...especially now that they're getting a little bit older. We have a lot of chaos still, but I'm starting to see the light on the horizon. Just this last week I had the opportunity to spend some one on one time with my oldest daughter who is becoming quite mature (with more emotionally charged melt-downs which I'm sure will only become more hormonally enhanced within the next few years, but I digress....) and increasingly fun to be around.
Last Tuesday night I was invited to a Lia Sophia party by a long time friend (we're talking San Jose days) that I hadn't seen in about 3 years. I jumped on the opportunity to shamelessly steal jewelry design ideas and catch up with my girlfriend....and it was a great time to spend with my girl too. She listened to the presentation, ohhhed and awwwed over all the jewelry and confirmed that yes, my friend, still HAS IT in the kitchen. She's a fabulous cook! (Suz, if you're reading this, I NEED your Artichoke Dip recipe! It's my own personal brand of heroin. ;P)
On Friday, we again had the chance to hang out together in honor of her friend's 8th birthday party, ice skating. Savannah has never done this, and I only have rarely, so I'm not the greatest.... Nonetheless, I told her I would do my best to keep her from bailing. We went around and around, she on the right hand (her other hand clutching the wall) and one of her other friends on my left. A few rounds in my poor arm sockets were getting a quite the workout! And by the end of 2 hours she was skating on her own, and even went out into the middle of the rink. We laughed, joked and got to know each other on different terms than the normal, "how's your homework?". I have to say, she is really growing up fast. I enjoyed talking to her with a group of her friends and getting the inside picture of her world and how she feels about what's going on. One of her BFFs was so funny, she was doing the "Bambi on ice" impersonation (not on purpose)....and I said, "Are you alright?, you look like you're about to do the splits"....says she, "That's OK, I'm CUTE when I fall!" And I have to admit, she was right!
Savi is turning 8 next month and already has plans to throw a movie night pj party for a FEW close friends. We only do a "big effort for Mom" party every other year but she talked her way into it...she takes after her Aunt Kasey that way, she's a great negotiator! She'd already made the invitations on her own, how could I refuse?
I've really been pondering how quickly it all goes lately and trying to absorb all of the fun and discovery of watching her become her own person. I think we're going to be great friends, and that's my fondest hope. I pray that I can be a good Mom AND a good friend to her.
This was her birthday last year....we did a dress up party, all the girls arrived with their favorite dress-ups in hand and I had a couple of other Moms to help me do hair, make-up and nails. It was a blast!
and the Number
Today I had the pleasure of watching 4 kids that belong to dear friends of ours. In addition to my 3, this makes quite the bunch, but we sure did manage to have a fun time.
We received this loaf of bread (well, not THIS loaf, that would be gross and stale, but another one exactly like it) from our dear neighbor 4 years ago and it has been a tradition ever since. If you can find a Cinnamon Bread at a local bakery, you may want to give it a go while stores still have egg nog in stock. Yum yum!
Santa brought movie cushions and a DVD for each child, and filled stockings with blow up punch balls, (2 of which popped promptly when punched into the tree), horns, bubble tape, arctic animal shaped chocolate, new undies (even Syd, Santa must know her Mom wants her to potty train this summer) and shapeable bath soap! The kids were beyond excited.
Savannah and her Cabbage Patch Kid. I was her age when I received my 1st one, and this year is the 25th Anniversary edition....she smells just like the ones I had as a child, it takes me back..and makes me feel OLD at the same time. She introduces her as "the newest member of the family, Dinah Carma, born on Nov 8th 2008." (who comes up with these names, anyway?) Another notable gift was the Hannah Montana Guitar...more on that in a later post. :)
Gunnar and his Speed Racer set. He and Dad set this up and he's spent many happy hours with it already. He also loves his "treasure box" from his sisters and his Operation game.
Sydney with her play makeup. This girl spends hours painting nails, putting on eyeshadow and blow-drying her (and her doll's) hair. The kit came with a battery operated dryer that makes noise and blows, ever so slightly. She also received her own baby along with a stroller, bassinett, diaper bag, and travel seat, and is busy being a little Mommy. I've never seen her play with any toys with such an attention span before now. WOW.
Sadly I don't get to volunteer in the kids' classrooms as much as I would like, with the baby (toddler, now) around. I keep telling myself that when Sydney is in school, that will be my time to help out. This year I told the kids I would help with A party in each of their classes. I helped for Halloween in Gunnar's and the "Winter" Party in Savannah's.
...especially now that they're getting a little bit older. We have a lot of chaos still, but I'm starting to see the light on the horizon. Just this last week I had the opportunity to spend some one on one time with my oldest daughter who is becoming quite mature (with more emotionally charged melt-downs which I'm sure will only become more hormonally enhanced within the next few years, but I digress....) and increasingly fun to be around.
