The Big 7

We celebrated my big girl's 7th birthday this past weekend. I was having a hard time with her turning 7. I don't know why, I just think this is the age where they start to change. I'd like her to stay my sweet little girl forever, but I know she's growing up and soon won't need me any more. It happens. I'm trying to prepare.

So here's a recap of all the celebrating we did, because you know we do birthdays in a big way over here. It's not a birthday, it's a birth-week!

The Grand folks flew in for the birthday extravaganza. Can you imagine it any other way?
I got them from the airport on Wednesday afternoon and we headed right to the school to surprise the girls.

Later we went out for a birthday dinner. Tia chose Japanese which made Daddy very happy and proud.

What's a birthday without cake?

Friday was Tia's actual  birthday. When she woke up she was greeted with lots of pink decorations and balloons all over the kitchen. I told her she could have any breakfast she wanted since it was her special day. Guess what she chose? Yogurt and pretzels. How exciting. She's a low maintenance girl.

We also let her open the presents from the family before school...

She got a new outfit from the Grand Folks, and chose to wear it to school for her special day...

Looking so grown up!

Having to go to school on your birthday used to be such a bummer back in my day. Not anymore! The teachers and principal made such a big to-do about it being her birthday, she felt like Queen for a Day. The principal announced her name on the loud speaker in the morning, came to her class to wish her a happy birthday, and presented her with a sticker to wear that said "It's my Birthday". Her teacher put a balloon on her chair and made her a crown. So cool.
I had to deliver the class treat so decided to go a little early and have lunch with Tia. I didn't tell her we were coming because she gets very anxious, so it was yet another surprise.

The two Teresina's

For what I think must be the third year in a row, Tia chose a Princess birthday party. We were tempted to try to sway her decision, but then I figured this is likely the last year she'll be into the princess thing, because she'll be too cool for that, so we went with it!
We had to have the party on Friday night because Daddy was flying out Saturday morning for work. Tia refused to have a party without her Dad, so we broke from the norm and had an after dinner tea party.

Pure Joy

The fancy table

8 Darling Princesses

It was a late night of dressing up and eating sugar, but everyone had a great time and Tia was happy.

On Saturday the hubby had to fly out so the kids, Grand Folks, and myself spent the day doing what Tia wanted to do. Her birthday, her choice.
Lunch at Panera, WITH dessert (we never let them get dessert), then off to the movies to see Hotel Transylvania. Both good choices.

So it was another successful birthday. Another year of a happy girl loving life.
May we be blessed with 100 more!

Teach Your Children Well

Last weekend I learned a valuable lesson. I learned that it doesn't take much to teach children important values. I also learned that it doesn't take much to give back to the community (and it can be fun!).

Our home backs up to a golf course. My husbands company has their annual golf outing at that course. One of his coworkers mentioned that it would be cute to have our girls set up a lemonade stand at the fence line, and sell to the golfers as they go by our property. We all thought that was a cool idea too and had been planning on it for months.

Then, that same employee mentioned our plan to the golf course manager. That one tiny conversation changed everything, and this little lemonade stand idea got bigger and bigger.

The manager insisted that we take our business right onto the golf course, not at our fence line. He promised us our own golf cart so we would have a place to sell our stuff. He referred to us in an email as "the Cookie Girls". Um, that means we better be selling cookies too, right?

During a subsequent conversation with my sister, she said "Why don't you get the kids to donate the proceeds to a charity. It'll teach them a great lesson". Well, hot dog! That's the best idea yet.
While we were at church I checked out the bulletin board, scoping out the various organizations and events looking for funds. I brought the kids over and let them choose. It made them feel empowered, and part of the process.
They chose the Lakota Sioux tribe in South Dakota. Tia was especially struck by the fact that many of the homes on the reservation don't have heat or running water, and that the kids don't always have proper winter clothing. Her exact response was "Mom, we have to help these people!". O.K., then. We're on it.

The day before the golf outing I stayed home and baked and baked and baked. It was an all day project even though I chose 2 very simple recipes. I had gotten an email earlier in the day stating that there were about 100 golfers in our group, as well as another group of 15 who would be going by, and who would most likely buy from our cart. That meant LOTS of cookies.

Here are some of the goodies...

basic sugar cookies

The chocolate chips ready to go

I cannot tell you how excited the girls were for this day. That excitement doubled when we told them we would be getting a golf cart. I was a little scared to drive the thing, I kept feeling like I was going to tip over, but eventually got the hang of it...

The Cookie Girls!

Get Your Lemonade!

We had a fantastic time. The weather was perfect, the people were friendly, and we sold out of everything before the event was finished. We were invited to stay and have lunch with the golfers. Nice little bonus.

The very next day we went to church to make the donation. I introduced the girls to the woman who is leading the project. I had Tia give the woman the envelope of cash, and explain to her what we did to earn it. They were so proud, it just melted my heart!

At NO point did either of my kids suggest that we should keep the money. They never asked if they could have some, or buy something for themselves with it.

So my sister was right. The kids learned a valuable lesson. More than one, really. They learned that it can be easy and fun to help those in need. They learned that there are folks who are less fortunate and that we do have the ability to help them. They learned about advertising, marketing and sales. They learned the importance of making connections in the community (I bet we'll be asked back next year!). They learned about making change (in more ways than one).
They learned that a kind word and a smile sells a lot of lemonade!

I'm glad we did this project. I bet our family will be doing more things like this in the future.

Charity and Compassion are taught at home.
Teach your children well.

Family Fun Day and A New School Year

We started a new family tradition last year of having a "Fun Day" on the last day of summer vacation. The kids tell us what they want to do, and we follow orders.
This year the masses voted for a trip to the Milwaukee Zoo. No Problemo, I love the zoo...

We had a gorgeous day for it.
Then of course there had to go out for an ice cream cone after the zoo. What kind of family fun would it be without ice cream?!

The next day was a big day in our house. Not only the first day of school, but the first day of Kindergarten for my little one. I think I was more nervous and sad than she was!

They decided to dress alike for the first day which I LOVE and know won't last as they get older.
Tia was very nervous all morning. Of course little sister was not nervous at all and was just ready to get her school career started!
I decided to follow the bus to the school just to make sure they knew where to go and what to do when they got there. I'm so glad I did because Tia was in tears and couldn't find her teacher. I made sure to get them to the right place, along with one of our neighbors kids who also couldn't find her way.
Here they are headed into the building...

A little teary eyed

So ready!

When they got off the bus in the afternoon (8 LONG hours later), they were full of smiles and stories of what a wonderful day they had. I knew they would love it!
Of course Mama had to make a big day about this huge milestone in their lives so I made them each their own mini-cakes. They thought the personal size cakes were awesome and I get points toward my goal of being Mommy of the Year!

Chocolate smiles!

Overall I'd say it the start of the new school year has been a big success. We are so blessed to have two kids who love school and look forward to learning new things every day.

School is Cool!

The Grandparent's Visit

The grand folks came up to Wisconsin to visit for 10 days. It was the first time they'd seen our new home.
With all the craziness of changing jobs and moving to a new state, we hadn't seen each other in 6 months! That's not the norm for us.

Needless to say the kiddos were beyond excited to see Nonna and Papa. Here they are headed off to the airport to pick them up...

from our own yard!

We celebrated Nonna's birthday when they arrived (we missed it by 6 days)...

We celebrated Father's Day at one of the many local beaches...

We had a few picnics...

concert in the park

We toured a cheese factory (Yum-O!)

no hair in the cheese, please!

We checked out a hundred year old church and monastery, and climbed up to the top of the tower...

it was a long climb!

We even found a town named after Nonna!

even though they spell it with an 'H'

And on our last day together we went to the Milwaukee Zoo...

Not to mention the soccer practice, ice skating lessons, bowling, dinners, marshmallow roasting, gardening, walking...
We did a lot in 10 days. It was a fantastic visit and went by way too fast.

Now the count down begins for our trip back East to see them at their house. Six weeks until we go 'home'!

They Really Do Love Each Other

My kids fight about everything, and it's constant. It drives me nuts. I can't believe the ridiculous things they will argue about, like who gets the yellow cup at dinner and who has the better pen. It's maddening.

Then, one of them gets sick, and this happens...

Tia was sick with a very high fever. Gia could see how uncomfortable she was, and I'm sure she sensed my concern. All on her own, she made little get well notes and left them in various places around the house.

All day long I heard things like "Tia, are you OK?" and "How is your throat now, is it better?".
That just melts my heart, and reminds me that they really DO love each other.
I must be doing something right.

Part 2 of The Birthday Extravaganza!

I'm a little late in posting this but Thursday was Gia's 5th birthday and we spent the day together doing fun things. She planned every detail, like the little boss that she is!

First stop was the bowling alley. I told her I didn't think it would be all that fun since it was just the 2 of us, but she insisted.

It started out OK but she quickly grew frustrated and bored since she wasn't getting any strikes! She's super competitive and it really bothered her that she wasn't 'winning', even though she wasn't playing against anybody. One day she'll be an Olympic gold medalist and we'll look back on this and say "ahhh, that's how it all started!".

After bowling it was off to the mall for lunch. She had originally wanted lunch at McD's but changed her mind when I told her they weren't giving away little ponie's in the kids meals this week. It was never about the food for her, it was all about the toy! Since we needed to pick up her new ballet shoes at the mall anyway, we went there for her favorite meal of soft pretzel sticks.
Of course, there had to be ice cream afterwards because, in her words, "It is a special occasion Mom". This kid knows how to work it.

She did NOT want me to take her picture eating the ice cream but hey, I'm a blogger. These things must be done.
After spending way too much time and money at the mall, we headed to the local grocery store to pick up some flowers. All her idea mind you! She loves to look at the flowers every time we go grocery shopping, so she got it in her head that when it was her birthday, she could pick some out for herself. Daddy wanted to be the one to pick them out and bring them home to her after work but, NO WAY. She told him he wouldn't know which ones she wanted, and she'd rather pick them out herself. Quite a strong minded woman, wouldn't you say?!
With the flowers picked out, we headed off to the hairdresser. Gia chose a hot pink feather for her hair. I completely forgot to take a picture of that, but it's cute and she loves it.

Later, after Daddy got home from work and Tia was home from school, we decided to go for dinner at Chuck E. Cheese. Gia had received a gift card for her birthday and was ready to go spend it! Since it was a week night, the place wasn't really busy and they had a blast.

Daddy winning tickets for the girls

As you can see, even Daddy got in on the action and won a bunch of tickets for the kids.

It was a fun day, and even more fun for me to see what Gia chose to do on her special day. She's quite a character! Hopefully this is the start of a nice little family tradition.

We'll see in October what Tia chooses for her special day!

Easter Fun!

Easter is my absolute favorite holiday. Traditionally we would invite a bunch of friends over for brunch or a BBQ and have tons of fun all day entertaining guests.
This year had to be a little different. The clock is ticking and we're running out of time before we have to be out of this house, so we decided to put all our energies toward packing and getting ready for the move.

We did still set aside some time for coloring eggs, and I have to say this has been the best year yet for that. The girls are getting older so the messes are getting smaller!

Easter morning was full of excitement as the girls tried to find their baskets. This year the bunny decided to really hide them since the girls are older and wiser. They actually get 2 baskets each. One is an Easter Bag that they got years ago from my friend Sheila, which is filled with non-candy items. The other is a basket for the good stuff. Um, I mean the candy items!

mmmm, candy!

We had a nice family breakfast and then it was right into the basement for some serious packing and organizing. We spent several hours doing that, and then I decided it was time for a family dinner. Tia kept asking "Why do we have to take a shower and get dressed if we're not going anywhere?". My answer to that was "Because it's Easter!".
We had a pretty non-traditional meal of fish, potatoes, cous cous, and salad. It was the easiest thing to make that we would all eat.
What matters most is that we were all together at the same table enjoying the meal time conversation and being a family. That's what it's all about.

I hope you had an Easter filled with joy and little blessings too.

Gia is Turning 5!

My 'baby' is almost 5 years old. I'm not sure how the heck that happened but man that was fast! I swear I just brought her home from the hospital.

Leading up to the big day we were discussing her options for a birthday party. I actually encouraged her to invite some of her friends to one of my least favorite places (McD's) and have the party there. We're up to our eye balls in boxes here at the house and as most of you know, moving is an arduous task. It sucks all the energy from your body, and your house looks like a disaster area. My preference would NOT be to have a house full of preschoolers 2 weeks before our big move. However, the kiddo insisted that we have a Princess party at the house, and since she is the #1 Princess, I let her have her own way!

There was a total of 6 girls so it wasn't all that bad. I had it after lunch so I wouldn't have the added task of feeding everyone an actual meal. Keep it simple is my new motto.

Here are a few pictures from the party day...

The Birthday Girl with her favorite Guy

Gia with her Pink Princess Cupcakes

Hunting for Eggs

All the Lovely Ladies

Since her birthday was so close to Easter this year, we decided to have an egg hunt. We've done this before at her parties and it's always a big hit. This year was no exception.

It was a lovely afternoon and Gia fully enjoyed being the center of attention.

Her actual birthday is later this week when she will once again be showered with attention. She has chosen bowling and lunch (at that least favorite place!) for her special day.
I'll be sure to write up a part 2 to the birthday celebration post.
Until then...

Fond Memories, New Beginnings

After five wonderful years of living in our home here in Illinois, we're ready to move on. Honestly, if it were up to me, I could stay here forever.
My baby was born here. Tia learned how to walk and talk here. They both experienced their first day of school here. It's been a great place to raise kids. We've met some wonderful friends.

Now we're preparing to move up to Wisconsin. I never imagined myself living even farther North than we do now, but somehow it's meant to be.

Last week the girls and I drove up and met D.R. so we could close on our new home. It had been such a long and arduous process, we were all excited to finally seal the deal!

We went out for Chinese the night before the house closing and this was Gia's fortune...

Pretty appropriate, huh?

So here she is, our new home. She's a beaut isn't she?

So far we've been loving her from a distance. We haven't spent even one night there because the kids are in school. We'll be heading up this weekend for a big sleep over, and the kids are beyond excited.

I look forward to making lots of new memories in our new home.

Here's to the next chapter in our lives!

While Mom's Away...

The kids don't miss her at all!
In fact, they don't ask where she is or when she's coming back. They won't even speak to her on the phone!

At least that's what happened when I went to Las Vegas for a few days last week. I believe that's a good sign that they have a fantastic Dad who takes care of everything. Nothing changed in their little lives because he was on top of it all. And, most importantly, they had fun.

You see, Daddy does things like this...





















Mama doesn't like snow. Or cold. Or wind. So these things don't happen very often with me.

Tia has decided she'd like me to go to work, and have Daddy stay home with her every day.
Slight crush to the ego. I'll get over it. Needless to say I won't be going away again any time soon!

TWO Superstars

Last week both girls came home with a note from their teachers stating they had been chosen to be the class Star of the Week. I can't even describe the excitement level in our house that day!

Gia's school does a one day 'make the kid feel super special' thing. The star student has to bring in a poster about themselves, and an item for show and tell. Oh, and lest I forget, they get to be the line leader for the day. Now that's pretty darn important when you're 4!

Here she is with her poster...

She chose which pictures to use and what to write, and even wrote most of the words herself. Did I mention she's only 4?!

Tia's school makes the entire week a big deal.
On Monday she got to bring in a sharing bag full of things from home to tell the class about.
Tuesday she had to bring in her favorite book from home and the teacher read it to the class during circle time.
Wednesday the teacher read a letter from Mom to the class. I hand wrote the letter so I don't have a copy of it but will ask the teacher to send it back home so we can save it!
Thursday I got to go have lunch with her at school. She was so proud. When she was shoving her lunch in her face, I told her she could slow down and that she had plenty of time. Her response was "I have to leave time for kissing!". She's a kisser, my little 6 year old, and she doesn't care who's watching!

Here she is on day one of her week of being a star...

I'm the proud Mama of not one, but TWO superstars at school.
Great childhood memories in the making.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We do Valentine's Day in a big way around here. It's turned into a gift giving holiday. Not quite as big a deal as Christmas, but it's pretty big!

Since D.R. would be at work for the holiday, he gave me flowers, and the girls earrings on Sunday. It's sweet that he can make them feel so special, like every little lady should. They've been showing everyone their new earrings, and announcing that they're from Daddy.

Last night after they went to bed I got to work getting the table ready. Here's what it looked like...

I know it looks like a lot of presents, but it's really all in the presentation.
The shiny pink bags had little things like hair bows, a craft, a monogrammed box of tissues, and a book. The big bag had a t-shirt and pair of sweats. The small brown bag was a bathing suit from Nonna in New York. She brought them on her last trip and asked me to give them to the girls for V-Day.

The funny thing is that when Tia woke up this morning, BEFORE the crack of dawn, she climbed in bed with me and asked if I would decorate the kitchen for Valentine's Day while she was at school. I played dumb and told her I'd see what I could do. You should have seen her face when she went downstairs and saw the table! Priceless.

Here they are digging into the goodies...

Oh yes, chocolate!

Then after school I ran to the grocery store to cash in a coupon I had for a free bakery item and got this...

You can't really tell from the picture but it was a mini cake. Just enough for the 3 of us to have a chocolate fix, and there's one piece left over. The girls loved it, and were so excited (OK, I was too!).

This was the first year I've had to celebrate this holiday without my #1 Valentine, and the girls first time without Daddy. I think I did a pretty good job of making the day special on my own, but we sure did miss him!

We hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love, happiness, and a few surprises!