygenist at their dentist told them would be falling out first) sometime in November. First she said that she'd lose one in November and one in December, but changed her mind and said they'd both fall out sometime this month, but didn't pinpoint an exact date.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 19 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 19 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 9 days News posted by Laura at 2:27 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Too, too much !!
November 2nd 2009
Uphill Biking
Today both of the girls got a chance to show off to Daddy how well they're doing on their bikes. We still only have training wheels on one of their bikes, so the girls took turns riding the bike to the park and back. First, Zoë rode down the street, with me walking beside her (it's a bit of a downhill), while Chris and Abby were still in the house, then she rode back up the street, impressed that she was able to ride all the way without stopping. Next it was Abby's turn, as well all walked to the park.
After getting over some trepedation about riding down the hill (it is a downward grade, but not really 'down hill'), Abby was off and riding all the way to the park. Once at the park, Zoë got another turn on the bike and went down the ramp, then back up it so that Daddy could see up close how well she did going uphill. Abby wasn't to be outdone and she zoomed up the short, but steep, hill (with a little assistance at the top) and then got to do the uphill again when she rode up the street to our house.
After getting over some trepedation about riding down the hill (it is a downward grade, but not really 'down hill'), Abby was off and riding all the way to the park. Once at the park, Zoë got another turn on the bike and went down the ramp, then back up it so that Daddy could see up close how well she did going uphill. Abby wasn't to be outdone and she zoomed up the short, but steep, hill (with a little assistance at the top) and then got to do the uphill again when she rode up the street to our house.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 8 days News posted by Laura at 2:05 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I am so proud of you girls..soon you will not need training wheels. xxoo
November 1st 2009
Out of the Way
The kids and I went over to hang out with Reanna and Elijah after church, while Corey and Daddy worked on getting a couple of windows installed at the house. Grampy was there as well, which the girls were happily surprised about. We did some playing in the backyard, then had a snack and then walked down to the little playground down the street. When we came back the girls helped Reanna and I get dinner going. Uncle Corey and Daddy arrived just as dinner was finishing up in the oven so we all sat down to eat. It was already fairly late when we finished, but the girls got to split a mint patty before getting their jammies on and getting in the car to go home.
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 8 days News posted by Laura at 7:55 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
So glad daddy is getting some help with the windows.
