Top 10 Reasons I Love You

It's still Sissy week here on the blog, so I wanted to share a few of the reasons I think she is so great.  Yes, I know, I'm her mom, I'm supposed to think she's great.  And I really do.  But sometimes I sit back and watch her in amazement....this tiny little thing has some really awesome qualities....and I learn from her daily.

1. She Shows Emotion
You can tell what she is thinking.  All the time - no poker face on her.  She is not ashamed to show her emotions.  Watching the video I made for her, made her burst into tears.  She loves to give hugs & kisses (but only when friends are not around).  I used to think she was "fragile", now I know she is showing how she feels...in a healthy way.  And I know that means the teenage years should be scary......

2. She Cares
My girl is so caring - and she's not afraid to show it.  I love that she comforts her friends when they are sad, is the protector & defender of Chief (even when he poops in the house!!), and loves unabashedly on her brother.

3. She is So Very Confident
When she gets out on the soccer field, she switches into this "game" mode and plays her heart out.  She knows that she has skills and puts them to work without even thinking about it.  It is awesome to watch.

4. She Loves to Laugh
This girl will find anything to laugh at - she wants to have a good time.  And I love to capture that joy when ever I can.

5. She Loves to learn about the Past

We both love history and will always be the last two out of the museum b/c we read every little plaque, watched every show, and listen to every docent.  Sometimes it drives Matt bonkers, but I love it!  I totally get how interesting it is to learn where we come from.

6. She Loves to Read

Sis takes a book with her everywhere she goes - at breakfast, in the car on the way to school,  to soccer practice..... Her Dad and I both love to read too..... she fits right in!

7. She is Competitive
I'm a competitive person, so when I saw that Sis was to, I was secretly thrilled. I think it is healthy to want to do your best and strive for it in all situations.  Now there are times I have to hold her back a little, when the competitiveness can cause fights with her brother (who is also competitive), but I know this quality will help her become something amazing when she gets older.

8. She is Friendly
Sis can make a friend where ever she goes - at the campground, with the next door neighbor's grandkids, and even on vacation....this girl loves to be social.  Hmm, wonder where she gets that from?

9. She is Smart
I know, every parent says this!  Sis does well in her school work...it seems effortless...and it amazes me how her tiny brain just seems to "get" it.  It all falls into place.  So cool.

10. She loves to Spend time with her Momma
As she grew up, I always planned time with just her & I ~ movies, reading, shopping, or introducing her the Little House on the Prairie ~ I wanted her to enjoy spending time with me.  As she is 10, I know this time may dwindle, so I hope that she still wants to spend time with me.

There are so many more qualities that my daughter has...too many to mention in one setting.  I am proud of the young lady that she is becoming.  Although I can't wait to see what she makes of her life, I want to hold onto this girl for as long as I can.

I Love You Sis!  I love you for who you are and what you will be!

My Fondest Memories....

Yesterday she turned 10.  It was a day of nostalgia for me.  I'm a little sentimental, in case you couldn't tell.  I spent the day thinking of the memories I have had with my baby girl over the past ten years.  I wanted to remember the fun and exciting trips & events, but also those tiny moments that you want to keep locked in your heart forever.   Memories like these......

1. Baby, You've Got Lungs!
Sis was always a charmer.  As the first grandchild and niece on both sides of the family, she had plenty of captive audience.  And oh, how we loved just holding her and watching her every move.   When she was just a little over a month old, we took a road trip to Colorado for her Uncle's graduation from the Air Force Academy.  One evening, the extended family was sitting around talking with Miss Sis lying on a blanket next to me.  Out of the blue, she let out the loudest squeal.....Hello??  I'm still hear?  Looks at me!  It was a happy squeal but the loudest noise she had ever made.  It was the first time I remember that she "talked" to us in her own little way. locked in my heart...

2. Hello Princess Jasmine!
When Sis was four, Matt & I decided to take a quick trip to Disney World with just her to celebrate.  It was a whirlwind of a trip, but one I will remember forever. It was so great to share in that excitement and happiness she had at meeting the princesses (ohhh how she loved Princess Jasmine & Aladdin), riding her favorite ride "Goofy's Barnstormer" and getting to hug Jessie but ignore Woody (he was heartbroken) . It was such a neat little weekend for us to get to focus on her alone.  locked in my heart...

3. I'm so Proud of You my Heart Could Burst!
The first time I ever saw her independently try something on her own was a moment I will forever remember - more for the feeling I felt, not what she did.  When she was 3, she started dance lessons.  Her first dance recital was at this enormous auditorium, where my tiny girl was swallowed up on stage.  She didn't care one bit - no stage fright from her - she got on out there and danced her little heart out.  I remember being so overwhelmingly proud of her.  Not because she was a suburb dancer (although I thought so at the time) but because she was my daughter.  Oh so proud.  And I am still to this day when I see her get out there and try something new - soccer, choir, cheerleading - she puts forth her best effort and shines! locked in my heart...

4. Come on Sis!  Just try it!
As much as she likes to have fun, my Sis is a cautious girl.  She has to be pushed ever so gently into trying new things.  Like the inner tubing behind the boat - terrified, didn't want to do it, but we made her (don't judge me) and she LOVED IT!!!  Last year, we waited in line to go on the Rock-n-Roll Roller Coaster at DW with her whimpering, "I don't think I want to go...." the whole time, we talked her into it (and a $20 bribe helped- again no judging!!) and guess what? She LOVED IT!! A little push never hurt her...ahem. locked in my heart...

5. Camping, Really?
A few summers ago, we spent the Independence Day weekend at a camp in central Washington.  It was GORGEOUS.  But the best part of it all?  We were completely remote and cut off from the world for 4 days.  And as silly as it sounds, we were forced to do everything together ~ and we lived it up ~ canoeing, crafts, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, s'mores by the fire ~ it was such a fun weekend.  One that showed me how even the "simplest" of vacations can be the most memorable, and meaningful.  We had a ball.  locked in my heart....

6. Defying Gravity!
I love musicals.  And very often have their soundtracks playing in my car.  Not thinking about it, Miss Sis started to pick up on the songs and by the time she was 6, knew all the words to Wicked's "Popular".  That summer, my dad gave us tickets to go and see The Lion King ~ he even worked hard at the box office to get us aisle seats so we could see the entrance of the animals at the beginning.  And another musical lover was born!  A few summers ago, I had the privilege of taking her to see Wicked ~ and I caught her singing right along with all the songs.  Love.  locked in my heart...

7. Little Momma.
Sis has such a tender heart- she cares for everyone.  I have seen it time & time again where she is sad for a friend, wants to take care of the lost puppy, and even cries at a sentimental movie (Toy Story 3.....even for the umpteenth time, she cries...).  The first time I saw her so loving & mothering was when we picked out our dog, Chief - he was a little less that 3 months old and so adorable.  She followed him around everywhere and took such good care of him.  When Bubba joined our family, she was the same way - couldn't bear to put him down.  And she is still the best little momma with him..... locked in my heart...

8. Goal!!!
Sis started playing soccer when she was 4.  Her dad was her coach (still is) and they have this incredible bond because of it.  When she first started playing, the girls just swarmed the ball ~ really quite funny to watch ~ but Sis would never touch the ball.  She was terrified of it in the game. So we bargained with her.  If she scored a goal, she'd get a Webkinz.  Did it work?  Oh yes (insert proud as can be momma moment).  Too well ~ the girl has over 20 Webkinz.  (not all from goals, mind you).  This momma doesn't have to bribe her to get a goal anymore (but that proud momma feeling still remains!) locked in my heart...

9. Riding a Bike ~ It means so much more.
The summer we moved, we were determined to get Sis to stop using her training wheels - she was going into 2nd grade after all.  But she really didn't want to learn (insert Miss Caution here).  One hot summer  night, we took off those trainers and said let's do it.  She was hesitant, and whined, and fought it, and got frustrated.  But once she saw her brother take off without his on, she was determined.  And she did it.  It was the first time I saw her fight for something and persevere.  I loved it.  There is a strong amount of determination in her that I see in her schoolwork, on the soccer field, and when trying things for the first time.  It is an amazing quality that I can't wait to see her shine with!  locked in my heart...

10. Baby Girl
I always called her this ~ and still do (she acts like she hates it but secretly, I know she doesn't).  When I look at her, I still see that baby girl toting around her Lovey everywhere she goes ~ the fresh-faced innocence is still etched in her face ~ and maybe that is why I have such a hard time letting her grow up.  This is who holds my heart so dearly ~ who I love so fiercely.

And as time passes, I want to savor each moment with my children.  I am excited to see who she will become when she gets older, but in the same breath so sad to see these moments slip by so quickly.

I cherish every moment I have with her ~ the laughs ~ the frustration ~ the quiet moments ~ and the love that she shows me.  I am so thrilled to have been blessed to raise her.  And I thank God daily for allowing me this privilege.

I look forward to many more memories to lock away in my heart......

Swap Swap Away!

In the middle of the 10th Birthday Celebration week, Momma got a gift.  I mean it was MY 10th Anniversary of being a Mom. duh.  Do I deserved a little fun, right?  And fun it was!!




I have watched Mamarazzi have swaps for months now and never tried one...until now.  And Y'all...it was SO GREAT!!
My Swap partner is Misty from Rainy Day in May.  She lives in Idaho and has been so fun to get to know through her blog.  When I received her package yesterday, I was blown away at how similar our "favorite things" are.  It was as if I had sent a package to myself with all of my favorite things!!

all wrapped so pretty....

And look at my loot...err goodies.....

this picture doesn't fully convey the greatness flowing from my box.....

this is a fill-in-the-recipe book - I have so many recipes stashed here and there, that it will be SO great to get them all written down.  And think of the possibilities ~ I can pass this down to Sis one day full of her Mom's favorites.  SO excited to get started filling it up!

A beautiful journal and pretty page markers.

This one blew me away ~ I LOVE Trader Joe's Chai tea but have NO TJ anywhere close to get it!!! Amazing!!!!!

And another one ~ I have a weekly To Do list that I start every Sunday - what a great tool to keep it organized!!

Misty also sent me Milk Duds, a whole bag of Double Bubble gum balls, & Water for Elephants (yay- can't wait to read it!) ~ each gift had a wonderfully sweet note attached to it.

~It was such a great thing to receive in the mail~

~ Thank you Misty so much ~ I loved every bit of it!! ~  

~And thanks Mamarazzi for a great swap!~

A Decade Old!

Today is the Big Day!!  Here is our Birthday Wishes to our Big Girl!!

It's a Birthday Week!

This little Angel turns 10 this week.  

And in honor of her turning a decade old, our blog is dedicated to her this week.

So, with the exception of the Monthly Vlog post tomorrow, all posts will be about my girl and what she means to me.  Please come back to learn more about her and wish her some love!

Happy 10th Birthday my sunshine.

Friday Confessions...

Happy Friday Y'all!  It is going to be in the 80's and sunny all weekend!! YAY!!!!!  And I have good friends coming over on Saturday night ~ hooray for good friends and time without kiddos (did I say that outloud?)!!

So on to my confessions for this week.  I am linking up with Mamarazzi & Glamazon at their weekly Friday Confessions.




I Confess:
That I booked our summer vacation this week! YAY!!  We are taking the kids on a Caribbean Cruise the second week of July!!!  I am super excited because I have wanted to take the kids to a beach for such a long time and now we will get to go to 4 of them- all in different countries!!!!  My confession is that I might have confused the cost when I talked to my sweet hubby about it.....he will love it and all will be ok!!

I Confess:
That I read a book this week about "raw foods" and all the benefits it can have on your body.  The book really convinced me that giving up on all processed food and (here's the big one) animal foods & bi-products can really improve your health in so many amazing ways.  It has to do with the enzymes and how your body gets so much more nutrients out of raw food versus those that are cooked or processes or full of fat.  I am super pumped about the amazing skin, luxurious hair and amazing body I will have from switching.

 I Confess:
That after a few years at home and fighting the horrible school system we are in, I am seriously thinking of homeschooling Sissy & Brody.  I am really nervous about this decision, however, I have been petitioning our local government for months to NOT cut so much money form public education funding and guess what??  They did!!  Grrrr.  So rather than see my kids suffer at the horrible decision making our elected officials make, I am going to bite the bullet and homeschool them both next year.  Yikers...I am so nervous!!

I Confess:
I struggled with how to tell everyone this last confession.  It has been killing me not to tell everyone.  So, I thought this would be a fun way.....

Come December we will have a fun little "package" to open.........

uh. huh.

wow. huh?














gotcha.

do you really think I am preggo???????  Ha! Not. at. all.  Mom, take a BIG sigh of relief.

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!!

As much as I would love to go on a cruise...it would never be with the kids...until they are much older.

Give up meat?  What planet do you live on?  NEVER!!

Homeschooling?? HAHAHAHA!!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE our school and our teachers and that is why I have been fighting with our local state representatives for the past few months (they are voting on HB1 today and it looks to cut @$7 Billion from public ed funding.  :( )  If there is one thing you should know about me- I am a firm believer of sticking to your gifts that God gave you....and patience in teaching "school stuff" to my kiddos is not one of them.

And lastly, Bubba is our baby and will always be our baby. :))

I hope everyone has a fantastic day - go pull a fast one over on someone...it is so much fun!!

What ya Don't Want to See at the Carnival....

Remember how much fun you had at the Carnival as a kid?

All the fun colors, rides, games, & cotton candy? Never did you worry about the "safety" of the carnival.  

Why is it as adults, that's the first place our mind wanders to when we think of the carnival??

Cause of this.......

As a parent, you turn a blind eye to all the very "Adult-themed" names of the rides.....

And hope that while your 8-year-old son is waiting for 10 minutes in his car for the ride to start, he is NOT questioning why there are necked women on this ride?  Cause really, what does the "Crazy Dance" ride have to do with necked women??  

don't answer that.

And as much as we need a 8 ft stuffed banana in our house, I would not let the boy play for it.

I know -I'm mean.

I wanted him to try to win the Rasta-banana.

Come on mon!!

But the one thing that bothered me - 

yup - this man carnie proceeded to have a 10 minute conversation while loading the ride......

safety first!!!!

If I said I wasn't holding my breath while the kids rode this ride, I'd be lying........

'cause that text about the party on 6th street later was soooooo important.........

much more so than ensuring all the KIDS were loaded properly on the ride....

and I don't even know where this carnie was....

I was behind the fence as I watched my kiddos struggle to snap their buckles closed.

don't worry - I embarrassed them fully as I very loudly told them to "tighten your strap!", "check them by pulling real hard!", "rattle the bar", "check it again"....you get the picture.

look how high in the sky there were!!!!!! yikes!!

I know when we went to carnivals as kids, they were probably just as unsafe, if not more so....

and these rides were much more innovative and fun.....

the smiles on their faces showed how much fun they had.....

but I can't say we will go again next year.

 not that they would want to after this ride.

yes.  I'm showin it to you for a 3rd time.

it's my blog - I can do what I want.

besides, I never showed you the "recovery" picture.....the one right after the one above.

whew!

That's right kids.....

WHEW!  

We survived the carnival.