Parenting is FuN

...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!