sweet nothings

Spring Break Day 1

We had breakfast at Ronnie Mac's (Nora's choice). Maddie's 3rd breakdown of the morning by not wanting to share her sausage biscuit with Nora. 

After a quick rinse at the carwash...

We then went to Joann's where we picked up a treat for the girls (craft for nora. plastic dogs for maddie). We also bought two pieces of Star Wars fabric that Miss Mads picked out.

(not pictured are the small dog toys she got at jo's. instead she has an empty clinique makeup case)

 

A quick stop into Garden Ridge...was looking for a pretty outdoor rug bug instead found the makings for funnel cakes. yes please!

A stop at a few thrift stores with no finds. A stop at the quilt shop and Hancock fabrics (another piece of star wars fabric)...then it was time for lunch at Chili's (girls picked it because they wanted a chocolate shake). Home for a nap...then back out again for Hobby Lobby (craft supplies) and World Market (rug for front porch). A little time on the swingset, bathtime...then we had spaghetti for dinner and then a little tv time. 

We were all asleep by midnight.

The girls and I have big plans for crafting tomorrow! Can't wait!

until next time...

S

 

Taylor Swift with my Nora

A few months ago when the tickets went on sale, I bought Nora and I tickets to see Taylor Swift. I didn't tell Nora at the time because I figured it'd be better mentally not to have her ask about it every other day and plus I thought it'd be a fun surprise.

The week of Nora's birthday (september) we were listening to the Speak Now cd in the car and Nora said "can we please listen to something else?" I was a little surprised because she loves TS. Well, I asked her why she wanted it turned off and she said it was just she wanted to listen to something else. I asked if she could go see TS in concert would she want to do that and she said...No.

oh. wow. well. alrighty then.

Total heartbreak for me and disappointment.

So I told her that I had tickets for us to go see TS in October and would she want to go...she said "um no find somebody else. maybe you could take miss emily"

awww. ok...sniff sniff.

I said that was fine and ok no problem i'd find somebody else to take with me.

As the weeks have passed we have talked about the concert and who I might take. Two weeks before the concert Nora started listening to her TS cds a lot. Like daily. That's when I decided to go ahead and ask one more time if she wanted to go...this time she said YES!

The day of the concert we went to Justice and bought Nora a new outfit. Picked up take out to eat with Tim and Maddie and then off we went to the concert. 

IT WAS AMAZING! Taylor Swift is awesome. Her band is awesome. Her dancers are great too! The opening bands/singers were good too. It was just a great show!!

We left home at 5:30. We were at Cowboys Stadium and in our seats by 6:40.  Her face was so cute when Taylor came on stage!

Towards the end of the show Nora's excitement started to slip.

She leaned her head against me and dozed off for a couple of songs. 

She woke up for another couple of songs and then she said her tummy was hurting. Might have something to do with her eating like 2 bags of skittles.

I gave her half of an immodium and her tummy was still hurting...so by the next to last song she was flat out crying so we left. I wanted to stay for the final song Love Story but oh well. :D

We did miss all the traffic by leaving a bit early. Nora was sound asleep within two minutes of buckling into her seat.

I look forward to many more concerts! Nora and I have gone to some great shows like Cirque de Soleil OVO and Mary Poppins (totally amazing!) and the Wiggles (with my mom) and Disney on Ice...but this was the most exciting so far...I think...

anyway, I can't wait until we go to another one! Wicked (tim and i must go see that) and the Lion King are coming next year for the Dallas Summer Musicals and I'm for sure taking Nora to the Lion King. Maybe even Maddie. We'll see.

until next time...Stacey

**Don't forget to vote for me in the kitchen contest...you can vote daily! GO HERE***

 

Week of being bachelorettes...

Tim had to fly to Japan for a week so the girls and I are on our own! It's kind of exciting. Tim and I took the girls for breakfast and then headed for the airport Sunday morning.We figured it'd be easier to drop and run...Nora cried when we left. Maddie asked for quite awhile "where daddy at?"

The girls and I came home and crawled into our bed and watched Rango. Maddie took a nap and well, I did too. Yesterday afternoon I took the top off of the jeep and we hopped in...It was Maddie's first time in the jeep ever and she was pretty unsure about the wind and being so unprotected. Nora held her hand. By the time we went home yesterday evening, Maddie was singing and giggling...might have had something to do with the fact that it was dark but at least she was a bit more relaxed.

We went to see Captain America...it was good but a bit long. We had dinner at Rockfish. Got home put the girls to bed and snuggled up in my big bed with the nook and at some point completely crashed. We made it to school Monday morning...right on time. 

Monday (day 2) went pretty well. Maddie stuck to me like glue. Maddie rocked it at dance! So proud of her. She is really doing awesome especially being the youngest in the class! After school we enjoyed a nice trip to the dentist to have them check out the tooth I broke half off while eating popcorn at the movies Sunday. Super. i'll be going in on the 12th for a crown. stupid kernel.

I had to take the girls with me to orientation at Maddie's school. I was really worried they'd be a disturbance but luckily Maddie's teacher's little girl was there to help keep them occupied. We didn't get home until almost 9. Well after bedtime. It was not easy to get the girls to settle down. It was a rough night. Maddie kept waking up crying. Finally I picked her up and was bringing her to bed with me because I was afraid her crying owuld wake Nora. As soon as I picked Maddie up to bring her with me, Nora popped up and said I'm going too! They wiggled and giggled for awhile. I finally dozed off and woke to the sound of Maddie getting ice from the fridge. Seriously? It was pitch dark in the house...she's a nut. anyway. it was a miserable night of sleep with them. 

Tuesday (day 3) We managed to get out of bed after our crappy night of sleep (or no sleep). Made it to school on time. It's really weird dropping Nora off at school at 7:40. No stores are open except grocery stores, walmart or target. What are you supposed to do with that wasted time? Luckily I got online and was able to chat with Tim for a bit. He's doing good. He's tired and misses his girls. (me included :D ) probably wina too. There is a hurricane headed for Tokyo they are keeping a close eye on. Prayers would be good. 

I took Maddie to Meet the Teacher (she had the same teacher this summer at camp) but she enjoed playing with the other kids in her class. I think she's going to have a great year at pre-school. After meet the teacher I took her to adventure kids so that I could get a mani/pedi with my friend Emily...it was a much needed relaxing hour. She's good people and it was nice to visit! I picked up Maddie and she fell asleep on the way home. It was after one so I just drove around. Took a little drive down to one of the lake parks. Had the windows down and it was really nice. I was suprised there was a breeze. The lake is so low and we need rain so bad!

Maddie woke up while we were sitting in the carpool line...she cried and screamed the entire time and until we got home. I put her to bed and she sleep until after 5! Nora and I crawled on my bed while Maddie napped and watched tv. I fell asleep. Needless to say, Nora missed dance tonight. Sheesh. After Maddie woke up we went to interskate to put the deposit down on Nora's birthday party! She's so excited. A rainbow skating party and the best part...it's a private party meaning for two hours she and her friends will have the place to themselves! I better get busy with invitations and all that good stuff. The girls wanted Macaroni Grill for supper...um...they've changed their menu and not for the better. Horrible service and we usually enjoy going there. By the time we got home it was bedtime. Nora cried. Maddie just laughed and laughed. She's a nut. I read them a book but Nora went to bed mad because she was just not tired...she was alseep within 20 min. Now it's my turn...off to bed. 

I'll leave you with this...It's for Tim. They wanted me to send this to daddy for them! Little Monkeys.

until next time...S

 

A day of firsts...

Today was the first day of school for Nora. First Grade. A new school. Yikes! Up until a few days ago Nora was not excited. Truthfully you could say she was downright negative and ugly about starting school. But after the principal took her for a little tour, meet the teacher and finding out some old friends were in her class...she seemed to change her mind and attitude. You might say she got a little excited about starting school. I have tried to remain calm and upbeat about school. I've talked positive about the new school, her old friends that will be there, yada yada. Nothing I did seemed to help. But I guess Mrs Mattingly said something right.

Nora walked right into school, gave Ms Hood some flowers (yeah i'm a brown noser...thanks David :D ) put her stuff in her locker and got right to business. She pushed me to the side and whispered "you can go now" I snapped a few more pictures and left. I really just wanted to hug my baby and tell her how much I love her and that if she hates it or if somebody is mean then she can just call me to come get her...but I walked out of the room and down the hall. The pledge of allegiance was being said. At that moment it hit we were really in big school. I started to cry. Luckily our friend and neighbor (a police officer) was at the door as I was leaving. He gave me a hug and let me cry for a minute. Standing in the hall in front of the office with people looking on probably thinking I am a total whacko. I don't care. My baby started first grade today and tomorrow she'll be going to her first prom and getting her driver's license and graduating from high school and I'll still just be looking on and crying because my baby is just not a baby any more. 

I had a breakdown the other day...it just hit me really hard that Nora was starting first grade. She's turning 7 in just a few weeks. Life is changing. She's growing and changing. Exploring who she is and the world around her. It's a good thing...a wonderful thing but it ain't easy for mama!

I think mostly my breakdown had to do with my mom. She would be so absolutely proud of Nora. Nora was mom's lifeline. Her "mini me". Another kindred spirit. They were two peas in a pod. Throughout the meetings with the teacher, school nurse and principal...I just kept thinking about my mom. How she would handle the situation with Nora's peanut allergy and how the school handles it. I wish she were here to give me words of wisdom or comfort or something...it's not easy dealing with a life threatening food allergy and letting your child walk into a school for 7 hours a day in somebody else's care. It freakin' sucks.

When the principal took Nora around the school last week, I walked into the school library and had an overwelming desire to just pull a stack of books off the shelf, sit in the middle of the room, read the books, and cry. Mom would probably have called Nora the night before school and asked if she was ready...give her a pep talk and tell her what an amazing little person she is and that she would do great. Luckily my sister took on that job and gave Nora a great pep talk! 

While I know this day was hard for me because I was letting my baby go to first grade...it was even harder because I would've given anything to have dialed my mom's number and hear her voice comfort me after leaving Nora at school. I needed my mama today. Most days I'm ok. Today I needed my mama. I know there are always going to be days like this. It doesn't make it any easier. Today I needed the reminder my friend Leah gave me this morning when I told her that I missed my mom and that I wished mom was here to see Nora...she is here. She's with us in spirit. There is a little bit of her in me and for sure in my nora. My mom is with us and I know she is so proud of our sweet girl.

Maddie and I met our friends Leah and Evelyn for breakfast. The girls had a good time being silly while Leah and drowned our first day of school boo hoos in pancakes and syrup. It was a great distraction! :D

As for another first...Maddie started dance today. She has been so excited. We bought new tap and ballet shoes for her and a special new tutu that Maddie picked out at the dance store. She has been non-stop telling everybody about dance.

She did awesome! My biggest fear was the Maddie might turn shy and be a bit timid in a new environment with new friends. But she got right in there and participated with the other girls. She is the youngest of the group but other than the paci in her mouth you couldn't tell. She even showed Nora tonight what she learned at dance. She also proudly told Tim when asked what she did today " i went to dance"

I did try to take the paci away before class started...but as you can see that didn't go over real well. she came out of the class dug in my purse and said i need my paci. she got it and went right back into class. super.

So that's it...a great day. We met some friends for ice cream and barnes and noble after school. That was so fun! I asked Nora about her day when she got in the car this afternoon. She seemed excited and had a lot to tell. She said that lunch was just ok. She doesn't like having to sit at a special peanut free table. She thinks it is stupid to go outside for recess when it is this hot because she sweats and it messes up her hair. PE is the dumbest thing she's ever had to do. She said that first grade is just ok. I asked her to describe her day in one word. She said "Fine Fantastic...well sort of". Hopefully tomorrow will be a great fantastic day!  She goes back to dance tomorrow night and here's hoping musical theater is exactly what she hopes it'll be!

until next time...S

Happy 4th of July!

This has been a pretty low key but fun weekend. Friday afternoon we met Tim at the movies for Nora's choice...Green Lantern. We had a little mexican food for dinner and then watched movies when we got home. While we watched movies I finished painting and distressing the hutch. Dining room should be back together this week! I can't wait!

Saturday we went to a mall for a little shopping...had cheesecake factory for dinner...yummy! Then we tried Sugar Queen Cupcakes...while I loved the icing on the red velvet cupcake and I really liked the chocolate icing...I didn't really care for any of the cupcakes and we tried three kinds! I'm just not a dense cake fan. I'm not even a Sprinkles fan! The girls road the carousel...which they seem to think they need to ride every time we hit that mall!

Sunday Nora and I were supposed to go on a date...but at the last minute Nora changed her mind and decided to go to the lake with Tim and Maddie. My feelings were a bit hurt at first...but Tim's gone a lot with work and the girls don't usually get to go to the lake and such with me (too dang hot!) so it was fun for the three of them to do something together. While they played I did a little shopping alone! Niiiiice!!

Today we did some swimming and at one point were planning to put a brisket on the grill but decided to skip that and just go to Chili's where the kids eat free today! While Nora and Tim swept the garage and worked in the yard. Maddie cut fabric at the table (she loves scissors) while I made the girls red/white/blue outfits. I made Nora a skirt and matching tank top. Maddie got a ruffle bottom romper. Both outfits turned out adorable even if I do say so myself.

 
I had great plans to take pics of the girls in their outfits...but the best laid plans and all that...Surprisingly both girls made it thru dinner with no food on their clothes. We decided to take the girls to Nestle for cookies/ice cream and to Barnes and Noble. Nora has a a BN giftcard and she wanted to buy herself a book light. Tim said we should run into BN first...so we did. That's where M's outfit with to the crapper...Yep, she had a blowout. I didn't have any wipes or diapers in my purse because I had my child-free purse from my day of shopping. So while Nora and I checked out Tim took Maddie to the car to change her because we ALWAYS have diapers in the car...

 
We met Tim and Maddie outside to find Maddie in new clothes and going commando. Yep, no diaper. Since we had promised them ice cream we had to walk down to Nestle before we went home. So far so good...no accidents. Maddie even asked to go potty while we were in Nestle (not that she did anything but at least she asked)

 

 

So smart people would've eaten their treat and gone home...but we evidently aren't smart. Because after we walked out of Nestle the girls started begging for the fountains. Ok...5 minutes. This is where Nora's outfit went to the crapper...well she got soaked! Yep...5 minutes and we were on our way home. Sheesh!

 

 
 

My crazy life...I truly wouldn't change it at all! Hope you enjoyed your weekend. Happy 4th!

until next time...S

 

Pretty Blue Bathroom Reveal!

Here it is...I love it and the girls love it too! I'll post in the next day or two with the details about what I did and where everything came from! :D Hope you enjoy!

Today I'm sewing for babies Brylee and Jaxson...later I'll be taking my girls shopping and to a movie! Have a great day!

until next time...S

 

 
 
 

 

More soon!

DCC Camp

Nora has asked previous summers if she cold go to Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Camp. Up until now she hasn't been old enough. But this summer...she was able to go to her first camp! She had a blast. I thought for certain she'd be nervous but she walked right in, put her bad down, waved at the girls and said Hi I'm Nora. yeah, pride and sadness rolling thru mama as she watched.

 
 

 

 

 

It was a three day camp and on the last day the girls performed as did the 4 cheerleaders that had instructed their camp. Nora said after it was over that she would probably want to do it again next year! So fun! She said her favorite part was learning to do high kicks. She might just follow in aunt patty's footsteps and go for drill team one day :D

 

 
 

 

 

I had tried to get a picture of the girls together inside. Maddie would have no part of it. Sometimes it's better to let it go than to force that child to do something. So before we got in the car, I tried again...as you can see it didn't work. oh well.

Anyway, I highly recommend the DCC camp. Nora loved it!

until next time...S

 

I've been very MIA.

Oh my goodness. I knew it had been quite awhile since I had blogged, but I hadn't realized it had almost been 2 months! Yikes!

Since Mother's Day (the last time I blogged) much has happened!

Our sweet friends E and N had a baby girl Elise. They asked me to be a part of that day and take pictures...it was almost as amazing as the day my girls were born. Sharing in that day and all the special people surrounding them was just wonderful! We are so blessed to have such sweet friends and it truly meant the world to me to be a part of Elise's birth day. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It was just an amazing day and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it!

My oldest child graduated from kindergarten...big cry! Really, she's going to be a first grader??? I don't like the sound of that. But I am so very proud of her. She's an excellent reader, smart and funny. I'm so blessed to call her mine!

 

 
 
 
This is a picture of Nora and her best friend Jack with their teachers. They met their first year of preschool. They stayed in the same classes thru kindergarten. They are both not happy with the fact that they will be at different schools for first grade :(

Also Nora performed in her fourth dance recital. This was her first recital to have numerous costume changes! It was exciting and a lot of fun. I'm so proud of her. She is just an amazing girl!

 
 
 
 
 
Ok...I think that just got us through May...I'll blog again soon with June! :D

until next time...S

 

Alice party in the works...

It's coming together slowly but surely!

There for a time I thought it was all going to hell in a handbasket or more like...a party at chuck e cheese instead of a pretty alice in wonderland party at our house.

I never thought *save the date* notices were that important until now...Luckily I sent out save the dates because the party invites didn't go in the mail until today. Thanks to my mamaw for doing the Alice silhouette for me. Have I mentioned how talented she is? I have one of her oil paintings in my dining room :D

 

Bright colored tablecloths have been found (thank you molly) and thanks to a sale and coupons at joann's i'll also have black and white polka dot tablecloth.

 

thank you goodwill for offering cups and saucers for 59 cents each piece! I think I have about 20 cups and 10 saucers. i'm steadily spraying them in the 4 main party colors. i'm planning to stack them and use them for various table decorations.

 
have i ever mentioned that spray paint is one of my best friends?! I picked up these two candle sticks for half of $4.99 at a thrift store. I also have two cake stands that are in the process of being painted!

 

I picked up these frames at Hobby Lobby on half price. I'm planning to use them as placecard holders. I found a mad hatter looking hat in some clip art. so i'll probably use that for the boys and a bunny or alice for the girls. i'll share pics once i have that figured out.

 

We made a quick trip to party city (thank you nora for overcoming your fears and entering that store) and found the flatware, cups, plates and napkins.

 

These cupcake cups came from michael's...oh how i despise that store. i'm sure at some point i'll share my little incident from today. i will not be returning michael's again.

 

I had to go to michael's for these flowers because they had the colors i needed and the great price...i still need some turquoise flowers and i'm heading to hobby lobby to check there. i only need a few!

 

I saw these little figurines at hobby lobby and thought they were a must for the table decorations. I'm going to spray them to match :D

 

I've picked up flowers and feathers and pinwheels....and even a bunny because nora said there is a march hare in the story!

 

 

I ordered flamingos for the yard...we are planning to play croquet!

 
I also found these clear and white polka dot balloons which i'll have filled with a balloon inside in the colors of the party. I realize balloons aren't really the thing but i lvoe balloons and in my opinion a party isn't complete without them :D

 

I figured that even though I'll have cupcakes and jello and pizza and pigs in a blanket and candy and cookies that we should probably have something other than croquet and the swingset for the kids to do...so we must have a craft! I saw these when I was searching for some things online...I couldn't pass them up! They came from oriental trading. I've only purchased from them once and it went well but I've also heard of so many people ordering from there and having issues. I ordered these yesterday and got an email today saying they shipped...hopefully they will arrive in good condition and on time!

 

I am so excited about this party! I've got family coming in and friends coming over and it's going to be so fun! I only hope the weather cooperates and that everything comes together like I have in my head! :D

I tore my living room apart a week ago thinking that I'd repaint it last week...unfortunately i've been sick for the past week and am just now starting to feel human again. MY throat still hurts like the devil and I sound like a 85 year old smoker with this horrid cough! But I have a painter coming tomorrow to paint the living room. This is a first. We are such do-it-yourself-ers that we never get help! I just had to do it this time. I'm so excited. Fingers crossed that SW Killim Beige looks good and that I'll be putting my living room back together by the end of the week!

While I am blessed to be planning and celebrating My Madelynn's 2nd birthday there are those that are going through tough stuff! You know I'm always asking you to pray for somebody...usually a child. I want to remind you to continue your prayers for Kate, Madie, Levi and Charley Rae. But I'd also like to ask you to keep a friend in your prayers as she has some tests run in the morning...God is good...All the time!

And just one more...this little girl Maddie has been diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant brain tumor called DIPG. Each day is even more precious than before for she and her parents. Please keep them in your prayers. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/madeleinejames/journal

until next time...

Stacey

 

 

The tooth fairy is coming to our house...

It's official.

Nora lost had not one but two teeth pulled today. *sigh*

 

It was all such a blur and happened so fast! My baby is growing up! The other day she was complaining about a tooth hurting or feeling weird. Took a good look and guess what we found...not one but two of her permanent teeth coming in on the bottom. Great. Needless to say, none of her baby teeth were loose or even close to being loose.

 
 

Today she went to the dentist and they did a panoramic xray. all of her permenant teeth are there...and it looks like only the bottom teeth are the ones that aren't in the right spot. Her upper teeth look to be where they should be and so she should lose those on their own. We will probably have to pull at least two more of her bottom teeth. But we'll see how it goes!

 

So there you have it...Miss Nora has lost her first two teeth! We weren't prepared! I'm going to have a make her a tooth fairy pillow tonight before we go to bed!

until next time...Stacey