While we were in Michigan, we were saddened to hear the news that a dear friend, Paul, had passed away. Paul's daughter Barrett and Emma have known each other since they were 3 and attended preschool together and have played soccer together many times.
We want Christine, Barrett and Rebekka to know that they remain in our thoughts and prayers as they face a new chapter in their lives.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Can she really be 9?!?!
There is no way that my beautiful Emma can be 9, no way. It has been a fast and fun ride. Emma is a great girl, and really I say that in all honesty. There's no bias there at all! She is incredibly smart, made Principal's Honor Roll in her 1st marking period in 3rd grade. She has this wide eyed wonder about the world that I hope and pray takes her many places in her lifetime. She loves all things Egypt and history. Reading is her chosen way to pass the time. She has a few close friends that she adores and loves spending time with. She is very funny, mainly a result of her "dumb blonde" personality. It's with total love that I can say how smart she is and then in the next breath say how ditsy she can be as well!! She is very thoughtful and caring, the first to help out where ever she is, well, with the exception of home. She has this need to make sure all is right with everyone around her. We are told, over and over again, how well behaved she is and what a joy she is to be around. It's nice to know that we are doing something right! She certainly can have an attitude, mouth off or be mean to her sisters but it's not all that often. And there is nothing I'd change about her. I am sad she's not this cute little girl any more but so looking forward to seeing her grow into a beautiful young lady, both inside and out.
Thanksgiving in Michigan
We spent this Thanksgiving with the Mason crew in K'Zoo. It was such a fun time and I know that this house wishes there weren't 10 hours between us. I am sure, though, that by now they have moved and not told anyone!!
We left home Wednesday morning, around 6:30am. Breakfast was a quick stop and eaten in the car.
We made it safely in about 9 1/2 hours, not bad, with 3 kids and a few stops. We were greeted with open arms by Nana and Uncle John. The girls quickly made themselves at home, a true testament to how welcomed we were. The girls were "playing" the piano and entertaining us with their antics. We enjoyed a nice dinner, a visit with Jane and Jim and then another celebration of Emma's birthday. I so want to turn 9 again!!!
Thanksgiving
We enjoyed 2 celebrations while in Michigan. We spent a quiet morning around the house just being. It was a great way for me to spend some quality time with Linda, I thoroughly enjoyed our chats and strolls down memory lane.
From our early dinner with Nana & Uncle John
Later that afternoon we traveled over to Dave and Beth's house for our 2nd celebration. Dave and Beth, thank you so much for including us in the festivities. Dinner was delicious and I am in love with your home, perfect for the 2 of you. I really wished Linda and I could have stayed longer. I would have loved to have spent more time with everyone. But Miss Molly is not one to fight with. When she's ready, she's ready. I am just grateful that going "home" meant going back to Nana's and not Maryland!
Friday
What I like most about our visit was the slower pace. Our lives are very busy, sometime much too busy. We never, ever seem to just enjoy time at home. I am sure it's the same in any family with small kids, nowadays. But the days seemed a little longer out there and not so rushed. We all ate breakfast together at the table, unheard of with us. It is a great way to spend the morning. Then Uncle John and Eric braved the Black Friday madness to take Emma and Molly to the mall. They were on a mission to ride the Merry go Round and hit the bookstore. Missions accomplished. While the gang was gone and Lucy was down for a nap, Linda and I rummaged through all the old family photos and papers. We had some good laughs and sad moments but it was time well spent. I will make it my mission in '09 to get the photos scanned. Once they returned we enjoyed another meal together, Thanksgiving leftovers are the absolute best!!
We were to meet Jane and Jim at Jane's house later in the afternoon. Jane had booked a suite at the hotel she works at and we had a little party there. Emma and Molly got to swim for bit, always fun to do when it's freezing outside.
After the swimming we all met back up in the room for pizza. The girls thought this was the best part of the trip. I mean who goes to a hotel just to swim and eat pizza?
Lucy had a blast checking out the swanky digs...
After the room was cleaned up, everyone bundled up and we made our way to Bronson Park. It was time welcome in the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony. The girls, again, had a great time here.
We left the park and headed back home to drop the girls off. Nana & Uncle John had offered to keep all 3 girls so Eric and I could enjoy a night out with Jane, Jim, Dave & Beth. We were most appreciative of this time we spent just hanging out. Eric and I never do anything like that any more, mainly because we're so tired to drag our butts out of the house past 7pm. We hit their hangout for a few hours and chatted and chatted. It is always delightful to talk to adults when day after day your world revolves around the under 4 set. It was a great end to a perfect day.
Saturday
Our last day here :( We woke up Saturday morning and again got to enjoy a nice long breakfast. Eric and I then had the task of getting everything ready to go home. It never ceases to amaze me how much crap we bring. Once we were packed we just hung out and enjoyed spending a bit more time with our hosts. Dave & Beth stopped by to say goodbye as did Jane & Jim. We ate lunch together, chatted some more and then said goodbye. It was sad to leave. Linda and John, I don't think words can adequately convey how much it meant to Eric and I all that you did for us. We enjoyed our time there more than you'll know. I think you know how much the girls loved having you around. I just wish the miles weren't so many.
We left home Wednesday morning, around 6:30am. Breakfast was a quick stop and eaten in the car.
We made it safely in about 9 1/2 hours, not bad, with 3 kids and a few stops. We were greeted with open arms by Nana and Uncle John. The girls quickly made themselves at home, a true testament to how welcomed we were. The girls were "playing" the piano and entertaining us with their antics. We enjoyed a nice dinner, a visit with Jane and Jim and then another celebration of Emma's birthday. I so want to turn 9 again!!!
Thanksgiving
We enjoyed 2 celebrations while in Michigan. We spent a quiet morning around the house just being. It was a great way for me to spend some quality time with Linda, I thoroughly enjoyed our chats and strolls down memory lane.
From our early dinner with Nana & Uncle John
Later that afternoon we traveled over to Dave and Beth's house for our 2nd celebration. Dave and Beth, thank you so much for including us in the festivities. Dinner was delicious and I am in love with your home, perfect for the 2 of you. I really wished Linda and I could have stayed longer. I would have loved to have spent more time with everyone. But Miss Molly is not one to fight with. When she's ready, she's ready. I am just grateful that going "home" meant going back to Nana's and not Maryland!
Friday
What I like most about our visit was the slower pace. Our lives are very busy, sometime much too busy. We never, ever seem to just enjoy time at home. I am sure it's the same in any family with small kids, nowadays. But the days seemed a little longer out there and not so rushed. We all ate breakfast together at the table, unheard of with us. It is a great way to spend the morning. Then Uncle John and Eric braved the Black Friday madness to take Emma and Molly to the mall. They were on a mission to ride the Merry go Round and hit the bookstore. Missions accomplished. While the gang was gone and Lucy was down for a nap, Linda and I rummaged through all the old family photos and papers. We had some good laughs and sad moments but it was time well spent. I will make it my mission in '09 to get the photos scanned. Once they returned we enjoyed another meal together, Thanksgiving leftovers are the absolute best!!
We were to meet Jane and Jim at Jane's house later in the afternoon. Jane had booked a suite at the hotel she works at and we had a little party there. Emma and Molly got to swim for bit, always fun to do when it's freezing outside.
After the swimming we all met back up in the room for pizza. The girls thought this was the best part of the trip. I mean who goes to a hotel just to swim and eat pizza?
Lucy had a blast checking out the swanky digs...
After the room was cleaned up, everyone bundled up and we made our way to Bronson Park. It was time welcome in the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony. The girls, again, had a great time here.
We left the park and headed back home to drop the girls off. Nana & Uncle John had offered to keep all 3 girls so Eric and I could enjoy a night out with Jane, Jim, Dave & Beth. We were most appreciative of this time we spent just hanging out. Eric and I never do anything like that any more, mainly because we're so tired to drag our butts out of the house past 7pm. We hit their hangout for a few hours and chatted and chatted. It is always delightful to talk to adults when day after day your world revolves around the under 4 set. It was a great end to a perfect day.
Saturday
Our last day here :( We woke up Saturday morning and again got to enjoy a nice long breakfast. Eric and I then had the task of getting everything ready to go home. It never ceases to amaze me how much crap we bring. Once we were packed we just hung out and enjoyed spending a bit more time with our hosts. Dave & Beth stopped by to say goodbye as did Jane & Jim. We ate lunch together, chatted some more and then said goodbye. It was sad to leave. Linda and John, I don't think words can adequately convey how much it meant to Eric and I all that you did for us. We enjoyed our time there more than you'll know. I think you know how much the girls loved having you around. I just wish the miles weren't so many.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A new chapter in Brownies...
Emma joined a Brownie troop about this time last year and has enjoyed the time she spends with her friends every week. There were 4 other girls that are her age in her troop. Those parents and I were very dissatisfied with the direction the troop was going in. We got together and planned to branch off and start our own troop. We did just that and what an adventure it's been. Lots and lots of meetings, training and most importantly, a real sense of sisterhood between our girls and us as parents. We have 6 parents (we had a new girl join right as we were leaving the old troop) that are all willing to share in the experience and each of us brings something different to the troop. The girls are actually getting a real "Girl Scout" experience and we are thrilled to help them along on their journey. Well, ask me in another year and see if I'm still so thrilled ;)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Sleepover fun
We celebrated Emma's birthday (apparently 9 is the year that your birthday lasts for well over a month with multiple celebrations!!) with a few friends from family, school and brownies. A total of 8 girls, 6 of who spent the night. The girls arrived around 6:30 on a Friday night. They started out the evening by dancing and just being silly.
Pizza was dinner, after all, it's a sleepover. Then the girls decorated their very own Tinkerbell pillowcase, this was their favor to take home.
A few other random shots from the night...
My thoughts on the night...Emma has some really great friends. There was no fighting and all of the girls got along well even though some of them had just met. We had a great time and would do it again in a heart beat.
Pizza was dinner, after all, it's a sleepover. Then the girls decorated their very own Tinkerbell pillowcase, this was their favor to take home.
A few other random shots from the night...
My thoughts on the night...Emma has some really great friends. There was no fighting and all of the girls got along well even though some of them had just met. We had a great time and would do it again in a heart beat.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Disney on Ice
Grama has, since Emma and Alyssa were little treated us to the Disney on Ice show that comes around here in November. As most of you know, I love Disney, just about all things and wish that we could live in the Magic Kingdom. This year our gang included: Emma, Alyssa, Molly, Sydney, Katelyn, Grama, Dana and I. The first part of the show had bits from Cars, Lion King and the Little Mermaid. The second half was all about Tinkerbell! It is amazing how well done the show is. All of the girls loved it and we can't wait til next year when we can bring Lucy along!! Thanks Grama for a fun girls night out!!!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Boo to you...
Halloween is a great day in our house. Since we moved next to Gail our tradition has been to have her over for dinner and then Eric takes the girls Trick or Treating while Gail and I sip margaritas!! I think it's one of the best traditions ever!! Eric, eh, not so much!
This year was a crazy day. Emma had early dismissal at 1:25pm with her parade starting at 12:45. Normally Mo wouldn't had school with the early dismissal but beings that it was Halloween she did and had a program where all the kids parade and then sing the songs they've learned. I have video and will get it up later, it's hilarious watching all the kids sing and dance. We managed with a lot of juggling and help from Aunt Carol(she was lucky enough to get to watch Lucy and the youngest 2 daycare kiddos) to see both the girls at their schools. Once we got home and all the boys left we spent the time before dinner hanging out with Papa. Shortly after we got home Grama, Sara, Alyssa, Dada, Gail and Emma's friend Sandy showed up for dinner. We made pizzas, remind me next year to just order them, and once everyone was fed the girls got ready to hit the neighborhood.
Emma went as Felicity dressed for the Governor's Ball. Her school likes to encourage the kids to come as their favorite story book character.
Molly went as a butterfly fairy. It was a recycled costume of Emma's. She originally wanted to be Barbie as the Island Princess. We agreed and made her a dress from a white bed sheet. That's what she is wearing at the nursing home but it was a bit too cold for a sheet, not to mention that it didn't stay up very well. I managed to convince her that the butterfly was the way to go!
Lucy was Pooh's Hunny Pot. It was Emma's first Halloween costume so it brought back some wonderful memories. She was none to thrilled to have the lid on her head, nor did she want to Trick or Treat. She plopped herself in the front yard and stayed there til she went to bed at 7pm. I think she was outside with us a total of 20 minutes. A far cry from her 1st Halloween when all she wanted to do was sip the margaritas, at just shy of 4 months old!!
This year was a crazy day. Emma had early dismissal at 1:25pm with her parade starting at 12:45. Normally Mo wouldn't had school with the early dismissal but beings that it was Halloween she did and had a program where all the kids parade and then sing the songs they've learned. I have video and will get it up later, it's hilarious watching all the kids sing and dance. We managed with a lot of juggling and help from Aunt Carol(she was lucky enough to get to watch Lucy and the youngest 2 daycare kiddos) to see both the girls at their schools. Once we got home and all the boys left we spent the time before dinner hanging out with Papa. Shortly after we got home Grama, Sara, Alyssa, Dada, Gail and Emma's friend Sandy showed up for dinner. We made pizzas, remind me next year to just order them, and once everyone was fed the girls got ready to hit the neighborhood.
Emma went as Felicity dressed for the Governor's Ball. Her school likes to encourage the kids to come as their favorite story book character.
Molly went as a butterfly fairy. It was a recycled costume of Emma's. She originally wanted to be Barbie as the Island Princess. We agreed and made her a dress from a white bed sheet. That's what she is wearing at the nursing home but it was a bit too cold for a sheet, not to mention that it didn't stay up very well. I managed to convince her that the butterfly was the way to go!
Lucy was Pooh's Hunny Pot. It was Emma's first Halloween costume so it brought back some wonderful memories. She was none to thrilled to have the lid on her head, nor did she want to Trick or Treat. She plopped herself in the front yard and stayed there til she went to bed at 7pm. I think she was outside with us a total of 20 minutes. A far cry from her 1st Halloween when all she wanted to do was sip the margaritas, at just shy of 4 months old!!
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