All Things What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Our New Year's Eve Baby turned SEVEN. We can't believe it either. Seven years of having our intelligent, book loving, ballerina around.

She loved her nano from all three of her grandparents.

And the Coraline doll, lunchbox and shirt from the rest of us.


After the lunch of her choice, Port Of Subs, we stopped by Build-A-Bear Workshop because Bella was determined to get Kata a bear for her birthday. I mean, she was determined. She even saved her allowance money. I know, she's four and a half but look at the pride on her face.


Kata also wanted to go see "The Princess and the Frog" so after the movie what is better than appropriately themed cupcakes??

I wish her many magical, princess filled moments and I know you do, too. There is nothing quite like getting a chance to celebrate your seventh birthday, at last.

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All Things Green Christmas.

Christmas Morning. Kata was the first one up and she's usually our last to rise.

She was quickly followed by Alex. Note the blue light coming through the windows. That's called "dawn". I'm usually not familiar with its lovely colorful tones because I don't greet it.

The kids were told they couldn't "touch anything". I'm sure that's a mantra repeated in many households on this particular morning. Of course in our house that phrase was followed by, "until Mama gets her coffee." You see, certain elves stayed up until 2:30 am or so it was rumored in our parts and they were very, very tired.

The Pickle Ornament was found. If you don't have a Pickle Ornament, it's just our way of deciding which child gets to open their present first. The Pickle Ornament is the last one placed on the tree by a very weary Mommy and Daddy before they go to bed on Christmas Eve. Look at Bella's expression? She's disappointed that she didn't find it. Don't feel too bad, she found it last year.

Oh, Santa remembered and brought the "black and white kitty". Yeah, we're glad it's not a real kitty.

And Alex got the Wolf Pack jersey he wanted. Kata got the Littlest Pet Shop toy she was coveting.

Can you tell from the blur of action that there was a lot of excitement??

And then...the BIG GIFT. Grandma Sandi generously bought us a Wii. WOW. There were shrill screams of excitement!!!

There is nothing like Christmas Morning which is mercifully followed by Christmas afternoon and that by definition contains a nap. At least it does at our house, for a couple of tired elves.

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All Things Christmas Pageant.

Oh, it's Christmas Pageant Time. Our fifth one and hey, my second one as eh gads, (informal) Director.

There's truly not too much to direct when you have talent like this at your fingertips. Note the expressions, yeah, method acting for sure.

Kata and Bella are on the far left (above picture). But, look at all the angels and stars. They are the youngest ones in the Pageant and truly my favorites. Shhh, don't tell the others.

Alex for the second year in a row, begged to play "the bad guy" - King Herod. Hey, he knew the Director, right?


Last minute instructions to the angels to "use your pretty, fluttery wings". Yes, that's me demo-ing the perfect angelic wave. My skating coach would be proud of that extension.

This is where I get a little emotional because you can't fake showmanship and our Kata has it. She loves being in the spotlight and on stage.

King Herod's Big Moment. He points out The Star and directs the Three Wiseman. For me, this just doesn't get any better.

When I get a moment to reflect on all the stress that December brings and then I see pictures like this, well, it's all worth it in the end. Isn't it?

Wishing you a moment of reflection. A chance to put things in perspective and to realize that it was worth the effort.

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All Things Big Sister.

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. " ~Amy Li

As an Only Child Mom who watches her children interact with each other every day, I find myself assisting in the negotiations of hourly battles and I have to admit that yes, I do grow tired of proposing treaty suggestions. But then there are moments like these, where I get a glimpse of what it would've been like to have a sister or a brother and I have to admit I get a little envious.

Kata's First Grade class was having a Polar Express Slumber Party at school and their super sweet teacher, Mrs. Gipe, suggested I come and help and oh, yes bring Bella along.

I was worried that Bella wouldn't behave. She is only four and a half years old but in her second year of preschool so she knows of at least some School Rules, right? Right.

I shouldn't have been stressed, Bella behaved beautifully, waiting her turn and watching patiently how all the other kids behaved. She fit right in. Kata assisted her whenever possible; showing her how to do things like, oh, make an ice cream cone into a frosting glazed candy tree.

It's these tiny little moments filled with wonder that I really need to pause and freeze in my mind when I'm telling them for the umpteenth time to "please, please, for the love of everything, put away your toys".

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