Jamie and I took the morning off work to visit schools for the girls. I feel like an imposter. Like I'm pretending to be the mom of a kid that is old enough to go to school. I just doesn't seem possible. Kind of made me sick to my stomach. The only thing keeping me from crying is that Pre-K is optional.
We have narrowed our choices down to 3 schools:
1. The Catholic school in our area, Pre-K thru 8th grade
2. The Southern Baptist School in our area, Pre-K thru 12th grade
3. The Public Elementary school in our district, K thru 5th
All of them seem to be good schools. Open enrollment is next month for the private schools so we have to decide quickly. It is a bit overwhelming making this decision. We will be losing our nanny at the end of the summer. So basically we will need to hire a new nanny OR enroll them in a full time Pre-K with after school care.
Jamie seemed drawn toward the Southern Baptist school (SHOCKER cause Jamie is the complete opposite of Southern Baptist). They have a fantastic academic program. The school has a ton to offer. Jamie and I would have to struggle for the high tuition rates. But education is very important to us so I'm trying to take money out of the decision. They have about 1200 students Pre-K thru 12th grade. Amazing school and I was shocked at how much I liked everything they have to offer. But I still can't get past the Southern Baptist teachings.
I was drawn to the Catholic school. About 300 students Pre-K thru 8th grade. I went to a Catholic school and I loved, loved, loved it. Today was open house so an 8th grader from the Beta Club gave us a tour. Everything was familiar to me so I'm sure there was comfort there. Spirituality and religion is a big teaching at this school. They are not horribly focused on tests, mainly learning and understanding. I like this because I think it will pay off in the long run.
I was pleasantly surprised with our local public elementary school. The school itself was really nice. They have the best playgrounds I have ever seen. They have a computer system in some of their classes that was bad to the bone. I have to admit I was impressed. What shocked me was that they have over 900 students in K-5th grade.
I'm just not ready to ship them off all day. It would be different if I didn't work from home and if I needed 50+ hours of childcare a week. Being able to work from home and having them here 70% of the time is ideal for me. This set-up is as close as it gets to being a stay at home mom. Decisions, decisions! Jamie and I will talk about it tonight, preferably in the hot tub with lots o’ wine.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dorofee
Hassie Clare has asked us to call her Dorofee for about 3 months now ... I think ... maybe a little longer. She LOVES Dorothy off The Wizard of Oz. She puts on her blue and white checkered, dress up Dorothy dress EVERY day (it is about 2 sizes too small). It does get annoying when you ask her if she did something and she replies, "No, Dorofee did it." We just roll with it because after all ... it is Hassie Clare. We try to embrace her unique personality and encourage dynamic imaginations. I'll remind her daily that she is not actually Dorofee and that she is our little girl Hassie Clare who likes to pretend she is Dorofee. She usually replies with, "Okay Glenda .... but still call me Dorofee." Ya know ... Glenda the good witch from W of O.
I've gotten on to her a few times when we are out in public and someone asks her name and she says "Dorofee." Like after church a few weeks ago when the head Pastor came up to us in the parking lot and he asked Hassie Clare what her name was.
For some reason, I just thought she did this at home or when she is with me. Imagine my surprise this morning when her teacher at Mother's Day Out mentioned how mad Hassie Clare gets when they don't call her Dorofee. Her teacher said the boys in the class are always saying "Do we really have to call her Dorofee?" I think I turned 2 shades of red during this conversation.
I've said it before ... this little girl is going to be something spectacular someday. I envision her protesting on the White House steps and being part of some right-wing liberalist cause or on stage singing, dancing or acting.
Every morning since the girls started ballet and tap, Hassie Clare asks me if she gets to go on stage today.
She is so eclectic and free spirited. I admire and love this about her. I also have a feeling that it won't be the first time her actions makes me blush!
I've gotten on to her a few times when we are out in public and someone asks her name and she says "Dorofee." Like after church a few weeks ago when the head Pastor came up to us in the parking lot and he asked Hassie Clare what her name was.
For some reason, I just thought she did this at home or when she is with me. Imagine my surprise this morning when her teacher at Mother's Day Out mentioned how mad Hassie Clare gets when they don't call her Dorofee. Her teacher said the boys in the class are always saying "Do we really have to call her Dorofee?" I think I turned 2 shades of red during this conversation.
I've said it before ... this little girl is going to be something spectacular someday. I envision her protesting on the White House steps and being part of some right-wing liberalist cause or on stage singing, dancing or acting.
Every morning since the girls started ballet and tap, Hassie Clare asks me if she gets to go on stage today.
She is so eclectic and free spirited. I admire and love this about her. I also have a feeling that it won't be the first time her actions makes me blush!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Old Video Montage - Sesame Street Live
Once again ... an old video montage from that short lived addiction. I'm thinking about picking up this old habit again because I'm really enjoying watching the old footage. I'll have to sqeeze it into my free time (I'm saying this with sarcasm).
Old Video Montage - Arkansas Special Olympics 08
Again ... this one is from my 48 hour video montage addiction!
This is my younger sister Amy at the Arkansas Special Olympics. This was also my first overnight trip with the girls by myself. They were 23 months old. We had a GREAT weekend!
This is my younger sister Amy at the Arkansas Special Olympics. This was also my first overnight trip with the girls by myself. They were 23 months old. We had a GREAT weekend!
Old Video Montage - playdate @ The Little Gym
About a year and half ago I became a video montage addict for about 48 hours. I think the girls had just turned 2 in this one. They look so tiny ... especially in those giant tutu's Tay Tay made them!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What's going through my head today?
This morning a storm passed over us about 6:30am. For some reason, Hassie Clare had been awake in her bed since about 3am. The storm was the perfect opportunity for her to call us in there because she was scared. For the record, neither one of them has ever been afraid of thunder, lightening or rain - in fact we all love it normally.
Jamie went over to comfort her before he left for work. The thunder was fierce ... I'll give her that. So Jamie says "There is nothing to be afraid of sweetie it is just God bowling." Hassie Clare said in her most frantic, scared voice, "God is bowling? Why is he awake so early? It's night night time so he should be asleep." Jamie responded with "God is always awake." Hassie Clare still crying and scared said "Does he bowl all the time when he is awake?" At this point I'm listening over the monitor and dying laughing so I missed the rest of the conversation. It was one of those endless conversations. We have so many of those lately? I guess it will only get worse and more fun as they get older. Needless to say, I ended up with 2 little snuggle bunnies in my bed and I loved every second of it!
The girls started a ballet and tap class a few weeks ago. I love watching them in the dance studio with the other 3-year-old girls twirling around and watching themselves in the mirror. They really seem to enjoy the class. I am still in a little shocked over the sticker price of this class (for 6 months about $850 total - that includes recital stuff). I guess I better get use to forking out money for all of their extra-curricular activities. The "free" Chik-Fila indoor play area and the local library "free" story time can only keep them occupied for so long!
They have traded in all of their princess dresses for leotards and tutu's (they still break out the princess dresses every so often). If we are at the house, it is guaranteed that one or both of them will have one on at all times. Maema loaded them up with every style imaginable. Some with Tutu's, some without, some sleeveless, some long sleeves, removable skirts, removable tutu’s, some with designs, some are plain. Quinnie calls her leotards and tutus a tatoo. It cracks me up so I haven't corrected her. TayTay made the girls the most adorable ballerina bags to take to class. I can't believe I haven’t taken pictures of them at class or in the gear .... I'll work on that at next weeks class.
Let's see .... what else:
The girls and I got Jamie a Wii for his birthday. I just laughed out loud thinking of the girls reading this in 20 years and going "A Wii .... that is such a dinosaur!" Kind of like I do about the original Atari.
I'm on day 5 of my Nutrisystem plan. Feeling great. I'm starting to embrace and enjoy the hunger pangs instead of wanting to eat Ruby. I'm looking forward to my first weigh-in on Friday morning. It seems it would be hard to eat every 3 hours, high fiber and under 1200 calories a day. But this plan is simple to follow for me. I feel like my mental state is in the right place and I'm on a mission! Lord be with me.
Yesterday Jamie took a half-day to be with the girls. He picked them up at 2 and they got home at 7:30 - exhausted and super dirty. They spent the afternoon shopping at electronic stores, visiting with Nana and PawPaw and eating at Chic-Fila. He let them pick out a new movie at Best Buy (Maema they got Mulan so scratch that one off your list). They have such a good time on father - daughter days. They are lucky to have a dad that loves taking them places and hanging out with them. He is always high on life after one of their outings.
After lunch today I told the girls to pick up all of their tools and put them back in the tool box (they were using tools to operate on their baby dolls). Hassie Clare looked at me and said "I'll get back with you on that."
Quinn and Hassie Clare speak well for their age. I've heard that twins usually speak well from an early age. They both say their r's, ch's, etc. All of the sudden, Quinn has decided to stop saying her r's. I think she is mimicking baby talk but I'm sure. It is driving me CRAZY!
Most of the time when I sit down to blog I have no idea what I'm going to blog about. Today's blog is about everything that has gone through my mind in the past 20 mins as I typed this out. Welcome to my mind ... it's busy, slightly compulsive and very, very boring.
Jamie went over to comfort her before he left for work. The thunder was fierce ... I'll give her that. So Jamie says "There is nothing to be afraid of sweetie it is just God bowling." Hassie Clare said in her most frantic, scared voice, "God is bowling? Why is he awake so early? It's night night time so he should be asleep." Jamie responded with "God is always awake." Hassie Clare still crying and scared said "Does he bowl all the time when he is awake?" At this point I'm listening over the monitor and dying laughing so I missed the rest of the conversation. It was one of those endless conversations. We have so many of those lately? I guess it will only get worse and more fun as they get older. Needless to say, I ended up with 2 little snuggle bunnies in my bed and I loved every second of it!
The girls started a ballet and tap class a few weeks ago. I love watching them in the dance studio with the other 3-year-old girls twirling around and watching themselves in the mirror. They really seem to enjoy the class. I am still in a little shocked over the sticker price of this class (for 6 months about $850 total - that includes recital stuff). I guess I better get use to forking out money for all of their extra-curricular activities. The "free" Chik-Fila indoor play area and the local library "free" story time can only keep them occupied for so long!
They have traded in all of their princess dresses for leotards and tutu's (they still break out the princess dresses every so often). If we are at the house, it is guaranteed that one or both of them will have one on at all times. Maema loaded them up with every style imaginable. Some with Tutu's, some without, some sleeveless, some long sleeves, removable skirts, removable tutu’s, some with designs, some are plain. Quinnie calls her leotards and tutus a tatoo. It cracks me up so I haven't corrected her. TayTay made the girls the most adorable ballerina bags to take to class. I can't believe I haven’t taken pictures of them at class or in the gear .... I'll work on that at next weeks class.
Let's see .... what else:
The girls and I got Jamie a Wii for his birthday. I just laughed out loud thinking of the girls reading this in 20 years and going "A Wii .... that is such a dinosaur!" Kind of like I do about the original Atari.
I'm on day 5 of my Nutrisystem plan. Feeling great. I'm starting to embrace and enjoy the hunger pangs instead of wanting to eat Ruby. I'm looking forward to my first weigh-in on Friday morning. It seems it would be hard to eat every 3 hours, high fiber and under 1200 calories a day. But this plan is simple to follow for me. I feel like my mental state is in the right place and I'm on a mission! Lord be with me.
Yesterday Jamie took a half-day to be with the girls. He picked them up at 2 and they got home at 7:30 - exhausted and super dirty. They spent the afternoon shopping at electronic stores, visiting with Nana and PawPaw and eating at Chic-Fila. He let them pick out a new movie at Best Buy (Maema they got Mulan so scratch that one off your list). They have such a good time on father - daughter days. They are lucky to have a dad that loves taking them places and hanging out with them. He is always high on life after one of their outings.
After lunch today I told the girls to pick up all of their tools and put them back in the tool box (they were using tools to operate on their baby dolls). Hassie Clare looked at me and said "I'll get back with you on that."
Quinn and Hassie Clare speak well for their age. I've heard that twins usually speak well from an early age. They both say their r's, ch's, etc. All of the sudden, Quinn has decided to stop saying her r's. I think she is mimicking baby talk but I'm sure. It is driving me CRAZY!
Most of the time when I sit down to blog I have no idea what I'm going to blog about. Today's blog is about everything that has gone through my mind in the past 20 mins as I typed this out. Welcome to my mind ... it's busy, slightly compulsive and very, very boring.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Playing hookie on MLK Day!
Even though I work from home, I rarely get time off during the week to spend time with the girls (trust me, I'm not complaining. I get to see them all day, just in short periods of time and I get to snuggle with them every morning when they wake up). So .... on MLK day I decided to call it quits a few hours early and me and the girls headed to the zoo. I love our little outings. On the drive there I got to thinking about how hard it was to take them out when they were babies.
Our first mommy/daughter outing was to Macy's when they were about 10 weeks old. They were still on apnea monitors and I had them in their car seat on the double stadium-seating stroller. HC weighed about 5.5 pounds and Quinnie weighed 7 pounds. They were still wearing preemie size clothes and I dressed them in these cute little dresses their Aunt Jodie got them. I kept the entire stroller covered with blankets so no one would sneeze on them, cough on them or touch them. I was a rookie mom! I had no idea that women (especially older women) have no problem pulling blankets back and reaching in to touch your baby. After shopping for over an hour I found a family room near the kid section (never knew they had those before becoming a mom). I changed them, nursed them, hooked all their wires back up and bundled them back up in their stroller. It took me almost an hour. After unloading them from the car once we go back to the house, I remember being exhausted and wondering when the day would come when it would be easy to take them on outings.
Anyway, we had a fun, uneventful afternoon at the zoo. We are so lucky to live close to such an awesome zoo. We spend about $100 a year for a membership and we go 20+ times a year. The girls never get tired of going. Tay Tay (our nanny) takes them any chance she gets when the weather is nice.
I had a million things I could have done yesterday in those few hours I had off work. To be honest, I forgot all about the laundry, my closet that looks like a mall threw up in it, the fridge that needs cleaning, the dog that needs a bath, etc. We laughed and laughed and laughed. My only regret is not taking the stroller. Their little legs got tired quickly.
I sent pics to Jamie throughout our outing to let him know we were thinking of him and wishing he was with us. My phone takes HORRIBLE pics but you get the picture - no pun intended.
Our first mommy/daughter outing was to Macy's when they were about 10 weeks old. They were still on apnea monitors and I had them in their car seat on the double stadium-seating stroller. HC weighed about 5.5 pounds and Quinnie weighed 7 pounds. They were still wearing preemie size clothes and I dressed them in these cute little dresses their Aunt Jodie got them. I kept the entire stroller covered with blankets so no one would sneeze on them, cough on them or touch them. I was a rookie mom! I had no idea that women (especially older women) have no problem pulling blankets back and reaching in to touch your baby. After shopping for over an hour I found a family room near the kid section (never knew they had those before becoming a mom). I changed them, nursed them, hooked all their wires back up and bundled them back up in their stroller. It took me almost an hour. After unloading them from the car once we go back to the house, I remember being exhausted and wondering when the day would come when it would be easy to take them on outings.
Anyway, we had a fun, uneventful afternoon at the zoo. We are so lucky to live close to such an awesome zoo. We spend about $100 a year for a membership and we go 20+ times a year. The girls never get tired of going. Tay Tay (our nanny) takes them any chance she gets when the weather is nice.
I had a million things I could have done yesterday in those few hours I had off work. To be honest, I forgot all about the laundry, my closet that looks like a mall threw up in it, the fridge that needs cleaning, the dog that needs a bath, etc. We laughed and laughed and laughed. My only regret is not taking the stroller. Their little legs got tired quickly.
I sent pics to Jamie throughout our outing to let him know we were thinking of him and wishing he was with us. My phone takes HORRIBLE pics but you get the picture - no pun intended.
I went to the zoo with twin 3 year old little girls but came home with a tiger and a panda. I wonder if they will listen better?
Monday, January 18, 2010
Healthy Habits
With the start of the New Year, a majority of Americans have declared to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more or all of the above. I'm one of them .... but my reasoning is slightly different. Sure I want to shed a bunch of weight and look smokin' hot as I approach middle age. However, my goal is much larger then anything of that nature.
Jamie and I have always said we wanted to lead our kids by example. We want to teach them balance. I feel that healthy living is a balance. Unfortunately, when it comes to balance, Jamie and I bring out the worst in each other. We blow it out, live life to the fullest, grab a hold of anything that makes us happy or that tastes good. It has been a fun ride but I'm afraid that journey has to end!
Sooner or later Hassie Clare and Quinn are going to figure out that mom and dad aren't eating all the fruits and veggies that we make them eat. They are going to figure out that we make them a healthy meal for dinner and then we make a "run for the boarder" after they go to bed. Or that we serve them one single scoop of ice cream for dessert on special occasions and then we make ourselves 2 or 3 scoops with hot fudge and nuts. They will eventually notice and start following in our footsteps.
Why would we not set a better example for them? I hope that I can teach them to have good body image no matter how tall, short, fat, thin they are … as long as they are healthy. We have one chance to raise these two precious little girls. This is something that we can actually control. We don't talk about being fat, skinny or the horrible D word (diet). We talk about how fruits and vegetables make our skin and hair pretty, makes us grow up strong and most importantly to Hassie Clare is that they make our poo poo's soft! This is all fine and dandy but Jamie and I have to practice what we preach because they WILL figure it out someday.
So ... to jumpstart my new eating lifestyle, I have jumped on the Nutrisystem wagon. Today is day 3 and so far so good. The hardest part is after the girls go to bed when I'm curled up in my bed watching TV. I think that is when I did my "guiltless eating." Jamie usually joined me. Hopefully these cravings and hunger pangs will pass. Hopefully.
With the Nutrisystem food you eat fruits and veggies so the girls will not notice that I'm eating anything different from them. I don't think we ate that horrible before but our portions were very large and we were way out of control.
Anyway, I haven't had the willpower to lose weight in several years. Wanting my girls to learn healthy eating habits and teaching them by example has given me great motivation. I will not fail at this. I might not be perfect at all times but I will not fail.
Jamie and I have always said we wanted to lead our kids by example. We want to teach them balance. I feel that healthy living is a balance. Unfortunately, when it comes to balance, Jamie and I bring out the worst in each other. We blow it out, live life to the fullest, grab a hold of anything that makes us happy or that tastes good. It has been a fun ride but I'm afraid that journey has to end!
Sooner or later Hassie Clare and Quinn are going to figure out that mom and dad aren't eating all the fruits and veggies that we make them eat. They are going to figure out that we make them a healthy meal for dinner and then we make a "run for the boarder" after they go to bed. Or that we serve them one single scoop of ice cream for dessert on special occasions and then we make ourselves 2 or 3 scoops with hot fudge and nuts. They will eventually notice and start following in our footsteps.
Why would we not set a better example for them? I hope that I can teach them to have good body image no matter how tall, short, fat, thin they are … as long as they are healthy. We have one chance to raise these two precious little girls. This is something that we can actually control. We don't talk about being fat, skinny or the horrible D word (diet). We talk about how fruits and vegetables make our skin and hair pretty, makes us grow up strong and most importantly to Hassie Clare is that they make our poo poo's soft! This is all fine and dandy but Jamie and I have to practice what we preach because they WILL figure it out someday.
So ... to jumpstart my new eating lifestyle, I have jumped on the Nutrisystem wagon. Today is day 3 and so far so good. The hardest part is after the girls go to bed when I'm curled up in my bed watching TV. I think that is when I did my "guiltless eating." Jamie usually joined me. Hopefully these cravings and hunger pangs will pass. Hopefully.
With the Nutrisystem food you eat fruits and veggies so the girls will not notice that I'm eating anything different from them. I don't think we ate that horrible before but our portions were very large and we were way out of control.
Anyway, I haven't had the willpower to lose weight in several years. Wanting my girls to learn healthy eating habits and teaching them by example has given me great motivation. I will not fail at this. I might not be perfect at all times but I will not fail.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
My Best Friend's birthday is today!
Turning 39 has to be a wee bit scary. Not that I would know since I'm sooooo much younger. But any who, this is his last year in his 30's. Lucky for me him, he gets sexier every year!
Tonight we will eat a home cooked meal (rarity these days) and his favorite cake (Carrot). He will open presents. He will read the cards we made for him and rave about how pretty they are. He will compliment the girls on their artistic ability and me on my cooking. He will thank me over and over for making the day special for him. He will get teary eyed every time his daughters sing him Happy Birthday. He will poke fun at my mom in one breath and tell her he loves her in another. We will talk about birthdays in the past. He will give me multiple bear hugs throughout the evening. Before he goes to sleep, he will cover Ruby up with his blanket and "spoon" her while she sleeps between us. He will thank me again for everything and tell me he loves me more then anything.
He will do all of this because he is the sweetest, kindest, most loving man I have ever known. He loves his family and I know this because he shows us with his actions every day. It takes so little to please him yet he deserves so much.
I'm so thankful that he is my husband, best friend, lover, emotional rock, personal comedian, handy man, baby daddy, etc. I'm so thankful I get to spend this day with him. I’m so thankful he chose me to spend his life with!
Tonight we will eat a home cooked meal (rarity these days) and his favorite cake (Carrot). He will open presents. He will read the cards we made for him and rave about how pretty they are. He will compliment the girls on their artistic ability and me on my cooking. He will thank me over and over for making the day special for him. He will get teary eyed every time his daughters sing him Happy Birthday. He will poke fun at my mom in one breath and tell her he loves her in another. We will talk about birthdays in the past. He will give me multiple bear hugs throughout the evening. Before he goes to sleep, he will cover Ruby up with his blanket and "spoon" her while she sleeps between us. He will thank me again for everything and tell me he loves me more then anything.
He will do all of this because he is the sweetest, kindest, most loving man I have ever known. He loves his family and I know this because he shows us with his actions every day. It takes so little to please him yet he deserves so much.
I'm so thankful that he is my husband, best friend, lover, emotional rock, personal comedian, handy man, baby daddy, etc. I'm so thankful I get to spend this day with him. I’m so thankful he chose me to spend his life with!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Last letter to my girls in 2009
Dear Hassie Clare and Quinn,
First and foremost, I LOVE BEING YOUR MOM more then anything in this world. It is the most rewarding and gratifying experience. This year you guys have evolved from toddlers to "almost" little girls. You started off the year at 2.5 years old and finished it up at 3.5 years old.
I've said this before in other letters, but I had no idea being a mom would be this much fun. You guys crack me up on an hourly basis. I love taking road trips with you, shopping and outings to things around town. My favorite times are at our house, in our pj's reading a book or playing. We have had a great year!
Our first family vacation to the beach was very memorable. I loved watching you experience the ocean and sand for the first time. I'm looking forward to many more trips to the beach over the years.
Other big events for our family in 2009 were potty training, Aunt Karrie's wedding, trips to Maema's house in Missouri, going to school, all the trips to the zoo and museum's, moving Nana and PawPaw from Conway to Southaven, all the good times you had with your nanny Tay Tay, Onyx's kittens ... just to name a few.
One of the coolest things that I witnessed this year was watching you become best friends. You are both so different with unique personalities. One of the things you have in common is that you both have the kindest, sweetest heart. You guys talk to each other about everything when you get into bed at night and for naps (I listen over the monitors). You both play dress-up and "pretend" every waking moment.
My wish for you is that you grow up maintaining this love and friendship you have for each other. I say this at least once a day to you both, "do you know how lucky you are to have each other?" You always reply with "yes mommy, she my best friend." I hope that when you read this in 30 years, it will fill your heart to know that the friendship with your sister started from day one. I know there will be difficult times along the way between the two of you but I hope you always find your way back to each other.
Your dad and I have been talking about having another baby. Our biological clocks are ticking and time is a factor. We both seem to be on the same page. At this time, we are at 84% no and 16% go for it. I guess we will see what happens in 2010.
As I type this, you guys are in your playroom. Hassie Clare is wearing a pink, fury princess dress but calling herself Dorofee (ALWAYS in character as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz)). Quinn is wearing a ballet leotard with a tutu and calling herself Belle. You both amaze me with your beauty, intelligence and kindness. I could not ask for anything more.
I love you with every bit of my existence,
Your Mommy
PS - This wraps up my first year of blogging. I hope to continue it throughout the years so that you have a glimpse of what your childhood was like. I'm a terrible writer and even worse with grammar and spelling so forgive me. My main purpose in keeping this blog is for you to have this to read when you get older. Maybe my grandkids will even read it (wow ... I've never ever thought about that). I write from my heart. I want to make sure you always know how much I love being your mother and how much fun we had when you were little. Being your mom is the greatest honor I've ever had!
First and foremost, I LOVE BEING YOUR MOM more then anything in this world. It is the most rewarding and gratifying experience. This year you guys have evolved from toddlers to "almost" little girls. You started off the year at 2.5 years old and finished it up at 3.5 years old.
I've said this before in other letters, but I had no idea being a mom would be this much fun. You guys crack me up on an hourly basis. I love taking road trips with you, shopping and outings to things around town. My favorite times are at our house, in our pj's reading a book or playing. We have had a great year!
Our first family vacation to the beach was very memorable. I loved watching you experience the ocean and sand for the first time. I'm looking forward to many more trips to the beach over the years.
Other big events for our family in 2009 were potty training, Aunt Karrie's wedding, trips to Maema's house in Missouri, going to school, all the trips to the zoo and museum's, moving Nana and PawPaw from Conway to Southaven, all the good times you had with your nanny Tay Tay, Onyx's kittens ... just to name a few.
One of the coolest things that I witnessed this year was watching you become best friends. You are both so different with unique personalities. One of the things you have in common is that you both have the kindest, sweetest heart. You guys talk to each other about everything when you get into bed at night and for naps (I listen over the monitors). You both play dress-up and "pretend" every waking moment.
My wish for you is that you grow up maintaining this love and friendship you have for each other. I say this at least once a day to you both, "do you know how lucky you are to have each other?" You always reply with "yes mommy, she my best friend." I hope that when you read this in 30 years, it will fill your heart to know that the friendship with your sister started from day one. I know there will be difficult times along the way between the two of you but I hope you always find your way back to each other.
Your dad and I have been talking about having another baby. Our biological clocks are ticking and time is a factor. We both seem to be on the same page. At this time, we are at 84% no and 16% go for it. I guess we will see what happens in 2010.
As I type this, you guys are in your playroom. Hassie Clare is wearing a pink, fury princess dress but calling herself Dorofee (ALWAYS in character as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz)). Quinn is wearing a ballet leotard with a tutu and calling herself Belle. You both amaze me with your beauty, intelligence and kindness. I could not ask for anything more.
I love you with every bit of my existence,
Your Mommy
PS - This wraps up my first year of blogging. I hope to continue it throughout the years so that you have a glimpse of what your childhood was like. I'm a terrible writer and even worse with grammar and spelling so forgive me. My main purpose in keeping this blog is for you to have this to read when you get older. Maybe my grandkids will even read it (wow ... I've never ever thought about that). I write from my heart. I want to make sure you always know how much I love being your mother and how much fun we had when you were little. Being your mom is the greatest honor I've ever had!
NYE w BFF's
New Year's Eve marks the 10-year anniversary that Jamie and I started dating. We met the summer on 1999 (I almost had to break out in song with that sentence). Our first New Year's Eve together was one we will never forget but hardly remember ... if ya know what I mean. From NYE 2001 - 2006 we spent bringing in the new year with the beloved Hammer's. We have made some great memories. We took 3 years off because of babies and a death in the family. We decided 3 years was long enough so we started back the tradition of spending it together.
Of course the dynamics of our NYE has changed drastically. Our first NYE together as a group, we spent at a fancy restaurant in St. Louis. We dined next to Jack Buck and other local celebs while eating fine foods and drinking expensive beverages. Fast forward 9 years and we spent NYE in Olive Branch with a 6 month old, 3 3 year olds and a 6 year old. Eating take-out lasagna and drinking whiskey and wine (again ... I almost broke out in song). Honestly, I can't tell you which night I had more fun. I am thankful for our memories of past NYE but very grateful for the NYE's spent with all of our kids. Good times all around.
It was an awesome weekend. All 4 girls (from oldest to youngest - Morgan, Jenna, Quinn, Hassie Clare) played together so well. They played dress up, read books, ate lots of junk food, watched movies, played with every toy imaginable. I got some serious baby lovin' from baby Benny. He is such a good baby and so flippin cute. We spent a majority of the long weekend catching up, swapping parenting stories, talking about old times and enjoying the kids. Our only outing was to the Memphis Children's Museum and to a Japanese Steak House (we all forgot our camera). Both places were a hit with the parents and kids. At night, after the kids were asleep, we spent time laughing on the couch and enjoying some adult time.
We are so lucky to have such good friends. Not only do we have a ton in common, we truly respect them. Paige is a complete and total OCD control freak, especially over her kids. For that, I am the most thankful because I don't feel so alone in the world!!!!!
Of course the dynamics of our NYE has changed drastically. Our first NYE together as a group, we spent at a fancy restaurant in St. Louis. We dined next to Jack Buck and other local celebs while eating fine foods and drinking expensive beverages. Fast forward 9 years and we spent NYE in Olive Branch with a 6 month old, 3 3 year olds and a 6 year old. Eating take-out lasagna and drinking whiskey and wine (again ... I almost broke out in song). Honestly, I can't tell you which night I had more fun. I am thankful for our memories of past NYE but very grateful for the NYE's spent with all of our kids. Good times all around.
It was an awesome weekend. All 4 girls (from oldest to youngest - Morgan, Jenna, Quinn, Hassie Clare) played together so well. They played dress up, read books, ate lots of junk food, watched movies, played with every toy imaginable. I got some serious baby lovin' from baby Benny. He is such a good baby and so flippin cute. We spent a majority of the long weekend catching up, swapping parenting stories, talking about old times and enjoying the kids. Our only outing was to the Memphis Children's Museum and to a Japanese Steak House (we all forgot our camera). Both places were a hit with the parents and kids. At night, after the kids were asleep, we spent time laughing on the couch and enjoying some adult time.
Hasie Clare(AKA Dorofee) and Quinn (AKA Belle) talking to Benny.
Morgan reading bed time stories to the 3 year olds.
The girls have started copying the way Morgan reads....it is so cute! They put their finger on the page and pretend to get stuck on a few words. Morgan reads so well for a 6 year old!
Snuggle bunnies.
Hassie Clare bear and Jenna bear.
Hassie Clare and baby Benny.
Disney movie marathon in my room.
Big Ben (Quinn's Godfather), Little Ben (Jamie's Godson), Hassie Clare and Morgan.
We are so lucky to have such good friends. Not only do we have a ton in common, we truly respect them. Paige is a complete and total OCD control freak, especially over her kids. For that, I am the most thankful because I don't feel so alone in the world!!!!!
THURMANS + HAMMERS = 4EVER
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
My Freddie's 70th Surprise birthday party
He is a Christmas baby. Born December 25, 1939. Until this year, he has NEVER had a birthday party. My mom always made it special for him with little things, like a cake and birthday presents. We decided this year it was time he had a birthday party and we decided to make it a surprise. It was on Friday, December 18.
Everyone chipped in and we had a wine and cheese, plus lots of other goodies. 5 of his 8 kids were able to make it, along with several grandkids. Two of them traveled from Kansas and Illinois. Planning for this during the holidays was a challenge but we pulled it off. I think he was truly surprised. He got emotional several times throughout the night. I have no doubt it was a birthday he will never forget. He is a good husband, a great father and an excellent grandfather. We are lucky to call him ours.
Everyone chipped in and we had a wine and cheese, plus lots of other goodies. 5 of his 8 kids were able to make it, along with several grandkids. Two of them traveled from Kansas and Illinois. Planning for this during the holidays was a challenge but we pulled it off. I think he was truly surprised. He got emotional several times throughout the night. I have no doubt it was a birthday he will never forget. He is a good husband, a great father and an excellent grandfather. We are lucky to call him ours.
SURPIRSE
It took him about 30 seconds to "get" what was going on ... he was adorable!
My girlfriend Jennifer made his cake. Everything was edible except the wire on the cheese slicer. Everything. It was pricelses. The label on the wine bottle reads "Fred's Happy Birthday Bouquet. Aged 70 years to perfection."
E (aka Nana, my mom, Punky, Carol, Grandma) with her IL grandkids. They call her E because when their first grandkid was born she wanted to be called Nannie and he (Casey) could only say E. They are the sweetest most well mannered kids, plus they love their Aunt Kristi. Hasie Clare and Quinn think it is very cool that they have twin cousins.
Fred hanging out with old friends. He smiled like this the entire night.
I wish his mom could have come to the party but she doesn't get around very well these days.
My brother, my mom and my sister.
The birthday boy opening presents.
Cousins hanging out inside a dollhouse in their playroom.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas morning 2009
Christmas Eve night we went over to my parent's new house for dinner and to be with my family. The only thing missing was Aunt Karrie and Uncle Brent. Low key evening with good food and lots of love. Maema came down to spend Christmas, with us which made the holidays even better.
Christmas Eve night - leaving food for Santa's reindeer in our backyard.
Opening up the butt load of presents from Maema the night before Christmas Eve.
Quinnie showing off her new Tag reader from Maema (very cool gift by the way).
I never in a million years thought I could get so excited about Christmas morning. It truly is magical to watch the excitment and joy in a childs face the morning after Santa pays a visit.
Look at all the neat stuff Santa left (Q stuff on the left, HC stuff on the right and group stuff in the middle)
Love at first sight. She named her Lizzy but still refers to her as Christmas baby.
Chairs Santa and Nana got the girls. HC is holding her new baby that swims.
HC's favorite present from Santa BY FAR was princess lip gloss in her stocking. She puts on several layers every 5 mins. She is also holding a small Lite Brite (that we put away because I didn't realize it came with 2 million tiny pegs). In every picture over the weekend after Christmas, HC is holding 1 or both of her new lip glosses. I have to pry them out of her hands when they go to sleep.
"Oh my goodness, we didn't even see the big thing Santa left for us by the door cause it was covered up with a blanket."
Barbie Dream Townhouse (the one thing they both told Santa they wanted).
Maema and Hassie Clare checking out her new picture frame.
Ruby LOVED her stocking. Onyx liked her stocking also!
Quinn's top 3 gifts from Santa in order:
1) Christmas baby
2) Princess umbrella
3) Barbie Doll House
Hassie Clare's top 3 gifts from Santa in order:
1) Lip gloss w the pink top
2) Lip gloss with the green top
3) Mickey Mouse Jelly beans
They really loved everything Santa brought them and all the gifts friends and family gave them. They are huge movie buffs and got a few new movies, new pj's, art supplies, bath towels, books, princess decor, personal portable DVD players, Princess vanity .... way to much all kinds of good stuff. Yes, we need to buy a bigger house but since that won't happen anytime soon .... our motto is "out with the old, in with the new."
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The perfect day.
December 27, 2009 - the Sunday after Christmas. We didn't leave the house or get out of our pj's. Nothing spectacular happened. In fact, to most, it would have been a boring day. But for me ... it was the perfect day. I laughed liked I haven't laughed in months - I snuggled and flirted with my husband more then I have in a year - I loved-on, wrestled and played with my kids all day long, without any interruption.
My mom said it perfectly when I told her about my day. She said, "You enjoyed your family. You didn't have to be the disciplinarian, the boss, the housekeeper, cook, the work from home mom, the taxi driver, etc." Remember I'm the chronic over-booker. I took the day off and it was a day I will hold onto as long as I can.
At first I thought we were having so much fun because the girls were in such a good mood. They were not fighting or whining. But then I realized it wasn't them, it was me. Or Jamie and me I should say. We were 100% relaxed. We were not challenging them or asking anything of them. We even played hookie from Church. They had ALL of our attention. We were not distracted with work, chores, projects, yard work, NOTHING!
We piled onto each other on the couch and watched the movie Up (or as Hassie Clare calls it "Falling From The Sky"). We listened to music and danced .... a lot. We curled up in the bed and read books. We ate good food, well .. not good as in healthy but good as in yummy. We talked and talked and talked. Hassie Clare and Quinn's memory amazes me. Most of the day Hassie Clare asked that we only refer to her as Dorofee (ya know, from the Wizard of Oz) and Quinnie insisted I call her Belle (the Princess). Even Ruby was in a good mood and full of energy (even though I think it was the senior vitamins we started giving her).
Yesterday was just a small reminder of why I love my life so much. Why am I the lucky one that has 2 great kids and a wonderful marriage? I like to think that I don't take it for granted but I think I get so caught up in the hussle and bussle of life that I do take it for granted ... just a little bit. But not yesterday. I enjoyed and cherished every second of our day together.
I asked Jamie if he thought anyone else in this world was as happy as we are at this very moment. He replied, "God I hope so."
My mom said it perfectly when I told her about my day. She said, "You enjoyed your family. You didn't have to be the disciplinarian, the boss, the housekeeper, cook, the work from home mom, the taxi driver, etc." Remember I'm the chronic over-booker. I took the day off and it was a day I will hold onto as long as I can.
At first I thought we were having so much fun because the girls were in such a good mood. They were not fighting or whining. But then I realized it wasn't them, it was me. Or Jamie and me I should say. We were 100% relaxed. We were not challenging them or asking anything of them. We even played hookie from Church. They had ALL of our attention. We were not distracted with work, chores, projects, yard work, NOTHING!
We piled onto each other on the couch and watched the movie Up (or as Hassie Clare calls it "Falling From The Sky"). We listened to music and danced .... a lot. We curled up in the bed and read books. We ate good food, well .. not good as in healthy but good as in yummy. We talked and talked and talked. Hassie Clare and Quinn's memory amazes me. Most of the day Hassie Clare asked that we only refer to her as Dorofee (ya know, from the Wizard of Oz) and Quinnie insisted I call her Belle (the Princess). Even Ruby was in a good mood and full of energy (even though I think it was the senior vitamins we started giving her).
Yesterday was just a small reminder of why I love my life so much. Why am I the lucky one that has 2 great kids and a wonderful marriage? I like to think that I don't take it for granted but I think I get so caught up in the hussle and bussle of life that I do take it for granted ... just a little bit. But not yesterday. I enjoyed and cherished every second of our day together.
I asked Jamie if he thought anyone else in this world was as happy as we are at this very moment. He replied, "God I hope so."
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Relationship with Santa & Elfis
YEAR 1
The girls were 6 months old. Because they were so premature (2 months), we agreed with their doctors that they should stay out of the public during the RSV and flu season. Thus .. no pics with Santa.!
YEAR 2
Hassie Clare and Quinn's first trip to see Santa. They were 18 months old. We went to the Pink Palace Museum to see the Enchanted Forrest. When I was kid, we went every year. It has not changed one bit except the location. Even smells the same! Back in the day, it was at the Goldsmith's downtown.
Here is the photo:
The girls were 6 months old. Because they were so premature (2 months), we agreed with their doctors that they should stay out of the public during the RSV and flu season. Thus .. no pics with Santa.!
YEAR 2
Hassie Clare and Quinn's first trip to see Santa. They were 18 months old. We went to the Pink Palace Museum to see the Enchanted Forrest. When I was kid, we went every year. It has not changed one bit except the location. Even smells the same! Back in the day, it was at the Goldsmith's downtown.
Here is the photo:
2007 - I love this Santa Claus.
YEAR 3
In 2008, we (and by we I mean Jamie) decided it was cruel and unusual punishment to subject the girls to Santa because they were still deathly afraid of him. He even came to our house for a special visit but the closest they got to him was taking a candy cane from Mrs. Claus. I have it all on video!
YEAR 4
In 2009, we decided to take the girls out to Uncle Dave's store for the opening day of the Christmas season. Santa arrived on a Bass boat. There were cookies and crafts. This was before Thanksgiving but it was a nice way to get the girls in the spirit. Quinn changed her mind about seeing Santa. However, we (and by we I mean I) tossed her in Santa's lap for a picture.
Quinn screamed so loud she even scared the moose (check the top left hand corner of the pic). We seriously thought she was going to set off the store's alarm system. About 2 seconds after this picture was taken, Hassie Clare freaked out also because Quinn was hysterical.
Quinn decided after this melt down that she liked Santa and would sit in his lap the next time she saw him. Hassie Clare decided she no longer liked Santa and he was scary. After explaining what all Santa does (multiple times) they both finally agreed that it would be beneficial to their toy collection if they liked Santa. So, when Santa came to their Mother's Day Out, they sat in his lap. I was hiding and watching them (figured they had a better chance if I was not around). The school took a pic but the picture is very dark and blurry.
Then Santa came to our house and they loved him! I have it all on video but I had left our camera ealier that day at a Christmas party (thankfully recovered it the next day). Aunt Jenny is suppose to send me the pics she took!
So all in all, after 4 Christmas's, I think they finally love Santa.
ELFIS
This is our Elf (Elf on a Shelf). He joined our family in 2008. The girls named them all by themselves. They were just starting to talk well and use sentences when we got him. They had heard the name Elvis several times and I think that they thought when we said Elf we meant to say Elvis ...are you following me? Thus the name Elfis was born. Elfis lives at the North Pole all year and comes to our house the night we put up our tree. Every night when they girls go to sleep he travels back to the North Pole to report to Santa how good they have been. Before the girls wake up, Elfis comes home and sits somewhere different. Every morning to girls jump out of bed and run around to find Elfis. If they touch him then he will lose his magic. When Santa comes on Christmas Eve night, he takes Elfis back with him to the North Pole. Jamie and I have so much fun with this little tradition we have started. See ya next year Elfis!!!!
Monday, December 21, 2009
1st Annual Christmas Teddy Bear Tea
The girls got invited to this over the top, ridiculously cute gathering. They were so excited about bringing their teddy bears dressed in clothing. The hosts of this tea did a great job! On top of all the great food and decorations, they had a professional photographer taking pictures of the kids. Seriously .... they look like Glamour Shot pictures but I promise they were snap shots of them in front of a Christmas tree. This guy was that good! He took several of them while they were playing and eating but these were my favorite 3 pics.
At this morning tea, they consumed more sugar in an hour and a half then they have ever consumed in their life. The look on their face is the look of heavenly bliss....with a sugar high.
Her crooked smile kills me!
Qunnie was just getting ready to do her "I'm shy let me cover my mouth and make a silly face thing" when he captured this shot. It looks to me like a posed pic ... I could not believe it when he showed it to me on the camera.
The main living room had a long kid's table adorably decorated. Each little girl had their own place setting with Christmas plates full of every candy, cookie, sweet treats you can imagine. When we first got there and walked into this room and Quinn saw all the food she threw her arms in the air and shouted "wooo hooo." The girl is serious about her food and she gets very excited about anything associated with food.
Each place setting had white gloves and a feather scarf (thus Quinn's pic with the boa). They also had an adult food table and served Mimosa'a which made me very happy:-()
It was such a fun "girly" morning. I'm already looking forward to next years Teddy Bear Tea.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Christmas Past - 2006
This was our first Christmas together as a family. Jamie and I were exhausted and broke but loving life. The grandparents smothered the girls with presents. We filled their stockings with toys from their playroom (I don't think we can get away with that anymore). Jamie and I were so excited Christmas morning that we woke the girls up early! I remember being overwhelmed with emotion. I felt so lucky and blessed .... and I still feel this way, especially around the holidays.
FIRST CHRISTMAS 2006
6 months old
Quinnie
Hassie Clare
Christmas Eve
Hassie Clare
Christmas morning (look at Quinnie's smile - ohh I'd give anything for one more day with them at this age)
Christmas morning
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The past few weeks & Christmas Cards
As you can tell by the lack of posts, I have been a bad blogger lately. Yes, I have many excuses and yes, they are all valid. So here is what we have been up to in the past few weeks:
1) Children's Museum of Memphis - we joined a few weeks ago and Taylor and the girls have already gone twice. They LOVE it!
2) Olive Branch Christmas Parade - as always, we met the Hagel's downtown and had a good time.
3) Remodeling our kitchen - still working on it. The latest thing we have done is change out all the hardware on the cabinets. The fun never ends:)
3) Christmas parties for Mom - 2 back to back parties last week with my girlfriends. My bunco group and my softball group.
4) Grandpa & Glenda in town for a visit - it was horrible ... for me. I was sicker then a dog with bronchitis and sinusitis. Still not feeling 100% and I'm on my 4th day of drugs. They were so sweet about it but I felt so bad for missing all the family time. On Sunday, they went with Jamie and the girls to see Princess and the Frog (originally they went to the Desoto County Theater to see The Wizard of Oz but all the tickets were sold out).
In my line of work, the holidays are by far the busiest time of the year. With that said, I'm working a ton of hours. I've only done half of the shopping that I need to do before Christmas. I'm sending out 100 Christmas cards this week. AND ... I'm working on something else but I can't mention it yet cause it is a big ole secret.
BIG NEWS ..... Quinn sat on Santa's lap for the first time ever this morning at her school. This child is scared of everything ... EVERYTHING. Even the Chicalay (Chic-Fila) cow. It took everything she had but she did it. I'm not going to lie. I popped a tear out. She looked so tiny and she was being so brave. I was so proud of her for conquering one of her fears. She told us she was going to sit in his lap the next time she saw him. And she did. Once she makes her mind up about something, there is no stopping her.
Last year Taylor got the girls dressed up in Christmas outfits and took them outside to try and capture a good Christmas card picture. She has a way of getting them to do things. I finally figured out her secret ... she puts small candy in her pocket and rewards them when they do what she asks of them (yes ..... like a dog). Hahah. It works and she usually gets some pretty good shots. This year was a little more challenging because it was cold outside and well ... they are 3 years old. Taylor has creative ideas and a knack for the camera. Aunt Karrie and I picked out these outfits. My mom thinks they look like pj's. The girls love that they are soft and twirl around when they spin!
1) Children's Museum of Memphis - we joined a few weeks ago and Taylor and the girls have already gone twice. They LOVE it!
2) Olive Branch Christmas Parade - as always, we met the Hagel's downtown and had a good time.
3) Remodeling our kitchen - still working on it. The latest thing we have done is change out all the hardware on the cabinets. The fun never ends:)
3) Christmas parties for Mom - 2 back to back parties last week with my girlfriends. My bunco group and my softball group.
4) Grandpa & Glenda in town for a visit - it was horrible ... for me. I was sicker then a dog with bronchitis and sinusitis. Still not feeling 100% and I'm on my 4th day of drugs. They were so sweet about it but I felt so bad for missing all the family time. On Sunday, they went with Jamie and the girls to see Princess and the Frog (originally they went to the Desoto County Theater to see The Wizard of Oz but all the tickets were sold out).
In my line of work, the holidays are by far the busiest time of the year. With that said, I'm working a ton of hours. I've only done half of the shopping that I need to do before Christmas. I'm sending out 100 Christmas cards this week. AND ... I'm working on something else but I can't mention it yet cause it is a big ole secret.
BIG NEWS ..... Quinn sat on Santa's lap for the first time ever this morning at her school. This child is scared of everything ... EVERYTHING. Even the Chicalay (Chic-Fila) cow. It took everything she had but she did it. I'm not going to lie. I popped a tear out. She looked so tiny and she was being so brave. I was so proud of her for conquering one of her fears. She told us she was going to sit in his lap the next time she saw him. And she did. Once she makes her mind up about something, there is no stopping her.
Last year Taylor got the girls dressed up in Christmas outfits and took them outside to try and capture a good Christmas card picture. She has a way of getting them to do things. I finally figured out her secret ... she puts small candy in her pocket and rewards them when they do what she asks of them (yes ..... like a dog). Hahah. It works and she usually gets some pretty good shots. This year was a little more challenging because it was cold outside and well ... they are 3 years old. Taylor has creative ideas and a knack for the camera. Aunt Karrie and I picked out these outfits. My mom thinks they look like pj's. The girls love that they are soft and twirl around when they spin!
Christmas Card REJECT pics
CHRISTMAS CARD PICTURES
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