Simple Life

The few years ago we began to simplify things in our family. One of the things we decided to make simple was Christmas. It is so easy for us to want to buy our kids a bunch of cool things. Naturally. However, with so much family near us & the realization that "really how much stuff do we really need?!"....we decided to keep Christmas presents pretty simple. Please note that our unwrapping time is not understated. We wrap everything. Even the fun little trinkets and treats in the stocking. Then we open one gift at a time so everyone can share in each others excitement. Granted our kids are not teenagers with super expensive expectations, but it is a tradition I am glad we have had.

This week on the news various news anchors and child psychology experts were discussing how parents could explain to children that Christmas & gift giving would be less extravagant . "Santa" simply could not afford the the usual expectations. I smiled and giggled to myself, knowing that our gift lists would not change a bit with the changes in the economy. Our Christmas would be the same as ever. Simple and Sweet!

Teenage Years

Are we there yet? Sometimes it feels like we are nearer to those teenage years with Emily than I would like. Tuesday night Emily got her first phone call from a boy in her school class. (Reality check, she is in kindergarten!) They giggled and laughed. She even tried to leave with the phone and go down to her room to have her "conversation." (Big No-No) The call only lasted a few minutes since most of it was giggles and confusion. Though the situation was kind of funny, I found out that our Emily had given her phone number to a boy, so of course he wanted to call her. I laughed with the mom at the humor of the moment, but let her kindly know that Emily's phone privileges were very limited. (ie, no phone calls from boys).

Our dearest Em already loves primping, jewelry, make-up & accessories far more than an almost 6 year old should. We've tried to curb this desire that a little with out crushing her independence and creativity. If it feels like this now, I can't imagine what it will be like in another few years! Take good notes all you friends with older kids. I'll be needing you, but hopefully not too soon.

A Performer in the Making

Today Emily sang with all the kindergartners at the Veteran's Day Assembly. She has been practicing her words and sign language for weeks. They all did really well. I loved their enthusiasm and patriotism as they sang about this wonderful country we live in. I was especially impressed by one little girl's smile. That's my Girl!

After the program I told Emily how much I loved her smile. She said she was so happy to have me there and explained how proud and excited she was to sing in front of the whole school. We've known for a few years now that Emily is not afraid to be in front of a crowd, but today I think she felt the thrill of performing! I guess she is her mother's daughter more than ever. Can you believe Emily's first 3 years of life, she was incredibly shy?

Boutique Preview

Shop Chic Boutique AZ
November 22, 2008
9am-4pm

All Skirts are $12.00-$15.00!

Previews other items and location can be found at:
http://www.shopchicboutiqueaz.blogspot.com/

Pretty Things

Here is a dress I just finished for my niece. Erin & I fell in love with this rustic, peach embroidered fabric. It is accented with forest green trim and sash and peak-a-boo tool at the hem.

A Miracle

Today I witnessed a miracle. I took a picture so I could always remember it:



Josh is amazing at doing his chores around the house. He is very accountable. He always finishes his job completely and quickly and many times even does a little extra work! Josh always has tons of extra time in the mornings to play and is the first to earn his privileges. There has been one job that he always does, but has been really....lacking and that is making his bed. All and all I really can't complain, but today the stars must have aligned, because this is what I found. A beautifully made bed! The blankets were flat and smooth. The pillows in the right spot. And, just like the cherry on a sunday, the stuffed animals in the corner. What a great kid!

Halloween 2008

This year was fun. My parents and brother, Derek, spent Halloween at our house. We started, as we always do, with an enormous pot of chili. Then the kids got their costumes on. Emily was a mermaid and Josh was a Leopard Lizard (just like his Webkinz you can see strapped to Josh's hat). Adam was Winnie the Poo. Total cost to make the costumes $12! Emily's was the most fun to make with the curvy tail that attached to her wrist. Josh's costume was great because we can take the spots and tail off and he has 2 new items of cloths. Thank you Walmart clearance!

Adam & I stayed behind to pass out candy. Adam loved sitting in a pile of his own candy, chewing on wrappers and crawling after trick-or-treators. I hope you appreciate how good and dirty that kids got! I don't think he has ever been that gross.

Candy Count:
6pm Candy to hand out= 6 lbs + 2 empty buckets

8pm Candy remaining= 1.5 lbs
+Candy Josh collected= 4.0 lbs
+Candy Emi collected= 3.5 lbs

Total Candy at the end of Halloween= 9 POUNDS!!!!!!!
What do you do with that much candy?