Monday, December 8, 2008

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!

8 comments:

  1. Umm, Dad? I'm having some ice cream...would YOU like some TOO? ;) LOL

    That's awesome that you were able to carve out some 1:1 time with her. I can't believe it's been a year since I've seen your kids. They're growing up too fast!

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  2. LOL...at least you found out before the party! How old were we when I had invited you to my "party"...all without my mom knowing! Your mom didn't believe you...then she called my mom, I got in big trouble that year!

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  3. You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis of our girls and their getting older. I really appreciate your arm for my little Bambi, and I must admit, I think she is pretty cute when she falls too.

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  4. I have to admit... ever since you mentioned you make jewelry I have a secret plan. I have to confess that I have saved three pieces of jewelry that have broken and need a tool for you to someday help me fix. Will you be willing?

    I loved this post. I think its so important to create these memories and the foundation for a good friendship.

    Someday I will tell you or show you what happened the year we got Lindsey ice skating lessons and I went for family night. I will never go out on that ice again. Plastic surgery was involved! Oh and I was fine on the ice it was someone else.

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  5. Laura, I am SO willing! In fact, our group have a beading night coming up...I think it's next Thursday night at 9. You are more than welcome to join us and I'll teach you a few tricks!! I'll let you know for sure when I can confirm the date.

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  6. That's such a sweet post. You got me all teary-eyed. Savannah is getting so big. It's great that you were able to do those things with her.

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  7. I can't make it that Thursday... Email me or call we can make a time, maybe?

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  8. Hey Laura, it's actually TOMORROW night - Tuesday at 9pm. If you can't make that we can do it 1
    on 1.

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