this will be a long-winded one

Here I am again, months later. Bad, Ginny! So much has happened! That'll show me not to wait so dang long!

The girls started gymnastics. Here they are looking so adorable:

Right?

Both girls absolutely love it and get to do it with some of their buddies, Alys and Charlie. So that's been fun!

School is going exceptionally well for everyone (including mom :)). Grace has really picked up on the reading, which was going a little slow this summer. Sydney seems to like school as well. She is still quite the little mommy's girl, and would much rather be with me, but is also meeting some fun new friends and gaining some much needed "socialization". Damn wild animal!

Wade and I got to go to Chicago for a tiny vacation and we had so much fun. I kept thinking to myself, "why did we leave?" There is so much to do! and see! and eat!

And then I remembered:

Wow, traffic is UGLY there. But we had so much fun reminiscing, seeing our good friend Maja, driving by our old apartment and a few of my old job sites. It was a fabulous birthday gift for Wade, who turned 30 (really 38--seriously how is life happening so fast? He was 23 when I met him!) September 10.

The girls also had fun at Annaliese's birthday party~~~ she had real, alive ponies! Which the kiddos loved.

Let's continue this epic post with a little soccer update! When I was having quite a heated debate with my friend Ashli and my brother regarding Grace and her "non-interest" in sports, team or otherwise, she decided to sit on the foam cooler and proceed to break it into a million pieces! Good job, Grace. You make your momma proud. Plus, you made me look right, which everyone knows how much I love to be right!

And last, but most definitely not least, Grace had a little, um, accident.

Yeah, she broke her wrist falling off the monkey bars at school.

So, allll that stuff I just reported on! Yeah, it really doesn't apply anymore.

She can still do choir though?!?!??!?! *gulp*

Questions and Conversations by Grace

Last night we went to a big wedding for a family friend and we allowed Grace to go. I am so happy we did.

1). "Are they all getting married?????" (In reference to the 8 bridesmaids and groomsmen.)

2). "When are they gonna kiss??? That guy is such a blabber mouth!!!!!" (In reference to the priest.)

3). "I just walked up to the lady that got married and asked her when they are gonna cut the cake." (In reference to the bride and the late hour.)

Good God, this girl is a veritable hoot! And an embarrassment! But so flippin cute!

When Robitussin Attacks

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


I'm just so happy to get to share with you what a complete and total nutcase my child turns into when presented with cough syrup. This video is a little over one minute, but you must watch it in its entirety because the face she makes after taking the syrupy nastiness is priceless!

The 2nd Christmas

Grace continues to amaze me in her memory and/or willingness to remember my mom. For those of you that know G, are already aware of her, ahem, inability to see the big picture.... But today, 2 days before Christmas, she feels the need to tell Sydney about my mom.

"Cici is dead, " to which Sydney replies, "oh (pondering)..., sissy dead."

After a lot of, "no, cici, not sissy" talk, Grace goes on to tell her that it is okay that she is dead because she still lives in "here" and points to her chest.

*Insert me DYING*

I shit you not. I have never told her that. I'm sure someone has, but nonetheless, it is strange to hear my six year old say these words.

We then go downstairs and Grace tells me that she is going to draw a beautiful picture for Cici. For Christmas. Because it was her favorite holiday.

She's trying to kill me.

How does she remember this? It may be because we still talk about her (at least Wade, my brother and I) and she has simply heard it from our mouths. Who knows? It still breaks my heart.

And makes me proud.

to camp or not to camp

ok, no, not that kind of camp! You know I will not be out there in the wilds without the conveniences of modern life, whoa nelly!







What I am referring to is summer camp. My 6 year old is obsessed. She has been going to a theatre camp at OCU since the last week of June (well, actually she started last summer). This camp is from Monday to Friday 9-4. 9-4!! That's longer than a school day. But she.loves.it. This past Friday was her little performance and she had about a dozen lines. This was the most she has ever had and she was totally into it. She was telling everyone the right place to stand, motioning people on stage when it was their turn, and of course, reminding all the absentminded of their forgotten lines. And trust me, she knew all the lines. I leaned over to Wade and mentioned that maybe we should get her into the directing of plays! Anyway, yesterday evening I reminded her that she was going to take a week off next week and could resume the following week, and boy oh boy did the waterworks come forth. She just boo hooed, "But I love theatre camp!" Grace tell me why you love it so much? "Because I get to play with kids, learn my lines, make my costumes, play games, have a snack and have lunch, it's so fun." But Grace, daddy was going to take you to White Water one day next week and we were just gonna hang out, you know, me and you. "But no mommy, we have plenty of time to hang out after camp." Wow. I swear I am at a loss. Now, some of you may be wondering why I am even bringing this up. She loves camp, so SEND HER! And I hear ya. But there is this little part of my that feels guilt. Most of those children are there because there parents work full-time and they need an all day alternative. Not me. She could be hanging out with her FAMILY, her other playmates but she doesn't want to. Then there is the other part of me that thinks, well, really, what is so special about hanging with me/Raye/Diddy all day. She'll be playing in the gym day care room, watching t.v. with her Raye Raye while Diddy sleeps and running errands with me! I mean there really is no question to be answered here. I will send her as long as she wants to go. In all actuality, I am very thankful that she loves this camp, and am thankful to be able to provide her with it, but gee, guess I'm just a big 'ole fat bore!!! (click this pic to enlarge the happiness!!)




Just wondering what your thoughts were on this matter?!?!?

reason #8437 why parenting should require a license

Today we had our dear friend Anna over for a little trampoline-jumping. You may remember that Grace and Anna have been through quite a lot of mischievous business since becoming friends. They chopped their hair off (Grace's looked better, sorry Ash), they killed zillions of fish and well, that may be all, but really they are pretty sneaky. We have to check on them quite often. So that brings me to today. I heard giggling and such while they were sitting on the couch RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I look over (in between bon bons) and see that they are looking through a rather large book that Wade had placed on the coffee table. Me being me, I had never seen the book, didn't know what it was about, but did assume that it was some kind of artsy thing. I hear them giggling and saying "boobies" etc. I go over and look at the book (obviously a bit too quickly) and seeing something about "50 years" and "cartoons". So I tell Ashli, "oh, it's some book about cartoons, it's all good." The girls continue on with their boobie banter to which I tell Ashli, "oh let's just ignore them, they are trying to get us to react". God, I really am an idiot. I walk back over to them and their book and I then see this:

To which I yell, grab the book and look at the pictures, to which I see this:
Oops.

the #6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!!!!!!!!!! Can't believe it's been six (long!but enjoyable!) years! Good God, that doesn't seems right. We had the party at Pump It Up and the girls had so much fun, although I have so many problems/issues with that place. I won't get into them here, but MY GOD, those pump it up owners are raking it in! They have the lowest overhead, only hiring highschool age kids to run the damn thing. Anywho, it was better than I thought it would be with very little tears shed by anyone. Syd was awesome, basically roaming around by herself, having her own little pump it up party. Here is a picture of her towards the end looking a bit forlorn. Cutie!!



So,yes, I am still a non-smoker although Friday night was sooo hard. My friend Meredith is in town from San Diego and we went out with an old highschool buddy (Jeff for Jenn and Maja, if you are reading!) and we had a blast. Of course, Meredith and Jeff got a couple drinks in them and they were all, "LET'S SMOKE JUST LIKE OLD TIMES!" I'm all, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I just quit and I hate you people!!" So, I kindly refused and watched them gloriously smoke their cigarettes. It was tough, but after I got home I was so happy I didn't break down cause, seriously, I would have been so pissed at myself. I also used Leslie's "cognitive therapy" to help me (Thanks, Leslie). But we had so much fun reminiscing about old times and then comparing that to our lives now. So different. I mean those are the kind of conversations that really make you feel old. And grown up. How does that happen?

weirdo

I was reading one of my favo blogs, Cheeky Lotus, and came across her most recent post about how her daughter, who is also 5, does weird things. I read a lot of her comments (she had about a million) and thought some of them were really funny. I started thinking about Grace and some of the, cough, less than normal things that she does.

• When I am putting Sydney to bed she pretends that she can't touch the rug so she expertly places objects through the room to jump on ie books, blankets, stuffed animals etc. It is so weird. She does this whole act without involving me and takes it very seriously. Throughout the rest of the entire day, she walks in and out of there with no hesitation or props. Bizarro.
• When she colors and cuts she hides behind this one specific chair until her work is complete.
• While playing in the bath she always pretends that she is Santa's brother and wants me to ask "where is Santa?" and then she goes into this whole diatribe about how Santa is dead and No I cannot speak with him. Hmm. Weird.

Ok, now this is interactive people. Let me hear some of the weird things your kids are doing. I know Ashli can take the cake on this one (hello, grandpa vacuum guy?).

Little mizz sassy

In general Grace is pretty good. Pretty even-tempered and reasonable. Not lately. She has really started to get sooo sassy. Not only is it trying my patience it's making me ANGRY! I know I have told some of you the story about how she got really mad at me for not getting her an icee, throwing a monumental fit and then rushing inside to then LOCK ME OUT OF THE HOUSE. Well, sort of. She locked the screen door while I was carrying a bagillion grocery bags. Whoa. I was beyond steamed. She got a 5 minute time out and a serious explanation about safety. Now, here is my problem. Is there a better discipline method for 5 year olds? She only gets really mad when we tell her "no" or "not right now". I have told her thousands of times that she does not always get what she wants, I try to remain calm etc etc. I think I may not be being consistent. Tonight I had a little talk with her that we have a new house rule: no more sassy talk and if she continues she will be sitting in time out. It's just so hard because after her little outbursts she feels really bad and shows extreme remorse. Until the next time she doesn't get her way. I know she's just plain spoiled, bottom line. This frustrates me because I don't always let her have her way, but she seems so damn bratty!!!!!! I guess we'll just have to see how the house rule goes...

this is what mamma gets for farming her kid out for the day

No, she didn't get beat, although she does look like it, straight with the pathetic face and all. This was the result of a bodacious sledding accident. Now I know, in the grand scheme of things, it's not that bad, but, OHMYGOD, I got a small taste of the nauseating feeling a parent goes through when there little baby gets hurt. Seriously, it made me kinda ill. I have to say I am really proud of her though. According to the friend who took her, this occurred on the second "run" and after calming her down (which I'm sure was no small feat) she didn't want to go home and went on to sled for 2 more hours. She was smart enough not to get back on the torpedo and waited for a suitable replacement (ie a jankety-ass plastic thing) that apparently went a lot slower. Wow... I guess I better think about all possible consequences next time...oops.

There's no I in Team

Grace had her first basketball game on Saturday after 2 practices about 2 weeks ago. Oh yea, we were in for a comedy of errors! In kindergarten basketball they don't have to dribble just take turns "guarding" and "shooting". Unfortunately, she didn't make a goal, but boy did she certainly act in typical Grace fashion. This first two pictures are of her "guarding". Notice how she's really into the game at this point. Atta girl!

The next picture you can tell she's getting a little more aggressive, actually lunging for the ball. If you notice, none of the other kids are even moving a body part, but, hell who cares! she got the ball! WooHoo!

And typically, here is what Sydney did during the big game:



Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm , two fisted, no less!

Grace-isms Part I

I know I have been writing a lot about the ever-changing, always-darling Sydney. Today I thought I would hit ya with some funny Grace-isms that she's let out lately.

1. After getting some dessert from Deep Fork with her friend Anna she says, "Triple Score!!!!!!!!!!!"
2. She asked me if (her uncle) Matt was a teenager. I said yes to which she replied, "why is he so nice then?" Good point.
3. When something potentially bad happens she lets out, "SNAP!" Really don't know where she got that one because the only person I know that says that on a regular basis is Ashli's husband, Chris.
4.She says "Garvage" for "Garbage" and "velt" for "belt".
5. When I told her Sydney would be getting her "mole" removed she asked, "will it come right back when she looks at daddy dad?" (my dad has a mole in the same spot as Sydney)
6. She brought up the fact that she wants a brother (ha!ha!)to which I replied, "Oh I really don't want to do that again, Grace." She then reminded me, "yea, that would mean your stomach would have to get all filled up with air again and you would be HUGE like last time!!"
7. And the #1 funniest thing she has said to date. We were talking to our nanny, Raye, the other day and she asked if she could move in with us. Raye said, "But Grace, where would I sleep?" to which Grace replied, " I know, you could sleep on top of my daddy!" I shit you not, she said that. Raye and I looked at each other and started rolling. To which Grace got angry and huffed off for laughing at her. Some laughs I can stifle, but that was not one of them!

There are plenty more that I'll post at a later date!

Pass the Tissue

First day of Kindergarten

In light of the Mel Gibson issue

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Video Sharing

I swear to God I have no idea where she heard/learned this. She went to a Jewish camp over Christmas break (don't laugh) and came back saying this. That and that the song is actually Chinese. WOW!

David's "We Hate Children" Bridal

I really think they should rename the store to this.

One of my best friends from grade school is getting married this summer and my beautiful, adorable daughter is the flower girl. Tell me this is not exciting for a 5 year old. She talks about it endlessly and practices her walk at least once a day (she really needs to work on it twice a day, no really, she walks soooo slowly and with her head looking up...no idea why). Anyway, we have been planning this little trip to David's bridal with my friend for about 3 months. The day arrived and off we went. We walked into the store all giddy with excitement and not one person even looks in our direction. There were plenty of workers milling around, but not one came up to us. So we finally found our way to the little dresses and pick out a few to try on. This was really the whole reason for the trip. Oh the anticipation. Grace was on her way to one of the dressing rooms and I ASK the lady, "can she try these on?" Like, hello, a little help here. The lady says, "sure, but she cannot get on the platform area." What? That's the whole purpose: get the dress on, get on the little platform, twirl around etc.,etc. My friend says, "it's gonna be pretty hard to keep her off that!" The lady in an unpleasant voice: "Mmmm, sorry, those are reserved for our brides." You mean all 2 of them in there! You mean all those overweight, horsey faced "brides". Sorry, I know I'm rude, but PULEEZE!!!!!!! She's 5!! So Grace proceeds to try the dresses on and look at herself in the wall mirror by the storage room and the the lady walks by and says in a surly, sarcastic voice, "Oh aren't you soooo pretty." I am not even kidding. They should put a sign on the front door that says:

"We kill little girls dreams."

And no, we did not buy the dress. I wouldn't give them one of my red cents!

no time for nothin'

OH MY GOD! I officially have no time. I knew when school was out that I would have less time to do things just for me like blogging, but, WOW, I have like no time whatsoever. Sydney takes 2 pretty good naps a day and I can usually let Grace watch t.v. during that time and then I have some time on the computer. But lately Grace will watch like 10 minutes of t.v. and then TURN IT OFF!! Now, for those of you that know Grace, know that she is a huge lover of the boob tube. I pretty much have to limit t.v. to the above said times. She can usually stare at it without flinching for a good 30 minutes. You can say her name, yell at her, dance in front of her etc. without even a blink of the eye. So why now? I haven't a clue but it's really pissing me off. I can't tell her she has to because that would be so wrong. I have been saying, "really, are you sure? That show just started and you love it!" It's not working. She replies, "no thanks." And during the 10 minutes of t.v. she is constantly needing something: snack, juice, look at the huge booger in her nose etc. PULEEZE! So you're probably thinking that I should just let her play quietly by herself. I do! But it's not quietly and it's not by herself. "mommy look at this," "mommy feel this," "mommy I need a bandaid," etc.etc.etc. Try writing a new post while hearing that. Hell, I can't even read an email. She's killing me ever so slowly.

Memorial weekend was pretty fun except that Sydney offically hates to swim. Our summer doesn't bode well with that attitude! This is a pic of syd after the near fatal scrape to the nose. BOO HOO!

Medals in may!!!!!!!!!!

First, I want to start out by saying thank you to everyone who offered encouragement and support to me during this incredibly difficult holiday. I really appreciate it.
Now onto more fun topics...like the most embarrassed I've been in 2006. Grace had her "gymnastic performance" last night and I think I'll tell the rest in pictures
"O.K. gymnasts see if one of your parents will jump in the pit with you! YEA!!!! ." me: that was actually kind of fun. wow, that felt kinda weird.
me: now wait a minute, I can't get up from this position me: no really, I need some help, Wade, dad STOP FILMING and give me a hand. Meanwhile, everyone, all parents, children, siblings, teachers are staring at me. I feel like its the innocent bystander situation and no one wants to help the victim here. And I can't quit laughing, but no one is laughing except my immediate family. People are ready for me to get out, BUT I CAN"T! thank you Grace for at least trying to help your fat ass mama. But, try as she might, she still only weighs 38 pounds. HELP SOMEONE!

thank you teacher-lady, it's about time. Notice the pit has cleared out and everyone is just waiting on me. Let's see how long the crazy mom is gonna laugh and thrash around. screw the kid, I definitely deserve a medal for that show-stopping performance.

Shouldn't this happen in 5th grade?

See it all started when Grace's friend dropped by on Saturday because her dad was playing softball in the park. Grace was so excited to spend some time with this little girl because she has never been to our house for a playdate. The next day she told me that she told her "best friend" that this little girl came over to play. Here was the exchange:
me: did you tell EP that so-and-so came over to play?
grace: yea and she was kinda mad
Me: mad? what did she say
grace: she told me that I couldn't have any other friends except her.
me: you don't believe that, do you?
grace: no, but she said that she wouldn't be my best friend anymore if I was friends with anyone else
me: (stunned look)that is pure rubbish!
grace: what's rubbish, mom

She is in Pre-k...they are 5 years old! I mean c'mon, that may be the stupidist thing I have ever heard. Thank God I don't think she took that to heart and will continue to play with other people. Geez!!!!!!!!!!!

waa-waa-waa-waa

this is what my baby sounds like on a minutely basis. why? she gained back all her weight, eating 4 7oz bottles daily including 3 large meals per day. Her main issue is that she doesn't want to sleep. If I even walk with her into her room she begins wailing letting me know that she DOES NOT want to take a nap right now but DOES want to whine for the next several hours. WOW! it hurts my ears. Thankfully my darling husband decided to keep her all day while I took Grace to various activities and even he admitted that she was a bull to care for. He was determined to get her to sleep more than 38 minutes and began driving her around until sleep prevailed. It seemed to work as she was much happier last night! Yea hubby!! So, I will now leave you with a couple of new pics of the kiddos. Grace went to a party at snip-its yesterday and picked out a beautiful gnome hat! UPDATE: Sydney has been asleep for 1 hour and 15 minutes! This is a record people!! I did 2 loads of laundry, folded them and vacuumed downstairs! All Hail Maria!! See, I really can do housework if I don't have a baby hanging onto my leg...very happy mommy right now!