Monday, October 25, 2010

Nine is nifty, but still sometimes not so nice.....

Yesterday was Sophie's birthday party with her friends.  When we were planning it, I knew I did not want to spend a lot of money, and was racking my brain to come up with something that would still be fun.  We decided to try The Picture Show, which everyone I know refers to as "The Dollar Movie Theater".  This could be one of the best ideas I have had in a long time.  The price was so much less than any other "party place", the staff was great to work with, and the girls had a great time.  We met in the party room an hour before the movie, Sophie opened her gifts and the girls had cake and ice cream.  Then each of them got a kid's pack (small popcorn, drink and candy) and we were off to our reserved seats in the theater to see Toy Story 3, which was great.  (Even though I did miss the last 10 minutes because one of our guests could not hold it.  But I'm not bitter.)

Sophie was a great hostess, making sure all the girls had what they needed.  She was also impressive opening her gifts, she took the time to thank each girl, and had them come sit with her for a photo op.  The enthusiasm and genuineness of girls of this age is something to witness.  There is no cattiness, no hierarchy.  They all really like each other and that is nice to see.  



With friends Caroline, Natalie and Lauren

Wanted everyone to see the sweet card


Ann Amelia and Soph

Cool peace sign purse, filled with more fun stuff


Emily sneaking in some help with the candles

The only glitch in the day...Sophie's birthday presents are all currently in my bedroom closet.  She will earn them back one by one as she demonstrates respect and kindness toward her siblings and her parents.  After arriving home from the party, there were, shall we say..issues around letting our siblings see what we got, and attitude, selfishness and complete disregard for others reared it's ugly head.  Am hoping this will make an impact.  That will make being the mean mother all worth it.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Random-ness

Not really in the mood for a big long post, but did want to share these random photos that I just downloaded from my phone.  Terry surprised me with a new phone about two months ago, it is very early Christmas and birthday present.  Combined.  Which he knows is not allowed, but in this case, I will make an exception.  The phone is great, I can check email on it, surf the web (although quite slowly) text MUCH faster since I now have a QWERTY keyboard....all new stuff for me.  Plus the camera is as good, and sometimes better, than my regular digital camera.  Sophie loves it as she is able to take pictures and video ALL THE TIME.  If it is missing, I know who has it.  I love it b/c being able to check my email from the phone is a huge time saver.  Any activity that I or the kids are involved in does all their communication over email.  Being able to stay in touch without having to be at home is great.  Now when I do get home after school, I don't have to run upstairs to check my email, it's already done.  

OK, so maybe I did have a bit to say.  Those who know me are not surprised.  
Papa Bill's Shopping List, a Saturday tradition.

At Roswell Area Park, this was in September.

Pole slider

Favorite new neighbors, Hanna and Hailey.  Sophie falls right in the middle of them. 


Redneck fun in the backyard.

My dad made this stool for Sophie's teacher, it is a beauty, and she loves it. 

One of her many self portraits

Green Iguana

First time on a school bus, on our way to the Fall Festival at Timber Ridge.

Did you want some??

7:30 am art project, it's never too early for a little glue and scissors in Emily's opinion. 

Michael, you are TOO heavy!!

Sophie's bday lunch at school.  



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Back in Business!

I haven't posted since July, just pitiful.  And when I did come back to finally post, about a week ago, Blogger locked me out, b/c I couldn't remember my password.  Even more pitiful. 


Anyway, a lot to catch up on, but for today, just a few photos of Soph from last nights marvelous birthday dinner.   



Sophie starts opening her gift, which is wrapped in a shoebox from Terry's last new pair of sneakers.  It didn't occur to me that she would assume that's what her gift was, but she did.  The look on her face was priceless.  She looked at me and slowly said, "Sneakers....my gift is sneakers?  Really?"  She was trying so hard to be happy about that, but still incredulous that this was what we would get her. 

Of course Terry and I had to run with it.  He immediately said, "Well, you needed a new pair, didn't you?"  I chimed in, "Times are tough, I think new sneakers will be very useful."  She got quiet and kept on tearing the paper, and lo and behold....
 

Wii Mario Kart!  Just what she wanted, imagine that!  We all had fun playing that last night, and we also played tonight after the kids were in bed.  Think I'm getting better.  

A very happy birthday to my one of a kind daughter.  I am so glad I have had these nine years with you, and look forward to seeing you grow and change in this year to come.  Can't imagine what the future holds for you!