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! 

7th Grade Choir/Art Show

Springtime at school means a choir concert. Marissa looks so grown up lately, she's just beautiful. Hard to believe she'll be in 8th grade next year. 

This year they mixed things up bit and had the 7th grade choir separate from the 8th graders. They sang 3 songs, my favorite was Seasons of Love. (Marissa's in the top right row in the back.)

Afterwards we got to walk around school and see all the wonderful artwork/projects the kids have worked on throughout the year, from various classes. 

This was a scale model of a smoothie shop, Marissa and a classmate made for their pre-algebra class. Still waiting to find out their grade....

Happily counting the days until the girls are out of school. I think around this time we're all burnt out! I know I am!!

Teenager Birthday Weekend Re-Cap

Birthday weekends are the best. Especially if you're turning THIRTEEN!

We had a full weekend of parties between her friends and family so Friday night, the four of us went to Pizzaria Uno (her favorite) for dinner.  So good!

We came home, in the pouring rain, to bake her cake for the next days party with her friends.  She's very into Minecraft and wanted her party themed after the game.  We made all sorts of treats themed to the game too, Marissa made signs to go with the treats (she takes after me!).  Some were easily done like chips for "potatoes", and some were blue jello representing water.  Nothing crazy really.  We even made marshmallow pop "creepers"--both girls helped with these.

The next day, a few of her friends came to Monster Mini Golf, where we played some black light, mini golf, finished off with video games.  

Pizza, Minecraft snacks and cake at the house with a few more friends made the day complete.  

I miss baking those girly, cutesy cakes.  Regardless, it was yummy.

Sunday was her actual birthday, and she requested to open her presents from us, in the morning before everyone else got here.

We had a happy teenager when she opened up her new laptop.  Knowing how much homework is done online (and Minecraft), she was ready for a laptop.

Later in the day, we had family over to celebrate with burgers and hot dogs (it was a beautiful day out!) and finished the day with more cake (this one was much prettier, but still yummy!).

Can't describe how much we love our girl.  We are so proud of her!  It's just so hard to believe she's a teenager already!

Now to spend the day recovering from the full weekend of celebrating.  I'm tired!

She Is Thirteen

Today is Marissa's 13th birthday!  She is officially a teenager!  Luckily, she's easy-going (so-far).

Here are thirteen things about her.

1. Her favorite colors are Purple, Black, and Neon Green.
2. Her best friends are Emma, Jennalin, Grace, & Sofia.
3. She loves to play Minecraft.
4. She has a sweet tooth.
5. Her favorite thing to do is read. 
6. Her favorite thing to wear is t-shirts, skinny jeans and combat boots.
7. Her favorite food is Caprese Salad.
8. Her least favorite thing to do is state testing at school. 
9. Her favorite subject is math.
10. Her favorite phone app is Wattpad.
11. She is almost as tall as me.
12. She wears a size 8 shoe (depending on the brand).
13. She's looking forward to our next trip to Disney World.

This may just be a list of 13 things about her but she is so much more than this. She is amazing!! 

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!!

7th Grade Dance

Tonight was Marissa's 7th grade dance.  Nothing formal, just fun.

She had a blast and said she danced the entire time!  I'm so happy to hear that!  I had to ask her why I never see her dance around the house at all, but in true teenager form, she wouldn't answer. *sigh*  I guess I'll just settle with her letting me take her picture after she got home.  She was so hyper and happy and that makes me happy.

She couldn't resist playing with the puppies when she got home.  Piper is the easiest puppy and will let you do almost anything to her if it means she has your attention. (She's a sucker for her ears and tummy rubbed)

She's a cool puppy

Piper got "lei'd".

Yes we amuse ourselves, but it's harmless.  Piper loved the attention.

Marissa's Winter Choir Concert

It's that time of year for holiday concerts at school. Marissa sings in the choir and they practice Monday mornings at 7:10. The concert gives the kids a break from the practices until the new year which is a nice change of pace from those EARLY mornings! 

They sang beautifully. They even did the "Cups" song from "Pitch Perfect", along with some kids playing the cups while singing. It's not a holiday but it was a nice change of pace.

Hard to see her well, but Marissa is in the top row second to the end.

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!!

Still At It

Don't ask me where June went. I have no idea. I haven't stopped blogging. Just had nothing photographed to share. That's my downfall. Every.Time. 

When I'm on a roll the last thing I want to do is stop to take pics of my projects. OR the lighting is bad. Can't win. 

Today before attempting to work at my clean desk area, I wanted to snap some pics of Project Life pages back from week 19. I'm pretty caught up with it just haven't shared it. Yes, I am a slacker. Again.  I did try to take pics but they were coming out pretty "blah" so I trashed them all. I will have to find time tomorrow. 

Pinky swear promise. 

In other news, tomorrow is the last day of school! WOOOO-HOOOO!!! Finally! The day could not come soon enough. It just dragged on. 

You know it's a happy day when you make the last lunch of the school year. Today and tomorrow are half days. Not much time to do anything but the time flies quick before pick up. 

Marissa performed with her choir at tonight's middle school graduation.  Her time will be here before you know it. 

Feels like she just started her first year of middle school. Despite her many late nights of homework, I think she liked it. So much has changed for her this year and she's growing up. 

This weekend is Gianna's 9th birthday. She's got plans, some of which include going to Outback for dinner. One of the few places she actually eats!! She had a better school year than last year, and has changed for the better in some ways. 

Can't believe I've got a 4th & 7th grader as of tomorrow! 

As for now, I'm ready for the summer. Just wish Mother Nature would decide on the weather. It's been nutty lately! 

Birthday Weekend Re-Cap

Marissa's birthday weekend was fun-filled for a twelve year old.  Friday night I blew up balloons to fill her room with so she would wake up to a surprise.  It took awhile and a close call when she woke up as I was bringing them in (stinker!), but I managed to keep it from her. 

She said she knew to expect something but not a clue to what it would be....and she popped two getting out of bed!!

She got to open her presents in the morning and seemed happy with her goodies.  She requested all sorts of things ranging from giftcards to an alarm clock docking station for her iphone to Monster High dolls.  I knew not to get her clothes but I bent the rule a little and found some cute sandals for her...'cept they were the wrong size. (SO hard to shop for her size wise!).

(Photo edited with "A Beautiful Mess" app)

In the afternoon, we picked up a few of her friends and took them to Monster Mini Golf for some fun.  She didn't want a "party", but just wanted to "hang out" with her friends.  They had fun and after played the games in the game room. 

Gianna even got to bring a friend "her age" to keep her company, which she was thrilled about.

Afterwards we took them all out to eat.  Marissa chose "Chili's, and the girls all enjoyed themselves.  Little did Marissa know I asked the waitress to sing to her when her dessert came out!!  This was her face when she realized what was going on!  She was alternately smiling and giving us looks.  Too funny!

Of course we had to get some pictures with our favorite twelve year old once we got back home!  I think she had a great time!

Sunday, we invited family over for dinner.  While the weather didn't cooperate with our grilling menu, everyone had a full belly and a slice of cake. 

The look on her face says it all.  I am so proud of her and love her to infinity!!

She is Twelve

This girl has been experiencing independence and enjoying it...though she still looks for me. 

This girl has struggled adjusting to the amount of homework in middle school but has maintained great grades! 

This girl doesn't like to "follow" the "in" thing but marches to her own beat. 

This girl loves to read books and has even started reading teeny bopper type of magazines.

This girl wants a dog so badly. 

This girl loves to swim but isn't an outdoor type of girl. 

This girl is so smart and has advance math again for school next year. 

This girl loves watching NCIS as much as Joe and I do.

This girl is starting to spend time alone in her room like a teenager. 

This girl loves listening to music, unless I'm doing the singing. 

This girl has a model figure but isn't completely interested in shopping for clothes.

 This girl loves to talk my ear off.  She knows she can tell me anything and trusts me with her secrets.  And she has my heart.

This girl is TWELVE today.

Happy 12th Birthday Marissa!  

You make us so very proud!!  Love you always!!