Super Bowl XLVI

Probably being a Dad of 2 girls your would think your chances of getting to enjoy a Football Game would start to diminish.  But think again. 

Football happens to be a great time for:

1 - Wearing Cute Clothing.  There are shirts designed just for the event and you better believe we each had one (some with coordinating hair accessories).

 2- Dressing up your American Girl doll.  There is no better reason to create a customized tee for your sweet doll and have her wear her sneakers that have been hiding in the back of the closet for so long.

 3 - Party, party, party.  Every girl loves a good party and especially one with a THEME!  Banners were sewn, napkins and plates matched and the food was delicious.

4 - Cheering. You will never find better cheerleaders for you team then the girls in your life.  We wanted to the Giants to win so bad.  We talked trash and cheered louder then all of NY... just for you.

All in all, I would say if you were a Dad of girls, you are the lucky one.  Your love of Football just moved to a whole 'nother level!! 

Way to go Giants.

Companions

At some point I realize that it is going to be uncool to hang out with your Mom.  But this past weekend I really wanted some buddies.  I got the girls and I tickets to see With Two Wings at the Tempe Center for the Arts.  The story was about overprotective parents who didn't want their child to get hurt experiencing the real world.  Well duh? 

 You give birth to these 2 little angels and love on them and then you are just supposed to let them grow up?  Seriously?  What cruel person came up with that plan? 

We had a good time.  The day before I pulled them around a quilt show, we ate overpriced hot dogs from a stand and sang loud in the car.  I will be thinking up more fun ways to disguise my hovering, overprotective instincts.  I plan on getting so good that they won't even know they are hanging out with me.   They will be begging for more Mom and me time!!! 

Lost a Toof!

Carissa Lost Her First Toof!!   For some reason I have become the official tooth-puller in the family.  Which is really odd because I get queasy just knowing someone is feeling queasy.  The only thing I can attribute me getting the job is the fact that I have smaller fingers then Dad. 

This particular tooth was kind of tricky.  From the outside it appeared to be just hanging there.  I kept thinking it was just going to plop right out.  But when I got ahold of the thing it was a different story.  The tooth was a bleeder - it held on for life and (cringing as I write this) I could feel the gums ripping away.  UGH!!  She was brave though (as usual - didn't cry).  Sometimes I think that is just not normal not to cry when there is pain... kids.

 This week also marked my first ever experience as a "Cheer" mom.  Hmmm.  Not quite how I envisioned the path for my daughters but - who am I to judge?  They worked there tails off for four hours during the week learning high kicks and dance moves.  I was impressed at how much they learned.  Mostly I was impressed that they can walk into a group of 50 girls and be part of something they don't know anything about. Then have the guts to get out and perform in front of a crowd at a High School Basketball game.  

Where did they get there their confidence?

"But blessed is {the Girl} that trusts in the Lord and have made the Lord {her} hope and confidence." ~Jeremiah 17:7

It has been a wonderful week.  I was able to sew a mini table runner and keep up with my work.  I feel accomplished :)

Twenty 12

We rang in the New Year in Flagstaff after a day of playing in the snow and swimming in the 'coozi.   I must say, it is pretty sweet just hanging out with my little family.  I would pick these guys over anybody else, any day.

Oh the RESOLUTIONS!!  On December 30th I had a list a mile long of things I wanted to accomplish, change and embrace in this New Year.  I am a girl who loves a goal. But wouldn't you know it?  On January 1st I couldn't remember a single one? 

For Christmas I got a Piano (well a 61-key keyboard).  I used to play when I was younger and I have visions of learning again and just sitting down and making beautiful sound come out. 

Except for I am really not sure, when exactly, I am supposed to accomplish this moment?  It feels weird to just drop the girls off at school, come home, drop my purse and start hammering the keys.  Do I wait until 11am after I finish that load of laundry and the house is really quiet?  I can't do it when everyone is here running up and down the stairs asking me if they can eat another string cheese. I have considered playing at night and turning the volume down really low... But anyways, for now, it sits, staring at me like a dare.

So onto Twenty-12.  The year is in full swing.  Back into Dance Classes and memorizing Multiplication facts (Audrey not me), saving money and menu planning.  Maybe I will write a little more this year.  You know, like I used to. 

I liked that.  It was good for me. 

Christmas Day 2011

I can not just pack up everything that is Christmas and not post about the day.  Because the day was wonderful.  The girls woke up and were so excited.  I don't think there is a better feeling when you can do that right.  Cinnamon rolls from Grandma, a warm cup of coffee on hand, and great anticipation.

The afternoon was spent in the warm Arizona sun.  Audrey "layed out" and Carissa and Daddy took a relaxing nap in the hammock.   We overspent on Christmas dinner but it was a good thing because Kris & Jarett and the girls joined us along with Grandma and Granpa. 

The night ended around a campfire, lots of cookies, and good glass of red wine.  ~ Perfection!

Joy of December

This December it took me longer than usual to get into the holiday spirit.  I know everyone has the holiday moment meltdowns but I was starting to think that I would just not feel "it" this year.  Then a few days ago my fog started to clear and I was able to refocus.  I began thinking that the Joy of Christmas was around me in a lot of little moments this year instead of one great big TA-DA moment. 

For starters we have not only got to see 1 Christmas performance - but 4!  Carissa performed beautifully with all the Kindergartner's. 

 Audrey performed with the show choir at 2 Holiday events and then again with the 3rd Grade Class at school.  She had a solo one night and just rocked her lines!

 We typically never go see Santa unless the line is short and we just happen to bump into him.  (One time we saw him and Mrs. Claus in their car...).  This year we lucked out and the girls even got to take a picture. 

 And, as I was going about not finding the Christmas Joy this little lady (we named her Candy Cane Jane) showed up and has been doing mischievous things daily.  Two days ago we found her on top of the fridge with the food coloring and she had dyed our milk green!    I owe her a big thanks for continuing to help keep the magic of Christmas alive in our home.

 No holiday season is complete without the Nutcracker Ballet in this family.  Grammy treated us, once again, to the special performance.  The girls looked beautiful and were so good.  They laughed at the Russian dance and were mesmerized by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

 We even arrived in time to listen to one of the dancers read the Nutcracker story before the show. 

In addition to all that we have been reading from our Advent Calendar and studying the bible every night.  It is something we have never done before as a family and the girls LOVE it.  Last night we learned that Joseph and Mary walked about 80 miles to get to Bethlehem - that is almost from here to Lake Havasu! 

It is clear to me now- 4 days until Christmas - that while I was so busy in my fog the Christmas Joy was happening without me.   I didn't even have to walk 80 miles to see the miracle - I just needed to look up - it was right here the whole time.

For the Record

Thanksgiving Weekend in Lake Havasu.  This was our 3rd year in a row.  We camped at Cattail Cove and the weather was so perfect.  I wish I had more pictures!  Mostly what I can say about it was that it just felt comfortable.  The kids felt at home and just played and enjoyed each other.   The food was delicious, as usual, and Audrey ate up the Green Bean Casserole.   We watched the old movies from the 60's and heard some great stories. Everyone came to our Campsite on Friday.  Matt, Suzanne, and Lola even camped for one night this year.  It was so fun to have them there.  Here are some pictures...for the record.  

Nothing better than a squeeze from Grandpa!!

Grandma & Grandpa

Hanging out in the Backyard Playhouse