Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Yes, she is indeed dressed like Cinderella and singing “John Brown Had a Little Soldier.” Why do you ask?

Please excuse our mess. I haven't cleaned much lately.

<object width="400" height="302"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1841047&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=01AAEA&amp;fullscreen=1" /> <embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1841047&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=01AAEA&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/1841047?pg=embed&amp;sec=1841047">Untitled</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user171829?pg=embed&amp;sec=1841047">c525600</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&amp;sec=1841047">Vimeo</a>.

Monday, September 29, 2008

it’s one of the most wonderful times of the year

Things I love about fall:
<ul>
<li>pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks</li>

<li>my mom’s pumpkin crisp</li>

<li>Must See TV</li>

<li>festivals and craft fairs</li>

<li>roasting hot dogs and marshmallows</li>

<li>sweaters</li>

<li>school pep rallies</li>

<li>beginning Christmas shopping (roughly translated to mean: start making lists and preparing for Black Friday)</li>

<li>Daylight Savings Time</li>

<li>planting tulips and anticipating how beautiful they'll look in the Spring</li>

<li>hot chocolate with little marshmallows on top</li>

<li>ghost stories and hay rides</li>

<li><a href="http://www.dcfair.com/">The Dixie Classic Fair</a></li>

<li>pajamma pants</li>


</ul>

stuck on repeat

Ever since Friday I have had the song below stuck on repeat running through my head. I usually hate when songs get stuck in my head, but I suppose this time there could be worse things replaid over and over again. Like the last time this happened I believe it was something like, "they're two they're four they're six they're eight, shunting trucks and hauling freight, red and green and brown and blue, they're a really useful crew..."

Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me on magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You

To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your disciple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you

a growing vocabulary

We have this set of 12 little itty bitty books all of them about Sesame Street characters. They came in a box set with a carrying handle and Jules like to carry them around and take them in and out of the box repeatedly. She knows each book by heart already and will sit and "read" them to herself several times a day if she sees them sitting nearby.

One of the books is about the sounds on Sesame Street. Julianna loves this particular book because she can make the loud sounds and she thinks it's funny. On one page it says, "Bam! Bam! Bam! Oscar's hammer goes Bam!" and she reads this one enthusiastically.

One day last week my mom was keeping Jules while I was working. She heard her from the other room saying, "Damn! Damn! Damn!" over and over again. I can only assume this came from the Sesame Street book and she mixed the words up, but of course with a toddler nothing's ever for sure. Anyway, my mom asked her what she was saying and she repeated it several times while slamming her hand down. So then my mom asks her, "Julianna did you hear your mom say that? Where did you hear that?"

And Jules replied, "My teacher say that."

Saturday, September 27, 2008

thirty months

Dear Julianna,

Thursday you officially turned two and a half. So far in your ripe old age you’ve aspired to be a billboard painter, an astronaut in space, a cooker with three - no five – yellow knives, and a firefighter with hot coals in your mouth that might burn you. I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA where you get these things, but I swear I’m not making them up and I know they sounds dangerous, but what can you do, right? These are things you’ve actually said you want to be when you “grow bigger”.

<img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc05776small.jpg" alt="Jules the firefighter" />

<img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc05780small.jpg" alt="see my fire truck?!" />

You’ve also decided you want to be a princess for Halloween. To be honest, I’ve always dreaded the day that you become obsessed with princesses and fairies and all things girly. It’s not that I don’t want you to be those things, it’s more that I’ve never wanted you to be obsessed with them like most little girls spend some time being. You don’t seem to be obsessed with Disney characters YET and it’s actually kind of adorable to see your eyes light up when you talk about your Cinderella dress and being “a pretty, pretty princess.” Last night I went to a ladies thing at church and you and daddy spent the evening playing dress up. You have a good daddy, Jules. I know we both know that. I just wish I’d been here last night to take the pictures that prove it. :)

<img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc05818small.jpg" alt="Cinderella girl" align="left" />



You simply adore the two little boys we keep every afternoon after preschool. You love to go to their house and you HATE to have to leave to come home. You scream and cry every time I tell you it’s time to go home. One day you were riding on your tricycle in their driveway and I was trying to get you to come to the car. The little boys were still riding their bikes and you wanted to stay and play so badly that I had to go over and physically lift you off the tricycle and put you in the car. The only thing was that you are smarter and stronger now. When I picked you up you locked on to that tricycle and it came with us. It took A LOT of convincing to get you in the car so we could leave. And just the other night after we got our hair cut we went to eat dinner at the local Mexican restaurant and in the car on the way home you said that next time you wanted two booster seats. After asking you about that I found out that you wanted two booster seats the next time we went to the Mexican restaurant, one for you and one for M (the younger of the two little boys) so that he could eat with us next time. Too cute.

You’re unfortunately cutting another molar and therefore sucking and chewing on your hands and fingers ALL THE TIME. I don’t know if the thumb sucking you’re occasionally doing now (very rarely) is because of the tooth coming in or if it’s more from the fact that both of the boys we see every day suck their thumbs. Regardless you do tell me pretty often that your teeth hurt and I wish I could take that pain away from you.

<img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc05793small.jpg" alt="pretty, happy girl" align="right" />

I noticed a new way you’ve been talking this month too. You said something about a family you know that has birds, cats and dogs, rather it’s something like five birds, three cats and one dog. When you were speaking about them you said, “five cats and one <strong>dogs</strong>, uh no, five cats and one <strong>dog</strong>” and I was pleased that you corrected your own grammar. You’ve apparently picked up on pluralization.

You’ve also begun to torment me with the WHY? phase. It is almost more exhausting than it was chasing you right after you learned to walk. The endless questioning is so draining that it can turn an otherwise decent day into a taxing, extremely weary afternoon of discussion and nonstop conversation. It is hard not to snap, Doodlebug, but I’m doing my best because I know that’s how you learn.

<img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc05794small.jpg" alt="all smiles" align="left" />

You’ve had a great transition back into preschool this year (even though it’s an entirely different school). You seem to really love at least one of your teachers. While I’m not entirely impressed with the school itself, you do seem happy there and you are growing and learning so I’m not going to have you change schools just because they don’t seem as organized there as they did at your preschool last year. You did take Lucy the first couple of days which helped tremendously I think. You also peed in your pants the first two days of school and since that hasn’t happened in forever (and it hasn’t happened since) I think it was just because of the new routine you weren’t sure who to tell when you needed to go and you hadn’t developed a trust yet for your teachers as full caregivers.

<img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc05822small.jpg" alt="playing dress-up - fairy costume" align="right" />

The cutest part of your school experience so far this year has been the use of the drop-off/pick-up lane. It’s amazing! I pull up and a teacher helps you get out of the car and points you down the hall toward your teacher. You walk all the way down there with your little backpack on just like the big kids and I’m so impressed by your ability to follow directions and not be afraid of being independent. It's hard to watch you walk away all by yourself, but I know it's good for you too.

One day Nanna had to pick you up from school and she got there early since she wasn’t sure she’d be able to find the place. She sat in her car for a little while with the windows rolled down and she saw your class out taking a “nature walk.” She said you were all walking around holding on to the “bug rope” and the teacher would stop you all every few feet and point out something else that God made. You would all sing, “God made the trees, God made the trees, God made the trees and God made me” or something like that. Anyway, Nanna said she could hear you singing every word and she said towards the end she decided to get out of the car and walk toward your class and as she was doing that the teacher asked, “What else did God make?” Apparently, when you saw Nanna you answered loudly, “Nanna!” And the teacher said, “Yes, Julianna. God did make your Nanna.” When the teacher told you to wait and stay with the class as you walked back inside to get packed up for the day, you listened and followed her directions nicely.

<img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/dsc05824small.jpg" alt="fairy princess" align="left" />

Jules, I am so proud of all that you’re learning and doing and saying. You may be two and a half, but you’ll always be my baby. I love you unconditionally and I will forever and always. Happy Half Birthday!

Love,
Mama

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

what have you been doing?

<strong>My day last Tuesday:</strong>
wake the toddler and leave home at 5:30am
dress 3 children and run my preschool shuttle service from 7am-9am to drop off 2 children
home to shower and eat quick breakfast
dentist with 1 toddler 11am
quick lunch
work 1-5pm
home to unpack Chez Ami shipment

<strong>My day last Wednesday:</strong>
preschool dropoff 9am
meet with a lady for a Craigslist sale 10am
try go by Diet Center for salad dressing, etc but they're closed
get gas
preschool pickup 12pm
quick lunch and stop by to see sister12:30
work 1-5pm
make fruit salad and muffins 5:30-6pm
Journey Group 6:30-9pm

<strong>My day last Thursday:</strong>
make some party invitations 8:30am-10:30am
lunch meeting with Journey Group Pastor at our church 11am-12:30pm
work 1-5pm
quick dinner
Chez Ami party 8-10pm

<strong>My day last Friday:</strong>
preschool drop off 9am
Chez Ami party 10-12:30
quick lunch in car on the way to work
work 1-5pm
quick dinner
Chez Ami party 6-8pm
Mom's Night In at friend's house 8-11pm

<strong>Saturday and Sunday:</strong>
Chez Ami parties both days and then order entering
fortunately a <em>*little*</em> extra sleep

<strong>My day Monday (today):</strong>
preschool dropoff 9am
quick stop at Diet Center to pick up salad dressing, etc.
UPS store to send Chez Ami clothes back
gas/errands
consignment shop to drop a few things off
preschool pickup 12pm
quick lunch stop at park
work 1-5pm
5 'o clock traffic
quick dinner
tutoring 7-8:30pm

<strong>My day tomorrow:</strong>
I haven't really been able to think that far ahead yet. I know at some point this week I have a doctors appointment and I need to find time to make at least 10 more sets of cards (10 cards per set) for my first craft show of the fall season which is this Saturday.

Someone send help! Quick! Before I fall over!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

sorry

I can't really blog right now. I am swamped! I haven't stopped since this past Monday morning and I still have plenty to do through Monday night. I just wanted to drop in and say that I'll be back soon. I am really missing blogging and cleaning out my Google Reader (that has about 400 unread entries in it right now - gulp!). But for now I have to go do some more <a href="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/blog/2008/09/04/up-to-4/">Chez Ami </a>stuff. I will say that I am kind of surprised at how well these clothes sell in my area. It is not hard to have a successful party with this stuff because it is just too cute. If you are interested please let me know!

And just in case you were wondering, this is what my gorgeous daughter will be wearing this fall/winter:

<a href="http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=blizzard&pathcode=f8shop&sessionid=2GP0LLUAX2204"><img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/blizzard6m.jpg" alt="Blizzard" /></a>

<a href="http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=f8halloween&pathcode=f8shop&sessionid=2GP0LLUAX2204"><img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/halloween3m.jpg" alt="Halloween" /></a>

<a href="http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=Marmalade&pathcode=f8shop&sessionid=2GP0LLUAX2204"><img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/marmalade1m.jpg" alt="Marmalade" /></a>

<a href="http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=Peppermint&pathcode=f8shop&sessionid=2GP0LLUAX2204"><img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/peppermint15m.jpg" alt="Peppermint" /></a>

<a href="http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=Posy&pathcode=f8shop&sessionid=2GP0LLUAX2204"><img src="http://www.aisforbeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/posy3m.jpg" alt="Posy" /></a>

Thursday, September 4, 2008

up to

<strong>Recouperating:</strong>
I got back from the beach Monday afternoon after a long bachelorette weekend with my sister and some of her friends. It was a lot of fun, but made me realize how old I am getting to be. We had dinner at an oyster bar, an awesome scavenger hunt in costume, manicures and pedicures, a fun lingerie shower, dinner at the Melting Pot, a night out dancing at a piano bar, pizza and girly movies, and lots more fun. I can't believe my little sister is getting married! The craziest thing that happened was while we were out at the bar we started talking to a group of guys, one of which turned out to be the son of the preacher that is marrying my sister. Pure craziness.

<strong>Working:</strong>
Since I wasn't able to find a teaching job for this school year, I've been getting ready to start substitute teaching in our public school system. I had to go to a half-day orientation class, get a physical and TB test, get drug-testing done, etc. I've also started babysitting/nannying two boys after school each afternoon from 1pm-5pm. It will be great to have the much-needed extra bill money, but it's going to take me a while to get adjusted to working again and feeling exhausted all the time. Plus, my house will suffer from me being gone all the time...

<strong>Loving:</strong>
I am just in love with the Fall 2008 line of <a href="http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=pad2GG0RRN3G5612&pathcode=f8shop&subgroup=&sessionid=2GG0RRN3G5612&align=center">Chez Ami </a>clothing I just started selling. <a href="http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=f8halloween&pathcode=f8shop&sessionid=2GG0RRN3G5612">The Halloween outifts </a>are SO CUTE and one-of-a-kind and the best part is that hosts and consultants can get them for almost half off. I'm really excited about that. I can't wait to actually get my hands on my trunk of clothes to see how well they're made. I've heard that they last longer and have a much higher resell value than almost all other children's clothing and besides they're made in the USA. You can't say that about the clothes you'll find at the mall or Target these days. I am also excited about getting Jules some fall school clothes that have her monogram on them (and maybe a Christmas outfit or two). So adorable!

<strong>Reading:</strong>
I'm really into <a href="http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html">the Twilight series </a>now. I'm currently almost finished with the second book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Moon-Twilight-Saga-Book/dp/0316024961/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220547123&sr=1-1">"New Moon."</a> I need to get started on our next book club book as well ("<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Perfect-Jane-Porter/dp/0446699241/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220547098&sr=8-1">Mrs. Perfect</a>"). For now, I keep imagining Edward's cool lips on my neck. ;o)

<strong>Worrying:</strong>
I've been worrying about Julianna being a flower girl in seven short weeks. She's got the concept down pat and whenever we drive by the church she recites voluntarily all that she's going to do at Seth and Whitney's wedding. I'm just worried about her seeing all of those people in there and freezing. We actually went by the church today and had the first "practie run" with her. She goofed off and danced around happily, but it will be much different come October I'm certain. Anyway, we'll keep practicing.

<strong>Planning:</strong>
I'm pretty sure I'm going to try to walk the <a href="http://www.mbmarathon.com/events/halffc22.htm">Myrtle Beach Half Marathon</a> in February. I've got a friend or two who may committ to doing it with me, I just need to come up with the $60 registration fee and the conviction to do it. I'm hoping that if I walk one first then I may have the motivation to try to run one shortly after that. We'll see. Anyone else want to join me? Come on. It'll be fun!
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