Milestone for Mommy

Over the last four years Lori has been full time Mom/CEO of the household…great benefits, but the pay; not so good. Lori gave up a great corporate job when Zoe was 1, and never looked back or complained. When our family went from three to five, she didn’t even blink and eye, even in all the chaos. I have never seen anyone more suited to be a mother. But today marks a BIG day for Lori, and a milestone in Zoe’s life as well. Today Lori was offered a position with her old company to come back to work full time and…she accepted!

So, starting in a few weeks, Zoe will be going to school full days for several days a week, and won’t have both Mommy and Mimi home with her all day. We’re not sure how Zoe will like this, but we feel she is fully capable of handling the change. Zoe is so independent (a trait she’s has inherited from the both of us), and we’re sure she won’t skip a beat.

I can’t begin to say how proud I am of Lori, and how much I appreciate all she has sacrificed and done for our family. I will never be able to express my appreciation. Congrats Mommy, I am so proud of you, and am so thankful for all you have done for Zoe and I over the last 4 years. Way to go!!!

School Lunch

When it comes to school lunches Zoe isn’t picky. She eats anything (& I mean anything) you put in front of her. She’s never been one of those kids who won't eat her veggies. She could probably be a vegetarian she loves veggies so much. Anyway, last night we were done with dinner, and trying to figure out what to make for lunch. She opens the fridge and says, “Mom, why did you ask me what I wanted for lunch?” I said, “We need to get lunch made for school tomorrow.” She pulls out the sushi and says, “This is what I’m taking for lunch – Done!”

Crayons 101

Zoe and Shawn had an ENTIRE day of quality time today. We went to the Crayola Factory, a gigantic place (Four floors) full of fun activities. The kids were not sure if they were coming or going, there was so much to see and do. I was just as over stimulated as the kids were. We didn’t stop all day except for lunch the rest of the day was go-go-go!

There were several different stations of fun activities for the kids to do. The kids colored, cut, paste, painted, and everything in between, there was even a few water stations! Adult Alert: If you plan to go, I would not recommend dressing your kids in anything good. Zoe and Shawn managed to stay pretty clean and most of the stuff is washable but it can get pretty messy.

There is, for certain, a return trip in our future. It’s the perfect place during the winter months when we can’t be outdoors. When we got home, Zoe said, “Mommy, I’m so tired I can’t even talk!” WOW! That is something I never thought I’d hear my daughter say – ha! It was an exhausting day but a super duper fun day!

Gum Machines

For the past several months Zoe has had a fascination with ‘gum machines’. She CANNOT pass one without begging for a piggy (ie, loose change). I don’t ever let her get gum or candy however I will occasionally let her get a toy. It’s hit or miss if something will come out after she puts the money in so, the toy ends up always costing two quarters by the time it’s all said and done. I'm not sure what Zoe really likes more, the actual toy, or the plastic bubble container it comes in. Zoe thinks it’s awesome to pop open the container to see what she has ‘won’.

I remember when I was her age, I always wanted to get the slimy gummy like hands that would stick to stuff. I’m surprised my parents allowed it considering I’d have ‘greasy’ hand marks all over the house from throwing it and letting it stick to everything. I guess ‘gum machines’ are a rite of passage so who am I to deny Zoe of her silly little quarter toys???

Flowers Flowers & MORE Flowers

A beautiful Sunday at Longwood Gardens....

Pictures cannot capture how magnificent this place is.

http://www.longwoodgardens.org/

BIG day

Today was a big big day; Zoe registered for kindergarten! Oh my word, how can it be, exactly where did the time go?

We went in, signed the paperwork, and got all the information and a handbook full of what she will be learning. Lest we not forget, Zoe’s favorite aspect of it all, the bus schedule. Zoe cannot wait to ride the bus to school. Grant it, they only go to school for a couple hours each day and the bus only takes them one way but, to Zoe that is more than enough and she is excited at just the thought of riding a bus. Zoe is ecstatic about starting big girl school, but I’m not so ready for all this. I know it’s the cycle of life and I must let her go, but the thought of my baby starting elementary school, WOW!

Once we got through the paperwork, we decided to grab a bite to eat. Zoe enjoyed a raspberry, coconut, and pineapple smoothie with whipped cream followed by a delicious salad and fresh bread. It was a pretty special day and I am anxious to see what this chapter in her life will bring.

Valentine Sleep Over

This weekend was an extra special Valentine weekend for Miss Zoe. She had a Valentine slumber party with Jaylyn, and they had a blast. The Mommies, on the other hand, were beyond exhausted after a weekend of non-stop Valentine festivities.

When the boys were here (and boy did I miss them this weekend!), Zoe always thought it was cool the boys got to dress alike. This time, it was all about Zoe. She and J got matching pj’s AND matching tiaras. They were little princesses while eating their pink heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and devouring fondue for dinner. I would have to say the girls made out pretty good. It was hilarious watching them with the fondue. They had cheese and chocolate from head to toe but, it was worth every second of the clean up just to see them enjoy it so much.

Girls just wanna have fun!

This morning.....

Fun! Fun! Fun! (well, I should say the fun started after shoveling!)

Zoe SNOW Day....

This has been the worst ‘blizzard’ we’ve had since living here. The weather people warned us but, I guess I didn’t think we’d get this much snow. I took precautions and made sure I had a FULL day of activities planned for Zoe.

This morning while I was making breakfast, Zoe did her Valentine cards for her class party on Friday. These were not just any Valentine cards but, Princess and the Frog cards that came with stickers and stamps – WOW! Once she got them all signed, stamped, and stickered, we stayed in the whole princess mood and played one of her board games she got for her birthday. Shelli being the princess that she is, naturally won the game and there is nothing funnier than to see Shelli dressed up as a princess – hysterical!

For lunch, Zoe had one of her favorites, shrimp. I thought that would be much better than the typical ‘Lunchable’ she’s always asking for. Zoe peeled all the shrimp and enjoyed every last bite before going down for a nice long nap.


As soon as her eyes opened, it was SNOW time. This child absolutely loves being in the snow. Nothing can hold her back from being in it. I have to admit I enjoy it too! I love rolling around with her as we laugh and catch snowflakes in our eyelashes. She even took Shelli down a few times.


By the time we got all our snow clothes off and back in the house, it was just about time for dinner. We enjoyed some hot chocolate and made cookies for dessert.

I’d have to say Zoe stayed pretty busy ALL – DAY- LONG! Snow days are hard. We all get stir crazy so I was determined to make it an action packed day. The best part is none of us got out of our pj’s all day long. Only when we went outside to play in the snow! I think I’m ready for a nap myself – oh, and for this snow to stop coming down!

Ski Time

With all this snow talk, I think it’s only fair to post about my 1st ski trip – EVER! Being born and raised in Miami, there is no such thing as winter activities. We were lucky if it got into the 60’s in the ‘winter’ and my mom would pull out the 2 or 3 sweaters I owned, get me all bundled up, and by noon, the sweaters and jackets would be on the floor or squished into my book bag in a ball.

Needless to say, living here has been a wow factor with actual snow. My dad was born in Canada so, growing up I’d seen snow, played in snow, ate snow, threw snow, and rolled around in snow but never did any snow ‘sports’. I’d always wanted to learn how to ski, but never had the opportunity. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but, I was up for the challenge, or so I thought!

Dana’s brother, Evan is a ski instructor so, we made plans to get together and hit the slopes. Shelli stayed back with Zoe so I could get the full skiing experience. I’m kind of glad it worked out that way. Poor Evan didn’t stand a chance of skiing solo. My arms were glued around him most of the day. I needed all the help I could get!! Both Dana and Evan knew what they were doing so, they were stuck waiting on me most of day. They were good sports and I had a blast! I fell about a million times but, I also was able to stay up long enough to enjoy a few runs down the mountain. I don’t think I have ever been more exhausted. My legs were like jello by the time we were finished and I was sore from head to toe. I guess falling off the lift, down the mountain, and just not knowing what you’re doing in general, can do that to you. With all that said, I don’t think I laughed more in my entire life. It was one thing after another and we all made the best of a pretty fantastic day. I hope to get Zoe on the bunny slope (where I should of stayed the whole day!)