Welcome Summer!

School's out, scream & shout- its summer vacation. The emotion, the drama, the tears?? There were a lot of tears at the bus stop this PM, and I hear it was just as emotional at school. Apparently these grade schoolers cannot bear to not see each other 7 hrs every day, and are so remorse that they will have to spend more time at home with their parents! *sigh* 6 year old angst.

Thankfully, Girlie 1 was very excited about the last day of school, and so was very excited that Girlie 2, the Boy and I were all at the bus stop to greet her with balloons. Girlie 2 and I worked on a sign to greet our school ager - which she thought was fabulous.

We had blown up a whole bag of balloons which we just scattered around the house. They were also a big hit with the Boy.

Funfetti cupcakes, a gorgeous day, a fun lunch and Girlie 1's choice for dinner plus a Barbie movie for a non-Friday movie night, and this day is officially a celebration day.

Story Check

*Girlie1 wore a "Jesus loves me" snowman necklace to school. When she told her friends what it said, and they replied, "Who's Jesus?" She exlaimed: "Don't you know Jesus you lives in heaven and loves you? Christmas IS his birthay.", as she pointed up high in the sky.
Way to testify girl. Preach it to them!
*Baby Boy is now walking holding out his hands, as if he's driving a car, to balance. As with all things, there's no tentative steps, he just goes out of the gates like a thorough bred in the Kentucky derby.
*Girlie2 is as usual, salt and light, sweet as can be and stubborn as ever. She currently has a bad case of antsinthepants, and cannot sit without bouncing, or simply walk accross a room - she must skip or hop.

Not the TOOTH FAIRY!!!!

Two stories here, I just have to share.

1. So my DD (age 6) lost her first upper tooth. She looks adorable. And talks like "thith" now. Like I said ADORABLE. So mommy has a cold and asked dear old dad to make sure the tooth fairy came last night.

Well of course DH forgets, so DD is so sad this morning because the tooth fairy dissed her! It can break a momma's heart - so I enter into this elaborate tale about how she DD came to our bed last night, so the tooth fairy must have come by and thought there was a mistake because there was no little girl in that bed, so she didn't check for the tooth and I'm sure she'll come tomorrow (cue: give DH the look of flying daggers).

2. At which point DD tells me she was afraid to sleep in her room last night. Surprising, since she's slept in her room on her own for quite some time now. So then she asks - how big IS the tooth fairy? And how does she get into our house at night?

!!!! OMG, she is afraid that this huge creepy fairy is going to sneak into her room and freak her out!

Enter into elaborate lie #2 where I tell her that the tooth fairy is like Tinkerbell except much smaller and can't fly faster than we can see. Well no - I've never seen her. Nobody has since she's so very small and so very fast.

But, momma, if she's so small - how can she carry the money?

!!!

Ummm - magic?

She then gave me the look.

yup - mommy's a big liar and she let's huge hairy fairy's into the house to sneak into your room at night, who diss you anyway.


IN OTHER NEWS, baby broke his first tooth yesterday. Awww... it's about time, almost 10 months old!!

Snutty

Snutty

Definition- Sneaking around eating nuts

Used in a sentence: The squirrels are being snutty.

Courtesy of: Girlie 1

The squirrels have invaded our backyard. They're quite obnoxious too. They lounge, yes lounge, on our yard furniture and chew on their acorns. Even when we head out into the yard, they'll stay a few seconds too long, before they decide to lug their chubby behinds back into the tree or into the neighbor's yard.

We went pumpkin and apple picking this weekend w/friends. They're from Milwaukee so were shocked at the prices at the family owned apple farm that we like to take the girls to. They were practically shouting - only $2.50 for this pumpkin?! Do you know how much they charge in Milwaukee?? The hay ride is FREE??!! How much for the apples? - Honey go get some MORE!

Shhh!!! - silly city folks :) But it's true. We've been w/them to some of the overly commercial apple farms around Milwaukee. It's nearly robbery what they charge.

We got some nice pumpkin picks that I was going to set outside with fall decorations - but alas, the snutty squirrels will probably tear right into them and make a mess ala last autumn.

Snutty Squirrels!!

Watch out for Pokey Potato Chips

Dear Girlie 1 found mommy's book about how a fetus grows in the womb. I found it in her room while cleaning, and quietly took it back and put it away.

A day or so later, she asked me - does the doctor need scissors to take the baby out sometimes?Does it hurt?

So I explained that sometimes doctors have to help the baby out of the placenta which, I explained, is like a bag that the baby grows inside of to protect the baby and help it grow healthy.

Girlie 1 was concentrating very hard as I explained this, so I asked, Do you understand?

She said: Yeah. The baby has to grow inside a bag to protect it so that when you eat potato chips, they don't poke it in the eye, 'cause potato chips are very pokey!

!!!

What can I say to that logic? :)

Happy B-Day Girlie 1

Girlie 1 turned 5 today! I cannot believe it's been 5 years since our little sunshine arrived. I can't believe it's only been 5 years!! I can't remember what it was like not having her around. I wouldn't want to.

I've had these moments of anxiety. You could chalk it up to the pregnancy hormones, and that's likely it, but I just have these moments when I just want to round her back up, homeschool her, anything to keep her close and to keep the influences of the world just plain away.

What a scary realization - that her going to kindergarden will forever affect who she is, what she knows, and what she'll become. I don't like it. Not today anyway. I know all the other working mom's around me are convinced, or maybe they are still trying to convince themselves, when they tell me it's time to let go, let her move forward, let her move on.

Are you kidding me?? She's 5. She's still my little, so little, girl. No I don't like that advice today.

But then, today isn't about me, is it :)

It's my little girlie's b-day. And she is so proud to be 5. She is the most generous little heart too. She got two Barbie's for her b-day. And without batting an eye, she gave one to her sister so they could play together. She told her she could use it until it's her b-day and then she can give it back when she get's her own.

Is this really my child? :)

Kindergarden Here I Come

Girlie 1 started her summer school course - getting ready for Kindergarden. It was a big day for us all.

Girlie's 1 & 2 and I went down to the elementary school to get our big girl started on the school days chapter of her life.

I think I was more nervous than Girlie 1. Although, when it came time to starting class, she did need me to hang out a bit while she got comfortable. But that didn't take too long.

I think I was more concerned. Being used to day care and the sign-in's and outs, and the locked down nature of the place. Well, even though they do lock down the school, I couldn't help but be a little worried. And the way they just walk the kids out. Now it's good that the teachers walk out and stay outside until it's all clear to keep an eye on the kids - I just am not accustomed to it. Overprotective? Yes, I know. I can't help it.

Poor Girlie 2 was all shook up by the whole event. Being separated from your sister for the first time is hard to understand. And why she couldn't start a new school, or stay at Kindergarden - well, she didn't like it one bit.

She refused to get out of the van at day care. And poor girlie cried, a first, when I left her with her teacher.

Ultimately, I was very, very late for work. Which wasn't too horrible. I needed a short day after that - I was exhausted.

Like I said, a very big day for all. The girlies were of course overtired and are now very much asleep. Big Big Day.

Forever and A Day

And the months go by! Yes, I'm still here and have horribly neglected this little blog.

All the happenings of Girlie 1 and Girlie 2 that I've neglected to document here these past months.

It all started with an audit at work that wouldn't stop. Well this week I was finally able to put it to bed. There were some rough moments in there, but thanks be to God, I can see the light of day again.

Toward the end, hubby, girlies and I were able to escape to a lovely resort and the girls went ga-ga over the massive indoor and outdoor waterparks.

Girlie 1 practically turned into a fish, we could not pull her away from the pool and the high slides she managed to muster up the bravery to slide down on her own.

It is unbelievable how much she's stretched over the past few months. Gone is all the toddler chubbiness, and the preschool fits. She is officially the WHY-girl and ready for Kindergarden. We can't ride to the grocery store without an endless attack of the WHY this and WHY that. And apparently I don't know enough answers to satisfy her. Yes, she told me so. "Mom, you need to know ALL the answers." So much for being honest with this one, but surely the girl stumps me sometimes. I truly have no answers for the why's of some of the practices of humanity. I mean, that's just the way it is.

Of course her first concern was that she needed money to go to school (mind you, she has no idea about the concept of money- or so I thought??). I asked her why she thought she needed money to go to school, and she tells me ' "Mom, I need to get a backpack! So I can carry my books, and necklaces, my lipstick and bracelets." Oh boy!

Girlie 2, on the other hand has become extremely sensitve, clingly - oh, at a hearty 40 minus 2 lbs wants dear daddy to carry her everywhere. (My daddy tells me that I was the same - OF COURSE!) Poor daddy's arms are sore, but he's developing some big muscles! :) But we'll take it. Soon enough she'll be off and we'll long for those moments when she needs to hold mommy's hand, just because.

Girlie 2 came along to Girlie 1's kindergarden orientation. I think it was tough on Girlie 2, first being separated from Girlie 1, while she spent time with her new teacher and class - all on her own. And basically because this is the first time Girlie 1 is doing something that's all her own.

Poor Girlie 2, the tragedy of being so close in age to your dear sister and experiencing the change as Girlie 1 steps out without Girlie 2 at her side.

GOOD NEWS! They've agreed to let me cut back on work hours. So next week officially begins more time at home with the girlies to enjoy the summer. And once Fall comes around, I'll be able to drop off and pick up Girlie 1 from school, be there for the homework help - and YES!! actually have a homecooked dinner for my little pixies each night (hubby is exited about that one too ) - should be a nice relief to the pocketbook.

Exciting times. Glad to be back ! :)

Cold, colds, bugs and ...gross

This is the fourth week we haven't been to church. 1 'cause we were out of town. But 3, count 'em 3 because one of us has been sick in some way or form.

Now those of you who aren't use to or can't stomach the frank talk of the in and outs, quite literally, of young children --- stop reading now.

But really, I could do without a weekend of vomiting, runny noses and especially diarrhea. That which plagued our poor Girlie 2 derailing her potty training - sigh and double sigh.

Cleaning up after Girlie 1 this weekend after, lets see her 3rd regurgitation today is no joy when your own head is spinning, eyes watering and nose is running like a leaky faucet. Not to mention the general appealing and sexy feeling of needing a bath and a major disinfecting of all things surrounding you.

I had planned to do some major organizing, which has gone largely ignored the past few weeks due to demands at work, not to mention the craft fest intended for the girlies, which never seems to get realized.

Yes, I know - boo hoo for me. I'll stop now.

Close as we're gonna get

Friday was take out night, so hubby went to pick up some chinese food. Girlie 1 is the question queen these days. Here's a conversation he recounted to me that went on as they picked up the food:

Girlie 1: Daddy, what is this place?
Daddy: It's a restaurant.
Girlie 1: It is?
Daddy: Yes.
(Girlie takes a look around)
Girlie 1: Are we in China?
(Cashier and cooks think this is tremendously funny :)

Jesus watch over us through the night as we sleep

"Jesus watch over us through the night as we sleep.." is part of our nighttime prayers. You never know how the little ones interpret what you say each night until they just lay it out.

Conversation between Girlie 1 and Girlie 2 overhead:

Girlie 1: Jesus sleeps with us at night.
Girlie 2: Yeah, God takes care of us when we sleep.
Girlie 1: God doesn't sleep. He stays up all night. Jesus sleeps all the time.
Girlie 2: Jesus is a sleepy head.

!!

We did have a conversation after that to discuss what that line really means to us.

The things kids say

Last night Girlie 1 fell asleep before we were able to change her into her pajamas. As Daddy tried to change her clothes, while she slept, in a complete state of sleep she declared "I'm not a toy!" and continued to sleep.

!!!! We both fell over laughing. Who is this girl? :)

First Valentine

Girlie 1: Mommy, I have a Valentine. A boy valentine.
Mommy: Really! What's your Valentines name?
Girlie 1: Jacob Joe-bee-lee-us
Mommy: How do you know he's your Valentine?
Girlie 1: Because I told him he was!

(Silly mommy)

Happy B-day Girlie!

Today was Girlie 1's FOURTH b-day. It was a great day for my big girl!

1. A happy b-day wake up! She could hardly stop grinning when we told her, after months of anxious waiting, that today WAS her b-day. And she was finally FOUR!
2. Breakfast w/ Grandpa.
3. Trip to the amusement park where she rode the Ferris Wheel, Tilt a Whirl and other big rides. She is so brave! I think I was more nervous than she was.
4. Back home for her PRINCESS b-day, with cake and her new favorite dinner - SHRIMP - she suddenly decided that she loves it. Big step for someone who's normal favorite is mac n cheese and pb&j.
5. Stick ball, scooter and other sporty fun gifts.

It was a long and lovely day. She's bathed, and sleeping - happily exhausted.

A whole dozen

Yesterday hubby and I celebrated our 12th anniversary! Hurray for us. Nothing romantic. Actually we were at the Ponderosa with the kids. Ah, yes. The anniversary meal every woman dreams of - a buffet with two little chatty girls that don't give mom or dad a chance to even answer them :)

But really, my dad has graciously offered to babysit and let hubby and I go spend a night at the state fair like a couple of teenagers - for a couple hours anyway. That's all the energy he can really manage with my high strung girlies. Now he knows how good he had it with me! I was the most obedient, quiet, well-mannered kid EVER! Mostly I was just very shy - but it still counts :)

So it's lovely cream puffs, and related junk food, heaven for us this weekend.


So here's a quip. Girlie 1 is very extroverted. I really don't know where she gets it from. Uh, actually - I might have asked for that characteristic in her when I was expecting. Now I get the whole you might get what you ask for.

Anyway, so because of her outgoing nature, we interact with MANY more people than I would normally. And she's gotten much bolder about approaching and talking to strangers.

So I decide, good mommy that I am, to have the stranger talk with her that goes something like this (picture mommy and girlie walking through the mall having this conversation):

Mommy: Girlie. You shouldn't talk to strangers if mommy or daddy aren't with you. Only talk to strangers if mommy or daddy say it's okay.

Girlie: Is that a stranger? Is that a stranger? Is he strange?

Mommy: If you don't know the person's name, then he or she's a stranger. (Note: Mommy thinks this is an excellent explanation and can see the gold star glowing over her head)

Fast forward to bookstore..

Girlie: Mommy, can I talk to her? (her = stranger)

Mommy: Do you know her name?

Girlie: No.

Mommy: Then no you may not. She's a stranger. (mommy turns back to book she's coveting)

Girlie (strangely from a distance): What's your name? Hi Donna! My name is.... Mommy, this is Donna. I know her name now. Can I talk to her?

Hmm.. guess we have more work to do on the whole talking to strangers lesson.

God, its me.

A girlie-ism I had to jot down:

After a reading of Goodnight Moon, and the usual bedtime prayer of "Now I lay me down to sleep...", I thought it was a good night to start teaching the girlies The Lords Prayer. We were going to start with the first two lines. This is how it went:

Me: Our Father who art in heaven
Girlie 1: My father who are in heaven
Me: Hallowed be thy name
Girlie 1: My name is (fills in her name here.)
Girlie 2: I'm (fills in her name here.)!

Guess the first time around they thought they needed to introduce themselves first.

Classic!