Ferrara's in Florida

13 years ago when we met, only 2 of the 5 of us friends were married. Today, between the 5 of us, we have 19 kids!

Jerry Beethoven Ferrara Meet Jerry Beethoven Ferrara, our first pet.  He is a male betta fish who happens to be hot pink.  How did we acquire such a pet you may ask?  We didn't acquire it, we actually purchased him!  The story goes something like this:  Sable and Ruby wanted to go to the pet store to visit cuddly puppies, kitties, and the like.  PetSmart neighbors the new grocery store, Trader Joe's, and the girls asked for the tenth or hundredth time (it's all the same) to "go in" PetSmart. Guess what? No dogs.  Guess what else? Kitties in the back.  What did the kids find but lots of mice, a dozen rats and hundreds of fish.  I pulled a "Back in my day kids, we used to have parakeets, puppies, gerbils and all kinds of fun pets in the store."  Of course that story didn't interest them but the fish tanks sure did.  In a rare moment I was that mom   and said yes to buying a pet!  (I was also kind of in a hurry to g...

Prior to this weekend I would ask Joel if he would "go" on the potty.  He firmly said, "No, No" and would wag his finger at me.  This is a new experience as both girls were potty trained through the night before they turned 2.  Joel, on the other hand, is 2 years and almost 2 months, and will only go #1 when he's in the mood. This morning after changing a massive diaper, I merely thought out loud--a little too loud--as I said I would start offering a chocolate chip to Joel each time he goes on the potty.  No sooner did I finish speaking but Joely ripped his diaper right off, disappaeared out of the kitchen for a minute, then returned with his hand out.  Motherhood Moral #1: You never know who is listening to your out-loud thoughts. Motherhood Moral #2: Non-verbal toddlers are not necessarily non-understanding of other talkers.

PF at a Crossfit expo in Gainesville / Dynasty Crossfit Daddy didn't win a Crossfit game but he did win "the most loved" award at home.  It' raining outside so we can't go to the pool or ride bikes.  Just as I sat down to have the girls read to me, Daddy says, "Hey girls, let's watch a movie and make popcorn."  Since Daddy is the boss when he is home, they cheered and ran to find the popcorn popper.  While the popcorn was popping, I asked who they loved more (just for fun, wink!).  Sable said, "Well, I think I love Daddy more but only by ONE DOT.  It's because he isn't home as much."  LOL.  And Ruby said, "I love Daddy 106 and I love Mommy 104.  I love you both the same."  This week's math lesson will be on equal numbers...

Last night Gina's family & I went to Sweet Frog (yogurt store where you put your own toppings, etc.).  This, of course, is a big exciting event!  So while we were sitting down eating yogurt a lady walked in who knew Phil from Liberty Air. Phil introduced Gina to the lady saying, "Gina, this is Amber, Amber, this is my wife Gina." While the lady was standing there talking with Gina and Phil, Ruby, who was sitting next to Gina and across the table from me, became obviously shocked.  Ruby proceeded to stare me down until we made eye contact.  Once we made eye contact she proceeded to put her hand next to the side of her mouth to "block" Amber from seeing what she was saying. Ruby whispered to me, "Did you hear her name? I don't think that's a very good name, but we won't tell her." I was confused why Ruby didn't like the name Amber, but smiled and said okay. After Amber left Ruby asked Gina "Why was that lady's name hamburger...

In some ways it is like I am raising a puppy. A very cute one I might add. Things were all too quiet this morning upstairs so I made a quick trip to our second story...put my ear to the door and heard ever so slight "widget" sounds. Unlocking the room I find Joel next to the curtains on the floor, a wicker basket turned sideways (not upside down, that would be too short for his hands to reach the window sill), and a deconstructed night lite in his hands.  At least I got there before he broke the glass bulb off as he has done too many times to count. I welcome all the tips on how to Spider-Man proof Joel's baby-proofed room. And I also solicit your  advice on thinking like a two year old McGiver-in-the-making. What are little boys made of? What are little boys made of? Snips and snails and puppy dog tails, That's what little boys are made of.