12/25/08
12/18/08
It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas!
The J Crew house is all aglow with twinkling lights tonight.
the front of our house...
the side view... 
the front door...
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
How lovely are your new LED bulbs!
Santa
He's real, isn't he?
My girls who are 6 and 5 know that Santa is not real. Are we bad parents because of this? Some may think so but it's not a huge deal to us.
A few years back when they started to take in all things Christmas, etc. we tried to tell them about Santa but since I didn't grow up believing it was hard for me to "play along".
Also, we had a hard time giving Santa all the credit for all the presents so we said "everything in your stocking is from Santa" and that seemed to satisfy everyone. Well, one year our oldest figured it out...she was opening the items in her stocking and she said "Santa does NOT shop at the Disney store" and for that I had no answer. The cover was blown...Santa is not real. Now that they are older and in school it's becoming a little crazy because they are probably the only ones in their class that know he's not real!
I tell you this to share a cute story...
Jada, who is 5, boldly stated yesterday to one of her little friends "Santa is NOT real" and her friend replied "Yes he is and if you don't believe in him then you won't get any presents". Jada said "Yes I will get presents because I asked my Daddy if I would still get presents and he said I would even if I thought Santa wasn't real. AND my Daddy knows because he is the smartest guy in the WORLD"
Awwwwwww! The love of little girls for their Daddy's! It just melted my heart.
My girls who are 6 and 5 know that Santa is not real. Are we bad parents because of this? Some may think so but it's not a huge deal to us.
A few years back when they started to take in all things Christmas, etc. we tried to tell them about Santa but since I didn't grow up believing it was hard for me to "play along".
Also, we had a hard time giving Santa all the credit for all the presents so we said "everything in your stocking is from Santa" and that seemed to satisfy everyone. Well, one year our oldest figured it out...she was opening the items in her stocking and she said "Santa does NOT shop at the Disney store" and for that I had no answer. The cover was blown...Santa is not real. Now that they are older and in school it's becoming a little crazy because they are probably the only ones in their class that know he's not real!
I tell you this to share a cute story...
Jada, who is 5, boldly stated yesterday to one of her little friends "Santa is NOT real" and her friend replied "Yes he is and if you don't believe in him then you won't get any presents". Jada said "Yes I will get presents because I asked my Daddy if I would still get presents and he said I would even if I thought Santa wasn't real. AND my Daddy knows because he is the smartest guy in the WORLD"
Awwwwwww! The love of little girls for their Daddy's! It just melted my heart.
*************************************************************************
Even though she doesn't believe he brings her all the presents Jada still loves Santa!!
12/17/08
Christmas Cookies
I was hoping to have this beautiful blog about the bunches of Christmas cookies that I was baking this glorious holiday season but it has not gone as planned.
I tried, tried very hard to plan...it's hard to spend all day baking with 3 kids but I was determined.
I forewarned my dear husband early last week saying "I will be baking ALLLLLL weekend, so be prepared" He said "Fine"..I think he's used to it because this is what I do every year but I was trying to increase what I bake. I had visions of getting up Saturday morning, showering, putting on bummy clothes, enjoying my coffee and planning my baking schedule; after all, I had ALL DAY!
Well, Thursday night I get a call about this birthday party my oldest was invited to...when was it? Saturday at 3pm! NO! It couldn't be - I could strangle last minute planners - what a kink that would put in my plan - how dare they?! Well, I had to take her, right? It was at the Obnoxious land of Libby Lu and she was begging to go...ok, I'll take her!
Back to cookies: I had most of the ingredients, made a list for more and we took a trip to the store. I was prepared! I was excited! It would be a cookie baking experience to top all cookie baking experiences and I was ready.
Well, Saturday came and I woke up later than I wanted and there was too much prep work to be done so I didn't start actually making the dough until 11am! Eeek! I HAD to get the Peanut Butter ones done 1st since I was sending a bunch to my dad for Christmas. I whipped up 4x the recipe, baked a bunch and saved the rest. Then, I started on the Chocolate Chip ones...2pm rolls around and I have to wash my hair, get myself and daughter ready for the party! Eeek! I only had 2 flavors of dough made! I left it all, begged Julian to put it away and rushed to the party. We were there for 2hrs and she had a blast (pics to come later) so it was worth it but geesh when would I get to those cookies?!
By this time it was 5pm...time for dinner so I took us out (after all the kitchen was overtaken by cookies). We had a nice dinner at one of our favorite places and when we arrived home I had no more ambition to bake so I said "it'll wait until Sunday".
Sunday I made more progress - made more dough and actually baked the 2 new recipes that I was trying this year but I ran out of time to bake more!!! So I said "it'll wait until Monday night after work". Then my throat started hurting, my head was pounding and I realized I was getting the dreadful cold my kids have...GREAT!
Monday night came and went...I had no energy to bake so I said "Tuesday".
Tuesday came, the cold was still there but when I got home I dove right in...Then it all went to hell in a hand basket!!!!!
My chocolate chip cookie dough BOMBED! Literally. The dough didn't firm up like it usually does in the fridge so instead of nice fluffy cookies I got flat almost burnt cookies. In fact, I did burn the first batch but caught the next before it burned. I think I mixed the dough for too long...I was super ambitious and tried to do it all at once - I made 4x the recipe and I don't think you can do that LOL!
So, after that disaster I tried the Snickerdoodle dough. The dough felt great, I made the balls and rolled in the cinnamon and sugar mix and started to bake them. THEY BURNED! I could NOT believe it! I baked another batch and they were SO much better; almost perfect!! I thought I was making progress BUT the next batch BURNED again. I could not believe it. I've never botched cookies this bad. I'm a good baker...or at least that's what I've been told.
So.
I fired myself.
For the time being.
I have spritz cookie dough waiting to be baked. If I burn those I think I'll hang up my mixing bowls.
I tried, tried very hard to plan...it's hard to spend all day baking with 3 kids but I was determined.
I forewarned my dear husband early last week saying "I will be baking ALLLLLL weekend, so be prepared" He said "Fine"..I think he's used to it because this is what I do every year but I was trying to increase what I bake. I had visions of getting up Saturday morning, showering, putting on bummy clothes, enjoying my coffee and planning my baking schedule; after all, I had ALL DAY!
Well, Thursday night I get a call about this birthday party my oldest was invited to...when was it? Saturday at 3pm! NO! It couldn't be - I could strangle last minute planners - what a kink that would put in my plan - how dare they?! Well, I had to take her, right? It was at the Obnoxious land of Libby Lu and she was begging to go...ok, I'll take her!
Back to cookies: I had most of the ingredients, made a list for more and we took a trip to the store. I was prepared! I was excited! It would be a cookie baking experience to top all cookie baking experiences and I was ready.
Well, Saturday came and I woke up later than I wanted and there was too much prep work to be done so I didn't start actually making the dough until 11am! Eeek! I HAD to get the Peanut Butter ones done 1st since I was sending a bunch to my dad for Christmas. I whipped up 4x the recipe, baked a bunch and saved the rest. Then, I started on the Chocolate Chip ones...2pm rolls around and I have to wash my hair, get myself and daughter ready for the party! Eeek! I only had 2 flavors of dough made! I left it all, begged Julian to put it away and rushed to the party. We were there for 2hrs and she had a blast (pics to come later) so it was worth it but geesh when would I get to those cookies?!
By this time it was 5pm...time for dinner so I took us out (after all the kitchen was overtaken by cookies). We had a nice dinner at one of our favorite places and when we arrived home I had no more ambition to bake so I said "it'll wait until Sunday".
Sunday I made more progress - made more dough and actually baked the 2 new recipes that I was trying this year but I ran out of time to bake more!!! So I said "it'll wait until Monday night after work". Then my throat started hurting, my head was pounding and I realized I was getting the dreadful cold my kids have...GREAT!
Monday night came and went...I had no energy to bake so I said "Tuesday".
Tuesday came, the cold was still there but when I got home I dove right in...Then it all went to hell in a hand basket!!!!!
My chocolate chip cookie dough BOMBED! Literally. The dough didn't firm up like it usually does in the fridge so instead of nice fluffy cookies I got flat almost burnt cookies. In fact, I did burn the first batch but caught the next before it burned. I think I mixed the dough for too long...I was super ambitious and tried to do it all at once - I made 4x the recipe and I don't think you can do that LOL!
So, after that disaster I tried the Snickerdoodle dough. The dough felt great, I made the balls and rolled in the cinnamon and sugar mix and started to bake them. THEY BURNED! I could NOT believe it! I baked another batch and they were SO much better; almost perfect!! I thought I was making progress BUT the next batch BURNED again. I could not believe it. I've never botched cookies this bad. I'm a good baker...or at least that's what I've been told.
So.
I fired myself.
For the time being.
I have spritz cookie dough waiting to be baked. If I burn those I think I'll hang up my mixing bowls.
12/14/08
Libby Lu Time!
Janea was invited to her first birthday party at Libby Lu's! We decided a long time ago to avoid that place like the plague because it presented a whole world we didn't want the girls involved with yet but I had to make an exception for the birthday party!
Janea had a blast and was super spoiled!! Here are some pictures of her makeover and friends!
The before pic
The start of the makeover...
Outfit change
New Hair style
Then eyes, lips and nails done!
Janea and the Birthday girl!
Striking a pose on the catwalk
The after pic of the superstars!
Thankfully Club Libby Lu is closing down at the end of January 2009! It was fun while it lasted ;-)
12/6/08
Janea the Cheerleader!
Janea has been in cheerleading class for the past 8weeks....she's had a blast and really enjoyed herself. I, on the other hand, am very happy that it's finally over (shhhh! don't tell Janea!)
Today was her final performance and in my rush to get there ON TIME I forgot the camera! Thank goodness for cell phones! Below are pics that Julian took from him phone and even brief video of one of the cheers.
EXPLODE!
Today was her final performance and in my rush to get there ON TIME I forgot the camera! Thank goodness for cell phones! Below are pics that Julian took from him phone and even brief video of one of the cheers.
READY!
EXPLODE! IGNITE!
COME ON TEAM LETS FIGHT!
Group pictures 
Group pictures
11/30/08
Another tooth gone!
Janea lost #6 tonight....at least the top ones are growing in so you don't really notice it much....
11/27/08
We were fooled!
As you all may know we were geared up for snow when we were traveling to Buffalo. Prepared for awful driving conditions, etc., anticipating delays, etc.
Well, we were fooled! We definitely saw snow, had some falling while we were driving but once we got into Buffalo there was NO SNOW! The kids were all excited to play in the snow but were so disappointed when they saw green grass.
Below are pics I took while we were driving. I was tempted to have Julian pull over but I knew he'd think I was crazy so I just clicked away hoping to get a few I could use. I was pleasantly surprised to get a few good ones of the scenery...we want to add it to our collection of scenic pics that we are displaying in our bedroom.
Below are the infamous Bisons that we see just outside of Buffalo.
Well, we were fooled! We definitely saw snow, had some falling while we were driving but once we got into Buffalo there was NO SNOW! The kids were all excited to play in the snow but were so disappointed when they saw green grass.
Below are pics I took while we were driving. I was tempted to have Julian pull over but I knew he'd think I was crazy so I just clicked away hoping to get a few I could use. I was pleasantly surprised to get a few good ones of the scenery...we want to add it to our collection of scenic pics that we are displaying in our bedroom.
Snow on the drive (probably somewhere around Pittsburg, PA)
Below are the infamous Bisons that we see just outside of Buffalo.
The skies were cloudy but NO SNOW on the ground!
11/26/08
Snow Pics
Snow on 11/25
Snow this morning 11/26 when we woke up
Close-up of the cars...
Snow on the drive to Buffalo
More pictures to come tomorrow!
11/25/08
Tempting the Fates
We used to have a rule "No travel to Buffalo between October and March". Last year we had to ignore it because we had a wedding in November. This year I thought we were sticking to it. Well, my wonderful Mother-In-Law begged us to make the trip this year. So, after much discussion we decided to go.
Last week the weather channel had awful predictions about snow, especially lake effect snow and we almost cancelled. Over the weekend we monitored what we could, checked every forecast available and finally decided to go for it!
We left our warm, sunny home this morning and are driving 6hrs to our 1/2 way point. It has been an uneventful trip so far and I hope that it remains that way! Tomorrow morning may bring a few surprises, especially as we get further North. Right now we are seeing a lot of snow on the sides of the roads but the roads remain clear. A few flurries in the skies but nothing major. Poor JMan is driving and the wind is horrible in some spots...I'm sure he'll have calluses on his hands tonight! The girls are SO EXCITED seeing the snow and just can't wait to play in it.
Of course I'll update regularly with pictures when I can!
Last week the weather channel had awful predictions about snow, especially lake effect snow and we almost cancelled. Over the weekend we monitored what we could, checked every forecast available and finally decided to go for it!
We left our warm, sunny home this morning and are driving 6hrs to our 1/2 way point. It has been an uneventful trip so far and I hope that it remains that way! Tomorrow morning may bring a few surprises, especially as we get further North. Right now we are seeing a lot of snow on the sides of the roads but the roads remain clear. A few flurries in the skies but nothing major. Poor JMan is driving and the wind is horrible in some spots...I'm sure he'll have calluses on his hands tonight! The girls are SO EXCITED seeing the snow and just can't wait to play in it.
Of course I'll update regularly with pictures when I can!
11/23/08
A day of baking
Last Saturday I fell victim to a real life chain letter type thing. A friend gave me a bag with "Friendship bread" inside so I said thank you and took it without looking inside. Imagine my surprise when I opened it later and I found not only the bread but also instructions with a starter bag to continue the insanity. Of course I called her to share my thanks for such a lovely thing (please note the extreme sarcasm). The bread was yummy so I was ready to embark on my mission of friendship.
For 10 flipping DAYS I had to do something with the bag...oh, day 1 was simple because it said to do nothing but every other day I had to "mash the bag". Day 5 I had to add some ingredients to it. Fun, fun. Then mash the bag days 6-9.
Today was day 10. I added ingredients, mixed it up and separated out 4 starter bags for the next unsuspecting victims! Then, with the remaining batter I added a bunch of stuff, mixed it up and baked up 3 loaves. Below is a picture of what friendship looks like LOL!!
Then I continued baking and made my 1st ever Sweet Potato Pie(s)! My mother in-law usually makes them and uses a family recipe but since we live so far away my husband usually whips up a few around the holidays. Well, he's been dying to pass the duty on to me. So, today I took on the challenge because our dear neighbor was longing for the pies with Thanksgiving approaching....her Mom used to make them for the holidays but she passed a few years back. I couldn't help myself so I told her I'd make them for her! I think they look good...who knows because I don't eat them! Julian said it was great and even Jula ate some!
I think I'm warmed up for the holidays now!!! I am a baking machine once December hits!
For 10 flipping DAYS I had to do something with the bag...oh, day 1 was simple because it said to do nothing but every other day I had to "mash the bag". Day 5 I had to add some ingredients to it. Fun, fun. Then mash the bag days 6-9.
Today was day 10. I added ingredients, mixed it up and separated out 4 starter bags for the next unsuspecting victims! Then, with the remaining batter I added a bunch of stuff, mixed it up and baked up 3 loaves. Below is a picture of what friendship looks like LOL!!
Then I continued baking and made my 1st ever Sweet Potato Pie(s)! My mother in-law usually makes them and uses a family recipe but since we live so far away my husband usually whips up a few around the holidays. Well, he's been dying to pass the duty on to me. So, today I took on the challenge because our dear neighbor was longing for the pies with Thanksgiving approaching....her Mom used to make them for the holidays but she passed a few years back. I couldn't help myself so I told her I'd make them for her! I think they look good...who knows because I don't eat them! Julian said it was great and even Jula ate some!
I think I'm warmed up for the holidays now!!! I am a baking machine once December hits!
11/20/08
Confessions of an addict...
OK, I know I usually post about my girls and all things JCrew but I had to take a moment to confess my addiction.
Hi, my name is Jennifer and I'm addicted to anything Nine West. I have no control. When I see a Nine West product I run, not walk, towards it. The better the deal/bargain the better I feel about my addiction.
We have 2 Nine West stores in the area and one Nine West Outlet. I love to go in and browse although I rarely buy from them directly. The reason why is because I have to get a bargain on whatever I buy...if it's over a certain price I just can't bring myself to purchase it. Lately, though, I have made an exception to this rule...I keep saying "well it's only a few dollars more, I'll love it SOOoooo much so it'll be worth it, right?" Hey, whatever gets me that Nine West item!
I made the mistake of "just wanting to browse" this past weekend because I stumbled upon a pair of MUST HAVE shoes. They are SO must have that I MUST HAVE in every color. Imagine my surprise when the store manager informed me of a "Ladies Night from 7-9pm" that they were having next Thursday and how I could receive 15% off my purchase. I told her "I'll be back, don't you worry". The shoes I must have AND I can save some $$ - perfection!
Thursday arrived...so much to do...so many things to juggle before I could go to "Ladies Night". I had a prior engagement but was determined to be done with it by 7 so I could rush to Nine West. Well, I wasn't done by 7...instead 7:45 so I rushed over to the mall and below is the reason why it was all worth it...below is the reason for my addition.
Ah.....
Sweet, sweet success
Sweet, sweet beautiful Nine West shoes
COME TO MAMA!
Hi, my name is Jennifer and I'm addicted to anything Nine West. I have no control. When I see a Nine West product I run, not walk, towards it. The better the deal/bargain the better I feel about my addiction.
We have 2 Nine West stores in the area and one Nine West Outlet. I love to go in and browse although I rarely buy from them directly. The reason why is because I have to get a bargain on whatever I buy...if it's over a certain price I just can't bring myself to purchase it. Lately, though, I have made an exception to this rule...I keep saying "well it's only a few dollars more, I'll love it SOOoooo much so it'll be worth it, right?" Hey, whatever gets me that Nine West item!
I made the mistake of "just wanting to browse" this past weekend because I stumbled upon a pair of MUST HAVE shoes. They are SO must have that I MUST HAVE in every color. Imagine my surprise when the store manager informed me of a "Ladies Night from 7-9pm" that they were having next Thursday and how I could receive 15% off my purchase. I told her "I'll be back, don't you worry". The shoes I must have AND I can save some $$ - perfection!
Thursday arrived...so much to do...so many things to juggle before I could go to "Ladies Night". I had a prior engagement but was determined to be done with it by 7 so I could rush to Nine West. Well, I wasn't done by 7...instead 7:45 so I rushed over to the mall and below is the reason why it was all worth it...below is the reason for my addition.
Ah.....
Sweet, sweet success
Sweet, sweet beautiful Nine West shoes
COME TO MAMA!
11/18/08
High School Musical 3
Janea LOVES High School Musical! She has both movies on DVD so of course we had to go see HSM3! A few weekends ago I decided to make it a girls day out which started with happy meals at McDonalds, then a quick trip to the mall and finally the big finale was the movie! The theater had a HSM display so of course I had to snap a pic. Look how TINY my babies are compared to these kids LOL!
The movie was cute but I'm sooooo glad that HSM is finally over! LOL Hopefully there won't be a College Musical - I think I'll have to draw the line at that one!
11/15/08
Our little escape artist
Jula is our little escape artist! At first she showed us she could escape from her bed...she throws her leg up and pulls herself right over the edge and then slides down to the floor - easy does it! This presented an issue at nap time because she would climb right out. A few days of tears and fighting she seemed to get the fact that she has to stay in. Crisis solved or so we thought!
The new escape tactic is escaping from her clothes!!! I am not going to psychoanalyze her behavior because she is only 1 1/2 years old and I personally believe that she thinks it's FUN! It's also kinda funny to see after a nap or when she wakes up in the morning. WELL IT WAS NOT FUNNY FRIDAY morning when she woke up completely nude without a diaper! We think she took everything off and slept that way all night long! Poor baby, we're sure she froze and sleeping in pee could not be fun!
So, Julian has come up with a very creative idea to keep her clothed! We took one of the sleepers she's outgrown, cut the feet off and put it on her backwards! I wasn't convinced it would work but here she is AFTER her nap:
Yep - she looks hilarious but it worked like a charm! 3 nights later and dressing her backwards is still working! Thank goodness for creative parenting!
The new escape tactic is escaping from her clothes!!! I am not going to psychoanalyze her behavior because she is only 1 1/2 years old and I personally believe that she thinks it's FUN! It's also kinda funny to see after a nap or when she wakes up in the morning. WELL IT WAS NOT FUNNY FRIDAY morning when she woke up completely nude without a diaper! We think she took everything off and slept that way all night long! Poor baby, we're sure she froze and sleeping in pee could not be fun!
So, Julian has come up with a very creative idea to keep her clothed! We took one of the sleepers she's outgrown, cut the feet off and put it on her backwards! I wasn't convinced it would work but here she is AFTER her nap:
Yep - she looks hilarious but it worked like a charm! 3 nights later and dressing her backwards is still working! Thank goodness for creative parenting!
11/5/08
Too busy, too busy, too busy...
just too flipping busy to blog!
Ah, the joys of being a Mom of 3 and working full time, right?
Well, we're still here...we survived Halloween, the election of a new president and now we just need to get through this next weekend! Hopefully I can get through the backlog and share some pictures next week...that's if I can remember what actually happened LOL!!!
Smooches xoxoxo
Ah, the joys of being a Mom of 3 and working full time, right?
Well, we're still here...we survived Halloween, the election of a new president and now we just need to get through this next weekend! Hopefully I can get through the backlog and share some pictures next week...that's if I can remember what actually happened LOL!!!
Smooches xoxoxo
10/31/08
JCrew Halloween 2008
We had a great time Halloween night! All the girls were witches and Julian was "The Executioner". The JCrew went Trick or Treating with our friends Kyra and Kiersten and we heard over and over again "WOW sooooo many witches" (if they only knew the half of it LOL!) The kids were loaded down with candy and were so exhausted by the end of the night! Here are the pictures...
Jen & Kyra
Julian, Jula & Jen
All the witches (minus Jula)
Jen & Kyra
Julian, Jula & Jen
All the witches (minus Jula)
10/25/08
Party Princess Style
Jada wanted a Princess themed party with her favorite princess Sleeping Beauty. Here's a slideshow of the festivities:
Jada's 5 today!
I can't believe my little bundle of joy is 5 today!
It's always a very emotional day for me because I remember what we went through to get Jada here safe and sound. Every year it does get a little easier, especially when I see that she is a healthy, happy little girl that loves Sleepy Beauty!!
Happy 5th Birthday Jada Bean! We love you!!!
Princess Jada
10/21/08
From curly to straight!
I caved to daughter pressure and straightened her hair. I was amazed at how long it has gotten...you can never tell with all her curls!
It's a royal PAIN to keep up with but it makes her VERY happy! How can I resist?
Tonight I had to do Jada's...I'll get a picture of her tomorrow to share. Her hair texture is different from Janea's and I was surprised at how great it turned out...now, the million dollar question is "how long will it last?"
NC is soooo humid which is not good for curly hair! Humidity=frizz!
It's a royal PAIN to keep up with but it makes her VERY happy! How can I resist?
Tonight I had to do Jada's...I'll get a picture of her tomorrow to share. Her hair texture is different from Janea's and I was surprised at how great it turned out...now, the million dollar question is "how long will it last?"NC is soooo humid which is not good for curly hair! Humidity=frizz!
10/19/08
Family Pictures - the Slideshow!
I finally organized the pics and here's the slideshow of the best shots!
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