Back To School 2014

Today was a bittersweet sort of day.  The girls started back to school.  While I like having schedules and getting more done around here, I love having the girls home.  I love the slow paced days.  Yes I should be able to balance it all together but I'm not Super Woman.

Marissa started 8th grade today.  She is in her last year at middle school.  Next year starts high school--OMG!!!  Not ready for that!

Gianna started 5th grade today.  Her last year in elementary school.  Next year she'll start middle school.  

Next year will be a big transition for us all.  For now, I'm hoping for a wonderful year for them both.  Maybe with a little less homework! LOL!

Perler Beads Weekend

After hearing the girls ask for Perler Beads one day, I made sure to find them on my next visit to Michaels. The girls were excited and happily sorted out all the colors, because that's how we roll. (I admit to being a little OCD). It took a while but it was so nice and quiet while they sorted that I contemplated buying another huge bucket to sort!! LOL! 

We looked up and pinned loads of ideas on Pinterest to try. They even free handed some designs. Then they asked what I would like and made me these....

Marissa made me the flower and purple coffee mug, and Gianna made me my favorite Lady & a sign proclaiming that I am the number 1 mom around here. 

Treasures I'll keep forever! 

Gianna's 10th Birthday Family Style

With Gianna's actual birthday spent at Disney World, we didn't get a chance to celebrate her birthday with family until today.  She didn't mind, it just extended her day!  

I have to admit that without the girls helping out a lot around the house, helping me clean and helping with the puppies I wouldn't have been able to pull this off.  I got a cold while at Disney that felt worse after coming home.  Shortly after starting to feel better from that, I had some sort of 24 bug that knocked me out.  My girls really stepped up and made me proud!

Here's the birthday girl, happy to be the center of attention.

Her requested mustache cake.

Wish big, my sweet girl.

It's completely official now, she is TEN.

Life Lately

It's been another amazing vacation to Disney World! The days have been hot and the trip seems too short. There's never enough time to do it all, but we enjoy the time we have. 

This was Gianna's 10th birthday trip. Her birthday was celebrated almost every single day. She's officially double digits! 

It was magical!!

She Is Ten!

Today my little girl enters double digits.  Gianna is officially TEN!  She's hit the tween years hard already.

Here are TEN things about Gianna.

1.  Her favorite color is green.
2.  Her favorite foods are Hot Wings (from Outback) and Cinnabon.
3.  She loves to read magazines.
4.  She loves playing Minecraft.
5.  She loves to listen to music.  Her favorite artists are Selena Gomez, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
6.  She loves riding her bike.
7.  She is very independent.
8.  Her favorite book series is the Dork Diaries.
9.  She loves thrill rides.  The faster the better!
10.  Her favorite Disney character is Goofy.

Wishing my baby girl (who isn't a baby) the happiest of birthdays!

Love you G!

Field Day 2014

Field Day.  The day kids look forward to during the school year.  Can't beat being outside all day, playing games.  End the day with a Popsicle and it's a kids dream!

Gianna was excited to be on the yellow team this year.  I believe the yellow part has something to do with Minecraft, but that's besides the point. 

                             

All the usual games were played.  The kids have fun no matter what they play.

Water games are everyones favorite.  Except when the kids get out of hand "accidentally-on-purpose" falling into the water.  Water everyones been dipping their hands in, or sitting in, or dunking their heads in?  I'll pass, thank you.  But my kid??  Nope, she'll do what she can get away with!

See her smile?  So worth it.

She Rides!

Today has been monumental for Gianna. Today she learned to ride her bike. 

Finally. 

Not for lack of trying, either. We've tried teaching her but she's very independent and likes to learn her way. 

After having a friend over yesterday, she started talking about learning how to ride her bike. Today she was determined. 

Today she did it. 

Puppy Randomness

The puppies have taken over the house.  Though sometimes their space gets invaded as well.  Marissa loves to crawl in their space with them since it's a nice warm spot!  Piper could care less, as long as you pet her.  Riley however, was not amused.

Riley has taken over this couch in my scraproom, and was not about to let the basket of clothes stand in her way of a comfy place to nap.  Of course, after taking this shot, I took the basket away so she could stretch out.

Riley and Piper are truly BFF's.  Even in their sleep they hold paws!  So adorable!

Gianna requested to watch Hercules with me in the scrap room.  Riley was not impressed.

They took over the couch in my scraproom.  My house is going to the dogs!!

Random Happenings

We're having a super cold snow day today.  The kids are happy they get to stay home.  I'm happy not to have to go out in this weather.

Gianna lost a tooth, making it the first of the year.

I got started packing up the Christmas decorations.  Usually I leave it up until the middle of the month but something got me motivated to start.  

Gianna likes how toasty warm the Christmas stockings are.  She's my little goofball, always looking for a laugh.

My sweet Riley seems to have hurt her eye.  She won't open it and I'm freaking out.  Taking her to the vet tomorrow.

Piper just wants to be loved.  Always.

Lots of randomness from these last few days but that's life around here.

Gianna's Holiday School Party

Got to spend time in Gianna's class today for their holiday party. I was feeling festive in my new Christmas top. 

The kids all wore their pjs to school and played games practically all day. Gianna had fun drinking hot cocoa and hanging out with her friends. 

Great way to kick off Christmas break! 

Gianna's Winter Concert

Tonight was Gianna's winter concert. The 4th graders acted out a short play in between the songs they sang. It was about a family traveling to their Grandmother's house, and Gianna played the mother! She had a lot of lines and really did SO good!! 

They also played their recorders. Fourth grade is heavy on the recorders! 

I was very proud of Gianna for reading her part so well!  It was a great way to put you in the Christmas spirit! 

First Day of School 2013

Today marks the day that many mothers celebrate...and it's not Mother's Day.

It's the FIRST day of SCHOOL!! 

Marissa is now in 7th grade. As nervous as she was last year, this year she went off to middle school confidently. Love that. 

Gianna started 4th grade. We're all hoping for a great year for her! And having her BFF in class helps, of course! 

Funny, without any prompting from me, they both wore some purple! Lets hope for a great year!!

Officially NINE

Hard to believe that 9 short years ago, my life changed by such a small little person.  Gianna came into the world on her own terms. Early in the morning, and with little time to prepare (barely made it to the hospital that's just 5 mins away).  She is full of fire and doesn't let much get in her way either.  She is my mini-me.  And she is amazing!

She has an abundance of love for people and wants to be everyones friend.

She loves to read the goofiest, funniest books she can get her hands on.

She wants to get a cat...mainly I think because her sister wants a dog.

She loves to swim, but doesn't like being outside with BUGS.

She is a smart cookie and will rattle off numbers like a calculator.

She loves listening to Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez.

She loves to shop for clothes in HER style.

She asks questions about EVERYTHING!

She thinks she can get away with things when she gives "the look".

She is my baby, and she is NINE.

Happy 9th Birthday Gianna!!

You make us proud.  Sparkle on Sweet Girl!  Love you always!