Well Done, Grandpa, Well Done

On Tuesday December 15th my family lost a beloved Grandfather. It was the first time I have had to deal with the death of a Grandparent; I felt so thankful for my faith. My Grandpa was a Hero in his own right; successful business man, loving father and devoted husband. As I reflected on his life, I realized that he and my dear Grandma enjoyed a great American Romance, one that only grew stronger through the test of time. I hope and pray that Kelly and I will have that level of love and devotion well into our twilight years. My Grandpa made me laugh, his quick wit and jovial personality made him an instant favorite among many. He was strong both physically and spiritually. He was smart, savvy, classy and had an eye for style. Most of all though, he knew how to love. He knew how to express love and made me feel like I was so much better than I am. He knew how to connect with children and loved having them near him. He expressed to them how great, smart, pretty and handsome they were each time we were around him. He loved babies and even though it was painful for him to walk, he was always the first one in my hospital room to welcome our newest addition. I will miss his loving support and kind words immensely. Thankfully, I know I will see him again! I know he is reunited with loved ones and is patiently waiting for all of us here on earth. He lived a wonderfully full life, committed to faith and family, and enjoyed the success that comes from a life well lived- a job well done. I love you Grandpa, thank you for loving me and for teaching me some of life's greatest lessons. Your legacy lives on, my everyday Hero.

3 Times the Charm!

This now 3 year old has worked a boyish charm spell in our home. We love him. He brightens my day, I love being the recipient of his attention and adore seeing the world through his eyes. On his birthday I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with him "Just Mommy and Max, Not ZeZe (Lizzy), Not Ro Ro (Rosie), Not Daddy (Daddy)......no". What fun it was to follow him around the children's museum and play, Max style. He proved to be a great date, giving me lots of hand squeezes and an occasional kiss or five.

At 3, Max has developed a uniform of sorts (any kind of "hoop ball" or sports outfit, the top picture is his most favorite), enjoys playing outside (even when freezing cold) and loves to sing and play his drums (a "gift" from a cousin and Aunt/Uncle.....hmmmmmm.....). Happy Birthday to Max, our little boy, our charmer.

PS- I know, I know, it's been awhile (to say the least) but, I promise to catch this neglected blogg up........sooner than later........I hope!

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!

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?

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'.

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!

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.