December 31st 2009
New England Carbon Challenge
Today I filled out the New England Carbon Challenge worksheet that our town has on their website. We used 9093 KwH of electricity this year that cost us $1494.14. This includes the delivery, fees and the actual power, which averages out to 16.43 cents per KwH for this past year worth of data. We used 938 Therms of gas in the past 12 months that cost us $1560.45, or about $1.66 per therm. We will use considerably more gas next year as we have 2 new gas appliances, the heater and hot water unit. We drove 7895 miles in the past 12 months. I was surprised that the carbon estimator didn't take into account water usage as all the water would require treatment and such. The challenge indicated that we currently generate 5516 lbs of CO2 last year from our car, 10066 pounds from our electricity consumption, 10383 pounds from our heat/hot water gas consumption. It did however credit us 8830 pounds for our mandatory city recycling of paper, plastic and metal. Our currently yearly production is 17136 with this recycling credit. We aren't sure what are good numbers for a family of 5 or even what the norms are for our neighborhood. Seems like that kind of data is hard to come by.
Abby @ 6 years, 16 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 16 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 7 days
News posted by christopher at 11:21 AM | 
Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Tom sent me his information from the carbon challenge. They used 8527 KWH of electricity that cost $1633.70. Their electricity is more expensive at 19.16 cents per KWH all things considered versus our 16.43 cents. They used 923 therms of gas and paid $1474.20. They paid $1.597 per therm of gas about six cents less than what we paid per therm. They both work and drove their cars more than we drive, so their carbon output of 24861 pounds, was 145% of what ours was for the year. Tom bikes to work during the spring/summer and has a more efficient furnace, hot water and appliances than we had last year. He also points out that I neglected to mention the carbon emitted during our gas/water consumption at our in-laws and at the YMCA. This is true. We are hoping to upgrade a few appliances like the refrigerator and cut our electricity consumption, or at least bring it more in line. We are anxious to see our gas consumption with the new stove and on demand hot water heater. We are also very ashamed at how inefficient our home is. Hopefully the new windows and siding project will help cut the drafts down and improve our efficiencies.
I agree...I think once you have all the windows in and insulation in your home your comsumption will improve....also new applicances will help greatly.
December 30th 2009
Jake guards the stairs
Enzo got a little gorilla animal for Christmas and has been terrified of it since. I am taking advantage of this and have been making Jake stand guard on the stairs. Enzo won't go near the stairs now. Sometimes Jake also gets computer duty, where we place him next to my computer and Enzo will then avoid the area. This is the best gift yet. Now if we only had 50 of them to place all over the house. I think the scary part for Enzo is that sometimes Jake is here, or there, or he could show up anywhere so he always has to peek around the tree or the doorway just to make sure. It is kind of freaky to see how Jake moves around and can suddenly appear anywhere. I just hope that we don't cause permanent damage exploiting this fear, that one day when he is grown up and walking through the zoo doesn't freak out and have a melt down when he passes the gorilla cage. Oh well, we are taking that chance.
Abby @ 6 years, 15 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 15 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 6 days News posted by christopher at 2:01 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Poor Enzo...he is really afraid of this gorilla!!
Annual Pizza Hut Buffet
We only go to Pizza Hut about once a year - when the girls have their birthday coupons. Today, after I took Enzo in to get his MMR vaccination, I headed back to the house and picked everyone else up to head to lunch.
The coupons say they get a free personal pan pizza, but for the past couple of years we ask for them to just do the buffet instead. Not only do the girls like the variety of the buffet, but they like that they can get dessert pizza and cinnamon breadsticks at the end. This time they got some fruit and pudding too. Enzo also enjoyed sharing from Chris and I's plates, mostly breadstick, but he also liked the cottage cheese.
The coupons say they get a free personal pan pizza, but for the past couple of years we ask for them to just do the buffet instead. Not only do the girls like the variety of the buffet, but they like that they can get dessert pizza and cinnamon breadsticks at the end. This time they got some fruit and pudding too. Enzo also enjoyed sharing from Chris and I's plates, mostly breadstick, but he also liked the cottage cheese.
Abby @ 6 years, 15 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 15 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 6 days News posted by Laura at 12:36 PM | Comment
December 29th 2009
Mama's Boy Stays with Daddy
I had an orthodontist appointment this afternoon, and instead of trying to keep all of the kids quiet in the waiting area, Enzo and the girls stayed home with Chris. Enzo was ready to nurse and have a nap before I left, so I thought it would work out well. It would have too, had the recycling truck hadn't started backing up somewhere in the neighborhood just as Enzo was nodding off to sleep.
Although he wasn't a complete wreck, I hear that pretty much Enzo walked around asking for me the whole time I was gone. Chris wore him in the ergo for a little while, gave him some crackers, and even let him watch a little of the movie that Zoë and Abby were watching. As soon as I came in the door, about two hours after I'd left, I heard Enzo's little voice, "Mama! Mama!"
Although he wasn't a complete wreck, I hear that pretty much Enzo walked around asking for me the whole time I was gone. Chris wore him in the ergo for a little while, gave him some crackers, and even let him watch a little of the movie that Zoë and Abby were watching. As soon as I came in the door, about two hours after I'd left, I heard Enzo's little voice, "Mama! Mama!"
Abby @ 6 years, 14 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 14 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 5 days News posted by Laura at 3:30 PM | Comment
December 28th 2009
More Toys and Games
I took all three kids with me to try and get some returns done. Also, Enzo received a gift card to Toys R Us from Uncle Dan (thanks!) and the girls still had their birthday money from Nonno Ernie - we waited to use them to see what all they got lavished upon them at Christmas - so out we went this afternoon. First we went to Kohl's, where the return line was ridiculously long. We returned Enzo's too small items and got him a few things to replace them and then headed out. By this time it was raining, and my energy was already draining so I decided to skip the mall stuff and just go over to TRU, as it is in the same plaza as Kohl's.
Luckily, we already had in mind what we were looking for; a tool set for Enzo, a learning cash register and a globe for the girls. I asked the first sales associate I saw about where to find a tool set for Enzo's age and he directed me to the home depot tool section... not what we were looking for. Over near the preschool toys I asked another associate and they told me that the home depot tools were really all they had. Well, I looked up and there in front of me was the perfect little tool set for a toddler, even said 18m.+ on the package. With this in the cart we asked another associate - after we found one - about the remaining two items. Luckily, this guy (he appeared to be a manager) was more helpful and took me right to the aisle we needed. Unluckily they were sold out of all but one type of cash register, same with the globes. The globe they had was actually pretty cool. It was detailed and had a constellation feature, however the girls didn't want to put their money together and get just the globe, I don't really think they wanted a globe at all right then and there. Zoë was bummed that they didn't have the kind of cash register we were looking for (well, she liked the one there, but it was more toy than learning. I was hoping for a nice balance of the two) so on the search we went. We got to the game aisle and though the girls got three new games already, they do love to play games so we picked out a couple more; twister and operation.
We exited Toys R Us to find the weather had changed yet again, this time it was snowing. That sealed the deal, we were homeward bound. We didn't have time to try out 'operation' this evening, but the girls did play a few rounds of Twister. Also, Enzo really likes his new mini workbench - that screwdriver doubles as a great teether.
Luckily, we already had in mind what we were looking for; a tool set for Enzo, a learning cash register and a globe for the girls. I asked the first sales associate I saw about where to find a tool set for Enzo's age and he directed me to the home depot tool section... not what we were looking for. Over near the preschool toys I asked another associate and they told me that the home depot tools were really all they had. Well, I looked up and there in front of me was the perfect little tool set for a toddler, even said 18m.+ on the package. With this in the cart we asked another associate - after we found one - about the remaining two items. Luckily, this guy (he appeared to be a manager) was more helpful and took me right to the aisle we needed. Unluckily they were sold out of all but one type of cash register, same with the globes. The globe they had was actually pretty cool. It was detailed and had a constellation feature, however the girls didn't want to put their money together and get just the globe, I don't really think they wanted a globe at all right then and there. Zoë was bummed that they didn't have the kind of cash register we were looking for (well, she liked the one there, but it was more toy than learning. I was hoping for a nice balance of the two) so on the search we went. We got to the game aisle and though the girls got three new games already, they do love to play games so we picked out a couple more; twister and operation.
We exited Toys R Us to find the weather had changed yet again, this time it was snowing. That sealed the deal, we were homeward bound. We didn't have time to try out 'operation' this evening, but the girls did play a few rounds of Twister. Also, Enzo really likes his new mini workbench - that screwdriver doubles as a great teether.
Abby @ 6 years, 13 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 4 days News posted by Laura at 3:13 PM | Comment
December 27th 2009
Goodbye to Nonna
Caitlin and Matt came up today around lunch time. They gave the kids their presents - the girls got memory cards for their cameras, Enzo got a really neat farm and tractor set, where everything makes noise including the 5 animals, and all three got cute knitted hats that each have different animal faces. After this Matt and Caitlin played one of Zoë and Abby's new games with them, Creatures and Features. Once the game was done we went out for lunch at Great Buffet. We had wanted to go to Shio but it doesn't open until 2pm on Sundays.
Once we were done our meal it was time for good-bye's. Zoë and Abby must have gone back for 10 'one more hug' trips as we were getting in the cars. Naturally the girls were teary and sad and Enzo just seemed confused. The whole ride home he was saying "Nonna? Nonna?" Later on he was walking around the house saying it, like he was looking for her. Thanks for everything Nonna!
Once we were done our meal it was time for good-bye's. Zoë and Abby must have gone back for 10 'one more hug' trips as we were getting in the cars. Naturally the girls were teary and sad and Enzo just seemed confused. The whole ride home he was saying "Nonna? Nonna?" Later on he was walking around the house saying it, like he was looking for her. Thanks for everything Nonna!
Abby @ 6 years, 12 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 12 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 3 days News posted by Laura at 3:06 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I had a wonderful Christmas with all of you! Thanks for sharing your bed girls.....I have been drinking my hot chocolate with marshmallows and thinking of you when I am having my delicious drink!! xxoo
December 26th 2009
After Christmas Shopping
Nonna and I dragged Enzo around to a few stores this morning, getting a little day-after-Christmas shopping in. Our first stop was to the Crate and Barrel outlet in Maine. Next we went over to the Carter's outlet - that store is dangerous! I returned a pair of pj's that Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm got him (he got lots of jammies for Christmas) and got him a cute pair of blue jeans. If it hadn't been for Enzo whining, I could have done a lot of damage in that store. Nonna got Enzo a pair of fleece overalls and long sleeve shirt set, plus onsies in a size up for his birthday.
After this we headed back into to NH to take advantage of Old Navy's one day $15 jean sale. Enzo had fallen asleep in the car by the time we got over there so I thought maybe I'd just run into Kohl's (in the same plaza) and return a couple of too small items Enzo was given, but he woke up as soon as I opened my door so back over to Old Navy we went. Enzo was content to sit in the cart with some crackers while I tried about every type of jean in the store on - it's been a while since I've been jean shopping. After this we decided we'd better get home for some lunch and a nap for our tired shopper.
After this we headed back into to NH to take advantage of Old Navy's one day $15 jean sale. Enzo had fallen asleep in the car by the time we got over there so I thought maybe I'd just run into Kohl's (in the same plaza) and return a couple of too small items Enzo was given, but he woke up as soon as I opened my door so back over to Old Navy we went. Enzo was content to sit in the cart with some crackers while I tried about every type of jean in the store on - it's been a while since I've been jean shopping. After this we decided we'd better get home for some lunch and a nap for our tired shopper.
Abby @ 6 years, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 2 days News posted by Laura at 12:00 PM | Comment
December 25th 2009
Christmas 2009
Zoë and Abby were up and ready to check out the tree first thing this morning. I looked at the clock when I heard them running back up the steps - it was 6:30a.m. - with shouts of "he came, he came!" Nonna got up to go down with the girls, and I figured I should probably get up too. Enzo was still sleeping so Chris stayed in bed with him. The girls were just itching to touch and peek at all of the gifts around the tree. It didn't take more than a few minutes before I heard Enzo wake up so I brought him down too.
First Zoë and Abby got to open up their bathrobes from Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm, after immediately getting them on and all tied up, we moved on to stockings. Enzo kept trying to bite into everyone's clementines, which were found in the toe of the stockings, so we had to hide those. Abby got a stuffed horse and Zoë got her long lost barking dog (they'd asked for a horse and puppy in their letters to Santa). Both of the girls got a lot of nice outfits, pretty earrings from Zia Elizabeth, shampoo and chapstick, work gloves from Papa Norm and Grandma Cindy, games, puzzles, mermaid Barbie's from Grampy, kid sized snuggie blankets and hand puppets from Nonno Ernie and Martha, Crayola art boxes from Aunt Barb and Uncle Rich, and quilts made by Emmy the Great, among other things.
Enzo was funny to watch, having gotten the hang of gift opening, though he wanted to help others open their gifts more than sit and open his own. He too got some cute outfits and much needed undershirt onesies, a bilingual car plus a play table from Nonno Ernie and Martha, two wooden spoons from Zia Elizabeth from the Virgin Islands, mega blocks from Aunt Barb and Uncle Rich, books and cars and books that are cars... and then there's Jake.
Jake is what we've named the gorilla that Enzo is absolutely terrified of. It came from Nonno Ernie and when you press its hand it flaps its arms and makes gorilla noises. At first I thought we'd just put it away for a while or get him used to it so he's not scared, then Chris happened upon the realization that it's an excellent stair climbing deterrent. Normally we spend half our day getting Enzo away from the stairs, (old fancy banisters make it so a gate won't work there) but with Jake on the steps Enzo won't even leave the living room. He'll get close and then run back for one of us to pick him up, all the while squealing like crazy. Even if he sees one of us go into the hallway, where he knows Jake is at, he'll scream and scream until we come back into the living room. I'm sure we're doing permanent damage that will come out in therapy years from now, but at the moment it's amusing - and helping - us.
In the afternoon the kids and I went over to the Valley's to say hello to them and Grampy and Uncle Tommy. Reanna hadn't given Elijah his presents from us yet, so she let him open them with us there. Uncle Tommy had a present for each of the girls, bush babies. (Not real, thank goodness, but the girls love them) We left to get back home for dinner just as they were all sitting down for their meal. At home Daddy was ready to serve out the roast and vegetables and then we all split some canoli, brownie sundae, and tort. Just before getting the kids ready for bed, my Nephew Patrick arrived. He had stopped by at the Valley's, but just missed us and since we haven't seen him in a long time, he stopped by here after leaving there. The girls were able to say hello before heading up to bed and overtired Enzo all showed off his charm before finally nursing and crashing. After Patrick left, us and Nonna chatted a bit and then we all got our tired bodies into bed.
First Zoë and Abby got to open up their bathrobes from Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm, after immediately getting them on and all tied up, we moved on to stockings. Enzo kept trying to bite into everyone's clementines, which were found in the toe of the stockings, so we had to hide those. Abby got a stuffed horse and Zoë got her long lost barking dog (they'd asked for a horse and puppy in their letters to Santa). Both of the girls got a lot of nice outfits, pretty earrings from Zia Elizabeth, shampoo and chapstick, work gloves from Papa Norm and Grandma Cindy, games, puzzles, mermaid Barbie's from Grampy, kid sized snuggie blankets and hand puppets from Nonno Ernie and Martha, Crayola art boxes from Aunt Barb and Uncle Rich, and quilts made by Emmy the Great, among other things.
Enzo was funny to watch, having gotten the hang of gift opening, though he wanted to help others open their gifts more than sit and open his own. He too got some cute outfits and much needed undershirt onesies, a bilingual car plus a play table from Nonno Ernie and Martha, two wooden spoons from Zia Elizabeth from the Virgin Islands, mega blocks from Aunt Barb and Uncle Rich, books and cars and books that are cars... and then there's Jake.
Jake is what we've named the gorilla that Enzo is absolutely terrified of. It came from Nonno Ernie and when you press its hand it flaps its arms and makes gorilla noises. At first I thought we'd just put it away for a while or get him used to it so he's not scared, then Chris happened upon the realization that it's an excellent stair climbing deterrent. Normally we spend half our day getting Enzo away from the stairs, (old fancy banisters make it so a gate won't work there) but with Jake on the steps Enzo won't even leave the living room. He'll get close and then run back for one of us to pick him up, all the while squealing like crazy. Even if he sees one of us go into the hallway, where he knows Jake is at, he'll scream and scream until we come back into the living room. I'm sure we're doing permanent damage that will come out in therapy years from now, but at the moment it's amusing - and helping - us.
In the afternoon the kids and I went over to the Valley's to say hello to them and Grampy and Uncle Tommy. Reanna hadn't given Elijah his presents from us yet, so she let him open them with us there. Uncle Tommy had a present for each of the girls, bush babies. (Not real, thank goodness, but the girls love them) We left to get back home for dinner just as they were all sitting down for their meal. At home Daddy was ready to serve out the roast and vegetables and then we all split some canoli, brownie sundae, and tort. Just before getting the kids ready for bed, my Nephew Patrick arrived. He had stopped by at the Valley's, but just missed us and since we haven't seen him in a long time, he stopped by here after leaving there. The girls were able to say hello before heading up to bed and overtired Enzo all showed off his charm before finally nursing and crashing. After Patrick left, us and Nonna chatted a bit and then we all got our tired bodies into bed.
Abby @ 6 years, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 2 days Holidays posted by Laura at 11:46 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Merry Christmas
The bathrobes look great. So many toys. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures.
Please post a picture of the gorilla. That story is hilarious! Merry Christmas to you all!
December 24th 2009
Christmas Eve 2009
Zoë and Abby started out the day by putting their 24th ornaments on their hallmark trees, and opening and reading on their advent calendars for today. They were a bit bummed that I still had them do their math and phonics, but they got over it when I told them that we'd make chocolate chip cookies when they were done.
We had shrimp scampi for dinner and then all three of the kids sat in front of the tree to open their Christmas Eve gifts. Enzo tore into his paper and then was even interested to see what was inside... jammies! He was trying to put them on his head and everything, then he got interested in what the girls were opening... also jammies, surprise surprise. Zoë and Abby ran upstairs to get into their (pre-washed) pj's right away and then got to have a sweet treat before getting their teeth brushed, while I got Enzo changed and ready for bed.
We had shrimp scampi for dinner and then all three of the kids sat in front of the tree to open their Christmas Eve gifts. Enzo tore into his paper and then was even interested to see what was inside... jammies! He was trying to put them on his head and everything, then he got interested in what the girls were opening... also jammies, surprise surprise. Zoë and Abby ran upstairs to get into their (pre-washed) pj's right away and then got to have a sweet treat before getting their teeth brushed, while I got Enzo changed and ready for bed.
Abby @ 6 years, 10 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 10 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 1 day Holidays posted by Laura at 9:12 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Enzo, you are creative with your clothes. Such a happy boy
December 23rd 2009
Enzo's 15 Month Check-Up
Enzo and I zoomed out of the house this morning for his early morning check-up. He charmed all of the nurses and the nurse practitioner with his good looks and silly self. After getting all of his many layers of clothing off, it was time to put him on the scale. He was wary and not wanting to sit still, especially when I put him down on the paper on the exam table to be measured. I knew that the first measurement the nurse took for him couldn't be correct, so after she left and he'd calmed down I took it upon myself to take all of the measurements again. The nurse practitioner, after looking at the chart and seeing 30 and 3/4in. - only 1/2 an inch growth - she mentioned wanting to measure him again. I said that I'd already done that, as he'd been nervous and fidgity before, and showed her my marks. We put him on the table again to double check and I was right... 321/2 inches tall., which is the 75th percentile. He weighs 22lbs. 7ounces - 25th percentile, and his head circumference is 19 inches - 90th percentile.
I decided to hold off on getting him the MMR vaccine until after the holidays, and just got him the last (for a few years) of his Polio and DTap. The plan is to go back in about a week for the MMR and hold off until the 18 month check-up for the varicella vaccine. He's ahead of the curve as far as what he's doing, saying, understanding, etc. so everything checked out well.
I decided to hold off on getting him the MMR vaccine until after the holidays, and just got him the last (for a few years) of his Polio and DTap. The plan is to go back in about a week for the MMR and hold off until the 18 month check-up for the varicella vaccine. He's ahead of the curve as far as what he's doing, saying, understanding, etc. so everything checked out well.
Abby @ 6 years, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 29 days News posted by Laura at 8:30 AM | Comment
December 22nd 2009
First Sledding of the Season
I brought down the snow gear and had the girls try on last years snow pants - a bit on the small side - and then their hand me down pants - fit nicely - and then let the girls open their gift(s) from the Valley's... a new saucer sled (we previously only had one) plus a really cool double tube sled. I inflated it and geared the rest of us up and we walked down the road to what the girls have deemed (in the winter anyway) as their sledding hill.
Enzo was having a piggy back ride in the ergo carrier (thanks Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm!) and I was going to take him out to let him sled with Chris and I, but he was content where he was so I just kept him on my back while we took a few turns down the hill. The girls had a great time, and loved the new sled.
Enzo was having a piggy back ride in the ergo carrier (thanks Grandma Cindy and Papa Norm!) and I was going to take him out to let him sled with Chris and I, but he was content where he was so I just kept him on my back while we took a few turns down the hill. The girls had a great time, and loved the new sled.
Abby @ 6 years, 7 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 7 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 28 days News posted by Laura at 12:08 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
The first sledding of the winter is always the best.The anticipation builds in preparation, remembering the fun from the year before.
I bet you had great fun.
Would love to see a picture.
Coooooooool!! I wanna do that one day! ;D
December 21st 2009
That's What Enzo's All About
This evening, the girls and I did the hokey pokey with Enzo for the first time. He caught on really quickly and just loved this new song and dance routine, though he did get hung up on the lyrics and just kept turning himself around, making for some funny entertainment on our parts - watching him try to keep his balance after a bit. After a couple of rounds, I decided we should do an easier toddler version of just hands, head, etc. and he seemed to get the whole putting your body parts out and shaking them about a bit better... his favorite was still the turning himself around though. He's obssessed now though and kept asking us to do the hokey pokey - in his own little way - over and over. What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
Abby @ 6 years, 7 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 7 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 28 days News posted by Laura at 9:02 PM | Comment
December 20th 2009
Enzo's first snow experience
Laura bundled Enzo up for some snow time while I cleared the snow the plow put in front of our driveway. Enzo got all bundled up and even braved the slide. Mommy first made a small track for him so he could ride the sled.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 26 days First Moments posted by christopher at 2:37 PM | Comment
December 19th 2009
Lowe's Build and Grow - Pet Treat Keeper
Nonna joined us for this build at Lowe's. Abby and Zoë were so excited that they forgot their aprons and goggles at home. We got new goggles and started to build. This project was more involved with many parts and many nails. I didn't think Nonna had it in her to finish these up. The girls did great and were excited about whom should receive these special gifts.
Abby @ 6 years, 4 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 4 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 25 days Art posted by christopher at 5:19 PM | Comment
December 18th 2009
Birthday gifts part two
Nonna delivered Abby and Zoë's birthday gifts today. She had us hold back her gifts so they could all celebrate together. Abby and Zoë got some great things, including watches, Hannah Montana watches and disney barbie dolls. They were excited for me to make the band holes smaller so they could wear them. Next year I am thinking about imposing new gift rules, where they only get to open gifts on one day for their birthday, and anything held over will be delivered on Christmas. It gets ridiculous how many gifts and gift days they now expect, it is worse than the 12 days of Christmas.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 24 days Holidays posted by christopher at 10:22 AM | Comment
December 17th 2009
Nonna arrives for the holidays
We surprised Nonna at the airport. Abby and Zoë joined me for the late night pick up. We even got to see her inside the airport. I saw Nonna coming down the stairs while I waited for Abby and Zoë to finish up in the restroom. Nonna went in and sped things up as there was a line forming. We hopped back into the car and got a snack on the way home at Sonic. A first time experience for all of us.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 24 days Holidays posted by christopher at 9:15 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I was surprised an very happy that daddy brought the girls to pick me up.....it was just GREAT!!
December 16th 2009
Guest Prep
Since Nonna will be sleeping in the bottom bunk, the girls have been helping to get the beds, and the room ready. I've had them making sure their toys are all put where they belong, out from under the bed and the coffee table, etc. We'll be washing the sheets tomorrow so the girls had to decide which new set of sheets would go on which bed. Part of the prep includes talking about polite behavior as far as them having to share the top bunk and not waking Nonna up at the crack of dawn each morning.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 day
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 day
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 22 days News posted by Laura at 8:09 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Yes...well we will have to work on not getting up at the crack of dawn!!!! But we did snuggle and talk before getting out of bed.....three of us in a twin bunk all snuggly and warm!!
December 15th 2009
Mama's Boy
Lately Enzo has been a bit more concerned with where I am, and making sure I'm not gone from him for too long. Not that he doesn't still want his Daddy - he's right there pulling on Chris' pant legs and asking to be picked up as soon as he sees him in the mornings - but he's not handing being away from me as well as he once did. Usually as long as it's not time to nurse and go to sleep (nap or bed for the night), he's content to play and bee bop around with Daddy or other familiar adults.
He is getting that separation anxiety age, but it also happens that I've been trying to give him longer stretches without seeing my face lately too - upstairs wrapping presents for a while, doing housework in other parts of the house, and once in a while with Parky in the kids' room at Familie's First (thought we're not there often these days) - I seem to remember a couple of little girls his age behaving the same way around this age.
He is getting that separation anxiety age, but it also happens that I've been trying to give him longer stretches without seeing my face lately too - upstairs wrapping presents for a while, doing housework in other parts of the house, and once in a while with Parky in the kids' room at Familie's First (thought we're not there often these days) - I seem to remember a couple of little girls his age behaving the same way around this age.
Abby @ 6 years
Zoë @ 6 years
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 21 days News posted by Laura at 8:09 AM | Comment
December 14th 2009
Zoë and Abby Turn Six
Once everyone was downstairs this morning, I gave the girls their gifts from Great Grandma Ehlers and from Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin. They were pleased to find more aprons as well as socks from Emmy the great, but even more excited to open digital cameras with cases from Matt and Caitlin!
Unfortunately we had to start the day with grocery shopping while the snow tires got put on the car, luckily the girls like shopping. We browsed the toy aisle and they got samples. We then went to Newick's for their birthday lunch, followed by Coldstone ice cream. Abby picked out raspberry sorbet with gummy bears for her mix in (ugh!), Zoë picked out candy cane ice cream with graham cracker pie crust mixed in.
I guess, when we were at Walmart, Abby told Daddy that she was feeling a little queezy, but when he mentioned that maybe we should go home and rest instead of out to eat, she suddenly felt better. That didn't last too long though, she got sick in the bathroom this afternoon and then excused herself from dinner to go to bed early without even eating any chocolate cake.
Unfortunately we had to start the day with grocery shopping while the snow tires got put on the car, luckily the girls like shopping. We browsed the toy aisle and they got samples. We then went to Newick's for their birthday lunch, followed by Coldstone ice cream. Abby picked out raspberry sorbet with gummy bears for her mix in (ugh!), Zoë picked out candy cane ice cream with graham cracker pie crust mixed in.
I guess, when we were at Walmart, Abby told Daddy that she was feeling a little queezy, but when he mentioned that maybe we should go home and rest instead of out to eat, she suddenly felt better. That didn't last too long though, she got sick in the bathroom this afternoon and then excused herself from dinner to go to bed early without even eating any chocolate cake.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 20 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 6:58 PM | Comment
December 13th 2009
On the way home from the Oriental Market
We stopped by the Oriental market today for some Nori. The girls want to make the sushi rolls for their birthday. They enjoy the process and choosing what to put on rolls. We will take some pictures of the event tomorrow. I always love looking around the store. They have products that we just don't normally encounter. I always have to tell Abby and Zoë not to say anything about the smell and to stop grabbing and plugging their noses. I happened to source some packages of tapioca flour as well, bought 4 or five bags of it so we can make more tapioca. It is significantly cheaper than from the healthfood store in town. I also picked up some Palm Sugar, which is 100% coconut syrup. We are going to try that instead of honey in our tea and see how that goes. On the way home from the Oriental Market after mommy said, "Wow that place got busy all of a sudden", to which Abby responded, "Yeah mom, everyone in there was Chinese".
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 19 days News posted by christopher at 3:25 PM | Comment
Boycot and girlcotting Friendly's
Today after church we decided to take the girls to Friendly's for their birthday lunch coupon. They get a free big kid's meal, which includes a drink in a mug that is 2 times the adult cup size, an entree and a dessert. The girls were bouncing off the walls and all the junk at Friendly's didn't help. The 3D glasses, the crayons and the coloring stuff. It didn't help that we had a server who was completely out of it. Not sure what the issue was there, but she just wasn't present mentally. Anyhow we struggled through their meal, the wrong drink arrived, then the food, without condiments as stated on the menu, the substituted waffle fries instead of the shoe strings, etc... just nothing seemed to be correct. I did call her attention to the fry mix up, lack of ranch dressing for the "ranch" chicken wrap, but not the drink mix up. Then time for the dessert. It took forever in a restaurant that was more than half empty. I asked her for mine and Laura's to go, as Enzo didn't have any more patience. While we stopped boycotting IHOP not too long ago, we are putting Friendly's on our list. I am just not sure we fit the criteria for dinning at Friendly's anymore. When I mentioned in the car on the way home to Laura that I am now officially boycotting Friendlies, Zoë said, "I am girlcotting it too!"
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 19 days News posted by christopher at 1:15 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Good one Zoe !!!
Girlcotting. I like it.
Are holiday birthdays the best?
Are holiday birthdays are the best? Abby and Zoë think so! Abby and Zoë have expressed how much they LOVE having their birthday so close to Christmas. I never imagined it would have been a positive thing, having to share your once a year gift receiving day with another gift receiving holiday, the biggest gift receiving holiday. It just goes to show how much we keep these two closely occurring events separate and special. We get a huge amount of help from everyone spoiling them throughout the whole month. I can't imagine them having more gift opening fun even if they converted to Judaism and celebrating Hanukkah's 8 days of gift exchanging. We definitely give it good run for the money though with more than 8 days of gift opening. We have the before birthday gifts; this year included an early one on black Friday, their bunkbeds, followed up by awesome aprons, then gifts at the Valleys, then some cards, all before the birthday, already 4 days of gift openings. We are going to have more stuff on their birthday, then on the 18th when Nonna's delayed birthday occurs, and then there are any late presents that arrive in the mail between birthday and Christmas. We will most likely allow them to open a gift or two before Santa drops the present bomb on us, so count at least 2 more days there, plus any straggler mailed gifts. No wonder this is their favorite time of the year, they are constantly showered with gifts and presents, just look at the gift pile forming in the hallway, it's discusting.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 19 days Holidays posted by christopher at 9:42 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Oh! My goodness.....what a mass of presents. I know I can't wait to have a birthday celebration with you both on the 18th!! xxoo
Making recipes
Abby and Zoë have been obsessed with making new recipes since helping make the chocolate cupcakes with Auntie Reanna. I told Abby and Zoë that they need to be good chefs for a long time before they make up new recipes. This proclamation has not detered them though. Abby told me we need to buy 8 cups of chocolate chips for her recipe called "For flour pan". I said that doesn't sound so appetizing, she said it is a pie with chocolate and strawberries, so I was relieved when she said she also requires 4 cups of baking powder.
Abby's "For Flawr Pan"
Egg For Five cups Uf Flawr
sexs cups uf coco
Frosteing
Five cups uv Baceing Powder
For eggs
Seven cups uv coco
1 stic uv bater
strobire Flavoreing
~ Four flour pan: egg for five cups of flour, six cups of cocoa. Frosting: five cups of backing powder, four eggs, seven cups of cocoa, 1 stick of butter, strawberry flavoring.
Zoë's "Strobere pie"
coco 2 tps
vanelu ecstract 1 tsp.
1 cup melk
4 cups uv stroberes
Pie Frosteing
coco 1 tsp
1 stek buter
1 tsp choclet cheps.
~ Strawberry pie: cocoa 1 tsp., vanilla extract 1 tsp, 1 cup milk, 4 cups of strawberries. Pie Frosting: cocoa 1 tsp., 1 stick butter, 1 tsp. chocolate chips.
Abby's "For Flawr Pan"
Egg For Five cups Uf Flawr
sexs cups uf coco
Frosteing
Five cups uv Baceing Powder
For eggs
Seven cups uv coco
1 stic uv bater
strobire Flavoreing
~ Four flour pan: egg for five cups of flour, six cups of cocoa. Frosting: five cups of backing powder, four eggs, seven cups of cocoa, 1 stick of butter, strawberry flavoring.
Zoë's "Strobere pie"
coco 2 tps
vanelu ecstract 1 tsp.
1 cup melk
4 cups uv stroberes
Pie Frosteing
coco 1 tsp
1 stek buter
1 tsp choclet cheps.
~ Strawberry pie: cocoa 1 tsp., vanilla extract 1 tsp, 1 cup milk, 4 cups of strawberries. Pie Frosting: cocoa 1 tsp., 1 stick butter, 1 tsp. chocolate chips.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 19 days Art posted by christopher at 8:51 AM | Comment
December 12th 2009
Birthday Cupcakes with Auntie Reanna
After the build at Lowe's, we went to the Valley's, where there was fun in store for the girls. Since Reanna won't be seeing them on their birthday, she said that she'd make and decorate cupcakes with them while I entertained Enzo and Elijah. She also gave them their birthday presents from her and Uncle Corey (and Elijah of course) They got new sketch pads, different colored pens with glitter ink, some wipe off letter practice pages complete with their own wipe off markers, some sticky notes, and a book.
I let the girls have one of their aprons that Emmy the Great made for them (they don't know that they each have a second one from her as well) for their birthdays and boy was that a good thing because they were a mess! I had suggested making the cupcakes and frosting from scratch so there would be more for the girls to help with, which was a lot of fun for them. The frosting tunred out really yummy - we've made it before, but Reanna hadn't - and we had plenty of extra to bring home.
I let the girls have one of their aprons that Emmy the Great made for them (they don't know that they each have a second one from her as well) for their birthdays and boy was that a good thing because they were a mess! I had suggested making the cupcakes and frosting from scratch so there would be more for the girls to help with, which was a lot of fun for them. The frosting tunred out really yummy - we've made it before, but Reanna hadn't - and we had plenty of extra to bring home.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 18 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 1:56 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Abby and Zoe you are very lucky little girls!! xxoo
Zebra Rodeo
Enzo got a chance to ride cousin Elijah's zebra rodeo while he napped and the girls waited to start making their birthday cupcakes. He wasn't the only one who enjoyed it.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 18 days Photos posted by christopher at 12:40 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Look at you !!! A reak cutie!! xxoo Love you!!
Lowe's Build and Grow - Ornaments
During the holidays Lowe's has these build and grow workshops every weekend. We have missed some in the past, but we generally try to make all of these free events. The girls have a great time and it gives us something cost effective to do. I wonder if these building lessons and patches they earn will translate into life long skills and proficiencies. They already have tons of patches, we almost have their whole apron filled up. We are currently putting patches on the pocket flap. Laura will have to make a sash of sorts, a la brownies to hold more patches when we fill up. The girls are excited for the Lowe's to open up closer to home so we don't have to travel 20 minutes to get to the builds. This build was a super quick but fun one. We were putting together two Christmas ornaments, a tree and a picture frame. The both only required a few nails and soon the girls were smashing away. Their favorite parts are applying the stickers, but I much prefer the project sans junk, they just look so much cleaner, so we tell the girls that they can apply the stickers at home. It gives us another project for them to do at home in the event they remember. If not, we have some nice looking ornaments.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 18 days Art posted by christopher at 10:54 AM | Comment
December 11th 2009
Road trip to Newport Rhode Island
Unfortunately we didn't really do any sight seeing besides driving through the town center a couple of times. The streets are crazily laid out with converging one ways and such, that we had to do a couple of laps to find our destination. It was a crazy 5 hour round trip. I did find out that it took slightly less than 10 gallons of gas, 9.7 actually and was about 260 miles. So I was looking at 26.8 MPG which isn't terrible for the speed we were traveling, too fast, with the heat and such on. Laura was able to jump out and grab a few snapshots as we went around Touro park. There was a stone tower and a statue that looked photo worthy. Eventually a postman I flagged was able to give us directions. He started out with, "Are you familiar with Newport?" I looked at Laura and said, if I were familiar with Newport I wouldn't need to ask him for directions. Anyhow, the kids mostly enjoyed the long car ride. Newport seems like a nice city to check out when the weather warms up. Not sure when we will make it back that way though. It would be nice to be more mobile and able to explore more. Why did we drive to Newport Rhode Island and back at such a moments notice? I have been watching craigslist.com for a 150 mile radius for a deal on a gas stove to be used as our heating source for more than 2 months now. These things come and go so quickly. When I saw the model one below my desired model come up for sale, albeit 130 miles away, I contacted them and packed the kids up in the car for the haul. Other people were interested in the unit as well, or so they told us, so we knew we had to act quickly and the stove would most likely be gone if we waited for the weekend. Laura cancelled her appointment and we were out of the house at 9, and on the way there by 10. We showed up shortly after lunch, around 12:40 or so. It took us about 40 minutes to look it over, talk with the owner and then pack the car. This thing was super heavy, even partially disassembled. It just barely fit in the trunk and was so tight we had major issues getting it out. Laura joked that we would have to keep it in the truck and just drive the car into the living room and leave it there. We were so sore lugging this thing around. Thankfully the 8k btu larger unit wasn't available, we wouldn't have fit it and probably killed ourselves trying to move it. The trunk and back and even some of the front was packed with venting and other parts for the long ride home. Everyone was uncomfortable but managed to keep it together for most of the return trip. One whole day, about $25 in gas, less than $5 in tolls just to get this stove at a severely discounted price of $750. The stove was never installed or used, still has the warranty card and everything. This stove at our local shop was $2175 on sale, and the venting would cost almost another $1000. Hopefully now we can get a plumber to connect the gas and the venting for a reasonable price, which has been our issue all along, finding the right plumber.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 27 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 27 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 17 days News posted by christopher at 6:22 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Right on!! I have a :) on my face!!
December 10th 2009
Indoor Slide
Well, we did indeed bring up the little fisher price slide and Enzo loves it. It only took him a few time with Daddy working with him to use his feet on the steps instead of his knees and then working the sitting with his feet in front of him, but he got it down and doesn't want to stop! He definitely needs closely spotted, but he'll sit at the top and say 'go, go, go' - thanks to Abby and Zoë, who sit nearby waiting for a turn, saying "Go, Enzo. Go, Enzo!" It's like he has to have a cheering squad now to go down the slide, and he always makes sure that If I'm assisting him on the slide, Chris is watching to cheer him on. He'll even stop climbing up the steps, walk around to the slide and look in Chris' direction as he puts his feet over as if he's going to climb the slide - knowing that Chris will remind him to go around and use the stairs... and then clap for him because he did it correctly.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 16 days Milestones posted by Laura at 7:00 AM | Comment
December 9th 2009
Dancing Boy
Enzo loves to dance and loves for us to sing with him, he even tries to sing along a little bit. He's a snuggle bug and will rest his head on my shoulder and ask me to sing the 'rock a rock' song while we sway. He also loves to dance to songs with a beat though and will stand and point until we put something on that he can dance to... he's got some pretty good moves too!
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 15 days Art posted by Laura at 6:58 AM | Comment
December 8th 2009
Baby Alyssa
Enzo and I went to visit Angie and her new baby Alyssa this afternoon. We've actually been meaning to get over there for a while - she was born on October 31st.
Enzo has just recently started signing 'baby', in reference to his baby doll, and it is so darn cute, so when I told him we were going to see a baby he seemed interested. When we arrived, Alyssa was sitting in her bouncy chair sleeping. He walked over and looked at her with a sheepish grin, grasping his hands together in front of himself, the way he does when he wants to touch something really badly, but knows he's not supposed to. Finally he couldn't contain himself any longer and he reached out to check her out, so I picked her up and held her so that he could see her better. He wanted to touch her head so badly - she has a full head of beautiful dark soft hair - and then he wanted to pat her. He also tried tickling her little bitty foot, but doesn't quite have the finesse to handle a new infant yet, so we brought some toys to entertain him for the remainder of the visit.
Enzo has just recently started signing 'baby', in reference to his baby doll, and it is so darn cute, so when I told him we were going to see a baby he seemed interested. When we arrived, Alyssa was sitting in her bouncy chair sleeping. He walked over and looked at her with a sheepish grin, grasping his hands together in front of himself, the way he does when he wants to touch something really badly, but knows he's not supposed to. Finally he couldn't contain himself any longer and he reached out to check her out, so I picked her up and held her so that he could see her better. He wanted to touch her head so badly - she has a full head of beautiful dark soft hair - and then he wanted to pat her. He also tried tickling her little bitty foot, but doesn't quite have the finesse to handle a new infant yet, so we brought some toys to entertain him for the remainder of the visit.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 14 days News posted by Laura at 4:33 PM | Comment
December 7th 2009
Toddler Toys
We just brought up a couple of toys from the basement, which we've saved from when the girls were toddlers. We brought up the plastic rocking horse thing and the fisher price miniature two wheeler with training wheels. It's for 18 months to 3 years, so Enzo's only a few months shy of the actual intended age for using it. The only problem is that his feet are just a little shy of being able to reach the peddles or the floor, so we have to give him rides on it around the house. He can get on and off the rocker on his own, but he does like it when he help him to go faster it and he'll ask us to 'rock rock' him.
Also I brought out the Dora sit 'n spin the girls got a few years back, and Enzo has already figured out how to get himself to spin on it. He does need help getting on it properly and for some reason he'll spin around a bit, then slide himself off, stand up and look at us and say 'gen? gen?' while doing the sign for 'again'. He also likes if Chris or I sit on it and then sit him up on the part you're supposed to hold onto and then we spin around quickly.
Next we'll bring up the little toddler slide and see how he does with that!
Also I brought out the Dora sit 'n spin the girls got a few years back, and Enzo has already figured out how to get himself to spin on it. He does need help getting on it properly and for some reason he'll spin around a bit, then slide himself off, stand up and look at us and say 'gen? gen?' while doing the sign for 'again'. He also likes if Chris or I sit on it and then sit him up on the part you're supposed to hold onto and then we spin around quickly.
Next we'll bring up the little toddler slide and see how he does with that!
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 13 days News posted by Laura at 10:50 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Sounds like a fun at your house!!
Correction: 7th line we help him...Fisher Price cap.
December 6th 2009
First Night in Bunk Beds
Last night the girls slept in the bunk beds for the first time. They actually slept the night before, sharing the bottom bed, but this was the first night that they actually utilized both bunks. Zoë decided that Abby could be the first to get the top bunk, as she likes the coziness of the bottom bunk. The plan is to have the girls switch every two weeks, when we wash sheets. After getting both girls all tucked in, we moved the ladder and turned out the lights. There was some talk of bad ideas, but luckily none of those came into fruition and the rest of the night was a quiet one.
This morning Chris put the ladder back so that Abby could get down and go potty, that's when the shenanigans began. Zoë climbed up to throw her snuggly in Abby's bed, Abby through it back down, repeat. Once we work out being safe and respectful of other family members sleeping (apparently Abby woke Zoë up so that Zoë could tell Daddy to get the ladder set up) things will be a bit more peaceful.
This morning Chris put the ladder back so that Abby could get down and go potty, that's when the shenanigans began. Zoë climbed up to throw her snuggly in Abby's bed, Abby through it back down, repeat. Once we work out being safe and respectful of other family members sleeping (apparently Abby woke Zoë up so that Zoë could tell Daddy to get the ladder set up) things will be a bit more peaceful.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 12 days First Moments posted by Laura at 11:39 AM | Comments ( 3 )
Comments:
no ladder!!...what if there was a fire!!
Your own beds...that is great!! I can't wait to see them.
No ladder is bad, in case of emergency.
Ladder may cause emergency. yikes
maybe beds on floor will prevent both.
December 5th 2009
Another Fill-a-Bag Sale
It was that time again, time to fill bags with as much clothes as possible and see how much of a bargain I could get. Since Reanna was going and grabbing from the sizes that Enzo and Elijah need, I decided to grab size 6 stuff for the girls. I am happy to report there were no meanies today, everyone getting from the line of boxes I was looking through were actually working together.
Here's what I got for the girls:
I pair of jeans (there were lots more, but the girls have a few jeans in size 6 already), seven long sleeved shirts, two t-shirts, 1 lace trimmed undershirt, 3 3/4 sleeve shirts (one is a dressy sweater type shirt), 4 long leggins - 2 black, 1 gray and 1 brown - and two short leggins - one brown capris and one pair of white "bicycle shorts" to wear under their skirts and dresses this spring, 1 long sleeve nightgown, 1 pair of socks with ribbons on the cuff (they look like something you'd get at Gymboree), a winter weight shorter skirt, 1 pair black fleece pants, 1 green long sleeve fleece v-neck shirt, 1 soft ribbed sweater, and the big find; 2 coats. 1 is navy blue, long wool coat, lined, with a hood and "fur" around the hood and cuffs, and another is a pink corduroy shorter blazer style coat.
So, for all 28 items I spent $10 (if it weren't for the long wool coat I probably could've fit everything into 1 bag and only spent $5). That wool coat alone would've been at least twice that amount. So, it works out to about .35 cents per item. While I've gotten the per item cost lower than that before, I think I really got a good deal with the items I found. They're all pretty much name brand items - Old Navy, Gap, Gymboree, Carter's, etc. - and they're all in really good condition.
Here's what I got for the girls:
I pair of jeans (there were lots more, but the girls have a few jeans in size 6 already), seven long sleeved shirts, two t-shirts, 1 lace trimmed undershirt, 3 3/4 sleeve shirts (one is a dressy sweater type shirt), 4 long leggins - 2 black, 1 gray and 1 brown - and two short leggins - one brown capris and one pair of white "bicycle shorts" to wear under their skirts and dresses this spring, 1 long sleeve nightgown, 1 pair of socks with ribbons on the cuff (they look like something you'd get at Gymboree), a winter weight shorter skirt, 1 pair black fleece pants, 1 green long sleeve fleece v-neck shirt, 1 soft ribbed sweater, and the big find; 2 coats. 1 is navy blue, long wool coat, lined, with a hood and "fur" around the hood and cuffs, and another is a pink corduroy shorter blazer style coat.
So, for all 28 items I spent $10 (if it weren't for the long wool coat I probably could've fit everything into 1 bag and only spent $5). That wool coat alone would've been at least twice that amount. So, it works out to about .35 cents per item. While I've gotten the per item cost lower than that before, I think I really got a good deal with the items I found. They're all pretty much name brand items - Old Navy, Gap, Gymboree, Carter's, etc. - and they're all in really good condition.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 11 days News posted by Laura at 11:45 AM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
great deal!!
Wow!! You are really good!! Laura......maybe you deserve hot water for Christmas!!.
Lowe's Kid's Workshop - Gingerbread House
After our Home Depot build we headed towards Dover to drop stuff off at the Valley's house. Laura started some diapers in their washer while we headed up Rt. 16 to Rochester's Lowe's. We had never been to this one before and it was the closest to where we would be today. We found the builders over in the lumber section today and the place was packed at 10:30. We got our kits and started to build, this time I was helping Zoë first, then Abby. Mommy joined us after she changed Enzo in the restrooms at the front of the store. She took over camera duty and then started to help Abby. I helped Zoë finish up her house then turned to Abby's finishing touches. Whoops, I am not pointing fingers or placing blame, but Abby had a side of the house on backwards and the roof wouldn't open. I took the project back apart and repaired it after Zoë had finished and got her badge and certificate.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 11 days Art posted by christopher at 10:55 AM | Comment
Home Depot Kid's Workshop - Wagon
It was a busy morning here today. We woke up early to get ready for a day of building. It is always tough when there is a Home Depot build and a Lowe's build. The girls don't mind, but it takes up the majority of the day for dad. So we dropped mommy and Enzo off early at the stuff a bag sale and headed to Home Depot. We were the first to arrive and sign up for today's build, the wagon. We got started right away as we heard Santa would be making an appearance at 9:30. Zoë could not concentrate worried she would miss Santa. Don, the Home Depot coordinator helped Zoë catch up and finish her project. I worked with Abby and had the wagon built in record time, not even a single mistake. After they got their certificates and pins they headed over to Santa. Zoë now was hiding behind me as Abby just walked up and climbed onto his lap. He was super friendly and after much coaching, Zoë relented and climbed up onto Santa's lap only if Abby stayed on. They both got a gift from Santa, another project kit wrapped up. They loved it. We grabbed a drink and cookies on the way out.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 11 days Art posted by christopher at 9:45 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What fun and a Santa visit!! Just GREAT!!!!
December 4th 2009
Enzo's Words
Enzo is saying a lot these days, and while not all of his words are said exactly as an adult would say them, he's saying them nonetheless.
One word that he does say pretty much perfectly is "Nonna". Recently, while on the phone, I told him I was talking to Nonna and he repeated it right after me. The next morning he went to the phone, pointed at it, and said "Nonna? Nonna?" so of course we called Nonna. He does try to say Grampy, Elijah, and Reanna as well. Daddy he has down, for Zoë he says "Za Za", Abby is "Ba Ba" and finally he calls for me saying "Maaa Maaaa" It's so darn cute, it was worth waiting for. Enzo also says cracker very well, and does the sign almost perfectly. He says "cra ka".
He tells us he's stuck, saying the last k sound repeatedly, that he wants a hug "gu", out "ta", he'd like to eat a banana, wants up, he even said lasagna the other night. He really does try to say just about everything, luckily most things he accompanies with a sign so it's easier to decipher.
Some things he's made up his own sign for, like bubbles. He loves for me to blow bubbles and when he wants them he says "bu bu" while moving his fingers over his lips.
One word that he does say pretty much perfectly is "Nonna". Recently, while on the phone, I told him I was talking to Nonna and he repeated it right after me. The next morning he went to the phone, pointed at it, and said "Nonna? Nonna?" so of course we called Nonna. He does try to say Grampy, Elijah, and Reanna as well. Daddy he has down, for Zoë he says "Za Za", Abby is "Ba Ba" and finally he calls for me saying "Maaa Maaaa" It's so darn cute, it was worth waiting for. Enzo also says cracker very well, and does the sign almost perfectly. He says "cra ka".
He tells us he's stuck, saying the last k sound repeatedly, that he wants a hug "gu", out "ta", he'd like to eat a banana, wants up, he even said lasagna the other night. He really does try to say just about everything, luckily most things he accompanies with a sign so it's easier to decipher.
Some things he's made up his own sign for, like bubbles. He loves for me to blow bubbles and when he wants them he says "bu bu" while moving his fingers over his lips.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 10 days News posted by Laura at 11:59 AM | Comment
December 3rd 2009
Kite flying in the park
This morning the wind was blowing hard and driving rain against our house. By the time the afternoon rolled around, the sun was out and shining but it was still very windy. The temperature got up to 65F so we walked through the park and into town. We brought along the kites to fly. The park was mostly empty, everyone having somewhere else to be. We all go to take turns flying the kite, even Enzo. He caught the tails at one point and let the kite guide him around in the strong winds. We checked out the birds on the dock after the park on the way to the post office. Abby and Zoe's new passorts didn't arrive yet. We stopped by Market Square to look at the tree and sit on the bench. It was a nice afternoon stroll.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 10 days Photos posted by christopher at 7:51 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Kite flying in December...how great is that. Looks like everyone had a lot of fun.
December 2nd 2009
Letters to Santa
This is the first year that the girls have written letters to Santa. Nonna sent us a Santa face pillow with a little pocket in the back labeled "Santa's Letters".
Zoë's: Dear Santa Clause, I hope you're doing well. I really want a new Barbie, a puppy, and hot water.
Abby's: Dear Santa Clause, I want a horse for Christmas. I also would like hot water for Christmas.
I'm thinking the hot water was to earn brownie points with me. They love showering at the Y and excuses to go to the Valley's so often. Zoë will be getting her wish for a puppy, as I decided I'd bring down from storage a play puppy that barks and all that that she found a new fondness for when she was upstairs helping me. Abby unfortunately will not be able to get her big ticket item, unless I can find her a groovy girl horse or something.
Next I had the girls write down family members they could think of and what they think those family members would like. Zoë surprised me with how thoughtful she was, actually thinking about each person and their profession or likes. Abby hard a hard time getting past the season and Christmas decorations, but she tried.
Zoë's: I would like good things for my family.
Auntie Reanna: Toys for Elijah
Uncle Corey: New tools
Grandma Cindy: dog clicker
Papa Norm: tools for work
Nonno: trivet
Martha: tea set
Nonna: pair of gloves
Auntie Elizabeth: chef hat
Uncle Matt: oven mitts
Aunt Caitlin: new ring
Uncle Tommy: Christmas candy
Grampy: subway gift card
Abby: stuffed teddy bear
Daddy: new laptop
Mommy: hot water
Enzo: train set with remote control
Emmy the great: Gingerbread to make gingerbread men Love Zoë.
Abby's: I would like my family to have things they'd like.
Mommy: hot water
Daddy: my good behavior
Enzo: toy horse
Zoë: puppy and a butterfly net
Grandma Cindy: a book
Papa Norm: handmade bulb
Emmy the great: plane ticket to come here
Nonna: Christmas wreath with a bow
Uncle Matt: plow
Aunt Caitlin: coat
Auntie Elizabeth: bakers tray
Nonno: bag of candy
Martha: lights for a Christmas window
Uncle Corey: camera
Auntie Reanna: bookmark
Elijah: little bike with training wheels
Grampy: comforter
Uncle Tommy: toothbrush
Some of them really make me laugh, others are pretty sweet. I'm surprised neither of the girls wrote down a Honda Odyssey for me... or as they put it, a car with a slider door. :)
Zoë's: Dear Santa Clause, I hope you're doing well. I really want a new Barbie, a puppy, and hot water.
Abby's: Dear Santa Clause, I want a horse for Christmas. I also would like hot water for Christmas.
I'm thinking the hot water was to earn brownie points with me. They love showering at the Y and excuses to go to the Valley's so often. Zoë will be getting her wish for a puppy, as I decided I'd bring down from storage a play puppy that barks and all that that she found a new fondness for when she was upstairs helping me. Abby unfortunately will not be able to get her big ticket item, unless I can find her a groovy girl horse or something.
Next I had the girls write down family members they could think of and what they think those family members would like. Zoë surprised me with how thoughtful she was, actually thinking about each person and their profession or likes. Abby hard a hard time getting past the season and Christmas decorations, but she tried.
Zoë's: I would like good things for my family.
Auntie Reanna: Toys for Elijah
Uncle Corey: New tools
Grandma Cindy: dog clicker
Papa Norm: tools for work
Nonno: trivet
Martha: tea set
Nonna: pair of gloves
Auntie Elizabeth: chef hat
Uncle Matt: oven mitts
Aunt Caitlin: new ring
Uncle Tommy: Christmas candy
Grampy: subway gift card
Abby: stuffed teddy bear
Daddy: new laptop
Mommy: hot water
Enzo: train set with remote control
Emmy the great: Gingerbread to make gingerbread men Love Zoë.
Abby's: I would like my family to have things they'd like.
Mommy: hot water
Daddy: my good behavior
Enzo: toy horse
Zoë: puppy and a butterfly net
Grandma Cindy: a book
Papa Norm: handmade bulb
Emmy the great: plane ticket to come here
Nonna: Christmas wreath with a bow
Uncle Matt: plow
Aunt Caitlin: coat
Auntie Elizabeth: bakers tray
Nonno: bag of candy
Martha: lights for a Christmas window
Uncle Corey: camera
Auntie Reanna: bookmark
Elijah: little bike with training wheels
Grampy: comforter
Uncle Tommy: toothbrush
Some of them really make me laugh, others are pretty sweet. I'm surprised neither of the girls wrote down a Honda Odyssey for me... or as they put it, a car with a slider door. :)
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 19 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 19 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 9 days Holidays posted by Laura at 9:45 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a beautiful letter and very thoughtful gifts.
December 1st 2009
Christmas Photo 2009
This morning, along with our other start of December routines - putting the first ornaments on the hallmark countdown to Christmas trees, (Zoë let Enzo do hers this morning), opening the first flap(s) of our nativity calendars - we took our Christmas photos. It was a bit tricky with Enzo wanting to pose himself, as opposed to actually facing the camera, but we ended up getting some good photos to choose from.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 7 days Holidays posted by Laura at 2:38 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
How beautiful !! Great looking children!!
All looking very elegant, good job!! Big abraços all the way from Braziiil!
