Newport part 1

When I was a girl, I loved checking out from our school library American Girl Doll books. Samantha and Kirsten we my favorites. I loved them. I wanted Samantha desperately. When I begged my Mom for her, she told me I was to old for dolls and that I wouldn't play with her enough to pay the $$ for them. She may have had a point, since I was in 6th grade, but STILL!

Luckily I've been blessed to live through these two girls of mine who also love American Girl. While in Newport, we made the 1 1/2 hour (gotta love LA traffic) trek to the mother ship, The American Girl Doll Store. It was more than I could handle. Nana came and we both were dazzled. The girls, Nana and I had a wonderful lunch in their cafe, and it was worth every last penny I tell you. If you are even remotely close to the area I highly suggest a visit, it was a highlight of our Newport trip......even though it wasn't even close Newport.

Just the Ticket

Amazing. Inspiring. Breath-taking. Super Fun. ****. However you want to critique it, Lion King is super-fab! It was the perfect show to introduce the girls to BROADWAY. Because we did group ticket sales, we were surrounded by our very own "circle of life" and enjoyed every minute of it. I've been bit by the theater bug once again and am itching to book our next show.

And where were the boys you may ask? Why at home having "guy time" where Drew proved to be the star by rolling over for the first time. He apparently forgot the "Mom must be at every milestone" rule.

Lifers, Part 2

One thing I loved about growing up the eldest of 6 was: there was always someone to do something with. Anytime I wanted a playmate, shopping buddy or movie pal, I got it. As I watched our 2 girls and Max interact on our trip, I hoped they were having the same experience. So far, they seem to be perfectly content playing with each other and truly enjoy one another's company. It's been a blessing the girls are close in age and enjoy the same things. Max is content with either, but seems to favor Lizzy if she is home. They have meshed to together, our three, and I am thankful. Our prayer is they also become "lifers", that they establish a strong sibling bond that will lead them through adulthood as friends and confidants. How will baby #4 fit in? This I have wondered and at times worried about. But, as I quietly watch and listen to their interactions with each other, I'm lead to believe their love too will multiply, not divide, and soon we will have four "lifers" to love.

Made for You and Me

One Saturday afternoon in late May:

Lizzy- Rosie, I can give you bike riding lessons today!

Rosie- OK, what level am I on?

Lizzy- I think level 2.

Rosie- Really?!? I've got to go tell Mommy!

Lizzy- But, before I can teach you, we have to start the lessons with the Pledge.

Rosie- Lizzy, I only know the pledge of alli-chance, not the bike pledge!?!

Lizzy- ROSIE, it's the SAME THING.

Rosie- OK! I should say it with my Helmet on.....right Lizzy....??

Happy 4th of July!

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!

There She Goes!

There she goes again......

Nana came down to see her off on her first day of all day school!

Lizzy was so excited for first grade orientation.

Remember in grade school when you wanted the prettiest teacher?

As we waited with the rest of the new first graders, Rosie and Lizzy had the following conversation when Lizzy's teacher came outside:

Rosie: LIZZY, LIZZY, LIZZY!!

Lizzy: What Rose?

Rosie: LIZZY, YOUR TEACHER IS CINDERELLA!!!

Rosie's compliment hit the nail on the head and seemed to make Lizzy feel comfortable and excited. We now fondly refer to Lizzy's 1st grade teacher as Mrs. Cinderella. All seems to be going great in the fairytale land of first grade.

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.

My Sister, My Friend

Yesterday my little sister Emily celebrated her 15th Birthday~

Here are 15 reasons to celebrate having a sister like Emily:

15- She has one year left before her life will change dramatically. Unlike other 15 year old's we know, she enjoys each stage of life and doesn't seem overly anxious to grow up.

14- She can "TEXT" with the "BEXT", she has taking texting to a whole new level, it's like her art!

13- Her head if filled with useless celebrity knowledge which I find fascinating.

12- Her favorite food is Spaghetti (just like her big Sister).

11- She is a smarty pants, who works hard in school maintaining her 4.0 (for 3 years straight).

10- She doesn't brag about the fact that she does so great in School.

9- She is a lover of Chicken Fingers, having tried them at every restaurant she has ever been too, she knows who's who in the deep fried chicken department.

8- She has read all of the Harry Potter series and beats anyone hands down in H.P. trivia.

7- She is a friend to all, she is kind to those who others are not. She has always been sensitive to others feelings.

6- Which is why she so easily won the election of 9th grade class President (at which she has done a fabulous job).

5- She is Funny & Witty- she continually makes us laugh and has been voted "funniest girl" two years straight.

4- She provided our family (and we still laugh at the memories) with a great amount of amusement as she was a "colorful", "determined", toddler and little girl (she threw some record breaking tantrums!).

3- She has self confidence and wisdom beyond her years; she is a good example.

2- She is the GREATEST AUNT EVER! She lets my kids call her "NeNe", has their pictures as her wallpaper on her cell phone, babysits happily, plays: barbies, princesses, princess wedding, princess ball and any other game that sounds fun at the time.

1- She is the Sister I waited 15 years for. Looking back however, I am glad she came when she did. We never fight over clothes, dolls or anything else for that matter. I simply enjoy being around her and have loved watching her grow-up. She is one of my closest friends and confidants. Happy Birthday Pebbles, Emmy, Lil' Em, Emily-AH, NeNe, Nener-weiner! I love you!