Six Years Ago

Six Years ago (nearly to the minute) I pushed out an almost 10 pound Pickle. I have written about her birth 

11/23/07

11/23/12

on the blog before so you can click back to refresh your memory if the story should interest you. Going back to read what I wrote last year on her birthday or the year before I think that should I choose to sit down tonight to pour out my heart once again, I would be repeating myself. What this tells me is her personality has been with her since day one and we are just along for the ride.

11/23/11

I stand by what I said last year and will keep repeating to myself even in her most trying moments, her strong-willed demeanor will be an asset as she progresses in life. I think it will benefit us when she starts dating and goes off to college and even in her future career. When she sets her mind to something she is going to do it and nobody is going to stand in her way! 

This past year has been a busy one for her particularly since starting first grade in August. Pickle has acclimated exceptionally well to her new school and has really blossomed in her class and excels with her schoolwork. She is playing soccer, taking ballet, and will be performing as a Mouse in a production of the Nutcracker next month. Between all of these activities she is busy playing with (bossing around) her sister and drawing and writing stories.

11/23/08

11/23/09

Girls' Room

As previously mentioned in this post, last year we embarked on a multi room makeover to ultimately be able to create (or really recreate) a home office. This involved having the kids (Park & Pickle) switch rooms and move New Kid in with her sister. We successfully accomplished setting up The Boy's room quickly while he was spending time with his grandparents last summer although there are still several projects still lingering to hopefully help get his room (i.e. Legos) better organized and displayed. We also easily integrated New Kid's crib in with Pickle's loft bed and they adapted to being roommates with ease.

The Girls' Room has been an on-going transformation including giving up the crib and moving New Kid to her big girl bed. I think I finally have their room finished including flower pictures that we took and have been talking about getting framed and hung. JP did the painting last year when the big room moves took place and we are both really pleased with how the two colors turned out. I think this will be a room the girls will enjoy for many years. I found the flower mirror at a "junk" shop and was totally thrilled to find something so cool and unique for their room.

Happy Birthday JP!

Yesterday was this handsome devil's birthday! He is spending his birthday weekend in Tucson racing his bike but I didn't want to let the occasion go by without recognizing his special day. The kids are excited for him to come home to a table full of treats and cards and to celebrate tonight at Oregano's.

I see now where Pickle gets this look!

Lunchtime Fun

New Kid gets to dominate the scene at lunch because she still only attends a half day of school. This is her time to get all the attention and she owns it. I listen to hilarious stories that are as far fetched as they can be. Today was different, though. As I sat next to her something started happening that is best seen. 

Another Cuspid Milestone

 In keeping with the theme of mouth wide open pictures of Pickle I give you these.

The tooth had been loose for a couple of days causing the usual amounts of distraction at soccer games, dinner tables and dance rehearsals alike. It was a point of distraction throughout Monday's school day until finally during math she pulled hard enough to dislodge the little bugger. It is little, too. She has very tiny teeth. 

Turkeys!

I got the Halloween decorations put away yesterday and started pulling out some of the Thanksgiving items. These little turkeys are the cutest!

I love all our fall decorations as they really help set the season for us since it is harder to get into the spirit when it is still 80 degrees every day. It is easier to know it is fall with decorative gourds and dried corn set about the house. 

Sunday in the Park

I love this picture and how it completely exhibits Pickle . . . from the wide open mouth - a constant in most pictures of her - to the unique socks. She was tearing up the park today on her bike! 

Academic Achievement

Look who received a Personal Success Award for Academic Achievement! One student receives this award from each class and we have the first quarter winner in our house!

Halloween 2013

We survived another year! This time around we had a Dinosaur, Angelina Ballerina, and the Emperor. I had a lot of fun with the Emperor's makeup but by the time we took pictures he had rubbed most of it off goofing around with his friend.

As we have for the last several years we also had friends over to trick-or-treat with us. Darth Vader and Captain Rex helped round out our Star Wars trio and Super Girl helped save the day.