Ga-Ya's Goodies!

Auntie Heidi is one of those creative types. Not just the type of person that can draw well or design something unique, she's got incredible talent! She envisions things, plans them out and then creates them and every time, I walk away in awe. Auntie Heidi is also one of the most thoughtful, generous, kind, and warm people our family is blessed to have. She is always thinking of our girls, as if they are her own, and they feel that genuineness.

Heidi has a knack for making "clippies," hats, headbands, aprons, you name it. Just recently she even started up her own official business Lalaloo's! (Named from the nickname of her precious daughter Lilah.) Jenna adores Lilah (as well as Dave and Heidi.)

Heidi has been giving Jenna extra materials here and there and faster than one can imagine, we are attempting to replicate Heidi's expertise on a 2 3/4 year old's level. :) (She is pretty talented though, I have to say...) We've made many many a clippy, only to recently try our hand headbands, a hands down favorite past time these days.

This morning Jenna asked me if we could "start her own company." I was floored-company? You aren't even 3! :) We talked about the details of what she was thinking about and it was immediately clear-she wanted to have her own "company" just like Auntie Heidi. She could share her clippies and headbands and stuff with her friends and family just like Auntie Heidi shared with Maya and her! We then began tossing around names of her desired company and came up with "Ga-ya's Goodies Company"-she insisted that the word company be in the name so that it was a "real company!" "Ga-ya" was what Jenna called herself before she could say Jenna, it has stuck as a nickname we call her now.

We even looked at websites that offer free business cards and planned out a model one. All the time reminding myself she's a toddler. This evening on our dining room table sit four completed headbands; one for Jenna, two for our cleaning women and one for Lilah! So I guess things come full circle in a way, she's giving back to Heidi, due to Heidi's inspiration.

People often say that you can't choose your family, however, it's a no brainer, we'd choose Heidi (Dave and Lilah as well) to be part of our girls' lives in over and over and over! The positive influences she provides our girls are immeasurable. Jenna spent many months pretending she was pregnant with a baby named Lilah just after Heidi gave birth. She has now even asked to wear her hair in a style Heidi does!!! Jenna's adoration for Heidi is so sweet. We look forward to see how it pans out as she grows and so does their relationship.

So be on the lookout today, tomorrow, years from now for Ga-Ya's Goodies (Company).

We love you Auntie Heidi!

It's just like a Family Heirloom!

This afternoon after naps were over, I was racking my brain as to what to do with the girls that was simple, reasonably priced, (dare I say FREE) and did not involve being cooped up in the house for a moment longer. Then it came to me, we should go to the library and get Jenna her own library card.

For some bizarre reason, that I still cannot discern, Jenna was adamant that we NOT go there. She's been to plenty of libraries, truthfully though, for sing-a-longs, story hours and holiday projects--all pleasant experiences, but she really might not have had a clue as to what else the library could offer.

After much coaxing, she gave in. We bundled up, (only to discover it wasn't really THAT cold out) and headed to the Wakefield Public Library. Well this is one moment, a rare one, that I didn't photograph the moment as I should have, or at all for that matter.

Jenna took Maya by the hand and approached the desk side by side with me. As I filled out the paperwork, the girls examined the rubber duck display. Then Jenna was handed her very own special library card! She beamed with pride-her very own card!!!!!! (And the librarian said HER name as she gave it to her!)

We ventured downstairs with her invaluable card gripped tightly in her right hand. As we arrived at the children's section, we were greeted with other patrons giving a standing ovation with rounds of applause and a "bubble party!" This was all to celebrate Jenna getting her first library card!!!!! Maya announced "BUBBLES!" Which made her day and Jenna turned to me and said "Mommy this getting a library card is pretty cool stuff!!!"

The next twenty minutes or so are a blur somewhat; we searched for princess books, Clifford books and other favorites, coming away with a McDuff book and D.W.'s library card story. As I corralled Maya (who could have stayed there all day virtually cleaning the shelves in a whirlwind of "This book, that book, Mama") I looked down at Jenna still clutching her library card in the same position in her same hand. She was so proud of it, she didn't want to let it go.

We checked out our books, or should I say, Jenna and the librarian checked out her books, and I watched on the periphery with Maya. SO grown up! The librarian congratulated Jenna and told her she hoped we'd be back again soon. She said nothing, but didn't need to, her smile said it all.

Our conversation on the way to the car was priceless.

Jenna: "You know Mommy, we should put this library card somewhere special so I know just where it is and don't lose it."

Mommy: "Hmm, where do you think is a good place for it? I'll happily keep it in my wallet with mine if you want."

Jenna: "Umm, I was thinking about in that space where we keep the tea cups Great-grandma Ann gave us, you know the REALLY special ones." (They are from MY Great-great Grandmother!)

Mommy: "That is a perfect place for it."

So there in our china cabinet in our dining room sits, two tea cups-family heirlooms, two of the most special items I've ever been given and atop them, is Jenna's very first library card, her most prized possession. :)

The BIG Vacation...

In a few short weeks, Mommy and Daddy will pack their bags and head out on a first-a kids free vacation. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place the anxiety continues to grow and the excitement skyrockets! Time alone with each other for nearly a week, something we haven't experienced in nearly 3 years!!!

Planning ahead for our time away is a thousand times harder than planning for a substitute teacher was when I was teaching. Preparing the girls for our trip is an additional step-though Jenna seems to think it will be "Just great!"

Time will tell how Mommy handles the 5 hour plus flight, hopefully a cocktail will ease the ride. Will be nice to get away and also nice to come back. How I do adore our girls!!!!!

Christmas at The Farbers

There would be no tree, no Santa, no presents, but the day was jam packed with fun, family festivities and fabulous food!

Christmas Day in our home is just another day, only we can't go very many places due to most of the world observing the holiday and nearly everywhere being closed.

We did some home improvement and art projects during the early morning hours-felt like we'd accomplished the world all before 10 a.m. :) We then opted to head out to the backyard and test out the sled and warmth of our hats, mittens, boots and coats. What a BLAST! After returning from being outside in the cold, the girls enjoyed their first tastes of hot chocolate along with whipped cream and marshmallows!!!!

The evening dinner was a delicious Chinese food and sushi, yum! A great day was had by all!

Proud Mama!

There are those moments that you catch yourself tearing up, smiling, looking for some other adult to notice that magnificent moment your child just took part in. Whether it is the first time a word was said, the first steps, or some other major milestone, those likely all get documented in your child's baby book (and possibly blog!) But then there are those moments that stand out and whether the busyness of life gets in the way or whatever, they just don't get the recognition they truly deserve. Here are a few of those moments of recent for us:

-Seeing the girls generously donate some of their new Hanukkah toys into the Toys for Tots donation boxes.

-Listening to Jenna explain to Maya about all the important people in our wedding album, then answering her hard questions of "Why didn't I get to meet Papa Jack before he died?"

-Watching the girls play together and genuinely share because they want to and not because we told them to. :)

Jenna's School Hanukkah Party

Jenna's school friends and their families celebrated Hanukkah on Thursday. They ate celebratory foods, sang songs and gave/received gifts.

In addition to her family, seeing Jenna in her class, it appears she has the best gift one could wish for, her adorable friends and devoted teachers.

Jenna was THRILLED to have her entire family there. (Maya did NOT want to leave, she was having so much fun being part of the class.) We completed the afternoon with lunch at Friendly's and a rather quiet ride home-both girls fell fast asleep! An amazing time was had by all!

December Pics!

Here are some cute pics from this month!

Our Favorites--as of today!

Jenna:

yellow

dogs

babies

dress-up

grilled cheese and tomato soup

Maya:

monkeys

Winnie the Pooh

cereal bars

blue

crackers

Mommy:

Jelly Belly jelly beans

time on the treadmill

bedtime snuggles

green

Daddy:

coming home to hugs from the girls

peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches

gray

bbqing

Kids say the darndest things!

"We don't know when we are going to have another baby, but pretty soon!"

"POOP!" "POOP!"

"Did you know Lucie and Lois live at school?"

"What is that man doing?" "Sweetie, that is a lady." "NO Mommy, that is NOT a lady, it's a man, I am pretty much sure!"

"Mommy, you didn't put the grocery cart back in the right place. It is just rolling away all the way across the parking lot. Mommy, you probably should go get that!"

The Little Things

It's the little things that make them seem so big and the little things that remind you of just how small they still are.

Going potty all by herself (without an Abby Cadabby seat)

Needing help to reach the sink to wash her hands

Saying goodbye at school with a HUGE grin on her face

That cupped hand wave that I just never tire of

Sharing lunch with her at Starbucks

Buckling her into the highchair so she doesn't wiggle away

Watching her put on her coat, independently

Starting the zipper (So she can finish it!)

Listening to her belt out proudly the Shabbat and now Hanukkah prayers on her own

The joy and jubilation she exhibits at opening her gifts as if they are the best thing EVER!

Our girls are growing up so very fast. If I could capture their happy free spirits and keep them that way always, I would do so in a heartbeat. We love love love our little sweets!

1st Night of Hanukkah

Potato latkes eaten-check

Holidayesque meal served-check

Candles lit-check

Three prayers said-check (the first one said independently by Jenna!)

Gelt eaten-check

Gifts open-check

Happy and sleepy family-check

Short recap of opening of the gifts:

Photos to come...

Daddy opens his gift, sneakers Jenna picked out for him-gray and YELLOW of course, because gray is his favorite color and yellow is her's! Jenna opens her gift, a dress up set---immediately starts testing out the accessories. Maya opens her first gift, an Elmo phone-possibly afraid, definitely disinterested. Jenna opens gift number 2--an acoustic guitar, she is still playing me her music class songs-over 30 minutes later!!!! (A hit!) Maya opens her second gift--an "ahh--ahh" (monkey) lovey. She initially is fearful, and is now in her crib clutching not only her adored kitty lovey, but also her "ahh-ahh" one! (This one is going to be hard to detach!) Mommy's gift arrived at about 1:45 p.m. today--thanks to two young delivery men. A TREADMILL! Now THIS is a reason to get up early tomorrow a.m.

Curious what the rest of the holiday has in store for our little troops! Happy Hanukkah!

Shabbat Shalom!

Anyone who knows my dad or Scott's mom, knows that Judaism runs deep in their veins. From the die-hard Temple goer Sabba to the Cantor Nana, the girls have a love of their faith ingrained in them since before birth. Jenna must have gotten this gene in full force.

A while back, months maybe more now, Jenna asked to celebrate Shabbat at our house. (She had done so with Emmy and Sabba and it stuck-BIG TIME!) Now every Friday night we have our rituals, Jenna and honestly Maya know them all. We use the same tablecloth, eat nearly the same meal, and take part in the same ceremony each Friday night.

Recently, Jenna learned to say all of the Shabbat blessings-independently! This past Friday night, we invited Nana, Howard and Uncle Gary to join us. In atypical form, Jenna was not shy in front of an audience. She stood in her chair, Kippah adorned, and told us all as we started with the "prune juice/wine" she would say the blessings. And she did. She even chanted them-a little bit. She went from the Kiddush to the blessing for the candles and finally the Hamotzi. All said with near perfection and the mouths dropped. She and Maya requested to contribute to their Tzedakah boxes, tasted their "wine" and sampled the Challah.

We all enjoyed a tasty dinner and entertaining conversations. The meal was completed with "special treats" made by the girls-Torah and Star of David sugar cookies. Jenna managed to get in her weekly phone call with Emmy and Sabba to wish them Shabbat Shalom despite them being on Cape Cod.

Scott and I know as parents what elation we feel to see our children maturing into beautiful young girls and learning so much and impressing us each day, however, we beam with pride when they can show others just how amazingly incredible they are and that those people appreciate it and are proud just like us! :)

November Candids

Here are some cute pics. Check out the one of the two/three heads of HUNTS! (Maybe 2025 or so.)

Veteran's Day 2004

Veteran's Day 2004 is a day that will stick in my mind forever. Nothing dramatic took place, nothing monumental occurred in my life, but still it remains etched-nearly in stone in my memory.

Scott and I had been "officially" dating for about a month or so at that point and he offered to take me to his parents' then summer home, in Ogunquit, ME for the day. (Little did I know then that Scott NEVER took or has since taken off Veteran's Day-had I known I would have realized even earlier he was a keeper taking a vacation day to spend with me!)

We were driving home from a wonderful day alone in their spectacular home and neighborhood, complete with a walk on the beach and on the Marginal Way. Our day was so perfect. We were nearing our approach to the highway, driving right past Anthony's-Jack's favorite coffee stop, when it happened.

"I just can't imagine ever having a daughter, I just picture myself with a son."--note the singular and no thought of daughter was on Scott's radar screen-that was FOR SURE! There were other things said, some pertinent, some irrelevant, some thought-provoking, some funny, but nothing stands out as much as that sentence.

I thought about it for a while after that and continued to analyze and re-analyze and over analyze my then boyfriend's comment and how that would impact our future together. It was a discussion that I know I didn't wait too long to dive into with Scott.

As time went on and we moved in together, got engaged, got married and then decided to start a family, we tackled the typical topics related to having a baby-did we want to know the gender, did we have a name or names chosen, would we be on the same page as parents, would this be our only child, what would it be like?

Finding out our March 2008 arrival was going to be a girl was such a joy for us BOTH! Scott beamed with pride telling his friends, family, co-workers, embraced the questions/teasing and jokes about how testy teenage girls can be and how challenging they can seem. Only 9 months or so after our peanut Jenna was welcomed into our lives, we were elated to have the upcoming arrival of a baby sister for her. Again the onslaught of comments, taunting about saving for two Bat Mitzvahs, sweet sixteens and weddings came about and Scott took it with SUCH a good sense of humor-as he does with everything...

I remember that day in 2004 so vividly even now, 6 years later. I remember my worries, agonizing over what if we did get married and have a daughter (or more than 1 as I was hoping) how would this impact Scott? (Afterall, we had no control over the gender... He knew that right? :) ) And as I look back now, I laugh, often out loud, when I see Scott and our girls. He is the dream dad for daughters (and for sons too I am certain though we have no reference to date.) He plays baby, does ponytails, sings songs, can put on tights (on the girls), knows all the princesses names, draws pictures, uses his imagination to play all sorts of games, and most of all adores his two daughters like the most amazing, loving, dedicated, warm, affectionate, perfect dad I always dreamt he would be!

Why all the worry, I was right on that day in November 2004-all was perfect! (And it still is!) :)

Thanksgiving 2010

In true Leigh & Scott fashion, we alloted 2 1/2 hours for a trip that ended up taking 1 1/2 hours (including 2 stops along the way!) We decided instead of surprising our hosts an hour early, we would take the girls to see the Chatham Lighthouse and lookout at the beach, one of the few places that was open on Thanksgiving.

Despite the low 40's air temperature, the girls were eager to walk on the sand. We agreed and ventured down the multiple sets of stairs, only to need a near immediate diaper change of one of our then less than happy troops, so it was back to the car. We changed a diaper, dumped out a boat-load of sand from Jenna's "Baby Lilah's" (her sparkly silver shoes) and headed over to Lynn and Doug's house.

We had the pleasure of sharing Thanksgiving 2010 with the Johnstons, Emersons, Ritts and Amston and Charlie of course--the two most well behaved dogs! We shared drinks, conversation, toys, laughs and some of the most delicious foods, with some of our most favorite people. The girls got to share some special time with people they don't see as often as any of us would like and made up for it with snuggles from Doug, (Maya) chalk with Ashley, (Jenna) talks with Uncle Derek (both lucky girls) and big hugs from Auntie Sam, (Jenna). They also got some always appreciated quality time with Emmy and Sabba.

Jenna announced as we buckled her into her yellow carseat in the Johnston's driveway, "Happy Thanksgiving Mommy, Daddy and Maya! And now it is Hanukkah!" (Guess all of our talk about it happening after Thanskgiving was taken quite literally! :) )

The girls had a blast-falling asleep at 5:55 p.m. on the way home, for the night! On the drive home, Scott and I talked about the enjoyable drama-free day, even accompanied by a Patriots win, during a game we watched more of than likely all of the games of the last 3 seasons, COMBINED--a definite thrill for the two of us once big time Pats fans!

We have so much to be thankful for, so many tangible things, so many possessions we own, however, what could be more important than the most prized people in our lives-our family and friends. We are so blessed!

Precious Gifts

As I grow older, I think about how blessed I am in my life each day. I count my fortunes each day as I hear about more and more friends and family facing adversity. From cancer to miscarriages to unexpected death of a loved one to unemployment to children with illnesses and diseases to alcoholism to infertility to post-partum depression and more people of our relatively young age group are being blasted with so much. And then I look at our two daughters, my incredible husband and wonder how did we get so lucky?

My blessings are not lost on me and each time we are awoken in the middle of the night by a crying toddler or each tantrum we have to navigate and each phone call we share or dinner table conversation we have and each night as we read our bedtime stories and cuddle, I am thankful. Not just for what life has offered to Scott and me and to our amazingly wonderfully precious girls, but I am hopeful that those plagued with not as many blessings as we are at this time, will be so again one day; then that will be an added blessing in my life.

MOOCK and Lunch!

We had a great morning/afternoon today! Sharing a concert with one of the girls fave's (and Sabba's favorites) Allistair Moock! We heard all the good ones, "Rock Island"--Jenna's preference, "A Cow Says Moo"-Maya's top choice and some more. The girls were dancing in the aisles, well clapping hands and running up and down the aisle a bit.

After the concert, we went to lunch at Not Your Average Joe's down the street. Maya tasted her very first try at tomato soup and LOVED it! Jenna deemed herself bread passer outer and handed everyone a piece of bread and then dug into her grilled cheese, fruit and Daddy's sweet potato fries. Jenna's contributions to the conversation were priceless- "Emmy what are you getting for lunch?" "Sabba do you want some more bread?" "Maya do you want some more bread?" (Maya then shaking her head "No!")

A visit to the bathroom was a learning experience today-aren't they always? While using the toilet Jenna had her first experience with the automatic flush toilets. While still "using it" it flushed, twice. Her response while this occurred--"NO I not done!!!!" I then explained why the toilet didn't realize she needed more time and all was righted.

We were a bit tied up while the concert took place between the snacks, the dancing, the running (the chasing) so none of the pictures are from there, but we sure did capture a few cuties from lunch! :)

Dinner Date!

No not the romantic kind, no not the intimate candle lit kind, not the quiet heart to heart conversation kind, the family friendly kind! :)

Tonight we were invited to the Drago's home for dinner along with the Batchelder family. The kids had a BLAST! (As is evident now as Jenna falls asleep in her bed talking about her night to her "hop-hop" and Bubba her bear.)

We were welcomed, as the gracious Drago hosts always do, with such a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Our kids feel so at home there. They went off to play with the toys they knew just where to find and our evening of semi-relaxation began. Scott enjoyed a few beers-SUCH a rarity these days we are often embarrassed when we have to tell our family and friends we have one lone beer in the fridge and it might be out of date; while I downed a few delicious glasses of wine-Paul refilling my glass before I could even get up to do it myself.

Emma, Lauren and Jenna adorned the three pizzas with pepperoni, chicken and cheese--us Farbers forgot the meatballs at home! The grown-ups added some veggies as well when the girls weren't looking and then the pizzas were tossed into the oven. Within the blink of an eye, out came the food, everyone headed to the table and the couch and began to dig in. Amy complimented the meal with a stellar salad and all were happily chowing down.

What was such a pleasure was to listen to the conversations and witness the interactions between the kids. No longer are they unsure what to do or say, but now cannot wait to get down to the business of playing dress-up, dancing, talking about princesses and sharing SO nicely! :) (YAY!) Even Maya and Jack have developed into their own-they now are able to join in the fun of the bigger kids and take part in the action!

A HUGE plus of this wonderful maturity is the permission it allows us adults to talk and actually have conversations. It was great!!!!!

As the three big princesses ran around in their various tutus and such, the evening completed itself with a FANTASTIC, delicious, rich, amazing cake, thank you Jill and Mike, and some adorable turkey sugar cookies-in each of the girl's favorite colors.

As the 7 o'clock hour arrived, like clockwork, the kiddies began to fade, Maya first, followed by a few more and then they were done.

We are very lucky to have such great friends-people we trust to help our kids open their drink, help them put on a tutu, cut their pizza, hold a hand, assist on the potty and most of all, people we could call family. :) Thanks for a fabulous night! xoxo