First Days and Birthdays

I thought that with all the exposing of family secrets and soul searching, we could use a little levity here in the Candy Cane Forest.  So I will now post numerous photos of my impossibly adorable children and update you on what else has been going on in our lives.  

A couple of weeks ago Lolly and Frostine started first grade.  The transition from kindergartners to first graders has been pretty seamless.  They love their teachers and I am loving they are getting used to the longer days.   Here they are on the first day of school.

Oh wait... that's just what I see when I look at them.  Here is what my first graders actually looked like on the first day.

The day after school started, they went and turned six years old.  I still can't get my head around the fact that I gave birth to twin girls six years ago.  They had a party at a local bakery with some of their friends and each girl went home with a mini cake that they decorated themselves.  I'm sure lots of parents were cursing me for sending their kids home full of sugar, but it was a blast and the girls loved it.

As if that wasn't enough excitement, Gloppy started preschool on Monday.  My charming little side kick is no longer a baby, or even a toddler.  He's a little boy.

Gloppy has had no problem at all getting used to big boy school.  It's me that can't quite get used to it.  I got a little choked up walking him into school the first day as my mind wandered to a day when I walked my little girls into their first day of preschool with Gloppy strapped to my chest in a Baby Bjorn.  As I watch him playing with all the kids, he seems so little to me and I have stop myself from running to scoop him up and take him home to play trains.  

But I get over it when I pull into my driveway and walk into my quiet house three mornings a week.   Summer was everything it should be... lazy, sunny, fun-filled and packed with family togetherness.   But it's kind of nice to be back to our school year routines.

Scenes From My Weekend

Act 1:  We started our weekend by celebrating my brother-in-laws birthday on Friday night.   The restaurant had some freaky decor, but the food was solid.    The service crap though.  I was sitting across the table from my sister and she ordered the surf and turf.  After they took our plates away, her hands were glistening.  I almost had to shield my eyes from the glare.  After about ten minutes and a couple of requests for a towel, they finally brought her some hot towels and lemons.   Despite the service, a good time was had by all. 

Act 2:  Saturday night.  I spent the evening in my kitchen cooking some food for a friend going through a tough time.    It's been a while since I've spent that much time in my kitchen, but I found some good vegetarian recipes and I enjoy cooking.   I just can't stand my kitchen, but that is a post for another day.  Mr. Mint made chicken curry.  Yum, yum and super yum.   Mr. Mint's chicken curry is one of the reasons I married him.  Before I met him, I don't think I had ever had Indian food.   Now I even attempt to make some Indian dishes myself and the kids gobbled up the leftovers for lunch on Sunday.

Act 3:  Mr. Mint flew off to New York for business stuff.  Gloppy had a play date with Grandma Nutt and I took Princess Lolly and Princess Frostine to see Disney's On Ice, Princess Wishes.  Lolly and Frostine have just about outgrown the princess phase, so it was sort of our last hooray with Cinderella and her posse.  It was cute... Disney puts on a good show.  I mean really, where else can you see dancing silverware.

I realize that in some circles Ariel, Aurora, and Belle are very uncool.  Anti-feminist even.  I know some even think Disney is the in bed with satan.   I have never purposely kept my girls away from it, nor have I bought them Princess bed sheets and curtains.  They were Cinderella and Ariel for Halloween when they were three and this past year they were Jasmine and Mulan.  (I personally think Mulan kicks @ss and is a fine role model for young girls).  You are free to disagree, but I don't think exposure to Disney Princesses has done lasting harm to them.   They don't really pay much attention to the princes in the stories.   I don't believe they will grow up waiting for a prince to come and save them so they can be happy.  Besides, the messages aren't all bad.  Belle is a loner who loves books and falls in love with someone "beastly" because he's a good person.   I asked Lolly what she liked best about Ariel and she said, "she is a really good singer."  Frostine said her favorite thing about Cinderella is that "she has lots of animal friends and pretty shoes."  I know I appreciate pretty shoes.   So yes, I am ready to say farewell to the princess phase and introduce them to some more modern ladies to look up to.  Who know, maybe they will see the first female president in their lifetime.

Final Act:  Before I go to bed, I need to address and stamp invitations for my sister-in-laws wedding shower I am hosting in a few weeks.   More on that later, but check out these pretty invites I picked up.

I have a stationery fetish and picking out invites is my favorite part of throwing a party.

That's all I got for today.  Now I must go fill these out, fold laundry and go to bed.

Birthday Greeting for a Friend

Today is my friend's birthday.  Let's call her MMM for reasons those that know her will understand.  I've known MMM since high school and she is now the mother of two adorable little children, a wife to a very nice man, and a therapist to some lucky clients.

So MMM, Happy Birthday to you.  I know you are now 37, but I will always remember you as the girl who was always grounded so we'd drive past your house and honk on our way to some high school party.  Were you grounded for our entire Junior year?  I'm amazed that you didn't completely go wild once we went away to college given how strict your upbringing was.  But we did have some fun during those years don't you think?  I'll always remember that trip to Laughlin in your red Honda.  We had nothing better to do that weekend, so off we went.  I can't remember how we paid for the hotel room or our food, but it's one of my favorite memories. 

You are always up for a new adventure.  If I didn't know you I wouldn't be able to say I've been white water rafting or ran a marathon.  Your fashion taste has always been fashion forward.  Please accept my apologies for making fun of  your mules all those years ago.  Little did I know I that someday my closet would contain 4 pairs of them.  I'll always think of you every time I hear a Prince song or buy a red sweater.

Above all, you are an exceptional friend.   I've always admired your ability to see the good in anyone, without judgement.   You handled two difficult pregnancies and births with grace and without losing your sense of humor.  Our friendship will always have ups and downs, but I know I can always count on you and I hope you know I think you are fabulous.  

My b-day present to you is to not post a picture of you in a certain cheerleading uniform.  Believe me, I was tempted.  So I am raising a virtual glass to you on your birthday!  I hope your day is full of laughter and your cute little baby sleeps through the night.  Cheers!