tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63592407626603426232024-02-19T06:35:23.743-07:00Sippin' Sweet TeaJenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comBlogger471125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-62429081751111284922017-04-08T21:53:00.003-07:002020-06-05T11:11:01.389-07:00A Magical CelebrationAs unbelievable as it seems, our girl turned 8 today. Every year I have the same thought: <i>Where did the past year go? </i>It's true that life speeds by, so I am attempting to be conscious of savoring moments with her, whether it be reading at night before bedtime, or the hugs she always wants, or just watching a movie with her.<br />
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I wasn't as successful at this as I would have liked at her birthday party earlier today. We were so busy from the moment it started until the last kid left, but y'all ... that party was a blast!!<br />
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For the kids, it started a month ago with an owl post delivery ...<br />
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Inside the invitation was a Supply List and a ticket for the Hogwarts Express.</div>
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As the 'students' arrived, they first went shopping in Diagon Alley. All the major shops were represented: Madam Malkin's, Ollivander's, Eeylop's Owl Emporium, Flourish & Blotts ...</div>
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The across-the-street neighbor is an actual rocket scientist, and his daughter is head over heels for Harry Potter, so he BUILT HER A NIMBUS 2001. They were awesome enough to bring it over and let the kids have a broom ride while we were waiting for everyone to arrive.</div>
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Once everyone was there and had their school supplies, Uncle Dink <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Slytherin)</span> collected tickets and sent the kids through Platform 9-3/4 and into Hogwarts.</div>
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Next, the Sorting Hat put everyone into their houses. </div>
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... and then the fun <i>really</i> began!</div>
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The first class was Care of Magical Creatures. A Ravenclaw student won 10 points for his house by being the first to find the basilisk in his course book. After he read to us what a basilisk was, the students spent time painting their very own wiggly snake.</div>
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The next - and most entertaining - class was Potions. Grandma <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Gryffindor)</span> was our Potions Master. These kids had so much fun doing their experiments. </div>
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We had plans for a Charms class (balloons and wands and '<i>leviOsa not levioSA</i>' and lots of running around) but Potions was such a hit, and the Potions Master had so many cool things ready, that we just stayed in Potions until lunch time.</div>
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Part of they way into Potions class, Maggie had two surprise attendees:</div>
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Maggie and the Sisters have a mutual affection for each other. They love and adore her just as she loves and adores each of them, and it was so sweet of Sr. Veronica and Sr. Maria Alejandra to take time to acknowledge her special day. </div>
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The day wound down with lunch in the Great Hall, followed by cake and presents. </div>
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Everyone also had the opportunity to make their meanest face for an Azkaban prison poster.</div>
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As Sr. Maria Alejandra was going up for her turn, Jordan commented to Sr. Veronica, "I don't think she can make a mean face." I think we can all agree with that assessment :)</div>
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At the end of all things, as the kiddos were leaving and the adults were turning Hogwarts back into a home, all of us - though a bit tired and starting to drag - were each smiling and exclaiming how much fun we had that day. It's safe to say this party was truly a magical celebration.</div>
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Note: It must be unequivocally stated that this party could not have been possible without all hands on deck. A heartfelt 'Thank You!' to the fam for all of their help. Three deserve individual attention for their contributions:</div>
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* Nana gets the first and biggest shout out because, in truth, she did almost everything. I'm good at researching, designing, and printing on a computer. Nana is <i>awesome</i> at creating, painting, and making. She cut, folded, and glued Chocolate Frog boxes and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans boxes and wand boxes; bound course books; cut out and attached the Marauder's Maps; foam boarded all the shop signs; cut out labels and boxes for the Honeydukes candy (and made some it!). All the cool details - Hedwig flying over head, Dobby peeking out from the corner, the candles hanging from the ceiling - were all her effort. </div>
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* Grandma was an <i>amazing</i> Potions Master. I asked her a couple of months or so before the party if she would be willing to lead Potions, and if so, could I just turn it over to her. I had taken the experiments from Maggie's kit, but she also added in the fire snake and a lava bottle thing that was super cool. </div>
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* I am telling everyone reading this the key to a successful kids party:<i> Uncle Dink</i>. He is the best at getting into the party and playing along with whatever the theme happens to be. He helped in all areas at this party but his main gig that day was to be the Sorting Hat. (I hope there is a video I haven't seen yet because he was so funny!) He even pointed out all the little red-heads attending - "Is this another Weasley?" It was a highlight, and I heard kids chatting about how funny they thought the Sorting Hat had been. My brother has a gift for fun.</div>
Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-31298308187562103932017-03-31T15:20:00.000-07:002018-08-27T15:23:20.846-07:00Grandma<div dir="ltr">
My childhood memories are flooded with images of my Grandma.</div>
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I had a wonderful family, including an aunt and uncle whom I (still) love dearly, and cousins that I grew up with and played with and spent the night with, but my abiding memories, the stories I tell my daughter when she asks about my Southern years, are almost always about my Grandma.</div>
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I tell my girl the bedtime story Grandma used to tell me when I would spend the night. It's one she made up, about a fairy and an orange, and I know I'm not telling it as well as she did, but the love for her comes through that tale as my daughter listens. She loves the story almost as much as I did.</div>
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I remember eating out with Grandma and Pop at Cap'n D's. Riding in Pop's old green truck (just the two of us), or all of us in Grandma's Gran Torino. Grandma at her piano, her warble-y voice blending with the warm notes under her fingertips, her well-loved Baptist hymnal open in front her. Hiding under that piano when our parents came to pick us up because we were sure they would never find us there (every. single. time). Picking roses in her garden to take home, roses heavy with perfume and beautifully open. She would wrap our roses in a wet paper towel and tin foil so we could carry them home.</div>
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This wonderful, crazy, loving, cantankerous, beautiful woman has left this place for her heavenly home. She is missed more than words can express. </div>
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I love you, Grandma. I am so thankful that I was yours, and you were mine.</div>
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Until we meet again...</div>
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Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-91371382166182980182017-01-17T18:10:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:54:00.245-07:00<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58801252b80362556274301">
So, Parenting Fail # ... whatever<br />
<br />
Our girl lost her 3rd tooth yesterday morning while she and daddy were at daily mass together. They wrapped it in tin foil from the parish kitchen to keep it secure. They called me at work to share the news. Once home, they popped the little packet into her tooth fairy pillow.<br />
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Aaaand ... the tooth fairy got caught up in watching Doc Martin with her honey and FORGOT TO PAY THE KID.<br />
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Whoops.<br />
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Jorde called me today to tell me of our oopsie. Thankfully, The Girl wasn't upset. She theorized that maybe the tooth fairy couldn't see her tooth through the foil, and it should have been wrapped in tissue like we have done for her previous losses. So, we switched out the wrapping before bed.<br />
<br />
It worked! The TF saw her tooth! ... or the alarm on her cell reminded her ... or the call from her hubs reminded her ... Anyhoo, the girl got paid.<br />
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Making childhood magical is hard work.<br />
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Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-23558118060709500782017-01-14T18:15:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:54:11.128-07:00Best. Golf. Hat. Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-88759090970854229072017-01-11T18:26:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:54:19.879-07:00My Little ReaderPicking up my daughter's backpack to move it, I couldn't believe how heavy it was for only a 2nd Grader. So I looked inside. <br />
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4 books. For enjoyment, not class. That's a girl after my own heart.<br />
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Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-34053437674998921792016-12-28T18:30:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:54:36.756-07:00Everybody Got ChurchedAll the king's horses and all the king's men - including Aubie, Cam, and other Auburn footballers - went to mass today :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMD7t1TymG6zJ004JG0xzxJqb0at42qW4SAMqQDDFw1hQdtRgrALfM8N-A9M6wsZlOJqQfl6xWz_uaTn4Rlm0H1MRUstvTuEY09GaShgF2wSJcin-7jeUW24s-7Glkp419-C9Gpt4qY1H/s1600/20161228_124954_1482954744747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMD7t1TymG6zJ004JG0xzxJqb0at42qW4SAMqQDDFw1hQdtRgrALfM8N-A9M6wsZlOJqQfl6xWz_uaTn4Rlm0H1MRUstvTuEY09GaShgF2wSJcin-7jeUW24s-7Glkp419-C9Gpt4qY1H/s400/20161228_124954_1482954744747.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-55386455406376029032016-12-22T18:45:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:54:55.022-07:00Almost Christmas EveSomeone is "super excited" for Christmas!<br />
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Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-58093074380206184252016-11-26T18:50:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:55:07.532-07:00Iron Bowl ReadinessOoooh yeeeah, baby. Can we get a 'War Eagle'?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaW2MxCQqS05Lf1MU_-1e0cQb8loGZddjLF-EbKE30mWU3O3653FSdY3VZQgJLoOtjkcWVvkWDR3TORlAKL-OGmYSx66cBq21MZ0CnOGZRRS3qEowkWWkA806Ok65NoRGuM9qO4HzdW9Q/s1600/20161126_122134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaW2MxCQqS05Lf1MU_-1e0cQb8loGZddjLF-EbKE30mWU3O3653FSdY3VZQgJLoOtjkcWVvkWDR3TORlAKL-OGmYSx66cBq21MZ0CnOGZRRS3qEowkWWkA806Ok65NoRGuM9qO4HzdW9Q/s640/20161126_122134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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PS: All I want for my anniversary is an Auburn win!Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-26608811127262258282016-08-10T10:19:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:56:05.251-07:002nd GradeMaggie started 2nd Grade today.<br />
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I don't even know what to think about that. <br />
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She wasn't as enthusiastic this morning about school as she was the past couple of years. Though she was ready to see all of her friends again, she had entirely too much fun with the Grands this summer to relinquish it without a bit of pouting. And really, I can't blame her for that. Some of my fondest memories of childhood were with my grandparents.<br />
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Anyway, The Girl is going to school for exactly a day and a half before our little family heads to California for a quick little vacation and a wedding. Who can complain about that?!Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-70673214666155232362015-08-18T15:05:00.000-07:002015-08-18T15:05:25.584-07:001st Grade BeginsMy girl is officially a 1st Grader.<br />
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Notice I didn't say my <em>little</em> girl.<br />
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Her uniforms from last year still fit - she is wearing one today.<br />
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Her shoe size hasn't increased since mid-Kindergarten.<br />
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She still likes to snuggle with me, and sleeps with her Blanky and menagerie.<br />
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But she is <em>just</em> a bit older, and acts it.<br />
<br />
And is in a 'real' grade at school.<br />
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It all seems to be happening so quickly, though, and days like this - first days, days of importance - remind me that I need to slow down because time surely won't.<br />
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Today, my girl took another independent step towards being the amazing grown person she will one day become.<br />
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I miss my <em>little</em>, though. Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-36654239732118013912014-12-16T13:15:00.000-07:002014-12-16T13:15:05.125-07:00On Giving Intentionally<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas is right around the corner, and this year I have
tried to be more intentional about gift giving for our daughter. It is so easy
to go overboard with Christmas gifts, especially (I think) with an only child. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After these first few Christmases with Maggie, as we are slowly
being pushed out of our home by excess, I realized I needed some guidelines for myself when choosing gifts. Friends have shared the “Jesus got 3
gifts so you get 3 gifts” philosophy. Initially, I thought this was brilliant,
but I have struggled with the ambiguousness of just ‘3 gifts’. Me? I’m a
rule-follower. I like things clearly defined and ‘3 gifts’ leaves too much room
for <i>stuff</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Stuff</i> is not
intentional.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I went into the shopping season with this as my loose
guideline, though always hoping to come across a better philosophy for our
family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then I found it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is perfect in its simplicity and scope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i> One thing you want,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i> One thing you need,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i> One thing you wear,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i> One thing you read.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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There are so many aspects of this that I love (especially the fact that not everything is a toy) but the one I
really want to focus on is <i>‘One thing you need’</i>.
This made me realize that my intention to be intentional with
gift-giving had not yet reached the place it needed to be. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Maggie knows what Christmas is about. Just ask her and she
will tell you, “It’s Jesus birthday.” She has her own nativity set so she can
touch and play and learn. We have been
reading small sections of the birth story in her children’s bible each night at
bedtime. We observe the feast days of St. Nicholas and St. Lucia (though this
year was a miss with Lucy). I have a print out and am hoping our little family
can begin the O Antiphons in just a couple of days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are doing our best to incorporate Jesus and the Church
into every aspect of our Advent and Christmas, but I realized there is one
place they are glaringly absent: in our gift-giving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>‘One thing you need.’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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This simple phrase was my reminder that what my girl – our
family – needs is only Jesus. Gifts are a fun but unnecessary part of Christmas, so if
I want to be intentional with her gifts, I need to remember her spiritual needs
first. </div>
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A good reminder for us all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zDNkPOiTyLt5t_orX_bxVAEcoWeFzx7ErmkKqElkfxGXyvXrZZBHa34QU4nrp9TKgcQ17fj-CMssgfAkE1HmV9OEntPLj5xh26LV7fDV8hOWZBnwKACTteRoH08A2ozSH2C6g_S2i3yK/s1600/Nesting+Dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zDNkPOiTyLt5t_orX_bxVAEcoWeFzx7ErmkKqElkfxGXyvXrZZBHa34QU4nrp9TKgcQ17fj-CMssgfAkE1HmV9OEntPLj5xh26LV7fDV8hOWZBnwKACTteRoH08A2ozSH2C6g_S2i3yK/s1600/Nesting+Dolls.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A possible 'One thing you need' gift. My girl loves nesting dolls and these are beautiful Marian versions that will facilitate conversation as we play. Perfect!</td></tr>
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Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-71824803483380367972014-11-22T18:54:00.000-07:002017-01-18T18:56:17.696-07:00<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Watching <em>A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving</em> and <em>A Cricket in Times Square</em> outside with our church family. Grandpa is dressed for Buffalo.</span></span><br />
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<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><br />Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-27575862128270472602014-11-06T19:08:00.000-07:002014-11-11T19:39:33.316-07:00Same Report, 38 Years Later<div>
Parent / Teacher Conference - Kindergarten Edition</div>
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<em>(from Maggie's Mom)</em></div>
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Jorde and I were greeted warmly by Mrs. H, Maggie's Kindergarten teacher, as we entered her classroom for our 15 minutes of Parent/Teacher Conference. Though I know my girl is smart and sweet, I was still slightly anxious at the thought of hearing how well (or not) she was doing in school.</div>
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Mrs. H immediately began telling us how much she enjoyed having Maggie in her class. She sees our girl as an 'old soul' and told us how sweet Maggie is with the her school mates and how well she is learning, calling her 'very well-adjusted' and 'a happy kid.'</div>
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<i>(One quick little side story: Mrs H plays music in the classroom in the mornings as the children are arriving and getting settled for the day. On the mornings she plays songs by Matt Maher, Maggie inevitably runs up to her and says, "My daddy plays that song," which always makes Mrs. H smile.)</i></div>
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"This may be my shortest conference because I only have good things to say," Mrs. H told us.</div>
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We briefly touched on Maggie's arm. Mrs. H said she did really well with having the brace on her arm - Maggie knew just what to do to take care of herself (for example: at wash up time, Maggie would take off the brace, wash up and put it back on and didn't let anyone hurry her even though her washing up took longer). </div>
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(The Mommy's Perspective: my girl is blissfully unaware that however long it takes her to do a task may possibly impact someone else. She takes the time she takes, so you need to adjust.)</div>
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(Which kind of leads us to the next comment from Mrs. H...)</div>
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Her teacher commented that she is reserving her opinion on Maggie's handwriting for now as she thinks the brace has set her back<i> just a bit</i> with regards to handwriting (Mags switched to her left hand for a while, and was consequently writing her name backwards from right to left, E-I-G-G-A-M. After we realized it and got her to use her right hand again even with the brace, some of her letters - especially her E - would still be backwards from those couple of weeks using her left hand. It is slowly but surely correcting itself.)</div>
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As she is looking through her notes and Maggie's work, Mrs. H's only 'negative' comment (which she clarified wasn't really a negative) is this: "She's a little bit ... I would like to see her be ... hmmm ... not quite so pokey." </div>
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Pokey. She used the word 'pokey'. I grinned and chuckled a little. Jorde didn't say anything, just sat, slightly nodding his head. Mrs. H looked at us a little perplexed so I said, "We call her 'Pokey' at home. She's not an easy one to rush," and, cocking a thumb towards Jorde, explained "We joke that she looks like me and acts like him," then relayed his mom's story of their Kindergarten P/T conference ...</div>
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<em>(from Maggie's Grandma)</em></div>
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Our first Parent/Teacher conference! Jerry and I were confident that we would hear only <br />
glowing comments about our brilliant son. </div>
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Instead we heard: “Jorde is slow.” </div>
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What immediately leaped into my mind was mental retardation. It actually took me quite some <br />
time to realize that she meant he works slowly. A trait that apparently is genetic! </div>
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(I just hope Jorde and Jennie don’t have a déjà vu experience at their first grade conference: <br />
“Jordan is quite good at catching flies.")<br />
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<em>(back to Maggie's Mom)</em><br />
So, yeah. That apple didn't fall far from the tree. <br />
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And for the record, I'm not concerned about her wanting to learn to catch flies. Bugs are gross, you know. There is a bit of me on the inside, too :)</div>
Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-54780178761781018312014-08-19T10:30:00.000-07:002014-11-11T19:41:44.373-07:001st Day of KindergartenIt's just after 10 in the morning and I am trying to fill in the hours until school is out. I am ready to get my girl.<br />
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Today was Maggie's first day of Kindergarten.<br />
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<em>Wow.</em><br />
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{sigh}<br />
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I know it's cliché but ... <em>where did the time go?</em> It doesn't seem so very long ago that Jorde and I were sleep-deprived preemie parents, and now we have a Big School Girl.<br />
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When I went in to wake her this morning, I told Maggie, "It's your first day of Kindergarten and we have to leave on time, so don't lay in bed too long." She popped up out of bed in a hurry and went running into our room to tell Jorde, "Daddy! I'm super excited! Today is my first day of kindergarten!"<br />
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I pray she retains that excitement for school for many years to come.<br />
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As is usual for Maggie, she walked right in and started getting settled. She didn't really need me except to show her where her classroom was located. She is a confident girl and I love that about her. <br />
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I pray that stays with her, too.<br />
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She has a few friends from preschool in her class but asked this morning if she could make new friends, too. My girl has such a kind heart and loves meeting new kids.</div>
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I pray she never loses that kind heart and open, accepting spirit.</div>
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It is now 10:27am and, after checking their schedule, I know that Maggie and her classmates are in Reading right now. </div>
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Only 4 hours and 33 minutes to go ...</div>
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I think I can make it.</div>
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PS: I made it. At 3:00 my girl came running at me from her classroom with a huge grin on her face as she exclaimed, "Mommy, I had so much fun!" She was bubbly with excitement for the rest of the day, and any time she was asked <i>how was school?</i>, she would jump in the air and say, "It was awesome!" </div>
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Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-53939364430296354272014-07-27T21:30:00.000-07:002014-07-28T13:15:45.844-07:00The Noisy CricketTonight, as we are sitting in the living room at Grandma's house, getting shoes on and preparing to leave, a cricket begins to sing. The cricket is obviously in the room with us - it is too loud to be anywhere else. Maggie is instantly bothered by this fact and the questions of how it got in there and how it will get out begin immediately.<br />
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This continues on the drive home.<br />
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We finally convince her that the cricket will likely die because he won't be able to jump out of the fireplace as the flue is closed and it is much easier to jump down the chimney than up and out.<br />
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Maggie is not bothered by the death of this bug - it is loud, and a bug, so it garners no sympathy from her. I also do not know if she fully understands that it will die, and therefore <i>cease singing</i>, because her main concern is making the cricket quiet, even though we have left Grandma's and can no longer hear it. She goes over and over this dilemma until she formulates a solid plan:<br />
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"Maybe when Santa comes he can <i>squish</i> it."<br />
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Problem = Solved.Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-77054991272008567202014-07-22T11:50:00.001-07:002014-07-28T13:16:25.676-07:00An Unfortunate EventOur first experience in the ER with The Girl has officially occurred.<br />
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It definitely wasn't a milestone I wanted her to reach but 5 year-olds aren't always accommodating. I'm really hoping is was a first and <i>last</i> event.</div>
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Nana called me at work last Thursday (July 17th) about 10:40 in the morning. I could hear Maggie crying in the background as my Mom told me about a playground fall and an arm that hurts whenever it's moved. </div>
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Seems our fearless Girl was on the child's zipline at Tumbleweed Park and let go too early, reaching out for her Nana. She landed face down with her right arm under her hip bone. Elbow, wrist and fingers were all just fine but her forearm hurt whenever she moved it. I left work and met my parents at the ER (Jorde met us there, as well), where we spent the next few hours.</div>
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All things considered, Maggie did really well. There were lots of tears, and many scary looking things to see (x-ray was particularly difficult) but she made it through and had a smile on her face by the end of it (thanks, Nana, for the balloon glove people!). A quick trip to the Disney Store to pick a gift from Nana and Papaw didn't hurt things, either. (Retail Therapy works at all ages.)</div>
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Maggie slept fairly well that night. She woke up three times but I was able to help get her comfortable and back to sleep without difficulty. I was expecting it to be a long night for me and I was right. If only I could go back to sleep as quickly and easily as she does! All the emotions of the prior day coupled with having my Mommy Ears on 'High Alert' all night created a walking zombie the next day. I was beat by the time we got home from the D'backs game that evening with Grandma and Grandpa (we won!)</div>
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The Girl continued to do well throughout the weekend. There was some complaining of pain and achiness in her arm (she only had a splint on at this point), but she was a real little trooper and managed well. There was lots of extra snuggling, which I will always be happy about regardless of the reason. </div>
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First thing Monday morning was Maggie's appointment with the orthopedic doctor, Mr. Joe. I was so thankful to have as a resource a friend that Maggie is familiar with from church. She chatted everyone up as went through the process, and did much better with the x-rays Mr. Joe took after her cast was on. We discovered then that not only did she fracture the one bone we knew about, but she cracked the one above it as well. Disappointing news, but Joe assured us there should be no growth or healing issues. </div>
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Maggie will have another x-ray in two weeks to check how her bones are healing, and two to three weeks after that she will have her cast removed. It's very likely she will start Kindergarten with a cast which bums me out a bit, but I have been assured by parents who have "been there, done that" that Maggie will end up getting extra attention because her classmates will all want to know what happened to her. Basically, I shouldn't dwell on it because Maggie sure won't! </div>
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For the record, Maggie is looking forward to getting back on the zipline once her arm is healed. When I asked her what she was going to do when she got back on, Maggie replied, "Not let go." I guess we can file that under 'Lesson Learned'. :)</div>
Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-35343336788431459322013-07-17T20:52:00.002-07:002013-07-17T21:02:51.230-07:00Jump 'n' Jivin'The Cousins went on a little trip to Jump Street today with Grandma, Aunt Susie and Sandra. I'm supposing by the excited way she announced it to me as she walked in the door this evening that she and Blake had fun. They have such a sweet relationship and Maggie always looks forward to the days they get to play together :)<br />
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Check out Grandma's video below:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="385" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/70527244" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe> Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-74197426358142012742013-06-21T21:00:00.000-07:002013-07-17T21:02:10.092-07:001st Dress RehearsalI am in hopes that a copy of the actual show will be in our possession soon (and that I can rip Maggie's recital off of it), but until then, here is Maggie's 1st Dance Recital number. This is from dress rehearsal the day before.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="385" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/70528838" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe> Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-86745741355953772882013-04-24T20:36:00.000-07:002013-07-17T19:40:37.685-07:00Maggie Says Her PrayersWhen we were getting ready for prayers tonight, I was explaining to Maggie that praying is how we talk to Jesus, to which she responded, "I wanna talk ta Jesus."<br />
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This was her all-by-herself prayer:<br />
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<i>Dear Jesus, thank you ...</i> (mumble mumble) <i>... thank you for my fam-uh-ly, and for bwingin' my bed to my woom. My big girl bed. And, uh, Jesus, Mommy doesn't like me to, wants me to go up da stairs like I s'pose to but Daddy doesn't care if I mess around. Thank you for Kirwah 'n' Kaylen ... </i>(whispering in my ear)<i> Mom, I forgot to make Kirwah & Kaylen a cawd ...</i><br />
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It was at this point Maggie lost her momentum and had to be led to the 'amen'. While saying her prayer, she was laying in her bed, feet in the air, swaying them back and forth with Blanky (which, by the way, has recently become known as Sweet Blanky). All I could do was smile :)Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-33436999969778808852013-04-06T20:16:00.000-07:002013-07-17T20:53:02.839-07:00Maggie's Royal BirthdayAll the Princesses and Knights of the realm attended the 4th birthday of Princess Maggie today.<br />
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I think we can safely say this was the most involved party thus far, mainly because of the costumes my mom made (it is not a trend I plan to continue). Maggie began 'casting' her party months ago, and manged to get pretty much all of us into a costume of some sort. She drew her party inspiration from <i>The Sword in the Stone</i>, as well as from her favorite princess stories. For the record, Maggie chose the color of her castle - Nana and I were planning to go more traditional in our interpretation, but the girl wanted a pink castle, and it was <i>her</i> birthday, so a pink castle she got. I think it's safe to say that's the last cardboard castle Nana and I plan to build. Ever.<br />
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Princess Maggie had a blast, was thrilled to have a 'real' princess dress, and loved seeing all her friends. And just like Christmas, even though they played the games I had planned, the kids all preferred the cardboard box castle :)</div>
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And here is an overall video <strike>Grandma</strike> the Fairy Godmother took:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UD9AqRf1Sdc?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-53083882263060004792012-12-16T21:13:00.002-07:002014-07-28T13:18:05.074-07:00Dancin' Queen<div style="text-align: left;">
Well. Color us surprised!</div>
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After Maggie's lackluster participation in her school's nativity play the day before, we were not expecting much cooperation from her at the Christmas dance recital this morning. Jorde and I anticipated being the parents with the child that stood still (and possibly cried) during the routine.<br />
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What we weren't prepared for was awesomeness!<br />
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Just when I think I've got her figured out, Maggie surprises me. Again. You'd think I'd learn :)<br />
<i><br /></i><i> Maggie, </i><br />
<i> Mommy and Daddy are so very proud of you! Even though you were </i><br />
<i> a little scared, you stood up in front of the audience and danced with your class.</i><br />
<i> You were an amazing dancer! Good job, Bug.</i><br />
<i> Love,</i><br />
<i> Mommy & Daddy</i><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dPgbyzyE5Xw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-65325007635295774512012-12-14T19:59:00.000-07:002014-07-28T13:20:31.552-07:00Little Lambs Preschool Nativity PlayMaggie's preschool had their Nativity Play this morning. Let's just say we didn't have the most cooperative little lamb participating.<br />
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We are learning that, although our Doodlebug loves to sing, she is not a fan of being up in front of people.<br />
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(She thinks when people smile and laugh and clap, they are laughing at her. She actually said this to me. I've been working on changing her understanding of that, but I'm not sure she's convinced.)<br />
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So today, she sat on stage, sang two of the 8 or so songs in the program, and generally lolled around, laying back on her elbows and looking at all the other kids in their costumes.<br />
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When she came down from the stage after the show, she hugged my legs and fakey-cried. After asking her what was wrong, Maggie said "I don't yike da stage."<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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What do I say to that? We praised her for just being up there, and reminded her she wasn't alone but rather, was with all her school friends, and that her teacher was right in front of her, helping them sing, just like in class. She was less than impressed with our praise which isn't good because she will have to do it all over again this coming Thursday.<br />
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My Mother-in-law tells me Jorde had the same issue as a child (severe stage fright) so I am in hopes that Maggie, too, will learn to overcome.<br />
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As I was leaving, Maggie's teacher shared with me that she didn't know that Maggie could sing because she never sings at school. Then, just this past week, Maggie started singing one of their songs in class, on pitch and with all the words, shocking and delighting her teacher. If I've learned one thing about my girl, it's this: <i>Maggie does things in her own time and way, and it is not necessarily when you want or need her to</i>.<br />
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Apparently, I'm raising the girl-version of my husband :)<br />
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On their way to Nana's after the program, Jorde asked Maggie why she only sang 2 songs at the program. Her reply: <i>I don't yike doe's udder songs</i>. So, there ya go.Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-28405960188941241582012-11-29T08:30:00.000-07:002014-07-28T13:21:04.476-07:00Maggie SaysAs Jorde refilled Maggie's milk and handed it to her, he said to her, "Here you are, my dear."<br />
Maggie replied, <em>I not a de'ah! I a widdle gu'ul!</em>Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-24646338229440216312012-11-03T19:17:00.000-07:002014-07-28T13:21:56.120-07:00Maggie SaysHere are a few of the cute things that come out of my girl's mouth :)<br />
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<i>I don't need extra sweep. Yes, I don't! I have yots of injury! </i>(she always says 'injury' for 'energy', no matter how many times we have corrected her pronunciation)<br />
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<i>I yike candy, Mom, do I?</i> (she means 'don't I')<br />
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From the backseat on our way home, this is the question I was asked: <i>What did guide Santa's sleigh? E) a ostrwich, O) a whale, or E) a waindeer?</i><br />
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<i>Mommy, why are you wearing up-shoes?</i> (that's what she calls my high heels) or <i>I don't want to wear my up-shirt / up-pants</i> (short-sleeved shirt or shorts)<br />
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After getting a 'yes' from Daddy when she asked if they could go swimming, Maggie exclaimed, <i>I'm looking up to this!</i>Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359240762660342623.post-57371652747339443522012-10-31T20:31:00.000-07:002012-12-16T20:35:21.513-07:00Another Halloween, Another PrincessWhat can I say? My girls loves her princesses.<br />
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This year she chose Rapunzel (<i>Wapunzul</i> in Maggie speak). She told me I had to be Cinderella. (Thankfully, no good photographic evidence of that survived.) <br />
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This year, Maggie <i>got</i> Halloween. My normally shy-ish girl was running up to front doors and saying "twick or tweat!" without much prompting at all. Of course, it's the candy. She can never had too much.<br />
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About 45 minutes into the evening, she told us she was full and wanted to go home - no fussing or anything. As my girl likes to say, <i>easy peasy lemon squeezy! </i>I can't ask for better :) Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543163004855484123noreply@blogger.com