February 21

The kids have been enjoying our new tv.  One of their favorite shows to watch on netflix is The Wizards of Waverly Place, starring Selena Gomez.

February 20

William and cousin Ryan always have fun together.  They got to see each other when Grandma & Grandad had everyone over for a nice turkey dinner.

Jenna was awarded a special religious Scouting medal at today's Mass, Scout Sunday.  It is called Family of God.  Madeline helped pin the medal on.  Madeline is also working on a similar medal for Junior Scouts called Living My Faith.

February 19

First a basketball game ...

And then a Girl Scout ice skating sleepover.  It was a VERY busy day!

Above, witness Jenna being a good friend to A.  It was her first time on skates and Jenna took time to help her and decided to stay with the beginners so they could be together.  It was very nice of Jenna to help her friend out!  And the date stamp is wrong.  A's mom took these pictures with her phone and they're a little off.

February 18

Twilight over Charlotte Place, looking south

February 17

February 16

Wednesdays are basketball practice from 4:30 to 6.  Madeline enjoys playing basketball so much.  I'm a little surprised at how much she likes it!

February 15

Mr. Squirrel enjoying a bit of afternoon sun on his "deck".

February 14

Happy Valentine's Day!

February 13

A happy birthday to my littlest cousin Brody Becker who was born this morning!  We had Angela's baby shower without the guest(s) of honor.  It was very nice anyway.  Claire got to hang with her Great-Aunt Sissy and meet some cousins.

February 12

A busy, busy day!  We had a game to cheer and then a game to play.  Also the BIG exciting news that our cousin-in-law Angela had gone into labor!  Fingers were crossed as we waited to hear news. :)

February 11

My sister and her kids came to Bound Brook today and we all had lunch at mom and dad's.  Nana was there too.  The kids have so much fun playing with their cousins!

February 10 - late night edition

Will had to make a trip to the ER for his asthma.  One lung x-ray, two steroid doses, and three breathing treatments.  He charmed everyone he met, including his nurse who he told "you pretty!"  Oh boy.

February 10

Sunrise over Charlotte Place.

February 9

Today was the Awards Ceremony at the girls' school.  Madeline got on the Honor Roll and Jenna received High Honors.  The Wildcat Singers performed Katy Perry's Firework.  It was really good!

February 8

I'm knitting a simple scarf for Madeline.  She picked out the yarn herself.  She wanted "tie-dyed" yarn, I said you mean "varigated".  :)  She is very happy with the way it is coming out.  I started on Sunday night and am about a third of the way done.

February 7

Every Monday afternoon, I have to go to the girls' school in between chess club and cheerleading practice.  Why?  To feed my growing girls!  If they don't get something to eat, they are weak with hunger.  They eat a nice lunch, I send them with money to buy an after-school snack in the cafeteria and still they need something more to carry them through cheer practice.  Usually I make them a bagel with cream cheese, sometimes a peanut butter sandwich.  You can see how starved my Jenna is in the above picture.  And yes, I know her bangs need to be cut.  She told me she wanted to grow them out but now she wants to cut them again.  Decisions, decisions! :)

February 6

Super Bowl Sunday!  Even though we didn't watch the game, the girls and I were pulling for the Steelers to win.  I think even Will is a Steelers fan since he likes their fight song so much!  Unfortunately they did not win, but we still enjoyed a yummy dinner.  Quick-cooked broccoli, cocktail meatballs and baked potatoes were on the menu.  The girls said my meatballs were just like Aunt Lauren's - the highest of praise.  Will and Max are always underfoot when I am cooking! 

Although we didn't have a Super Bowl party, it still seemed appropriate to have more "snacky" type foods for dinners.  Today was sunny and warm so most of our ice melted and a good bit of the snow also. 

February 5

February 4

The girls and I watched Eclipse.  Madeline is a Twilight nut.  Jenna liked the scenes where Jacob had no shirt on.  She says she is definitely Team Jacob whereas Madeline's heart remains true Team Edward.  Me, I'm Team Charlie. ;)

February 3

February 2

Groundhog's Day ice storm caused a large branch to fall and hit our pool.  I hope there is no real damage, it doesn't look as though there is.  Due to the ice storm, school was cancelled for the girls but Tony only got a delayed opening.

February 1

Will had a playdate with L and H.  At that age, I'm not sure if I can say he had fun playing with them but he did enjoy their non-chewed-up toys, the copious amounts of goldfish and making a bid for freedom down Church Street while his mother chased after him.  Good times!  (photo courtesy of Joanna)