Many Hands

This year I hosted my Mom's Birthday/ New Years Eve Party. After a most delicious dinner, I told my family I had an activity planned. They were excited. Until I brought out the activity and explained how much "FUN" they were going to have sticking 900 sticky notes, in a colorful pattern, on a very large piece of cardboard. They were even more "Excited" when I told them how "Cool" it would be if we lined them up "Perfectly" to make it look like a paper quilt. I'm telling you they were jumping up and down for a chance to help.

All kidding aside, I appreciated my family helping me do this very large project I dreamed up. My Brother Ben, Sis-in-Law's Amy and Krissia, Sister Emmy and Mom saved me (and let's be honest, Kelly) hours and hours of tedious work. Even though it was a project for my Primary, it became a service rendered for me. They weren't there to see the children's faces light up with excitement at the grand reveal, they didn't hear the raves of "WOW, that must have taken a lot of time" they simply helped me because they love me, and that's enough. So, thank you good family, you have proven again that Many Hands make Light Work........now who wants to come over for the SuperBowl, I have some fun things planned :).

Mele Kalikimaka

Yes, we did have Christmas. Santa was good to us this year: Rosie a new changing table and accessories for her "Bitty Baby", Lizzy a tea party table, chairs and serving set for her American Girl and Max, little Max and his new Truck from Santa. Elizabeth summed it up with this conversation on Christmas Day:

Lizzy- "Mommy, Santa is SO NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, he really is Lizzy"

Lizzy- "Yea, cause you guys would NEVER buy a real car you can drive for us, and Santa just brought one to Max, he is so NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, Lizzy, he really is so nice"

As for Kelly and I, we were still on cloud 9 after our trip to Kauai, so everything seemed swell. It was a simpler Christmas for me. Knowing that I would be gone the first week of December, I simplified. I took less time decorating, baking, wrapping, shopping and stressing and more time enjoying. It was quite amazing how I much I didn't miss all the fuss and I think I'll make it a habit from here on out (Kauai and all......I wish!). Regardless, Christmas 2009 was "Merry and Bright" as it hopefully always will be.

Mahalo, Garden Island

Dearest Kauai,
Never had we the occasion to meet, until now. How I loved you. How I appreciated your goodness. Thank you for giving us 7 days of pure sunshine, how thoughtful of you. It allowed my parents, Kelly and I plenty of well needed relaxation. You are too kind.

Your sandy beaches were so warm and soft, we felt like we could lay on them all day, which you know we did. Morning walks along them were the perfect way for Kel and I to greet each day you so wonderfully created for us, it didn't go unnoticed.

The waterfalls, canyons, lighthouses and seascape's were picturesque. Never have we been treated to such beauty, we almost got use to the lushness....almost. Kelly and I particularly enjoyed our hike and kayaking adventure to "Secret Falls"; you really out did yourself there.

Kauai, someone must have told you Kelly and I were there celebrating our 10 year anniversary, why else would you have rolled out the most glorious sunsets? You really know how to create a romantic atmosphere, and we ate it all up....YUM!

Speaking of Yummy, the food was to die for! My favorites being Mahi Mahi in all different forms and your perfectly ripened pineapples. Delish!

Oh, and by the way, Kelly wanted to make sure you know how much he appreciated your perfect waves and warm clear blue water where he could learn the art of surfing. You shouldn't have!

Yes, Kauai, you are a new favorite- A trip to go down in our records of most magnificent. How we needed you! We will not soon forget the magical experience that was ours, and are already planning our return trip.

Yours ever so "warmly",

S&K

PS- My parents also thank you! And we must thank my parents who were also celebrating a special anniversary and were nice enough to hook-us-up with a time share of our own so we could celebrate together. You two were great company, I especially enjoyed being able to have a conversation with you Mom, without the constant "Nana, will you play with me?" interruptions that otherwise happens. So, Mom and Dad, what are you doing next year?

You Can't Catch Me

"The Cookie" So cute I could eat her up!

The Cookie making new friends, who also

acted like they wanted to eat

her up!


The Cookie with a Sugar Plum Paige,
who both had visions of Sugar Plums
at ages 3 (Grace) and 4 (The Cookie) when they
first attended the Nutcracker together.

A big heart-felt thank you to all of The Cookie's fans! We
appreciated the flowers, toys, candy and books you brought. But,
mostly we appreciated your time to come support our dancer.

Once upon a time, a little old woman and a little old man lived in a cottage. One day, the little old woman made a gingerbread girl. She made red velvet stickers for her cheeks and a very darling (and very hot) gingerbread suit for her to wear (although, I really didn't make any of her costume). As they pulled her out of the oven, she jumped off the tray and opened the window shouting: "Run, Run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Cookie". The little old woman and the little old man chased her all the way to........

Year 2 of The Nutcracker.

Our Lizzy delighted her parents and friends looking darling as the Gingerbread Cookie in the Nutcracker. What fun it was to watch her. A very special THANK YOU goes out to Grandma H. who lovingly took her to dress rehearsals and performances while we were away enjoying some sunshine. Lizzy enjoyed being the youngest dancer in the "fight scene" and basked in the attention she received from Toy Soldiers, Bears, Dolls, Candy Canes and Mice. As always, I left this year wondering if we will do it again next year, considering the enormous amount of time required during the holidays. Yet, even as I write this post and look at her face in the pictures, I have a feeling I know what my answer will be in 9 short months from now.

Her Own Fancy Way

As I was debating on how we should celebrate Rosie's birthday this year, Nana came up with the most fitting idea: A Posh Birthday Soiree (that's fancy for a fancy birthday party). Brilliant Nana. Simply Brilliant!

The young ladies were invited to come in their exquisite attire for an afternoon of pampering and primping (at the local Beauty School) and than back to the house for some ice cream parfaits. Writing and creating the invite was a highlight. We be-dazzled and feathered it to Rosie's approval. I'm starting to agree that Fancy really is "more funner".

The day of the Party was so fun, all the little ladies looked darling in their "fanciest dress my Mommy said I could wear". The beauty school was a huge success, their students did a fabulous job with the girls (and did you know it's only $7 for a facial? I will be returning!).

Rosie enjoyed it the most: the getting ready, the presents, the "fancy" hair and nails, the ice cream sundaes and all of our attention. In the words of Fancy Nancy herself, it was a "Splendiferous" birthday for a lady who has her own Fancy way of doing things. Happy Birthday Dearest Rosie, may you always stay true to your inner Fancy.