Week 5 - We survived!

This is some of what the Dancing Queens did on their 2nd snow day!

 January 30: Well, no magic pj's were worn last night and we still managed to have another snow day! However, I found a white crayon under daddy's pillow so I think he secretly didn't want us to go to school! Yesterday Gg was added to Kailee's class on Raz-Kids (Mrs. Keene is so nice, she added her because she had a couple extra spots.) So, this is what Gg wanted to do all afternoon yesterday... then first thing this morning after she came and snuggled mommy & daddy in our bed for a bit; she was on Raz-Kids again! She's completed 6 books already this morning; that's reading and taking a quiz that you have to pass. She said, "Mom this is the best website ever, I love it." I think what she loves is being able to see instant gratification for passing a test... atta girl! Kk is doing phenomenal as well on Raz-Kids! I'm very impressed!!

The toys have a place in the kitchen... because they also need a place to rest.

January 31: The last day of January and we have had such a nice start to the year. I hope the next 11 months go as smoothly as this one has. Mommy has started feeling icky. A headache and fever... makes for a rough afternoon for mommy and an easy afternoon for the hoolies. Gg went home after school with Lia and her mom today for an afternoon play date. They had lots of fun. Kk came home and we colored, attempted to craft then we just got cozy together and read a little. Daddy brought Kk home a strawberry shake since Gg got to go play with a friend. When Gg came home at 6:30 she was wiped out, dog tired! She got in the shower, gave her kisses and hugs, then straight to bed. I thought she was coming down with something (thankfully she wasn't, she just played hard.)

February 1: Movie Night! On the big screen showing was "Barbie: Princess Charm School" We've watched it a few times but we love it equally each time.
While watching the movie all of a sudden Kk starts screaming --- "ouch my leg, OUCH!" We asked what's wrong in a fury of panic thinking the worst immediately of course; because naturally when someone screams out in pain like they are being murdered it is only normal to think "blood clot or tumor"... yeah this what I thought. It's sad I know but it's true mommy unfortunately thinks this because of the reality that I have lived with the experience. So, after gaining some perspective, mommy hobbled over to Kk and she got cozy in my lap... to which Kk manages to say, "Oh it feels like... it feels like a cord is being turned around in my leg." Immediately we knew what the issue was -- Kk had a charlie horse. So, daddy suggested that Kk walk on it to stretch it out. Kk did as suggested and walked it off. 
Mommy is still feeling icky... head is very clogged and I have a feeling mommy has what Kk had last week. We pass our germs back and forth around here...only because mommy needs snuggles, hugs and kisses from her babies.

Kailee did her first pony tail wrapping all by herself.

And she is incredibly proud, as am I!

Poor Gg got a little ouch while playing and daddy consoled her... while mommy took a picture. Typical.

February 2: Groundhog Day! Well, the little beaver in the ground poked his head up and didn't see his shadow so this means we will have an early Spring! Well, last year he did see his shadow and we ended up with an early Spring so I don't know if he's necessarily the best predictor of Spring... but fingers crossed he's right! We could handle melting snow, Spring coats and open windows in March again this year! Michigan weather is so bi-polar that it's hard to say for sure what will happen. In early March last year we had super warm temps then by mid-March  we had 17" of snow fall overnight. It's never easy to tell what will happen.

Super Bowl Sunday after church lots of sledding and playing in the snow!

Then daddy surprised you with pizza, bread sticks and root beer! (It's not a Super Bowl party without the MUSTS!)

February 3: Daddy took you to church this morning. You both were asked by Miss Shirley Ronk if you would collect for the "Soup-er-Bowl"  at Church. You both came skipping into the house what felt like hours (it was a blizzard out there and I was worried) later to tell me about it. You held up your bowls; you smiled sweetly; you said your pleases and thank yous to those who donated. (Who could say "no" to those kind hearted little faces?) You didn't collect a lot of money but you did well! Miss Shirley was pleased and daddy was proud to watch his daughters standing doing their "good deed" for the day. Even at your young ages your good deeds come in ways that are sweet and perfect.

Oh Lord!

Gg makes this face at Kk and says, "Is this face funny or not?"

February 4: This morning on the news they were discussing how a Marine shot a Navy Seal. Well, this came on just as Michigan this Morning switches over to CBS Morning Show... I was mid-pony tail gathering for Kailee when this occurred. Immediately my heart sank; because I do not expose you to that kind of news if I can help it. I try and keep your television exposure to "happy, beautiful, light hearted" topics. Well, without missing a beat Gg says, "Oh that poor baby seal. That person should get the police called on them for killing a baby seal." I love your pure of heart, beautiful, happy view of the world... I love that you heard what you did Gg. No, I did not correct you; I infact agreed and then we finished our morning routine. There's another reason we should never watch the news because it always has things that make me question the world... and if I'm questioning the world - how I am suppose to explain actions that are unexplainable to you - mom's are supposed to be able to explain everything. There will be times in your life where it is more appropriate to explain methods and reasons to you; as you grow older I will hopefully age appropriately do so. Sometimes though, I won't be able to. I won't be able to explain things that I do not understand... I guess that's where our faith in God comes in to guide us. We can always pray over the things we do not understand. We may not always receive an answer in the way in which we think an answer should come but if we're watching peacefully hopeful we will feel the answer; I promise.

More snow.

All day light fluffy snow falling.

What does Lily do while you're not home or sleeping? Well, she gets into the plastic bags and rips them all out until there's a huge mess. Yes, she did all that. Silly cat!

February 5: I am feeling like a very blessed mommy this morning. Let me tell you why. I wake up to little chatters coming from your room. I hear Kk say, "where's duck duck?" Gg says, "I don't know Kk let me find it for you." Daddy kisses me good morning. Gg comes into the room and says, "Mommy, good morning, where's Kk's duck duck?" Before I can say a word, I get a kiss on the cheek and Gg says, "Close your eyes mommy, Kk found it." I come out to the living room and you both are dressed and eating breakfast. I sit down where daddy had a coffee waiting for me. Kk kisses me good morning, then I brush her hair and put it up for her. Gg is next in the line of kisses and hair up do's. We agree upon two small braids pulled back so there's no little pieces of hair in her face while at school. You both brush teeth and get your lunch boxes in your back packs... all of this without reminder or coaxing. You both put on your snow attire and backpacks, come back for one last kiss before trekking into the snow with daddy to await the bus. As I sit here in this warm home; with your minty freshly brushed kisses lingering; I realize how truly lucky I am that you both are so responsible with your morning routine. Thank you. xo

"Walter the Whale with Wings"

“I want to make the world a better place than it was when I entered it. I hope I can, even on the smallest levels.” - Edward Lahti

A few weeks ago, mommy read about a man, a poet from Lansing who wrote a book about a whale. The story is really quite remarkable. Well, the poet had cancer and his friends wanted to see his dream of his book becoming published and made into a movie become a reality on his behalf. His friends started a "collection" through a website called Kickstart. His friends earned enough money to actually make the dream of their dying friend come true. So we donated an amount of money to the project because it struck a cord in my heart. I decided instead of buying a couple "yummy" coffees at the store and going to breakfast on Sunday School mornings; we could do without them and give that money saved to this project. This selfless project which is now in memory of a friend, is worth not going to breakfast or having a coffee... I hope you one day want to invest in something that makes a small difference in the world. I hope you come across something that makes your heart strings pluck over and over until you say, "I will help." Sometimes helping is about sharing information, donating funds, giving your time...  Thursday the man battling cancer who wrote the Whale book passed on to be with Jesus. He went to Heaven where he can watch his friends do good works on his behalf... he can watch them without pain anymore.

There's a lesson to be learned in this... the lesson while there are many that can be concluded from the acts of kindness of his friends to not waiting til it's too late to make dreams happen. I hope you have a friend who you would go to extraordinary lengths for one day. I hope that friendships encircle your life and allow you to experience forever in a way that can only be preserved in a friendship. I also hope that you make the world a better place even in the smallest way as Edward Lahti, the man who won in life with friendships that love him unconditionally, had and will continue to do through inspiring acts of kindness for others.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20130201/NEWS01/302010054/Lansing-poet-author-loses-battle-cancer

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013301240051

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-the-Whale-with-Wings/61882681759

 http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013301180063

Little Moments

Sweet little moments... this morning I heard "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the Way!" Being first hummed... then sung quietly and as the clock approach 7 a.m. it was increasing in volume and some delight. The little Christmas songs being sung in January are little moments that make me treasure your youth. You make me hum Christmasy carols unexpectedly sometimes... I love that it hits me at the strangests of times too; like laying in bed trying to sleep or while I'm putting dishes away or folding laundry. I have you both to thank for these little moments that make me smile. When I catch myself humming the "wintery-only" songs I smile and laugh out loud at myself. I laugh because then immediately I know why I'm humming "wintery-tunes" it's because of you both. Thank you for keeping me in touch with my youth. May you both always sing "wintery-Christmasy-tunes" throughout the year at unexpected moments for your entire life... never not hum a tune because it is not the season... the season is whenever we want it to be!

Tries.

When your older... or now even... I want you hoolies to remember that trying is important. It's how we know if something works or not. Try at everything... if you don't try you will never know if it was worth it or not. Tries are how we decide if something is our passion. If people never tried something knew we wouldn't have the glorious world of technology... cars... bicycles... telephones... you get the picture. Well, it's important to me that when you are in a situation to try something new; something that is a good, a perfect, an I-won't-regret-this-my-mommy-would-be-proud thing, please try it. Now, don't take this Holy Grail of information to try and use against me one day; there are things in life I don't want you to try; things that will put you in bad situations, things that would probably make my skin crawl, things that would break my heart... those things, those things you'll know are not appropriate and shouldn't be tried... they shouldn't be tried because you are being raised to make choices that you are proud of. Choices that you would be proud to say, "yes I did that" with your head high. I hope that when you encounter the new tries that life will present to you that you will consider two things, "Will I hold my head high afterward? and Will I proudly tell my parents?" If you cannot answer "Yes" to those questions than it's not something you should try.

Tries that I hope you do one day... love with entire being-- this is how I knew I loved daddy with all my heart. Dancing without fear! Walk in the rain and enjoy the moment. Go to college. Find your passion. Follow your dreams. Get the most out of every day. Make choices that not only benefit you but will benefit others. Volunteer. Help people in need. Do something dare-devil'ish -- like bungee jump or go on a big roller coaster. Try to play an instrument and a sport of some kind. The list of possibilities of "tries" are endless so I'll stop here... but know that I will always be proud of you if you just try. It's not about whether you succeed or not; it's about the try that matters. xo

Week 4 Cha Cha Cha

January 23: Daddy-Daughter Dance Night. There's already a post but I had to mention it.

January 24: Hi Ho Hi Ho it was off to school you go. I spend my days pinning (on pinterest) away... hi ho hi ho hi ho. Mommy was hesitant about sending Kk because she looked a little 'off'... her eyes were light, her nose was "snuffy", her throat a teeny bit scratchy... but daddy sent you. (I say daddy because he insisted.) By the time you walked up the road after getting off the bus; I could tell from "my perch" in the window that Kk wasn't feeling well. She was walking sluggishly, shoulders slightly hunched over and head down. I met you both at the door and all be darned if those eyes aren't the telling sign of sickness! Light light blue... sleepy'ish too. Poor Kk had a fever of 100.1. She immediately got her cozies on... then got cozy in my bed with remote in hand. She laid there until daddy called her out to eat a bagel (which she didn't finish) and then back to my bed she took until she brushed her teeth and went to her own. All the while Gg and mommy were Junie B. Jones'ing it up and summarizing chapters 1 - 4. Okay Okay actually Gg read and Gg summarized I had to sit at the table for moral support. 2 hours and 15 minutes of reading and writing... then rewriting and rereading... laughing and rereading... and more rewriting and rereading. It was fun to listen to Gg read so fluently with so much expression... it was amazing and brilliant to watch. So much pride on Gg's face too, it's one of the best parts of being a parent... seeing that pride and feeling it too.

January 25: Kk woke up with pain in her forehead and under her eyes, so after daddy took Gg to school we called the pediatrician and got Kk right in for a once over. Dr. Decker was fantastic as usual! Kk was the ideal patient. She sat there with her "I'm sick" look upon her face... she managed to smile even, so sweet while sick too. (Luckiest mom in the world right here.) We ended up with a sinus infection and little congestion so medicine... vicks, rest and mama TLC was what filled our afternoon. We snuggled all afternoon... never moved in fact. It was nice to just be cozy and quiet with someone else home. We both have headaches so talking and playing was out of the question... so we both just sat side by side, her in the crook of my arm and I resting my head on hers. Its those moments that make being a mommy feel amazing.

January 26: Today was Mr. Bryan's Surprise 40th Birthday Party. Unfortunately we (K, G & Mommy) could not go because K was sick. So we sent daddy on our behalf. We stayed home and you little hoolies played in your playroom; then bedroom until 7:30 p.m.. I sorted the books on the book shelf and just listened to you playing from the living room while I iced my knee. G came out to me and said, "mommy I think we're ready for bed now." I was going to be nice and let you stay up "late" but you both make such good choices for yourselves. You know when you're tired and just want to sleep. I love that. I appreciate that bedtime is not a fight. You both love your sleep; my little 12 hour sleepers!

January 27: This morning you both woke up at 6 a.m. (that's not 12 hours of sleep!) and daddy got up and told you to go back sleep; so without argument you went back to your beds and slept another hour. We are so blessed to have such amazing daughters. A snowmobile went by this morning and G said to daddy, "Daddy one of those speedy things went down the road." Daddy smiled, and said, "oh yeah, a snowmobile went by." "Yeah daddy a speedy thing." Innocence does not get better than "speedy things". We also worked on and finished Gg's 100s day project. She wanted simple... so she sorted out the stickers by major holidays of course. She then picked out her favorites. Which was 25 for each holiday and then she broke it down further into groups of 5. She had so much fun! Then she labeled it all by herself too. I love "stikres" (stickers) at the end.  Tonight we prayed for another "Kk feel better day"... AKA snow day!

January 28: No "Kk feel better day"... bummer. You both woke up and were ready to go in no time. Next time we would like a snow day here's what we need to do! We'll try these magical tried and true ways to obtain a snow day! A snow day is a miracle...a special unexpected but appreciated vacation day!  Wear your pajamas inside out, tape a penny to the window, and a spoon under your pillow! I've also heard an ice cube in the toilet.A snowball or white crayon in the freezer. Stick something silver under your pillow. Now we have lots of fun things to try the next time there's a "Winter Storm" headed our way in order to better our odds of a snow day!
I spent the better part of the morning trying to contact parents in Gg's class regarding the Valentine Party. I had my spiel all worked out... list in hand... items written down for parents to choose from...and after my first two calls things started falling apart. I guess as long as we have a game and some treats that's all that matters.

January 29: Gg now believes her pj's are magical. She wore them inside out and guess what; NO SCHOOL! Freezing rain outside has made traveling difficult. It's going to be a wet; not pretty white day... all the snow is melting away. It's going to be 47 degrees out today... then tomorrow after everything is good and thawed it's going to be 19 degrees! Then the temperature plunges even more after that. Brr... So, we are going to turn off the heat and open the windows if it does hit 47 today so we can air out the house and maybe kill some germs. We do not want the pukin'-poopin' flu here and so we are going to try and avoid it at all costs. I found out last night that Auntie Tab is coming in a couple weeks; so we have to be healthy! 

It's Ours

Recently someone asked me why I'm adding such silly things like "Top 10's and Manners" to our blog. I thought the question was kind of funny to begin with... the purpose of the blog is an outlet for a person to say what the person wants; without feeling stifled. Then we have the simple fact that it's well, our blog and we will post what we feel fit. Finally, who's to judge what should or shouldn't go into a blog. My purpose for adding these little tidbits of Top 10's and Manners... and things about nonsense if you will; is so one day long from now you'll look back and say, "wow..." or "that's right!" or "shut the front door that makes sense!" I'm doing this blog for you hoolies. For you to have as your "holy grail" for our family. Will I make it a hunt for you to figure out the meaning; sure but the meaning is on every page. The meaning is within you. My dear friends, please don't be offended that I addressed this; it needed to be addressed because if you thought it; then maybe one day my daughters would too. This blog is their history, their history should be full of rich ideas, knowledge, language, culture... the list could go on but it won't. It needs to be said that one day I won't be here for my girls and I want them to have the thoughts of their mother on things... on important and non-important things. One day they might "what, why, who, when, where, or how" and if God forbid I'm not around to answer; they can reference this book (in essence this will be printed into a book). (If something happens to me I know Tab will tell Jon just what to do to get these pearly words of wisdom from the cyber world into the hands of my daughters.) When I see my girls thumb through the blog book we had printed last year; there's nothing I can say that expresses what they feel because we laugh, we cry, we snuggle and just read. There's nothing better than to look back at these memories, at these silly things I find, at these moments we've managed to freeze in time with a picture. If your not a blogger; then become one... if you don't want to; just try it... if you don't want to try; then think about all the things you have that you could share with your loved ones and share them often so they are not forgotten. I don't want certain things to go by the way side because I didn't have time. I'll sleep when I'm dead. I look at the past 8 years with Kailee and cannot believe we are coming upon 9. It's gone by too quickly. I just want to freeze time... slow it down a little. This blog full of silly tidbits lets me give her some moments frozen in time. I want that for my girls. I want moments that cannot escape us because they are there before us in a photograph... written on page... or just simple said through a quote; with a little mommy comment afterward. I want that for my daughters... I want my daughters to treasure these memories as I treasured making them... as I treasured sifting through photos... through quotes... through meaningful items so I could put together a TOP 10 just for them. One day maybe, with any luck, they will do the same for their children... so they have the treasure of memories to reflect upon and pearly words to soak in and coo over. So be it that it makes the blog book longer. So be it. So BE IT - It's Ours.
P.S. This might be the only chance I get and I'm taking it as a sign from God I should be utilizing this "sitting time" to really organize my thoughts for my daughters. They know I have to sit a lot. I mean A LOT because of this knee and so while the healing takes place I will use the time to blog about things that I want them reflect on when they are older or even now. I'm making good use of my time because I won't get this time back; so I'm going to use it. 

25 Manners

Today I came across this article about manners and it seems that you both do pretty much everything on this list all the time. G's still working a few... particularly the "world is not interested in what you dislike"... but she's learning. These manners are expected by the time you turn 9. I believe Kailee achieves all of these! Way to go Miss Manners!! You may find these framed in our house very soon!

 
Manner #1
When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6 The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7 Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.


Manner #8 When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10 Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11 When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12 Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.


Manner #13 Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15 Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.


Manner #16 Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17 If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."


Manner #18 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.


Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20 If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21 When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.


Manner #22 When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23 Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.


Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

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These are now framed and when one of us (any of us) does something naughty... you have to go to the "Our Manners" frame and figure out which one you broke before you can talk to me about it... or I talk to you about it. 

10 Things: Children & Parenting

This one is for when you're much older... I'm thinking in your 30's long after you've become doctors and surgeons of course... been married and have a home...

#1: Always remember that when you need me I will be there to help guide you; to listen... I hope to be a good mother as mine was to me and thus you will be to yours.

#2: No matter how upset a child; any child; makes you, you will always love them just remember to show it.

#3: Losing sleep is just part of parenthood. When you really need sleep I will be there to let you sleep. But, you both are and will always be my favorite reason for not sleeping.

#4: Yes, Yes this is so true.

#5: Always treat children with respect; they are just learning how to be adults.

#6: It's okay to not have all the answers all the time. Just be patient with children and they will amaze you.

#7: I hope this is absolutely true for you and will be true for your babies one day long from now.

#8: Yes, this is absolutely true. Daddy and I created both of you out of love, respect and tenderness.

#9: Every child deserves respect.

#10: This is very true! I love it and I hope you do too!!

10 Things: Quotes Worth Remembering

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

Dear Mrs. McGeorge

Below is a letter to Mrs. McGeorge that hopefully expresses the gratitude that mommy has for her being the amazing teacher that she is. We are a very lucky family to have had her twice... very blessed. 

Jan,

I wanted to call but it was almost 3:40 and I HOPED you had already left to start your weekend! So, I had to write and say "thank you" with my whole heart and being. Grace came home beaming today... BEAMING so bright I would have thought she won the lottery. When she stepped off the bus, that smile was so full of pride that it brought tears to my eyes. She had a book in her hand. She jumped in the back seat of the car and said with so much excitement that I felt giddy, "Mommy it was the best day ever! I got this new book from Mrs. McGeorge for Christmas AND I know how to read it!  I got to read in reading group. Junie B Jones Mushy Gushy Valentine Chapter 5 is really good! I did my summary. I had the best day ever mom. I love Mrs. McGeorge!"

I wanted to say thank you for the book, that is so kind of you!! AND thank you for giving Grace so much encouragement. Moving her into the chapter group has boosted her confidence more than I knew could be possible. She is just blossoming even more! I am so proud. Thank you!! Thank you! Thank you!! I appreciate you more than you know. Honestly, I don't know if I could have told you this over the phone after all, I am all misty eyed again just writing it. I really hope you know that you are such an amazing teacher. Thank you for being you. I could never wish for a better teacher than you for my girls. We are so blessed!

I hope you have or have had a wonderful weekend!

Maria

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A parent can never truly express the kind of appreciation that mommy has for teachers like the ones you both have had throughout your education. It started in the Be-4 with Kailee and Head Start with Grace. We have had some amazing teachers over the years, all confident, creative, strong, amazing women teaching you. The kinds of examples every parent wants for their children. The smallest things that a teacher does makes the biggest impact on the child. It's the best gift to a parent to see their child thriving, blossoming, and full of confidence. Teachers are absolutely Angels plucked from Heaven to guide our children through life by providing the tools necessary to make a difference in the world. Please never forget how amazing your teachers are and how much they have done for both of you over your educational years... these things you are learning from them will forever be with you for the rest of your life. At some point you'll forget where you learned certain things; like Gg learning that an e at the end of a word drops off when adding ing from Mrs. McGeorge. Or Kk learning that 6 times 6 is 36 in song is from Mrs. Keene. It's these little things; these tid-bits of your teachers that are molding you; changing you; allowing you to grow into amazing individuals. You'll take this information and use it differently than others one day... but you'll have that information forever because of these Angels plucked from Heaven.

10 Things #1 YOU

This morning about 2:09 a.m. (yes I know it was exactly that time because I was awake...awake...awake -- having sympathy sleeplessness for Auntie Tab I think or because my foot is numb and it hurts when I move just right err no just wrong!) I started reading another mommy's blog about the top 10 things she wants her almost 10 year old to always remember. Well this sparked something in me... I have a gazillion top 10's that I want to pass on. The wisdom it's a brewin' in my head; like the pot o' coffee at the end of the rainbow ah... no counter, I mean counter. Yes so my cup runneth over with plentiful knowledge of do's and do not's... have's and have not's... will's and wish's... ways to and ways not... so many top 10's in my head for my little people who live down the hall. My little people who live down the hall and make messes, make noises, make happiness, make music, make me feel complete. So, my top 10's... where to start... where to start. It's hard to rate what is most important in comparison to something else because right now at this very second with my runneth cup and rainbow ... I know it's just a matter of of choice...or maybe importance...

Naturally we must do the top 10 just like The Late Show with David Letterman  (he's a late night talk show host just for future reference; google him... ok hopefully google is still around when you're aloud to actually google freely, otherwise that might sound like one crazy statement one day.) 

Choice Top 10 #1: YOU!

10. BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE!  Never just go with the "masses" because the "masses" do it. If you want to march to your own beat; you DO IT! Never act one way with a certain person and act another way with someone else... always be who you are and you always be happy.

9. TRUST YOUR GUT! One day you'll learn what that truly means... the gut feeling is really a good indicator if it's morally right or wrong.

8. YOUR BODY IS YOUR TEMPLE! Never treat your body as anything but that! Eat well, keep moving, be honorable with what you choose to do with your body and how you choose to dress it. Your body is YOURS and ONLY YOU can decide what happens with it. You only have one life; one opportunity to make choices for your body that will make it healthy and strong... make choices that keep it that way.

7. REMEMBER YOUR BESTS AND FAVORITES ! We often talk about bests and favorites right now... I hope you always remember that every day has a favorite; a best... and these favorites and bests are because of you!

6. DO YOUR BEST DAILY! Achieving is believing...believing is seeing... and seeing is doing! You will never regret doing your best all the time. You will never look back when you're doing your best and think "I wish I would have." Your best will always be acceptable to daddy and I and those who love you. Your best is all anyone can hope for and you can strive for that.

5. TAKE TIME JUST FOR YOU! A good way to always maintain happiness is to take a few minutes out of every day just for you. For mommy this time comes first thing in the morning when everyone is asleep; or last thing at night when everyone is asleep... its during those moments that you can collect your thoughts... analyze your goals... review your day... laugh over a cup of tea at a silly book... or just take in the silence before your eyes close for the night. This time is important, even if it's only 10 minutes to just think quietly or listen to music... it revives you.

4. FIND SOMETHING THAT YOUR PASSIONATE ABOUT! A passion is important; it gives us drive to want to do something. Sometimes we find passion and want it to be our job... sometimes it's an organization or cause we have passion about. Sometimes it's political issues or helping others... there's lots of sometimes...never overlook that something; you will never regret being passionate! Sometimes it's that "odd man out" passion and that's okay too.

3. USE YOUR VOICE! Sometimes you'll use your voice when you're being passionate. Sometimes your voice is just as easy as your point of view. It's okay if your voice isn't overly loud... it's okay if it is... just let it be your perspective. YOUR thoughts and feelings! Never be afraid to voice it either; daddy and I are trying to foster your voice by letting you both give your thoughts, feelings and perspective politely on many topics... we do this a lot at the dinner table.


2. TRY OR LEARN SOMETHING NEW FOR YOU! Every new day is an opportunity to learn new things. New things can be hobbies, about places, things, people or animals too! Just try and find new information every day. We have always had lots of books of facts for you both to look through so we can learn new things together. Learning never stops... you will continue to learn throughout your life... it's just a matter of that learning -- and if the lesson was good or bad and what you take away from it.

1. YOU CAN NEVER BE SOMEONE ELSE'S HAPPINESS AND NO ONE CAN BE YOUR HAPPINESS! Please know that happiness is important; you make a decision every day to be happy. If we decided to be unhappy; then we are... if we decide to be happy we are. You are the ONLY person who can make yourself happy. If you rely on someone else to make you happy; you will be not be happy for long. Happiness is finding joy in every day, finding moments that make you smile. Happiness is around you... sometimes you have to accept or acknowledge the bad in order to move past it and see and experience the good Happiness! 

Okay there's one set of Top 10's ... more to come I'm certain. P.S. You both are my #1's! Just so you know.

Daddy-Daughter Dance

This years theme was "Country Western". Well, since mommy couldn't get out to find any "country or western" attire; we made due with what we had at home. After a little research we soon realized that "Cow Gals" wear vests or jean jackets, red bandanas around their necks, pig tails or braids in their hair, jeans with giant belt buckles and either white or plaid shirts. Well, we raided your closet and discovered white shirts, a vest, a jean jacket, and of course jeans! Easy peasy! Next up was the giant belt buckle... Gold was the color that came up with nearly every search we did. Large gold buckles in the shape of stars with an initial on it. So... naturally mommy being all crafty had to do some creating! I made you each your own "large gold star initial belt buckle".

We taped them to a belt you already had and to say you looked ADORABLE wouldn't be enough! We did pig tails for both; Kk without braids and Gg with braids. We had to put our own little "gold" spin on it; so mommy tore up some gold fabric I had and tied the "ribbon" in your hair. Daddy took you there at 6 and you closed down the joint at 8! You're NEVER out that late... so I know you were having a great time!
You each also got to sit on a saddle and Daddy put Gg in "jail" too! While cell phone pictures aren't great; at least they are pictures!

 
You told me about dancing with all of your friends; Sophie, Lia, Kora, Shawni and Autumn are the ones that come to mind right off the bat. Daddy said he did the chicken dance with you and then he slow danced too; which involved holding one in one arm and one in the other... you all looked so amazing! I'm so glad you had a great time. I'm so glad that daddy is so involved and took you. We are very lucky girls to have such an amazing man in our lives...I call him husband and you call him daddy.