Faith For Five

Last Days of School

2011-06-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

The last days of school are always so much fun.

This is Jenna's castle book that was hung up at the mall. I don't know why the picture is turned sideways. Nor do I know how to fix it. Good job Jenna!
This is from Jenna's poetry reading day. The class wrote several poems and then picked two to read to the class and parents. You are a great writer, Jenna.
Jenna's class won the second grade tug of war contest. This picture was hung up in the hallway.
Natalie's teacher designed this tee shirt. The teacher help the class paint it. Very creative. On field day, the first graders stayed in doors because it was raining. There was no lack of smiles though. The games were fun.
The second graders had their picnic outside.
The girls in the morning before the bus arrived. Woo hoo!

Swimming Lessons

2011-06-17T21:47:00.002-04:00

Catherine took swimming lessons this Spring. She loved every minute of it. She has no fear of the water, which is good and bad.

She shows how she can put her head in the water and blow bubbles.
She even smiles for the camera as she swims her way to the other side of the pool.

Good job! I am proud of you.

Memorial Day

2011-05-31T21:41:00.000-04:00

This Memorial Day was spent with family visiting from NY and Texas. It was a fun filled weekend. We all gathered at Gerri's house everyday. The 10 kiddos had a lot of fun together.

Ryan shows the girls how to stand in the field.

The girls and their yoga pose, I guess.

Firefighters E & J. They love to dress up.

Happy 1st Birthday!

2011-05-27T20:33:00.001-04:00

It was a special day, celebrating cousin Lauren's 1st birthday. We all love her alot.
She didn't dive into her cake because she's used to being mostly fed, and she's a neat eater. But she eventually got the hang of it and she loved the chocolate frosting.

Lauren and Grammie.

Natalie took this picture. She did a great job, I think.

Dance Recital

2011-05-27T20:28:00.000-04:00

This year the girls took ballet and tap together. They had a ball. As you can see they love to pose in their recial costumes.

Last Day of Preschool

2011-05-26T17:05:00.000-04:00

Catherine's last day of preschool was a fun day of games, gifts and a bike parade. We were instructed to decorate the bikes in red, white and blue. That was fun.

Each child received a "Sweetest Preschooler Award". They were given a specific candy to go along with award. Catherine's award read "Catherine is very aware of what's going on and she always knows the answer, no matter what the question is! So to Catherine, we give Smarties!"

So sweet.
Her two teachers.

Spraying paint on the sheet.

It was a great year.

Winnie the Pooh

2011-05-15T21:30:00.003-04:00

The girls and I went to see Winnie the Pooh this week at the dinner theatre. Two of their cousins came along.
It was a fun morning filled with lots of laughter.

Enrichment Fair

2011-05-12T21:23:00.000-04:00

This year Jenna has been a part of an enrichment program at school. She has gotten to do some fun projects with some of her friends. This week the projects were displayed for all to see. One of the projects that Jenna's group worked on was an amusement park made out of marshmellows.

All the students were proud of their work!

Sharp's Farm

2011-05-12T21:00:00.001-04:00

I had the opportunity on going to Sharp's Farm with Natalie's class. It was a perfect weather day. I think everyone had a great time.

The student's were able to pick a plant to bring home. Natalie chose a tomato plant. Hmmm....I wonder if I'll kill it???

Orthodontist

2011-05-11T14:49:00.000-04:00

Once Jenna began losing her baby teeth and her permanent teeth started coming in, it was clear that she had my mouth. (Sorry, honey). It also became clear that we were headed for the orthodontist.
Last Summer we went for, what I thought was, a consultation with the orthodontist. I thought we'd hear about what they wanted to do down the road. Much to my surprise, they were ready to start treatment right away.

So we did. After lots of x-rays and scans they gave laid out a plan of action. We were told of three different appliances that Jenna would use over the next two years.

The first was a pallette expander with a cage to hold her tongue back. She wore this for a few weeks before some problems began and it fell out. Thankfully, it did what it needed to do. I no longer had to turn the key to help expand her mouth. She did still need to have the cage to hold her tongue back. She wore that for about 6 months. She did awesome! Her friends were always supportive and interested. Jenna just has a great outlook on life and is laid back about the entire process.

Next came a temporary retainer that she wore at night. No big deal.

Now we're on to our next appliance....the bionator. This is a retainer with a cage. It's going to help her tongue thrust, but more importantly, it'll shift her bottom jaw out and her top jaw back. She has a significant overbite that needs to be fixed.

I was worried about this one. It takes up her whole mouth. It affects her speech. She has to wear it all the time for an entire year. I just wish her teeth weren't like mine. But, once again, Jenna has amazed me. She was excited to get it. She picked the color. She's been extremely responsible about wearing it. She's easy to understand. And her friends have been great. She was able to wear it gradually....a couple of hours a day the first week, a few more the next etc. Now she wears it all the time. She knows that in a year she'll look completely different.

Way to go Jenna!!

Mother's Day at Preschool

2011-05-09T20:53:00.000-04:00

Catherine's preschool had a special party for the Mom's. We were greeted by our children and handed a rose and then led to our seats. They made us gifts and cards.

It was a sweet time.

These are the gifts. (I don't know why the picture rotated.) It's a cross cookie cutter, spatula, oven mit and a picture. The question on the picture reads, "Why did God make mothers?" Catherine's response was, "for me to love."

Easter

2011-05-01T20:52:00.000-04:00

As we prepared for Easter the girls and I decorated eggs, made these fun bird's nests and resurrection rolls. It was a special time of discussing the true reason for Easter. I love that they get it. They know that it's not about candy, but about Jesus.

Still, the girls were able to be a part of two different Easter egg hunts. One with our neighbors and one with their cousins. What a happy day!

Poppy took two of the girls for a ride in his new convertible.

We celebrated Catherine's 4th birthday on Easter. We made sure her hair didn't catch on fire this time.

Time To Catch Up

2011-04-27T14:06:00.003-04:00

It's been months since I have touched this blog or even uploaded pictures from my

camera. So, now it's time to start this "blog" thing again. I stopped

scrapbooking awhile ago, so this blog is the only way to capture our life. So I'll

be "backing up" to the winter and going from there.

Once I'm caught up I'll need to go back and finish 2010. Oh my!

Spring Break

2011-04-25T21:18:00.000-04:00

We traveled to NYC for Spring Break. We had a great time visiting with cousins and aunts.

The girls think riding the subway is the coolest thing.
We told the girls back in December, when we were up here, that we'd come back and get their American Girl Dolls ears pierced. The girls were soooo excited about this. It was well worth the money to see the joy on their faces.

Our little one fell asleep on the subway....so sweet.

Happy 4th Birthday Catherine!

2011-04-09T14:32:00.004-04:00

It's so hard to believe that 4 years ago I gave birth to my sweet little Catherine Marie. She brings us such joy. She is a morning person, much like Jenna. She gets up early and is ready to tackle the day with much happiness and enthusiasm.

She makes us all laugh a lot. She loves to color, write, dance and sing. She always wants to be my helper, which I love.

I am so thankful for you, Catherine.

Here are the cousins. They love being together.
Catherine asked fora flower cake. If you look closely you'll notice that her hair caught on fire. Thankfully Dennis was close to her to snuff it out.
Catherine didn't want to come back and blow out her candles, so her cousin J did it for her.

I love that Lauren is wearing the dress that Jenna wore when she was one.
Sometimes it's hard to get cousin D to smile at the camera. He prefers his serious face.

Uncle Jim took the girls out to breakfast and then to the store to buy Catherine a gift. She picked out this new Elmo doll that talks.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2011-03-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
__________________________________________________
Catherine has a bad habit of coming into our room in the middle of the night. We're not sure what wakes her up. Sometimes we let her stay and sometimes we send her back to our room (bad habit!).
Everynight we put her to bed we remind her to stay in bed all night.

Her response: "I'll see what I can do."
___________________________________________________

Jenna (8): Can I have some applesauce?

Mom: I'm going to cut up some apples.

Natalie (6): Can you cut up some pear?

Jenna : (Before I can respond) Go easy on her, she just washed the apple.
__________________________________________________

Catherine: Daddy, you and I are a lot alike. Except I'm a girl and you're a man. I'll grow up to be a woman...but you'll be dead.
__________________________________________________

Catherine likes to come into mommy and daddy's bed at night, but only likes to cuddle with mom. One morning she came in and mom was already in the shower.

Daddy: Now you can cuddle with me.

Catherine: No, I'll go on the other side of the bed and cuddle with my pretend mommy.

Daddy: Who's paying for college, kid?
___________________________________________________

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:15:00.000-05:00

It's our tradition to have a Valentine table set for the girls when they wake up. Dennis buys all of us flowers and cards. The girls also get small gifts and candy too. It's fun morning and the girls look forward to it every year.

Snow Storm

2011-01-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

I don't remember the details of this day, but I do know that the girls had lots of fun playing together.

Natalie is a big helper when it comes to Catherine. She's always willing to pull her down the driveway.

Dennis takes the girls for some nighttime sliding.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2011-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
__________________________________________________
Catherine (3): Mom, is your stomach big because we're going to have a new baby?

Mom: No!

Catherine: I know why, you had too much food.

Mom: LOL...Guess it's time to go back to the gym.
___________________________________________________

Mom: Where do we go to find out what God wants us to do?

Jenna (8): The internet.

Mom: WHAT?

Jenna: You can read the Bible on the computer.
___________________________________________________

Dennis was cutting up strawberries and cutting off the stem.
Catherine told Dennis that his mom (Mema) leaves the stem on.

Dennis said okay.
Catherine walked away singing, "Daddy does it different, Mema does it right."
_______________________________________________________

Dennis and Jenna were playing around and Dennis told Jenna that he would teach her how to steal. (I'm not sure why he said that)

Jenna: You're wife heard you and she's the cop in the house.

That's a new title for me.

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2011-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-12-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-11-30T06:12:00.000-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
___________________________________________________________

My mom was over one day cooking dinner for us. She was chopping up onions.

Catherine (3): I don't like onions.

Grandma: Why not?

Catherine: They're not good for my teeth.
___________________________________________________________
Catherine was saying grace.....

Dear God,

Thank you for this day. Thank you for this food.

Hey, guess what? My socks match my shirt.

In Jesus name. Amen.
___________________________________________________________
I gave the girls some orange sherbert for dessert. Just a small bowl, nothing much. Natalie decides she doesn't want it all...

Natalie (6): Mom, I'm not going to finish this. I don't want to eat too many oils.

Obviously, she's learning alot in her health class at school... :)

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Festival of Trees and Milkshake

2010-11-27T22:13:00.013-05:00

Instead of braving the stores on Black Friday we braved the crowds at The Festival of Trees. It's a Christmas Craft Show that raises money for a local hospital. The girls love going. There's a large children's section with rides, face painting and crafts.

We go early before the crowds really arrive. The high light of the morning is seeing our favorite kids band in concert....Milkshake. We are big fans. Last year Catherine watched in amazement from Dennis' lap. This year she was in front of the stage with her sisters dancing, singing and making friends. It was a blast.

The girls color pictures and write letters to Santa.

Grandma treated Jenna and Natalie to manicures.

Here's a tree Candyland tree.

This is Lisa from Milkshake.

Catherine eventually ended up on the stage to sing and dance with the band.

Thankful Tree

2010-11-27T22:02:00.004-05:00

Dennis and I always try to instill a spirit of thankfulness with the girls. Several years ago we started a "thankful journal". Every Thanksgiving morning we would all share what we were thankful for and I'd write it down.

This year we started a new tradition...a Thankful Tree. My friend Mary told me about this. At the beginning of November we began our thankful journey. Everyday or so the girls would write down something they were thankful for and tape it to the tree. It was a wonderful time to reflect and be truly grateful for so much. Of course some of the things they wrote were funny. For example, Catherine is thankful for her box (what box I'm not sure) and the stickers I gave her.

Here are some others: my family, Jesus, school, being a big sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, fun times together, grandparents, teachers and school.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-11-02T06:07:00.000-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-10-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dutch Wonderland

2010-10-05T21:52:00.000-04:00

My nephew turned 5 this month. My sister decided to spend his birthday at Dutch Wonderland. It was a perfect day.

We let the girls get glitter tattoos.

What a silly girl.

The kids played musical chairs. It was a fine idea until the first 2 kids out were the youngest ones. They, of course, started to cry. Oh well!

Catherine looks really happy to be on the Whip.

Notice the fear in her face now. She hated it. Natalie did her best to console her.

It was a super day with family and friends to celbrate our special guy.

Apple picking

2010-10-01T21:50:00.000-04:00

One beautiful Fall Saturday we decided to go apple and peach picking. We had a great time.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-09-21T13:08:00.005-04:00

First Day of Preschool

2010-09-16T13:02:00.006-04:00

Catherine started preschool today. She was so excited. So much so that she's been carrying her backpack to the bus stop every morning and afternoon. She just wants to do what her sisters do.

Thankfully, she had a fun morning!

The First Day of School

2010-08-31T22:14:00.000-04:00

The girls were VERY excited to start school. Thankfully I didn't cry this year!!

My Mom made their dresses.

Mema and Poppy came to see them off too. Grandma was also there, but somehow I missed taking her picture with them with my camera.

Notice that Catherine has her backpack on too. She's very excited to start preschool soon.

Dennis follows the bus to school so he can get some shots of them getting off the bus.

The Day Before School

2010-08-29T21:24:00.002-04:00

We had a fun family day as we celebrated the end of summer vacation. We swam at a neighbor's pool, went out to dinner and then enjoyed some ice cream.

It's been a wonderful summer!

Happy 6th Birthday!

2010-06-28T15:35:00.002-04:00

End of the Year Picnic and Author's Tea

2010-06-28T15:29:00.005-04:00

My Mom, Catherine and I went to Natalie's end of the year picnic and author's tea. Everyone had a good time.

Natalie's teacher really likes Catherine too.

Catherine wanted to sit with Natalie while she read her stories.

Catherine is ready for school. Notice her in the back next to Natalie, with her hand up. She couldn't understand why she wasn't being called on. It took a long time to get her to agree to leave the classroom without making a scene.

A Morning at the Zoo

2010-06-26T20:30:00.009-04:00

Recently I went to the local Zoo with my sister and her oldest son...grandma kept the two younger ones and my older two were in school. The kids had lots of fun together.

I love how my nephew is sweetly holding C's hand and leading the way.

Out of all the animals we saw C said the fish were her favorite.

Port Discovery

2010-06-26T20:24:00.005-04:00

I had the opportunity to go with Natalie on one of her Field Trips to Port Discovery. It was fun day! There is lots to do there and it's easy to lose little ones. Thankfully I was only responsible for three kids and they were great about staying together.

Road Trip to NY

2010-06-26T20:13:00.005-04:00

In May my Aunt and Uncle celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. We decided to head up to NY for the party. It was so nice to see my family. We hadn't been together in since 2006. I had family come in from Texas and Ohio too.

The girls LOVED staying in a hotel. They thought the free breakfast was so cool.

The happy couple.

My cousins had some of my Aunt and Uncles wedding photos enlarged and placed around the restaurant.

J and my Uncle B

I wonder....

2010-06-12T20:53:00.007-04:00

...how Catherine could sleep like this?

She was sound asleep when we found her and stayed asleep as we moved her.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-06-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-05-18T10:28:00.009-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.

It's been a while since I've posted a tiny talk. It's not for lack of material. It's because I keep forgetting to write it down.
____________________________________________________________

Catherine heard me say "Happy Mother's Day" to a friend on the phone.

When I hung up she said, "Happy Mother's Day....Sad Father's Day"

____________________________________________________________

Catherine (age 3): How old are you? 60? 12?

Mom: I'm 40.

Catherine: Oh, I thought you were 60. (gee thanks)

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Puerto Rico

2010-04-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

My 40th Birthday present from Dennis was a five day trip to Puerto Rico without the girls. It was a wonderful time to get away, relax, read, sleep in, eat good food and NOT COOK! My mom stayed with the girls and my in-laws and my aunt helped out while we were gone.

This is the view from our room.

This is the archway from the pool area to the beach.

One afternoon we rented a scooter and drove to Old San Juan. It was a beautiful ride along the ocean to a quaint little town.
You can't tell from this picture but our faces got really burnt.

We don't gamble, but had fun trying to win a fortune. I think we gambled away $10....
Strangely, cockfights are legal in Puerto Rico.

Turning 40

2010-04-14T14:35:00.000-04:00

I've never been concerned about my age. It's just a number in my book. But this year the number got much bigger. I think having small kids made turning 40 easier to swallow. What also made it easier is having awesome friends. My good friend, Mary, took the time to organize a card giving extravaganza. She contacted most of my family and most (or all) of my facebook friends and asked them to send me a birthday card (but to her house). And so starting forty days before my birthday (Dec. 20th, which is Mary's birthday) I received a card everyday. It was the biggest blessing. I got cards from friends that I haven't been in contact with since middle school or high school. I got cards from friends I did Young Life with 20 years ago. Wow! I love getting cards anyway, so to get over 40 was amazing. Thank you, Mary, for organizing such a special gift.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-04-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Catherine's Birthday part 2

2010-04-11T22:19:00.000-04:00

We decided to combine Easter and Catherine's birthday this year.

Natalie, Catherine and my Aunt Kathy.

Proud Grandma.

Catherine's Birthday Party

2010-04-10T22:05:00.000-04:00

I knew that April was going to be a busy month, so we decided to celebrate Catherine's third birthday a week early. We celebrated one day with the DiMaggio's and combined it with her Uncle Michael's birthday. Since we were going to my sister's for Easter we opted to do a birthday party there too.

Catherine with her Poppy.

Aunt Rhiannon, who is moving to Japan this month.

Aunt Sybil

Aunt Ashley

Happy Birthday Uncle Michael!

Happy Easter- 2010

2010-04-06T18:20:00.006-04:00

My mom loves to buy the girls matching dresses. I think they love it too. We spent the afternoon at my sister's house. Everyone had a great time.

The girls with their cousins.
Catherine was more interested in looking inside her eggs then she was in finding more.

Karate- New Belts

2010-04-06T18:15:00.005-04:00

Watch out, Jenna and Natalie passed their most recent belt test. They now have yellow belts with an orange stripe. They were so happy. Just a couple of months ago they were ready to quit. But we changed classes and now they are in with children their age and seem to like it alot.

Resurrection Rolls

2010-04-03T10:15:00.007-04:00

As we have reflected on the death and resurrection of Jesus this week I found this cool way to clearly illustrate the story of Jesus.

http://shinefmafternoons.blogspot.com/2010/03/resurrection-rolls-easy-way-to-tell.html

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-03-02T06:02:00.005-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-02-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
__________________________________________
Dennis and Natalie were talking about karate....

Dennis: Natalie, do you want to be in a tournament next week?

Natalie (age 5): No

Natalie: Daddy, what's a tournament?
____________________________________________

I've been talking to the girls about how God knows everything about them, including the number of hairs on their head.

Days later while looking at her bowl of spaghetti...

Natalie: Does God know how many spaghetti noodles are in the bowl? (at least I know she's paying attention to me when I read the Bible)
______________________________________________

Grandma: Catherine, are you potty trained?

Catherine (age 2): Grandma, I'm not a train!
____________________________________________

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-02-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T20:20:00.007-05:00

I'm not sure how this tradition started, but it's one of our favorites. Each year we set up the table with decorations and flowers for each of the girls. It's ready for them when they get up in the morning.

The girls planned out their outfits for red and pink!

They even got daddy involved!

And mommy looking beautiful as always.

Another 18 inches - Blizzard #2

2010-02-11T21:32:00.013-05:00

Days after our first blizzard we got pounded with another one. It was equally pretty to watch and just as fun to play in. We will never forget this winter, that's for sure.

Poor Catherine. She made it into the deep snow. But when she fell over she was stuck. She had so much fun playing with her sisters.

Even Sami loved the snow.

Dennis working hard to clear the driveway...again!

Roof Rake

2010-02-10T08:08:00.008-05:00

I had never heard of a roof rake. Until this week we never needed one either.

But, with two blizzards in one week this rake came in handy. Thankfully a couple in our neighborhood had one and offered it to us.

So, before the second blizzard hit Dennis was able to clean off the roof.

33 inches- Blizzard #1

2010-02-08T21:37:00.022-05:00

On February 5-6th we had a blizzard. In a short period of time we received 33 inches of snow. It was so pretty to watch from our warm family room. It was a bit scary to watch it pile up, wondering if our deck or roof would collapse. I sat looking out the window also wondering how many trees and bushes are we going to lose. We won't really know that until Spring.

This is our grill on our back deck.

Here is our street before it got plowed.

Once the driveway was cleared the girls would slide down this large mound of snow.

The girls enjoyed playing in their little igloo that daddy created.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-02-02T06:01:00.000-05:00

More Snow Days

2010-02-01T21:35:00.001-05:00

At the end of January we got more snow....

We had a great time playing and making memories.

Catherine likes to be our little helper.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
___________________________________________________________

One night I was reading a Bible story to the girls about a little girl who died. The story tells about how Jesus brought her back to life. It goes on to say that the mom gave her something to eat.

Catherine (age 2): Did her mom give her waffles?

We all cracked up and then guessed what they might have eaten.
_____________________________________________________________

One morning while I was getting ready Catherine decided to put up my shades. She noticed that it was still dark.

Catherine (age 2): The lights aren't on yet.

That's right, it's still dark, which means you're up a little early. :)
_____________________________________________________________

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2010-01-05T06:00:00.003-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
_______________________________________________
Catherine (age2): Grandma has a pack and play, a crib and next to the crib is a people crib.

Mom: A people crib?

Catherine: Yeah, it's next to the crib.

Mom: LOL, no honey, that's just a bed next to the crib.
_________________________________________________

While eating dinner Jenna was telling us that one of her friends went to Hawaii over the Christmas break. I told the girls that Dennis and I had been there before.

Jenna (age 7): Could we go there one day?

Mom: Maybe when you are older. It's far away and it takes a long time to get there.

Natalie (age 5): So, we'll have to take an airplane to get there.

Mom: Yes, we will.

Natalie: So, we'll need to have alot of gum.

The conversation then turned to what kind of gum they could have on this flight. That's what they remember about their flight to Florida a year and a half ago. :)
____________________________________________

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Snow Days

2009-12-31T13:25:00.000-05:00

The girls love the snow. First snowman ever for Catherine and all five of us took turns sledding down the hill together.

Second snowstorm of the year and it's only December.....
Gotta love that global warming.......

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-12-29T06:00:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T14:40:00.000-05:00

The girls were very excited about Christmas.

Jenna's first view of the presents on Christmas morning!

Natalie and Catherine were right on her heels, with grandma watching.

Three girls with the dresses grandma made.

Grandma with her six grandchildren. Each one believes they are the favorite.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-12-15T06:00:00.005-05:00

Yellow Belts

2009-12-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

Kung Fu Sisters!
Jenna and Natalie each passed the test and were awarded Yellow Belts.
They were very proud of themselves, and mom and dad were too!

When you're in trouble, and have no where else to turn for help.
It's the dynamic duo to the rescue!

Equal parts tough and cute!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-12-08T06:00:00.006-05:00

An Invitation to the Science Center

2009-11-28T08:54:00.001-05:00

Along with a small group of her classmates, Jenna was asked to participate in a display at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. She wrote a paragraph on the "Butterfly Nebula" which was shown alongside a large photograph of the space phenomenon.

Her science class has recently focused on Astronomy, which has captured Jenna's imagination. Ask her a question about the stars or planets and get comfortable.....

The above reads: The Bufferfly Nebula looks like a butterfly. It is the death of a star five times bigger than our star, the sun. In my opinion, it is very beautiful because it has many colors. Its colors are white, pink, orange, green, and cream. There are many stars in the background.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Office of What???

2009-11-21T20:45:00.000-05:00

This is a government office near the White House. Hope they keep up the good work.......

A Day in D.C.

2009-11-21T20:44:00.000-05:00

We headed down to Washington DC for a quick tour. We walked from the Capital, to the Monument, to the Memorial, the the White House and back.....three kids under 7 and one stroller, not the best combination.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-11-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Halloween Parade

2009-11-05T21:22:00.007-05:00

The girls were so excited about their school halloween parade. It was a nice day to be outside. In these pictures Jenna and Natalie see Grandma, Mema, cousin Nora, Uncle Jim and me. They were surprised to see us all there.

Halloween

2009-11-05T13:51:00.005-05:00

This year Jenna was a pirate, Natalie a butterfly and Catherine a penguin. Dennis walked them through the neighborhood, that is until Catherine saw a wolf (ie. the boy up the street with a mask). Once that happened she was done. Dennis brought her back and she helped give out candy to our neighbors.

For the school parade Natalie decided to wear her Spanish Flamenco dress that grandma bought her while in Spain.

Family Scarecrows

2009-11-05T13:49:00.004-05:00

When we moved into our house three years ago, Dennis started this fun tradition. Every October he and the girls make family scarecrows for our front lawn. This year we added a scarecrow for the dog (she's in the lower left). Each family member helps stuff his/her own scarecrow and decides where they sit.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-11-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
____________________________________________________________________________

Catherine was in her bed supposed to be napping but she was calling my name instead. I went in to see what was wrong.
Catherine: Mom, what do we do in the snow?
Mom: We sled, ski, make snowballs, make snow men and play.
Catherine: Okay.
I leave. Of course, she calls for me again and we repeat the entire dialog. I love having a two year old.
___________________________________________________________________________

Catherine was fighting daddy as I tried to dress her.
Daddy "Catherine, you drive me crazy"
Catherine "I know"

___________________________________________________________________________

Jenna and Natalie have started watching Looney Tunes. They love it when Daffy tells Bugs "You're Despicable".

Natalie came running up to Daddy and said "I have something nice to say to you daddy".
"What's that honey" , I asked
Big smile..."You're not despicable".
Gee, thanks

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-10-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house!

Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.

______________________________________________________________________
While watching Blue's Clues....

Catherine (age 2): I'm going to use a thinking chair when I'm older. I love thinking chairs.
_______________________________________________________________________

Jenna and Daddy were in the car on Saturday with the radio tuned to an "all 80s music" radio station. When the song "Who Can It Be Now" by Men at Work came on, Jenna listened as I sang along. The lyrics include:

Who can it be knocking at my door? Go 'way, don't come 'round here no more.
Can't you see that it's late at night? I'm very tired, and I'm not feeling right.
All I wish is to be alone; Stay away, don't you invade my home.
Best off if you hang outside, Don't come in - I'll only run and hide.
Who can it be now?
Who can it be now?
Who can it be now?
Who can it be now?

Jenna listened, looked confused and asked "Why doesn't he just open the door and see who it is"?

Gotta love that logic.

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-10-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Karate Competition

2009-10-18T17:30:00.000-04:00

Both Natalie and Jenna began taking Karate lessons this year. They go every Saturday for one hour of very basic instruction. It's been good exercise, but they are not really showing great interest.

This Saturday, Natalie was sick and I took Jenna by herself for a lesson. Due to a communication problem, we did not know that they were having a tournament instead. They invited Jenna to join.

All daddy could think of was "oh, I hope she doesn't get hurt". She was the only white belt in the place and clearly the other kids were more serious about it. But she was very happy to participate.

She was one of only two kids in her weight class. The other was a boy with a yellow belt, so I thought she wouldn't get more than a bump or bruise.

First round the boy came at her and Jenna mostly covered herself, moved away and broke away when she was caught. The boy did get her to the ground one time and when the long three minute round was over, he won but Jenna had fun. It was announced that they would rematch in 30 minutes.

During the other fights, I took her aside and suggested that she try the "take down" move she had learned. It was the only thing Jenna practiced at home, mostly on dad. She said she would try.

When the rematch began the boy came after her again and Jenna backed away as she had the first time. I called to her "Jenna, do the take down". She smiled at me, ran at the boy, grabbed his shirt and threw him to the ground over her leg. She laughed and the ref looked shocked.

The boy got up and chased after Jenna again, who backed away. "Jenna, do it again" Daddy said. Jenna ran right at the boy and did the exact same thing. He hopped up. "Again Jenna" came the call. Thump, down went the yellow-belted boy a third time. He got up and backed away as they both heard daddy call "Do it again". The boy's mother was seated next me and I turned to her and said "She only knows one move, but she's pretty good at it".

Time ran out and the ref called them together and raised Jenna's hand as the winner. No one looked more shocked than her. Because they had only two kids in the weight class, she got the trophy.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-09-29T06:00:00.006-04:00

Book Festival

2009-09-26T20:54:00.008-04:00

We had the chance today to go to the Book Festival in town. It was a dreary day, but the girls had a great time. We saw the characters Madeline, Franklin and Corduroy.

The Festival sets up a nice array of children's crafts. The girls made a stamp books, book markers, decorated pumpkins and then made their own masks.

We left just before the skies opened up. It was great couple of hours.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-09-22T06:00:00.004-04:00

Science Center

2009-09-18T14:32:00.021-04:00

I had the chance to take Catherine to the Science Center today. We had a blast! She loved the children's room. She played in the water table, played with the legos, "drove" a boat, and pushed the nail wall (that was her favorite). She was signed up for a "Digging in the Mud" class. Five minutes into the class, she walked over to the door and announced that she was done. So, we went home. That was okay, because we had a great morning together.

Poppy would love it if Catherine loved boats as much as he does.

This nail wall was her favorite.

Tiny Talk

2009-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Priceless

2009-09-10T15:03:00.006-04:00

A new backpack and lunch box - $20

Buying lunch once a week - $2.50

The note that Jenna chose to write and put in Natalie's lunch box - PRICELESS

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-09-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Catherine: I'm living the sweet life
_________________________________________________________________________

This is what I heard while Catherine was talking on the phone with her Daddy:

Jenna has a straw and Natalie doesn't.

Mom's just doing something.
(I love phone conversations of two year olds)

____________________________________________________________________________
For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

The First Day of School '09

2009-08-31T21:00:00.001-04:00

First day of school for the DiMaggio girls. They woke up happy, finding notes taped to their doorknobs from mom and dad wishing them a great day. The rushed downstairs to wake up Aunt Ashley who had spent the night, gobbled up a big pancake and scrambled eggs breakfast and welcomed grandma who came to see them off.

They have been waiting all summer to use their backpacks and proudly showed them off.

When it came time to go to the bus, they paced with excitement. They confidently climbed the stairs, thankfully oblivious to mom and dad's anxiety.

Grandma and Daddy followed the bus so that Daddy could meet them between the bus and the front door. They came off the bus together hand in hand smiling for the day ahead.

Mommy and Daddy came up to the school a couple of hours later to help with lunch time. While the girls were happy to see them, they were having fun playing and chatting with friends.

By the time the day was over they got off the bus (30 minutes late) tired but very happy.

A better first day than we could have asked for.

The Day Before School

2009-08-30T20:03:00.003-04:00

The last day of summer vacation for the DiMaggio family. As a tradition we all go out for ice cream and talk about what we loved about the summer.

And what would the end of summer vacation be without one last dip in the pool?

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-08-25T06:16:00.000-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
______________________________________________________________________________
Jenna: Mom, whatcha doing?

Mom: Cleaning the toliet. You'll be doing this soon enough.

Jenna: Sighs...I hope it's not too soon....
_____________________________________________________________________________

After a long evening of "talking back" Dad sat with the girls at the kitchen table and said "OK listen. No more back talk. It's time for bed and the first one who argues, tries to get me to change bed time, whines or cries is in big trouble! Do you understand"?

Girls "Yes daddy"

Jenna adds "But what about the 'second' one"?_____________________________________________________________________________

We were talking about how sometimes daddy and mommy get angry and yell. After telling them that grown ups sometimes yell, Jenna and Natalie replied "Not grandma, she never gets angry or yells.....except at mommy and Aunt Gerri".
____________________________________________________________________________
For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-08-18T06:09:00.000-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-08-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

A Week With Catherine

2009-08-07T15:29:00.010-04:00

I had the opportunity to spend a week alone with Catherine. Dennis took Jenna and Natalie to Long Island and I chose to stay home and p.o.t.t.y train Catherine. Not my idea of a great week, but I wanted to have this part of toddlerhood done. I actually started three days before Dennis left so he could help.

She trained much faster than I ever expected. She was always so proud of herself when she went on the p.o.t.ty. She would often say that she wanted to "sit like sisters", which meant on the big p.o.t.ty without the seat.

The frequent trips to the bathroom aside, we had a great week together. I forgot how special it is to have time with one child. She naps, so that was even better because I got 2-3 hours a day to relax, scrapbook and clean.

Catherine missed her dad and sisters alot. Everyday she'd ask where they were. She wanted to talk to them on the phone everytime they called. Hearing their conversations were so precious. They mostly consisted of Catherine telling her sisters that she used the p.o.t.ty and then there would be cheering on the other end. In fact, Catherine loves the phone and wants to talk to anyone who calls.

I learned alot about my youngest this week. I learned that she has a great imagination. I knew this already, but since the only other voice in the house was the radio, I could pay better attention to what was being said. Catherine would take her doll house people or her barbies and just sit and pretend with them...making up scenarios and stories with them.

Catherine is also very funny. She gets that from her dad. She likes to change the lyrics of songs to make herself and others laugh. We've done alot of singing this week.

The other thing, I knew, but have seen even more clearly is how strong her communication skills are. She's little but she talks like a bigger girl. It's so fun to talk to her because she understands so much and can articulate so much back.

We've missed Jenna, Natalie and Daddy alot but I wouldn't have traded this week alone with my little one for anything. Plus, we're done with diapers! Woohoo!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-08-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Backyard Fun

2009-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

The girls enjoy playing with their water hopscotch.

Jenna always has a book to read.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-07-28T06:00:00.003-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.
______________________________________________________________________________
While changing Catherine's diaper the other day she said, "My attitude is stinky."
(hmmm..wonder who I said that to recently)

_______________________________________________________________________________

The girls had been promised that they could take a bath in the hot tub on Friday or Saturday. On Friday evening we began filling the tub, but it was slow going. Daddy looked at the girls and said, "Can we wait until tomorrow night? If we do it tonight it's going to take a long time to fill." Jenna looked at dad like he was a slow dull child and replied "But if we wait until tomorrow, won't that be longer"?

_______________________________________________________________________________
We stopped to get gas the other day and Jenna and Natalie both asked if we had gotten a receipt. Dennis replied, "No."
To which Jenna said, "We didn't get a receipt because you can't return the gas."
(Never thought about it like that)

_______________________________________________________________________________

For more Tiny Talk visit Not Before 7.

Dad's rambling again 2

2009-07-27T21:02:00.001-04:00

Vacation at the beach.

We had seven great days of sun and sand. Kids were fantastic, weather was almost perfect and we created wonderful memories. That said, there are still a few things to ramble about…. like tattoos and bikinis.

How are people paying for all of this ink if we are in a recession? Apparently Obama’s stimulus package targeted tattoo parlors because I read more off of people’s bodies than I did from books. While I don’t have any myself, I’m not anti-tattoo. The ladies want a heart on the ankle or something small and tasteful on the small of the back? No problem. A guy wants a snake up his arm or something to flex on the bicep? Whatever, if it’s good enough for Popeye, go for it.

But c’mon. I saw one guy who had writing, just writing mind you, from his neck across his entire chest and down to his waist. Who’s reading this? It’s just not normal to stop someone and say “Excuse me Gomer, may I read you”? Maybe he had it all written backwards so he can use a mirror and read it himself. What possesses someone to do this?

And the bikinis, oh dear heaven the bikinis at the beach. Now I’m a guy so I notice girls in bikinis, but please, please ladies. There comes a day when you need to hang it up. I’m not in the best shape, and so I don’t wear a Speedo. Apparently there are bikini stores that either have no mirrors or they installed those fun house mirrors you see at the carnivals. Two ladies walked past us who were wearing attire that clearly violated the laws of nature. Somehow they filled a 10 lb bag with 37 lbs. It may have been cruel, but someone needs to tell them that their best years (among other things) are behind them. Here’s a hint. If your bikini fits you like a thong, disappearing to the naked eye…and it isn’t a thong….put it back. You’re over 40, grow up. At the very least think of us poor guys who happen to look up as you walk by. Shoving sand into your eyes hurts even when you do it on purpose.

But then again, maybe I’m just rambling……

Tiny Talk

2009-07-21T06:00:00.004-04:00

Vacation Part 3

2009-07-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

Here's Julia showing off her cast. She loves her two fingers.

Natalie and Grandma.

Dennis and his girls.

The DiMaggio and Nichols Families.

It was a great week! We're already looking forward to next years vacation together.

Vacation Part 2

2009-07-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here's more:

My nephew, Philip.

My sister, Gerri, and Daniel.

We lost the bottom part of the umbrella so it was a perfect height for Catherine and Daniel.

Wonder what they are scheming?

Dennis took Natalie out into the waves. She loved it.

Natalie didn't mind having the waves crash into her face. Everyday she begged to go out with Daddy.

I'll finish up tomorrow.

Sandbridge Beach Vacation

2009-07-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

For the past couple of years we have gone to Sandbridge Beach, which is right outside of Virginia Beach. It's quiet and relaxing....mostly. We go down with my Mom and my sister and her family.

There are six kids altogether. They are 6 1/2, 5, 3 1/2, 2 and then 20 month old twins. So it's mostly busy and noisy and not so much quiet and relaxing. Nevertheless it is VERY fun.

Here are some pictures of our week.

Catherine wasn't sure if she was going to like the beach or not.

My niece, Julia, couldn't go to the beach all week. She got her cast days before we left. She has a possible elbow fracture. Jenna loved reading to the little ones in the house.

Catherine loved the sand.

Natalie also loved the water and sand.

Natalie and Jenna lead Catherine to the water.

Daniel also loved the beach.

I'll share more tomorrow.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-07-14T06:00:00.002-04:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2009-07-07T06:00:00.003-04:00