The Train Princess

Only Pickle would choose to have a Princess Party at the Train Park! She originally said she wanted to have her birthday party this year at the "train track" and JP's mind was filled with many ideas, but I knew she meant the Train Park. I intended to have Cee-Cee make a Thomas cake like she did for Bubba's party at the Train Park (which was his 3rd birthday too), but she decided she wanted a Princess cake. Cee-Cee was able to put together a cute pink and yellow sheet cake with princess figurines! Cee-Cee also brought a tiara and sash but that was where the theme ended. When your best friends are all boys, there is not much we can do at a Princess party. I figure one day soon enough we will have plenty of parties where boys won't be allowed . . . .

With the usual crowd she played and we ate lunch and rode the train. We did not invite any friends from school as we were not quite ready for that big of a party so the group was small and we were able to move the party along at a quick pace. I think she had a good time and it was a beautiful day to be at the park.

She has finally finished her week long birthday celebration which ended yesterday with a trip to the movie to see Tangled with Cee-Cee. They went to the theater at the mall and she was able to ride the Carousel and had lunch in the food court as well. Cee-Cee says she sat through the whole thing enjoying her snacks, bouncing when the "bad guys" rode their horses, and talking to the movie screen to give directions to Rapunzel. It sounds like it was a great deal of fun; I just can't believe she is old enough for such an outing! How grown up she has become just in the last few months.

Cooking Rituals

In the last 36 hours I have made Spinach Madeline, Cornbread Dressing, Cupcakes, Chicken Stock Chicken-Black Bean Soup, Chicken Enchiladas, Pureed Green Beans, and a Bourbon Pumpkin Tart.  And finally we have put the turkey in the brine.  I have been cooking non-stop . . . a lot of cooking to freeze as well as prep work for Thursday.

I love Thanksgiving! I love the preparation and planning and I love the rituals of it.  Friends make fun of me because they think I like to control the day and yes I guess I do, but it is because I like the traditions and I like having the same dishes I ate growing up.  I also like the challenge of trying to do it better every year - the prep, the food, the table.

For me this Thanksgiving is nearly over - all that's left is to roast the turkey and make the gravy . . . for me, most of my rituals are complete.

Pickle made it to 3

I know there were concerns out there in the world about the viability of Pickle given her natural proclivity for dangerous activities. After singing herself to sleep last night (Happy Birthday), she woke up this morning in a better than average mood and ran around the house searching for someone to say happy birthday to her.Following her "Celebration of Life" at school this morning the class was treated to a visit from a fire truck which JP told her was because of her birthday. She really enjoyed it and told all her callers tonight about it. Other than her birthday it was a pretty normal day that concluded with a taco dinner and cupcakes.We joke a lot about Pickle but she really is a joyful child. She has a unique and vibrant personality that can be happy one minute and whining the next; there is rarely a middle ground and dramatics are common. Pickle has thrived at school and her first report was glowing . . . we actually asked to make sure we had the right report. We're told she is "made for Montessori." She has a love of books like her brother and a true curiosity for life and adventure.Pickle is not "sensitive" like her brother meaning she does not get her feelings hurt and I attribute this to her being bold and confident. She is very loving and is always willing to give hugs and kisses and she is very considerate of others and will be concerned if you are hurt or sick.Happy Birthday Pickle! We are proud of you.

It only lasted a Moment

This is a snapshot of a brief moment in time when the 3 runts were touching and not a one of them was complaining! Bubba was reading a book to his younger sisters and all was right in the world. It could be years until such a rare sight is captured on film again.

1/2 Year

I am six months old today and I can crawl and sit up all by myself.  Today I made it all the way through the kitchen and out the back door!  I also have two teeth coming in and I don't like it.  It makes me want to chew on everything and I drool a lot.  So far my parents have only fed me rice cereal and oat cereal; they keep promising me peas but I haven't had them yet.  I sure hope I like them!

Vote

Today is the day that someone will actually listen to what you have to say about politics so go vote. Do it for no other reason than to celebrate the end of the political ad season!