Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Tricks and Treats

The Next Generation of serious Trick-or Treaters.

Two witches, one black cat, one skeleton (taking the picture) and a scary spider=
Classic Halloween 2009



As our children grow, new traditions emerge. This year Rosie had to walk in the school parade with Elizabeth because every witch needs her black cat......right Mommy?


My Mother's Family has some pretty fun holiday traditions. One that we all look forward to is the Annual Pumpkin Carving Party. Complete with carol singing to the light of glowing jack-o-lanterns, I look forward to it every year. It wouldn't be Halloween without it. After some lenghty discussion with my dear husband, we decided that we also needed some fun traditions of our own. We decided upon a few things:
1- We will be Fun Parents, the kind that dress up and enjoy tricks and treats.
2- We will give out "Good Candy".
3- We will Not travel hither and thro to see our family, instead, we will entreat them to come to us, with a yummy Halloween Dinner (and it works!).
Many of you have asked, some of begged, for a copy of the Halliday Family Pumpkin Carols, which we sing after we carve our pumpkins. Although I cannot give you the entire book, I will share my very favorite, I expect great things from you all come 2010!
The 12 Days of Halloween
On the twelfth day of Halloween My True Love Gave to me:
Twelve bats a-flying, Eleven masks a-leering, Ten ghouls a-groaning,
Nine ghosts a-booing, Eight monsters shrieking, Seven pumpkins glowing,
Six goblins gobbling, FIVE SCARY SPOOKS, Four Skeletons, Three black Cats,
Two trick-or- treaters and An owl in a dead tree!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Must be Nana...


Mountian Dew in the Fridge, Lucky Charms in the Pantry, Pumpkin's with Stickers all around the house, Bath and Body Works Air Fresheners replenished in every room, Spaghetti Factory leftovers, all of the children's clothes washed and returned to their place and three little ones who weren't the least bit sad we were gone, adds up to a weekend with Nana. Kel and I couldn't say no to a (all expense paid) long weekend in Scottsdale, staying at the most fabulous place (for free) for the Doctor to complete some "Training" . Can you blame us? I did some training of my own by the pool, reading the most fun book: The Hunger Games. We felt so lucky to get away on a well needed restful trip and can't thank my Mom enough for all of her goodness and patience with our kids. Thank you Nana, next time we'll take you with us....but then we'll need someone else to fill her large care-taking shoes.....any takers?

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

Oh What a beautiful Day........

Today I choose to be happy. I have loved riding Lizzy to school every morning. The cool Autumn air awakes my still groggy senses and I'm able to more fully appreciate the beauty around me. We live near majestic mountains, the eastern morning sun cascades the most glorifying light off their peaks, and I feel lucky to enjoy it. Max notices all matter of animal life behind me in the bike trailer and loudly makes everyone aware of their presence. Rosie tries so hard to keep up with big sister, while still telling her to watch out for cars and look both ways. Lizzy appreciates her morning entourage and makes up super hero names for us as we bike (I'm Magnificent Mommy, then we have Lizzy the Leopard followed by little Robin Rosie-who can really fly). I enjoy seeing neighbors out enjoying a perfect fall morning. Although life isn't perfect, and I have had a stressful September, I choose happiness through morning bike rides and the hope that 'everything's goin' my way'.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Fancy Lady...

Goes Shopping:


While Shopping at Nordstrom Rack:
Rosie- Mommy, is this where Fancy Girls shop?
Mommy- Yes, Rosie. It defiantly is. (Fancy Girls who want a deal, that is)
Rosie- O.K. Great! I'm going to look for some more Fancy Clothes, like, you know.
Mommy- Yes, I know. You could use some more school shoes Rose.
Rosie- Hmmmmmmmmm. Let me see. (after several attempts to find fancy shoes that were appropriate on the preschool play ground, she found these, and it was love at first sight...can you blame her?)




Gets Fancy:
Rosie (at 8:00 a.m.)- Nana, when are you coming to take me for our special day like Lizzy?

Nana- Ask your Mom when you can go, I can go on Monday or Tuesday.

Rosie- When is Monday or Tuesday? Is that today? Is that tomorrow day? No Max, you can't come, it's for girls, not BOYS (Max is devastated).



Goes to Preschool:
(The Mother goes in to wake older sister Lizzy D. for school and finds a surprise...)

Mommy- Rosie!! What are you doing up so early? And getting dressed? And Bed already made? While Lizzy is still sleeping?

Rosie- MOMM-Y don't you remember that I have preschool today and we have to Be Prepared?

Mommy- Oh, yes, Rosie, I do, but your school doesn't start until after Lunch.

Rosie- I need to get ready, so I'll be ready first. Before Lizzy (that shouldn't be a problem).

Mommy- O.K., Rosie, way to be prepared!

Rosie- I need my lip gloss that Nana gave me for my back-pack.

Mommy- I completely understand, my Fancy Girl (LIZZY WAKE-UP!!).

Rosie- I just can't find what purse it's in!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Letter of the Day....


P.

A dear friend and mentor once taught me a valuable lesson. Ms. Peck, a fine educator and an even better teacher begins her 3rd grade class the same way everyday. During roll call, her students answer with a "PREPARED" or "NOT PREPARED" reply. Why not the traditional "Here" you may ask? I asked the same question. Her response: "Because I expect my students to come Prepared to school everyday. We need to start the morning Prepared and ready to begin the day. Students don't want to answer "Not Prepared" so, they are more likely to (on their own) Prepare for school." BRILLIANT, I thought, so I tucked that away in my mothering memory bank, to be used at the most perfect time......which happens to be now.


I obsessed about what our Family Back to School Goal would be. Looking back at last year's morning routines helped me see where there was definite room for improvement -for all of us. Reading Nie Nie inspired me to 'step-it-up' in my own mothering abilities and responsibilities. I realized that our family needed a good lesson on 'Being Prepared'. So, thanks to Ballet Amy and Family Fun, I was able to 'plan my work and work my plan'. We made "Be Prepared" place mats for FHE, and developed better organizational strategies. I have made it a personal goal to be more prepared in all aspects of my life. Already, it has paid off for our family. Hopefully, with a little luck, and a lot of thinking ahead, we'll be able to answer "PREPARED" to life's roll call this year.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

School Girl

Dear 2nd Grade,



I present to you a professionally manicured & pedicured (Thanks Nana!), newly outfitted, sun-kissed, mom-kissed, excited and well prepared, Lizzy D. Treat her kindly. Enjoy her. Fill her mind with "virtuous, lovely,...praiseworthy," things. And please send her home promptly at 3:35 with a smile, and plenty of exciting news to share of the adventures you two will have together.
Warmly,
Her Mother.

P.S.- If you could also teach her to remember to bring home her lunch box each day from school, that would be fabulous.
P.P.S- Also, it would be nice if you didn't send home any homework over the weekends, holidays, or my birthday, or Lizzy's birthday, in fact, the whole month of May should simply be avoided. Thank you for your understanding.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Rewind

Is July really over? Truly? It was so fun. I felt busy. But, it was a good kind of busy. The kind of busy out having fun. July is so Grand, for many reasons:

Reason #1- Growing.
Lizzy is getting bigger, older, and a little braver.

Reason #2- Facepainting.

Reason #3- "Fire WERKS" in the Mountains.
("That go BOOM BOOM then CHHHHHHHH, like that") Max


Reason #4-Children's Bike Parades.
(FOR FREEEEEEE)


Reason 5- Swimsuits.

Reason #6- Family Bonding.
(anything will unite a family if it involves swimming suits and a cooler)

Reason 7- The 4th Of July Festivities.

Reason 8- SHOPPING & COORDINATING.
Shopping for the perfect summer outfit.
Shopping At The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Shopping on Vacation.
Ahhhhhhh, retail therapy!