Little Things

It's the little things that make me love this child so so much. The fact she always takes Lucy Sofia (her bitty baby) to Costco, wrapped up with several blankets, a bottle, a burp cloth, a few toys and a snack. Rosie proudly pushes her pride and joy up and down every isle, in the coolest baby buggie ever (thank you Pottery Barn Kids and Nana). Many People stop and comment at how darling the whole affair is, we so agree.

The fact that during family game night she enjoys setting the pins up more than playing, and is the first to jump up and down cheering when we have bowled a STRIKE!

She is the first on the scene when someone needs help, the easiest girl to entertain and is the saddest to go to bed each night. As Kelly and I lay in bed, I recount the day play by play to him, it seems we both have a Rosie story to share and we congratulate ourselves for producing our "middle" child, who seems anything but forgotton.

Making our Life Rosie!

Is it all in her name?

Is it not the name, but the lady she was named after?

Her nurturing spirit?

Her fun-loving personality-rarely a complaint?

O.K., how bout' the fact that she will eat ANYTHING?

Her sweet raspy voice?

Or her big blue eyes & chubby cheeks?

No, it has to be those blond curls!

Whatever the case maybe, ROSIE is a delight to both her Mother and anyone else that knows her. She casts her charm spell and suddenly I find myself willingly under her power.

Rosie celebrated her 4th birthday tonight with high holiday style. Friends and Family alike traveled long distances to create gingerbread houses and wish Rosie a Happy Happy Birthday.

As I read her well though-out cards and watched people greet her and want to spend time with her, the thought came over me once again: ROSIE IS SPECIAL, people gravitate to her. She has been blessed with a sweet nurturing spirit that naturally makes people love her and want to be near her.

"Rosie, you are such a sweet, curly haired Great Granddaughter, and we sure do love you very much" "Ba Ba" and Grandma Rosie

"You Make our lives "Rosie" and we are happy to have you as our Granddaughter". Grandma Sylvia

Well said, wise ones. Happy Birthday to my beloved Rosie. Now please stop growing, I can't bear the thought of not having you by my side, my little curly haired girl.

The Same, But Different

Rosie has been waiting a lonnnnngggg time for this moment.......PRESCHOOL! I know we aren't suppose to compare children but, this time I must. When I took Lizzy to the exact same Preschool, she ran for the door and I had to physically pull her back to snap a quick (and I mean quick) picture of her. Rose on the other hand enjoyed every minute of me dotting on her. I loved the feeling of her warm, still chubby hand grabbing mine and wanting me to walk her to the door. They were totally different experiences but, I found myself loving both for different reasons.
Now as I look at pictures of these 2 little girls, both wearing the same dress, both standing in the same spot, I am reminded of how unique they truly are. I am learning to appreciate and love them for their differences. I am learning to enjoy the moment and I am so happy to have a preschooler once again!

Ballet "Recycle"

There is something so rewarding and special to beam with pride as your two daughters perform in their first ever Ballet "Recycle" (as Rosie's says), especially for a Mom. I was so proud of our two little ladies who shared with us (and most of our extended family) their ballet talents. I think this will be the only time in their life where they got to dance in the same dance with each other. Lizzy, our family ballerina, was on beat and graceful. Rosie delighted us with her 3 year old funny movements and big grin. Both were so sweet. We all made new friends in Ballet, the girls with other girls in their class, me, with their Mom's! And now we will enjoy a summer where the girls will continue their ballet training with back yard performances and self taught dance lessons.

"han we go back Mama?"

At the Lake

according to Rosie, age 3:

Why do you want to go again Rosie?

"b-tause I love it, b-tause it is so fun for me"
"And 'Macky' loves Papa's tube"


What did Ila think about our trip?
"Ila was naughty so her only went on the boat one time, and then her had to take a nap"
Who did she take a nap with?
"Nana"


What did Lizzy like about Lake Powell?
"Her liked her 'ah-glus' (googles), and I have 'ah-glus' just like Lizzy"

What about Mommy & Daddy Rose?

"Ummmm, you liked playing with us"
Is there anything else you think we loved about the trip?

"eating treats."

What was your favorite treat we had?

"ice-cream cones that were this and this and this big"
(rosie makes large hand-movenets describing how large the ice cream cones were)

Did you learn anything on our trip Rosie?

"Macky likes hats ons"

What was your very most favorite part of our trip?

"BABY-SITTING BABY EVAN! HE LOVES ME! I LOVE BABY EVAN"

Thank you Rosie, well said!

We have had some Fun in the Sun thanks to our great lake down south! This was the first trip in 4 years that I actually participated in boating activities. The last few times I have been pregnant and, take it from me, it's just not as great! There were some very memorable tube rides during our "Studs of Powell" competition. My two sis-in-laws and I are the reining "Queens" on the tube, I was, and still am, quite proud. Our girls loved it! They couldn't get enough of the sandy beaches and sea shell collecting. Max amazed us with his instant love for boating. He was so well behaved on the boat and found it all very exciting. He didn't mind wearing his life jacket or swimming in cooler water. All things considered, MAX LEE wins best behaved child on our trip. I know! Totally unexpected! Rosie was the most sad to leave and reminds us about it daily. I can understand, Lake Powell is one of my most favorite places on earth and I am glad she appreciates it as much as Kel and I do.

My Bright Sides:

Sometimes in life you have to look on the bright side of things right? Here are some bright moments in the past few bleak winter weather weeks:

Max is now saying "MaMa" like he really cares! He will call my name and look for me. Yes, he has been making the "M" sound for awhile but, I never felt like he made that connection until now. It is one of my most favorite things: hearing our baby say our names (especially mine). We love this little guy and all of the funny, sweet, messy things he does in all of his 15 month glory.
Lizzy went on a Daddy daughter ski trip and was thrilled beyond belief. She did amazingly well under the direction of her very patient and loving Daddy. She loved it and can't wait to go with both Mommy and Daddy again soon. I wasn't at all surprised to hear her favorite part was the hot chocolate breaks.....that's my girl!

Having a husband who loves our kids and enjoys spending time with our family is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I realize more and more how lucky I was that he wanted to marry me. When Daddy comes home is the best time of the day. Am I right or what?

And last but certainly not least, little Rose LOVES SUNBEAMS! Rosie is a sunbeam in every sense of the word. She brings such warmth and light hearted fun to our family. Young Rosie didn't care for nursery a whole lot, she always wanted to go with her Sis to Primary. When her chance FINALLY came she rose to the challenge with much enthusiasm. She has already learned some new songs and stories to entertain and "teach" us, and she has been blessed with two of the greatest teachers ever.

So, there you have it! All is well with our family. Now if I could just get the office organized I would really be doing some high kicks!

Fit For A Princess!

How does a Princess celebrate her third birthday?

With a princess tea party of course! I had so much fun planning this party, it was a little scary. So much fun that is that I did order my own Snow White dress! What else was I to wear? Rosie was so delighted when Snow White herself came waltzing down the stairs to host the party.

What does a Princess dine on at her tea party?

PB&J's, cut out in a star

Carrot sticks

Grapes

Gold Fish Crackers

Doughnut holes

Pink Lemonade

Cupcakes

What Kind of Cake does a princess wish for on her Birthday?

A Castle Cake of Course (made by her Royal Cake Maker...Daddy)

Who had more fun, Snow White or Rosie?

That is still up for debate, but I will tell you that Snow White had a harder time changing from her costume than Cinderella,Snow White 2, wedding dress Ariel, Cinderella again, (Rosie Changed her princess dress about four times during the party).
What was the Best Part of Rosie's 3rd Birthday?
Rosie putting her arms around my neck and saying "Thank you Mommy, Thank you!"

and calling my Sister my "Lady in Waiting" and my Mom "A Wench".