Hello Spring!

No one wanted to smile for the camera... too busy playing!

This past week we had some weather in the 70's, and two days in the 80's!! It was fabulous... you really appreciate the warm weather days when you've had so many cold ones! We were so excited that the weather was warm enough for our new water table!

"Thank you Nonna!!"

My big girls... all of a sudden they are both looking so grown-up. Everyone always says, "Enjoy this time, it goes by so fast". I can say that is so true, and I am honestly enjoying every minute of it. (Even with sick babies..more on that later).

 Madison was interested in testing the water quality...

This is her "I'm not doing anything Mama" look...

Pretty girl was all about tasting that water. MMMmm.

Lulu let her imagination roll when she saw the pink tub and filled it with water. Once she figured out how to work the  spout, she would turn the water flow on and off. She told me "I'm making coffee." LOL. Guess our morning routines don't go unnoticed :)

This was right before the stomach bug swept through our house. Later that night Madison got sick, followed by Lindsay a couple of days later. After the girls were well, guess who got it: ME! Jarrett hasn't shown any signs yet.. so we are hoping he was spared! Is it wrong a little part of me enjoyed that the girls just wanted to snuggle? I feel horrible that they were sick, but Mama enjoyed babying and loving on them! Everyone is feeling better, and the girls are both chowing down to make up the days they weren't hungry. Hope you are enjoying your spring days!

Easter 2013

Happy Easter!! We had a wonderful first Easter in New Jersey filled with good friends, yummy food and happy girls! 

 This year we attempted to make Resurrection Cookies. We had fun making 2 batches, mostly because I didn't read the directions correctly... but, hey, she got to hear the Easter story twice!

"Sealing" the tomb with tape...

Here's what they were suppose to look like... Ours didn't turn out well, but were still tasty!

Spring has officially 'sprung' at our house! We discovered daffodils growing on the side of our house last week. We picked a cheerful bunch and set them on our table!

Pretty Daffodils

The Easter bunny brought the girls all sorts of fun things: books, bubbles and a little bit of candy :)

 The Easter Bunny left a trail of eggs to the girls' baskets...

Lindsay was so excited when she woke up and saw the eggs!

Still trying to figure out this Easter egg thing.

Madison discovering her basket

"Daddy!! A pink BALL"

Whoa! What's in there?

A Barbie "camera"... say "Cheeseburger"!

 After opening baskets, the girls and J feasted on Dunkin' Donuts...

Chocolate Glazed Donuts. Try them. A-MAZING!

Maddie got to sit at the "Big Girl" table with Sissy... she thought she was hot stuff!

 After their donuts we got ready for church. We are thrilled to finally find our new church home, Westerly Road Church. The girls couldn't wait to put on their matching dresses! Thanks, Nonna!

Lindsay, 3 yrs and Madison, 14 months

 After a beautiful service, we were invited to lunch by the Vickerman family! They are also California transplants and have a sweet daughter, Lila, who has become Lindsay's best friend. Dave is a music professor at The College of New Jersey, and Kristy is a former teacher and amazing hostess!

Our little Ladies!!

Egg Hunting

Madison really got into hunting eggs, and although we didn't let her crawl through the mud after them, she did would pick them up and drop them in the basket with a little help from Daddy.

Rain Boots optional... it rained the day before and was a little muddy. Rain Boots with poufy dress = adorable.

Daddy and his Maddie girl.

We missed our family and the warm weather, but we are so grateful for our sweet friends and new church for making our first Easter in NJ a special one!

Good News

Have you heard the good news?!? Fantastic news, actually.

This year as we approach the most important holiday on the calendar, my heart has been encouraged to be a little BOLD (well bold for me). This blog has been mostly reserved for sharing family photos and baby updates with our friends and relatives who live all around the country. But, being in the age of Internet, you never know who is really reading your blog, or where they are in their lives and walk with God. I see this as a wonderful opportunity to share with my family, friends and complete strangers some good news, that will make your day a little brighter or possibly spark a stirring in your heart to hear more.

Generally, when I think about my life, I would like to think I am a good person. I try to be kind to others, give to those in need, and follow most traffic laws :) I try to be the best Wife, Mama, Daughter, Sister and Friend that I know how. Am I Mother Teresa? Nope. I think I am somewhere in the middle. Probably toward the bottom half. LOL.  Compared to many people, I guess I am doing pretty good.

The problem with comparing  yourself to standards imposed by culture, politics and society is that it is constantly changing. Just like boot cut pants that were 'in' a few years back, and now skinny jeans are all the eye sees at the mall. What is the measure for 'good'? What is the standard? Why even try? The ultimate, unchanging gold standard for conduct is the Ten Commandments. God's moral code is the same yesterday as it is today. It's pretty obvious, as people, we do not like rules. But, a moral code is necessary for us to all live together. Sadly, I have a hard time naming all 10...

It is so easy to around us and say, "Oh I'm not as bad as ____". But if I take a closer look, and compare my life to God's measure, the Ten Commandments, I can ask myself, "Have I lied?(#9)" or "Have I stolen something?(#8)" (I did take that candy at the store when I was 7....Sorry Mom!) To both I would have to honestly answer "Yes." Stay with me here..."Have I murdered someone? (#6)" Well I can firmly say "No!" to that one. However, the Bible says that when you have anger and sin in your heart, it is just as good as actually murdering (Matt 5:21-22). So I have to change my answer to "Yes". I have broken EVERY single one of the commandments.

Well, by my own admission, I am a lying, stealing, murderer. Do you think that if I died tonight, and was standing in front of the Great Judge, and he read my offenses to the court I would get a free pardon? All the evidence is there, I broke the laws and now I have to pay the penalty. Community service is not an option. What is the penalty? Death (Rom 6:23). Hell. For Eternity.

Being Good Isn't Good Enough. Being good isn't good enough to get to heaven. God only accepts perfection, and that life was lived only once in Jesus Christ.
                                                                           
You are probably thinking, if you read to this point, "This post is called 'Good News' she just typed the word "hell"...hmmmm. " LOL.

The Good News is this... Jesus Christ walked into that courtroom and paid the fine, once and for all for my offences. He paid the fine, knowing full well that I am guilty: a lying, stealing, murderous person. There is no other way to heaven, but through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).  Every single one of us sins (Rom 3:23). Even Mother Teresa.  We need a savior, because no one is perfect.

God sent his son, Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life, and died a horrific death for me. It is His precious blood alone that cleanses us, covers us, so that when God looks upon you and me, he sees not the sinner I was, but one of his cherished children. Rejoice! He is Alive! Thank you, forever my Jesus.

If this post leaves you feeling uncomfortable, it would be easy to shrug it off, or think I am silly. But, I don't believe in coincidences. Perhaps something or someone is knocking on your heart's door. Listen to that little voice, and come to the Cross.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!

St. Patty Parade

Kiss Me I'm Irish (not really.. but I am super cute!)

This past Saturday was a St. Patrick's Day parade in Hamilton. Shamefully, the only parade we have taken Lindsay to was the one at Disneyland which was at night, and the end of a super busy day. We have been waiting for a not-too-crowded parade, and were super excited to take the girls to a real St. Patty parade, in a state with a huge Irish population! Now, both of us really don't have any Irish heritage, but we are fond of the color green and have tasted green beer (tastes the same..icky).   

Waiting for the parade to start... we got a great place to watch!

 Lindsay loved the cheerleaders, and Madison loved the NOISE! The bag pipe players were amazing... and there were a ton of them! There were several string bands there, and they reminded me a little of Mardi Gras with the sparkling, shiny and colorful suits.  I googled Mummer's Bands, and discovered Philadelphia has a huge parade every year with just these bands...now that would be an exciting parade! Lindsay commented, "They are so FANCY Mama!"

Irish String Band, Mummers Band

 

The kilts were a little confusing to a 3 year old girl, but exciting to watch!

"Whoa! Look at that balloon!"

Madison enjoyed seeing the flags and waving back to the parade participators. My sweet girl would squeal with delight every time a balloon passed by. The parade went through a residential neighborhood, and a ton of families with young children. I think we might make it a tradition!
We hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

Lately

I noticed the other day I haven't posted in awhile. It was Jarrett's birthday on March 5th, we celebrated on Monday night because he had to work on his actual birthday (poor guy!). I made Chocolate Zabaglione, one of his favorite desserts, and we decorated the house and exchanged presents and cards. When he got home from his meeting, he brought home a cake from his coworkers. I have been really slacking in the picture-taking department, and didn't get any photos :(.  Jarrett and I have celebrated 10 birthdays together, and I can say with all honesty that I love, respect and appreciate him even more every year. I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man, and fantastic husband and father!

 

Here's what we've been up to lately in photos... cause' let's admit it, we really look at the blog for the pictures of cute kids ;)

 Playing in the toyroom. It was a PJ kind of day...

Sister's room is so much fun... I like pulling up on her doll house!

We have had a few glimpses of springtime in the past couple of weeks, and when the sun was shining and a little warmer (think 48 degrees) we would go outside and soak up some vitamin D.

Chalkin' it up in the backyard. Rolled my pants up to get some sun on my neon legs.

On a walk in our neighborhood we discovered a park!

At the park they have swings (hooray!) and a cute playset. I think we will be walking to the park several times a week in the next few months!

When the weather gets nicer we can move the playhouse to the backyard under our tree. In the meantime, playing in the garage is still pretty fun!

Decorated for Easter last week, and pulled out the Bunny Sippy cups. They were missed!

Madison making a mess...

Bathtime Fun! They love their mermaid tub set! 

Loving looking out the window in her new big girl carseat

Met our friends one day at MyGym for some ball-pit fun

We met some friends at the indoor play place at the mall on a rainy day

Went to breakfast on Saturday morning with my loves

 

Church girl on Sunday morning

Happy Almost Spring!*
*Note: As I am writing this, it is snowing. March rolls in like a lion, and out like a lamb :)