Summer Learning Fun...No Really!

Being a mom and working in education has its advantages at times.  The past week I have spent time looking for summer reading and math challenges to share with our Fort Osage families.  I thought some of my friends might also be interested in what I found.  So if you are looking for ways to keep your kids reading and math skills up over the summer, (and really you should be so they don't loose what they learned this year) here are some of the top choices to take advantage of:

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Triathlon is getting underway.  Read 3 to 4 books of your choice, complete the log, and turn it in for a free book!  Check it out at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-rs9

Chuck E. Cheese’s Reading Rewards allows for the parent to set the challenge based on their child’s needs.  Complete the form and turn it in for 10 free tokens!  You can do this for anything not just reading and math.  They have ones to reward young kids for all kinds of good behavior.  Check it out at http://www.chuckecheese.com/deals-offers/rewards-calendars

Read More Missouri is a statewide summer reading challenge to help prevent the summer slide- a loss of learning that many students experience while they are out of school.  It is easy to participate! Check it out at https://dese.mo.gov/state-board-education/commissioner/read-more-missouri

The Missouri Summer Math Challenge is a way to encourage students to keep their math skills sharp over the summer.  On average, students lose 2.6 months in grade-level equivalency in math skills during summer break.  This fun math challenge is a great way to keep your kids engaged.  Check it out at https://dese.mo.gov/state-board-education/commissioner/missouri-summer-math-challenge

The Mid-Continent Library is offering a Summer Reading Program called Ready, Set, Read!  This program is for children birth through 11 years old.  Readers can earn free books and other fun prizes for participating. Check it out at http://www.mymcpl.org/kids/srp

Trails Regional Library is hosting the summer reading challenge On Your Mark Get Set Read!  Earn points, collect badges and earn free books.  Check it out at http://trailslibrary.readsquared.com/

Become a reading Superhero with the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.  Read and log minutes all summer and earn books.  Check it out at http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2016#age_screener/cleanup

If you know of others let me know.  We are always looking for that motivation to keep learning fun! 

60 days of Me

I admit it I feel guilty when I spend time daily for just me.  I know I shouldn't, but face it there is not much time Monday through Friday that I get to spend with Stacey and the girls.  Sure there are the weekends, but between errands, household chores, and things we are invited to do, the weekend flies by too.  Recently I have been going back to working out, something I have not done consistently in about 3 years (ok truth be told I have worked out a grand total of 10 times in the past month).  Today that all changed.  Today began the 60 days of me.

The 60 days of me is a focus for the next 60 days on improving my health and fitness.  Why 60 days you might ask?  Well our next family vacation is about 60 days away and it seemed like a good ending goal. Should I complete all 60 days, then I can reward myself with a trip to my favorite spa in Estes Park!  Now talk about motivation.

Let me explain.  I did an great job of working out and watching what I was eating before the girls.  The girls came along and we still did a pretty good job despite obstacles that were thrown our way.  About 3 years ago it stopped.  Life started to get crazy busy, work got crazy busy, parents had medical issues, the girls started school and activities, frankly life happened.  The first thing to go was the exercise.  I mean really by 8:30 at night when I am just getting home or just finishing up putting kids to bed I am tired.  Chances are I still had stuff around the house that needed to get done and going to workout was not really top on the list.  I mean sure I have gained a few pounds, but it is more about just not feeling as good.  Clothes don't fit the way I want them to fit.  I feel a lack of energy some days.  While we did not eat any more fast food, we were not eating as healthy as we used to.  It was easier to grab a bit out for lunch then to actually make a healthy lunch.  Throw in that my doctor said with my family health history I really needed to start exercising and watching what I ate and I should have all the motivation that I need.  I kept saying I would work out as soon as I walked in the door after work.  "Mom can you get me milk." "Mom can you play with me." Emails needed taken care of, calls came in, all excuses and things that I would say had to be done now.  Always putting someone or something else above working out for me.  

Not any more.  I admit it, I am going to be selfish for the next 60 days.  I love my quite evenings with Stacey and I would not change stopping everything to play a game of Uno with the girls.  So today, on a random Tuesday it started.  Here is my promise to myself over the next 60 days, or rather things I hope to accomplish:

• I will get up early and follow my P90x3 workout program Monday through Friday (well except the yoga, I hate yoga).  This means working out 5 days a week.  Weekdays i am getting up at 5:00 a.m. so no excuses of things that need my attention.    I am allowing for two days a week of rest or just life in general.  For those who know us at the lake, have no fear you will not see me lunging around the campground with my weights, but you will see me taking a bike ride or a walk on my off days.  
• Decrease my coke-a-cola intake.  I usually only drink a 12 ounce can a day, but I would like to cut back and stop my occasional Sonic 99 cent stops in the morning.
• I am going to order my skin care for my face and stop making excuses why it is too expensive.  My skin is driving me nuts and I am going to try it.  If it works then it is worth the money and if nothing changes then I know and can try something else.
• As a family we are going to eat healthier.  Now this will not be a huge change for three of us in the family.  Grace on the other hand may grow to hate me. I have no idea how a child that is from Stacey and I can not stand any fruits and veggies.  Not a one unless you count fruit roll ups as fruit and I do not!
• No eating out for lunch, except for those business luncheons that are not really an option.  
• Make a better financial plan so we can accomplish our financial goals that have changed so much over the years.  

Stacey will be the first to ask me why I am putting this out there.  I need your help and motivation.  Ask me how I am doing on my challenge.  Keep me accountable.  Heck join in if you want.  If I can do something for 60 days then it will just keep being a routine right??????

100 Years Old

Ok so I know it has been a long, long time since I have posted something, but between work and kids I am lucky to get sleep.  Any working mom knows what I am talking about.

So with the girls activities two nights a week, our side business, and my job you can imagine that a schedule is the only thing that keeps us somewhat sane.  With the girls starting school I thought life might get a little less hectic, boy was I wrong.  Now they have homework and we are supposed to practice a lot of things each night to make sure they are getting the best education possible.  So instead of slowing down, Stacey and I find ourselves more and more exhausted at the end of each night.

You can imagine my excitement then when we get a note from school that says we should dress the girls like they are 100 years old for the 100th day of school.  WHAT????  Are you kidding me?  This was almost my worst nightmare.  I will be the first to admit that I am not the most creative person in the world so this note just made me cringe.  I am not even sure what a 100 year old woman would look like, but thank god we have the internet.  So in looking up ideas I came to the conclusion that we own nothing that would make the girls look 100.  So Ella, Grace, and I headed to Goodwill to find a little something.  Just for reference, there is nothing for little girls that will make them look 100, but lots that will make them look 18 to 20, but that is a whole other post.  $19 later, and 4 extra shirts that were just too good of a deal to pass up, we had outfits.  Now I am not really sure that they looked 100, but it was something different and the hats were too cute for words.

I don't know about anyone else, but getting the girls to get dressed in the morning can be a big undertaking.  "I don't want to wear pants I want to wear a skirt (even though it is 10 degrees outside)."  "My clothes are itchy (even though they were not itchy last week when you wore the same thing)."  "Those pants are black and black is ugly (including the black pants you are wearing mom since you have no pretty clothes besides your wedding dress)."  So I was kind of excited to get up this morning and already have approved clothes picked out and ready to go with a little excitement on the girls part to get ready.  And then it happened.  Ella starts crying and says, "itchy, itchy, it is itchy."  So fine don't wear the cute $2 sweater that matches your new skirt and gives you that I look 100 years old today look.  I did not get mad, but rather went upstairs and got her a shirt that would kind of match only to hear, "they had dressing rooms mom and you should have had me try on the sweater."  Really kid, really at 6:30 a.m. after throwing a fit this is what you want to say to me?  I just walked away, made them put on their hats and glasses and snapped a photo.

So today girls you are 100, I think, and maybe next time I can be more creative (but who am I kidding you won't dress up because it will be too itchy, not pretty, or not a skirt).  Happy 100th day of school.

And yes I know the photo is upside down, but I have a pile on my desk and at least I got a photo.

Home Sweet Home

Yeah Yeah so it has been forever since I have actually took the time to post.  Did I mention that I was a working mom who works about 45 to 50 hours a week, raises two young kids, a dog (don't even get me started on the effort it takes with that one), and who can forget about Stacey. 

This summer we have spent in a whirlwind travel pattern.  If we are not somewhere, we are at the lake.  It started in late June when we took four days down in Branson with the camper and the girls.  We had a blast!  Silver Dollar City was hot, but with water rides and the sprinklers they had going it was very comfortable.  The campground had a pool and we spent a great deal of time there as well.  Since we don't usually go to Branson in the summer we decided to rent a boat on Table Rock Lake.  Wow it was breathtaking.  Such clear water that it seemed like the ocean or a really, really big swimming pool.  The girls were a bit scared (ok well Ella was terrified since we rented a ski boat and she is used to our pontoon and as soon as Stacey took off, the back the boat goes down while the front goes up until you plane out.  The look on her face, the tears, and the screaming that she wanted to go back to the dock was just priceless) I mean after all at our lake you can't see anything let alone your toes straight down.  If there was a way that we could find to get to Table Rock each weekend without it being a 4 hour drive we would so be there. 



Ella singing in the truck



Grace singing in the truck

 After Branson we were home two nights before taking off for the lake four 5 nights.  Have no fear the 100+ temperatures just followed us.  Sure the campground was hot.  Sure you just prayed each second that the air in the camper would not go out, but being out on the water was just delightful.  The lake has to be one of my favorite places to be.  There is nothing to really do except relax (although Stacey who is always fixing something on the camper or boat would disagree) and spend time together.  It also helps that none of my electronic devices works there and for someone who always has her phone on and her ipad around plus a laptop not far away, this alone makes the lake totally worth it.  The highlight had to have been seeing the girls have so much fun with their cousins.  We have two nieces that are just younger then Ella and Grace and to see them act like "big sisters" is so funny.  We tubed, caught lighting bugs, layed and watched the stars, and even took a few bike rides. 

Despite all the travel, I was able to successfully launch a new website, get a 24 page newsletter put together, pack and unpack several times, and my most proud accomplishment, study and pass my Accredited in Public Relations Exam.  So now I should have so much free time on my hands.  Oh wait we are getting ready to leave again on two more trips.   Oh well maybe in the winter :). 

The Students Become the Teacher

As parents, we serve as our children's first teachers.  Stacey and I, with help from our wonderful sitter, taught the girls to crawl, walk, talk, eat, play, and so many more things.  Sometimes we forget that they teach us just as much.

Last summer I took my first step in my accreditation process and passed my APR readiness review panel.  I was in Texas at the time and had the chance to celebrate what I thought was a great review with my MOSPRA colleagues.  A few weeks later I got an official letter of congratulations from the UAB.  Stacey had the girls make me huge signs telling me how proud they were of me.  I used this as a teachable moment to let them know they can do anything if they put their minds too it and work hard.  This brought on the girls wanting to do so many things on their own.  I admit the hardest was perhaps taking their own bath, because really they don't wash the way I want them to and I am a bit of a control freak. 

Fast forward almost 9 months and the girls are trying new things to be "big girls" and do things themselves.  I have learned to let go of control and am really enjoying this new found freedom!  So last week I went for the second part of my accreditation and had to take a computer exam.  Having not really studied or taken a test in 10 years, I will have to say I was nervous.  I had a plan and had been working my study plan for months.  The day before I spent the day studying and the girls used that as a time to "study" too (aka practice writing their numbers and letters).  They were so proud of how much better they were getting.  Grace even said, "See mom a little hard work and I got this."  I was so proud.  From my own study session I had taken two practice tests and gotten a 100% and an 87%.  In Grace's words, I had this!


You can imagine my broken heart when after taking the computer exam I realized that I failed and failed miserably.  Almost two weeks later and I am still not sure what went so wrong.  My best friend Megan knew that I needed to just have some comfort Mexican food.  Stacey knew that I needed a hug and to just let me watch my trashy TV alone.  Mom and Dan knew to just tell me it would be ok.  After a few hours I was content knowing that this computer did not know anything about my skills and really who needed a few letters behind their name anyway.  I had no idea the girls would teach me something that afternoon.

I want to pick them up from the sitter and take them to dance class.  The girls can't remember that I asked them to pick up their toys, but they can remember that mommy took a test and they wanted to hear all about it.  How do you explain to a 5 year old that you tried but just did not do well?  As I working on my explanation of how mommy tried her best, but just could not get it, Grace said, "It's ok mommy you can try again."  Ella said, "I love you mommy and we can help you study your flashcards."  As they brought tears to my eyes, I said, "well girls I don't think that mommy is going to try again."  "But mommy you just need to keep trying like you always tell us," said Ella.  Now how do you respond to I am not going to follow the advice I give you?  I did what any good parent would do and changed the subject. 

Having thought on it now for almost a week, and receiving my official you failed but try again letter, I have decided that I need to be the teacher and show the girls that just because you fail at something the first time does not mean that you can not succeed.  It is not important if you pass or fail, what is important is that you keep trying your best until you get it right and ask for help when you need it.  So girls, mommy signed up to take the APR test again.  She is going to ask for more help and be prepared to see flashcards all over the house!  Lesson heard and learned. 

Is Honesty really the best policy?

Stacey and I have always worked to teach the girls that they need to be honest.  For example, if I asked you to pick up your room and you did not do it, tell me so and I won't be mad.  Lie to me and tell me you picked it up and then the dog messed it up and you will go in timeout and get a punishment.  I should have known that the whole honesty lesson would come back to bit me in the butt. 

It all started on Tuesday morning when our entire house just needed to go back to bed and start the day over because we were so cranky.  We finally made it out of the house, only 10 minutes late, and not really starting the day on a positive note.  On my drive to work Stacey called and said the girls wanted to talk to me.  Ella was very sweet and apologized for not listening like a big girl and for being fussy.  Then she wished me happy valentines day and handed the phone to Grace.  Grace started to say she was sorry and then asked Stacey, "what did you say that I had to tell her again?"  At least she was honest. 

So fast foward to Thursday morning when the three of us girls are getting ready in the bathroom.  Ella asks me, "mom why is your tummy so big?"  My nice response, "because I had two babies and you and sis made my tummy big."  Ella's response, "yeah but we are 5 mom so why is it so big?"  I just changed the subject and thought well at least she is being honest.  Now when you have twins, what one does so must the other.  So enter Grace with her words of wisdom.  As I am putting on my dress, it got caught on my bra strap and I asked Stacey to take a look and help me.  Grace chimes in "mommy why are you wearing a dress that is so small when you are so big?" 

You know sometimes you just have to laugh and move on. 

PS just so you know girls, you too will one day look like your mom and I am here to say that for 33, having had two kids, and such a busy life, I think i look pretty darn good!  On a side note, I will recall these comments and use them with you when you are older....as your Nana jawhawk frequently says to me....Paybacks are hell!

Life through the eyes of a 5 year old

Growing up I was never much into drama.  I had friends that were mostly guys since having friends that were girls seem to come with drama.  I was lucky that my few close girlfriends were much like me and still are.  When we found out we were expecting, Stacey and I both wanted a boy.  When we found out it was twins we thought two boys would be nice or maybe a boy and a girl.  The idea of two girls never crossed our minds until we were told both girls.  Now don't get me wrong, I can't imagine having anything but my precious girls.  I thought I had a few more years until the drama began, but then I had forgotten what it was like to see life though the eyes of a 5 year old. 

By 5 they want to be more independent.  They like to pick out their own clothes and then we have to talk about the concept of matching.  Take for example Sunday when Ella wanted to wear a green and blue plaid skirt that Nana bought her with the blue flowered shirt.  Now in her mind they were both blue so they matched.  Did I mention plaid and flowers.....uh not so much matching.  She ran off in tears.  I know I know mean mom just let her wear what she wants the public will understand that she is 5 and dressed herself.  To be fair I did let her wear her brown skirt with multicolored butterflies to church on Christmas with her teal butterfly shirt and pink cowgirl boots so I feel that once in public with a mismatch outfit was enough (this would also be why there are no pictures of Christmas Day at our house this year). 

I am ready for battles with clothes, the girls being mad that I won't let them wear make-up and bright pink lip stick outside of the house, and the "your mean" comments when they don't get what they want.  What I was not ready for was earlier this week. 

Let me take you back to Tuesday night when the girls had just gotten out of the shower and were picking out pj's.  I hear Grace running back down to the bathroom yelling at Stacey, "you are ruining my life."  I mean really how could that be possible at 5 years old?  Well then it all made since to find out that Grace wanted to wear her summer tutu pj's and Stacey had said no it was too cold :).  After all at 5 and being Grace it is all about wear things that are pink and tutu like.  We quickly got over that with the offering of a snack and life moved out. 

Move along to Wednesday night when both girls wet their pants upon arriving home from preschool.  Grace just waited to long and who knows what Ella's problem was.  Now I found this frustrating seeing as they are 5 and at least Ella has not had an accident in over a year.  The best part was that Ella was up in her room when it happened and then she walked the entire house before coming to the bathroom and changing her clothes.  So as I am cleaning the carpet of the pee spots from her wet socks and dripping clothes, Grace has the nerve to ask me if they can have a coke.  Really kid you just wet your pants and you want me to get you a big girl drink?  I think not.  To which Grace replies, "Mom you are breaking my heart and ruining my life." 

Let it be known that my name is Stephanie Smith and my husband Stacey and I are ruining our daughters lives.  We feed them, dress them, give them shelter, and we try and make sure they are safe and happy.  In doing so we may not give them what they want and thus ruin their little 5 year old lives. 

Ella and Grace this is just the start of many many things we will do for your own good that you will not like so get used to it girly girls! 

PS remember we love you!

Morning Rush Hour

Before we had kids my mornings were so peaceful.  I would wake about 6:00 a.m. and get ready for the day, kiss Stacey goodbye while waking him up about 6:30 and head off to work.  So quite, so peaceful, and just very calm.  Fast forward five years and my days of peace and calm are out the door! So why should I be surprised that I walked out in black pants with brown shoes yesterday?

 Mornings are hard for some people, but it is no surprise why the most stressful part of my day is 5:30-6:45 in the morning.  I get up early just to have 30 minutes of peace to start my day, that is when Ella does not get up with my alarm to chat me up for 30 minutes before anyone else gets out of bed.  Then there is the struggle to get Stacey and Grace to actually get out of bed and get moving for the day.  Add in the morning rush to get everyone dressed, ready, and out the door on time and you would be amazed that we are never really late.  Throw in a few fussy girls some days, a husband who likes to egg them on, and you have a typical morning at the Smith House.  "I don't want to wear those pants," Ella will say.  "But my show is not over yet," can be heard from Grace.  "Girls I am getting ready to go and I will leave you home," chimes in Stacey. 

When the girls were just babies I stopped wear jewelry because as I was feeding them they would choke me while playing with it.  On the positive, four years later I feel like I just got a bunch of new jewelry since it has not seen the light of day in so long.  I have been to work with spit-up on my clothes (yeah that is fun to arrive and realize that, why could I not have noticed before leaving the house so that I could change).  There has been toothpaste on the back of my pants from the hug I got before walking out the door (any mom knows what I am talking about here).  One look and you know I am a working mom.  Given my career, I always have a suit at work and prior to the girls never had a need to use it.  Now, I use that black suit jacket more then any other piece of clothes I own.  As I was finishing writing this, I even looked down to see the peanut butter on my shirt from making the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches this morning and now have the peanut butter and jelly song in my head (thanks Grace for that one). 

So next time you see a woman who is not 100% put together, just realize that she most likely has kids and home and just performed a miracle to get them out the door and where everyone needed to be.  In fact, you might be witness to the miracle that she is dressed at all.  Despite the hectic mornings, the not 100% good looks each day, and the morning rush hour that starts before the cars, I would not give up the morning hugs and kisses and the sweet wave good bye for anything.

Holiday Break

I am very lucky that as a working mom I have a job that still gives me a Christmas break.  Don't miss understand, I still get vacations, Thanksgiving break, spring break, and random holidays, but Christmas break is a whole different monster. 

I had a great plan of things that I was going to get accomplished in my time off.  My last day of work was on a Thursday and after picking the girls up from preschool we hit the grocery store, along with about 500 other people :).  I let the girls stay home from the sitters on Friday since Stacey had off and we could all sleep in.  Ella had other plans to kick off our vacation and got up at 5:30 a.m.  Monday we all stayed home to enjoy more family time (i mean really like three days 24/7 together was not enough).  By Tuesday I was ready to get everyone out of the house and get started on my to do list.  While productive for two days, but Thursday I was tired and thought I would let the girls stay home from preschool and sleep in.  Ella struck again, but at least Stacey had to go to work and got up with her so I got to sleep till about 6:45 a.m.  I had already told the babysitter they would not be there Friday and so here we were in for three more days at home together. 

I have never been so ready to start back to work on Monday and get a little time to myself (ok well I know it is work, but time away makes you want to be home more i know it does).  It gave me a deep appreciation to all the stay at home moms and just confirmed for me that I can not be one of you. 

Overall, it was great to spend some quality family time together and have some fun in the process.  While not even half my to do list was accomplished, there was lots of snuggling, jammie time (wait for that blog next week), and laughs! 

Here are a few highlight photo:

The girls got new princess dress up items and Grace loved it!

Ella with her new build a bear thanks to all the birthday and Christmas gift cards

Stacey making a cognac cream sauce for our steaks on New Years Eve
Yes it is supposed to flame up like that

Yes he wears Micky PJS thanks to the girls getting them for him for Christmas last year and yes he wants to kill me for it each time he puts them on and yes I just laugh each time

A preschool Christmas

Over the summer when we decided that it was time to send the girls to preschool a few days a week I was so excited.  Despite the fact they hated it at first, they are loving it now.  Over this first semester they have learned to read words, master coloring skills, arts and crafts, and so much more. 

I was so excited to hear that they were doing a Christmas program.  I mean really what is better then little kids dressed up and singing.  I was told a few days ahead of time that the prior year it was standing room only.  This is a great tip to get as a parent who has never been to such a production.  Let's just say that Stacey was less then thrilled to hear that I wanted him there an hour and a half in advance of the start to save the seats for us and the nana's and papas.  We ended up arriving at 5:30 for a 6:30 performance to ensure we would have great seats for watching our little stars. 

There is a special place in heaven for the Duncan Academy staff who did an amazing job with the little stars.  The patience they must have had to teach is nothing short of amazing.  As the lights went down and the program began the kids all danced to Christmas songs dressed in special outfits.  Some danced, some stood there looking scared, and some just cried for their parents.  All the while, parents were clapping and laughing and enjoying the best preschool performers ever. 

Watch out the Smith Girls might just become stars!

The kick line

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

The Guilt Trip

Family comes first for me, it always has and always will.  I have never missed anything important for the girls due to work, and I don't plan on it.  All that being said, there is a four year old girl at home who knows how to make her mommy feel bad for working late. 

My job has crazy hours and it is pretty common for me to work at 12 hour day at least once a week.  Sure some weeks I am home every night and other weeks I have two or three late nights.  And don't even get me started about my hours during a school election.  Despite all of that, I love my job! 

When Stacey and I started talking about having kids I made it clear that I was going to be a working mom.  I think that you can do both successfully and don't have to give anything up to be good at both.  Once the girls were born I made adjustments to my schedule to spend more time at home.  Gone were the days of going to almost any Fort Osage School program.  Gone were the days of working two and three nights a week.  Gone were the days of leaving the house at 6:15 and coming home about 6.  Welcome to the world of working at home after the kids go to bed and learning to delegate. 

Now don't get me wrong, the girls loving being home with daddy and having special dinners with him (usually they get to choose to eat what they want and they love that).  They have heard from me since they were young that mommy helps kids and schools and sometimes that means being at work until they are in bed.  Most of the time it works out...not tonight.  I made my usual call home to see how there day was.  Ella was all talks about what was taking place at the minute and what they had for lunch (heck she is my kid and the day is all about what you eat).  Grace gets on the phone and sounds so sad.  When I asked her what was wrong she said, "I just miss you so much."  Now Grace is my drama queen and she really was fine as soon as I hung up the phone (at least that is what I am going to tell myself).  However, it still makes you feel bad when you can't be there to snuggle before bed or read the story or even tuck them into bed. 

Well miss Grace you will get over it and we can have the same talk next week when I am gone Monday night, but for tonight.....  Mommy loves you!  Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!  Snuggle in and mommy will give you hugs and kisses when I get home!

Hard Conversations

Not that long ago we found out the our dog, Diamond, has an aggressive form of cancer and was given 3 to 6 months to live.  As hard as it was for us to receive this news, we had no idea what to tell the girls.  After keeping it from them for about a month, we decided on Sunday that we needed to tell them.  I mean really how to do explain that to a child without scaring them.

Grace has always tolerated the dog, but it was Ella who loves Diamond.  Maybe it is because she can boss the dog around and for the most part, the dog does what Ella wants.  Maybe it is because Ella likes taking care of people and she can take care of Diamond pretty well by her self.  Whatever the reason, we had no idea what we were going to tell them, especially Ella.   

We decided to have the conversation over breakfast so that I had all day to answer questions and see how they took it.  Grace got a little teary and Ella asked, "so the day she dies can we get a new dog?"  Keeping in mind that Diamond was my first baby, I was a little taken back.  Really kid, you are all about this dog and you are ready to just get a new one?  As the day went on she talked more and more about Diamond and would we know when she did not feel good and could we take care of her.  This made me feel a little better.  Grace actually took some time to snuggle by Diamond (that is about as good as it gets with her).  So telling them turned out not to be so bad.  But, lesson learned, they girls would have been fine had the day Diamond passed we just told them and moved on.  

Marketing Scheme

Now I would like to think that I give my girls a nice balance of what they want and what they need.  I want to teach them that you don't get everything you want, but as their mom I want to give them so much.  I am not always talking about material things, but in this case yes. 

Thanksgiving was great and we settled down that night to snuggle on the sofa, our evening routine.  The first Christmas shows of the season were on and we were all excited.  We watched Elf on the Shelf and thought it was pretty cute.  I should have hit delete on the DVR.  Over the course of the next three days the girls and I engaged in our Thanksgiving tradition....shopping Black Friday with Stacey, Christmas decorations getting put up, and lots of jammie time just hanging out playing games and watching movies.  After watching Elf on the Shelve for perhaps the 20th time, I got asked the question of the weekend, "Mom can Santa send us an Elf on the Shelf?"  I explained, like most parents, that you can ask Santa for whatever you want, but he has lots of girls and boys to make toys for and you may not get everything you ask for.  To which my way to smart children responded, "But Santa is sending them to all the boys and girls."  What is a mom to do?  You try to explain that everything you see on TV is not real, but when it comes to Santa I am not giving that up yet. 

As we wrote our email to Santa (yes we email Santa instead of mail...come on now with all the technology why write?  I am really wanting for Santa's Facebook and then we can just post our list), and they both asked for Elf on the Shelf I began to see the genius in the cartoon developer.  Make a show the kids love and they will ask their parents for the item.  I am sure this Elf has great qualities and a base of Christmas tradition, but let's get real. 

So this time the girls win and for $29.95 our Elf will be "Santa delivered" by mail this week and the Smith household will be the next proud owners of Elf on the Shelf.  Truth be told he is a cute little guy and the idea behind it all is pretty neat.  That being said...Marking scheme 1 mom 0. 

Girls Night

Friday night mom and I took the girls on a girls night out.  They had been looking foward to this all week.  Not only were they going to see nana, but princess Belle as well.  Friday morning I reminded them that today was the day and Grace asked if her papa could come to which Ella promply yelled at her that papa was a boy and it was girls night.  At this point I was thinking maybe this was going to be a long night. 

After work I got the girls and asked them what they wanted to eat for dinner.  Taco Bell they yelled!  Really, mom and nana will take you out to eat and you want Taco Bell.  Not that I mind Taco Bell, it is actually one of my favorite fast food places to eat.  I was just thinking of a little something nicer.  After grabbing nana we headed to Hobby Lobby to take a look around and waste a little time before heading to eat.  I actually got the girls to agree on a Mexican place that did not serve food on a tray. 

The hightlight of the evening was taking the girls to the theatere to see Beauty and the Beast.  Well ok it was technically a theatere, but the performers were Fort Osage High School Students.  In my mind this production was going to be about an hour and a half, but I was told Friday morning that it was more like two and a half hours.  The girls were so excited to enter the theatre.  We had talked about how you needed to act and what would happen, but the looks on their faces were priceless. 

 Ella before the show

 Grace before the show.

They were great the entire performance.  I would look over at Grace and she would have the biggest smile on her face.  A few times I thought Ella would fall alseep, but they both stayed awake the whole show.  The Fort Osage High School students did an amazing job and the production was excellent. 

After the show the girls got to "meet" the cast in the lobby.  Grace could not wait to see Belle and get her picture taken with her.  The girl who played Belle was so good to the little kids and really made them feel special.  The girls talked non stop about the show on the way home and wanted to know when they could take nana back to see another show. 

All and all a successful girls night out!

The girls with princess Belle.



Reflection

Stacey and I have long been experiencing the man in the mirror.  Take two four year olds and you can see and hear exactly what you do and say.  I can hear Ella tell her baby that she is so proud of her and I can see Grace check her reflection in every mirror she walks by.  Both of these the girls get from me.  I can hear Ella yell "damn dog" and know that every morning Grace just needs a few minutes to herself and then she will be ready for the day and know with confidence that comes from Stacey. 


Aside from the fact they act like you, they will tell you when you do something wrong.  A few weeks again I called a driver dumb for the way they drove, and Ella and Grace quickly reminded me that we don't use the word stupid that is not nice.  This weekend it was a hoot to hear Ella correct nana.  While driving down Quivira with nana, she ran a yellow light (yes yellow not red).  Ella quietly from the back seat said nana why did you not stop?  Nana said it was yellow not red and Ella said, "nana yellow means stop."  Nana explained that we had been stoped by about 3 red lights and she did not feel like stopping.  Ella quickly told her that you need to slow down and stop when the light turns yellow.  Nana was less then impressed with the knowledge and being told how to drive from a 4 year old in the back seat, but I was beaming.  I know that she pays attention and is trying to keep us all safe. 

Next time nana will know that when Ella is in the car she needs to obey all traffic laws and watch what she says and does. 

For those who wonder, Grace decided to stay home with Papa rather then go shopping.  Just more proof that I am raising a papa's girl.  She would rather hang at home with him then go shopping with the girls. 

Also for those who might wonder, nana was less then thrilled that I posted the story to facbebook and I am sure she is loving this post.   

Where does the time go?

Looking back on things I am not really sure what Stacey and I did with all our free time before we had the girls.  These days it seems like there is little time to sleep let alone anything else.  What did I do Monday nights before I had to take the girls to dance?  Where did we go before we had to make plans weeks in advance to secure a babysitter?  I think the days just must be getting shorter :)

Seriously, these days I don't think that I work any more then I used too, in face I know that I put in less nights at the office since the girls were born.  Yet it took me an hour last night just to get some things put away and in order.  Part of the problem is that the girls have way to many toys.  20 baby dolls is more then enough for two little girls (Just so you know Stacey and I will put out a hit on anyone who dares to buy a baby doll for the girls birthday or Christmas this year....think we are kidding, just try us.  And no I don't really care that the girls keep saying they just want a baby doll).  I did what any good mom would do after spending an hour cleaning up, I sat and read the girls a book, put them to bed, and had a glass of wine!  Go ahead and laugh, but I have given in to my OCD and am learning to accept the fact that my house will never be the spotless envy of my friends.  I have two kids, and well let's face it a husband, and so my house will be clean, but not spotless.  If you come over you may have to move a toy or two around.  I don't have to run the vacuum everyday and the beds may or may not get made. 

Instead I will use my time having fun with family and friends.  Just to prove my point the girls will enjoy an evening with Nana and Papa and Stacey and I will have a date night.  The two dishes in the sink can wait until tomorrow and our closets are full of clothes so the mountain of laundry (ok maybe I am exaggerating a little there) can wait until Saturday. 

Since I can't add hours to the day, I will just have to enjoy the ones I have.  After all someone will clean it all up after I am gone :). 

Papa's Girl

When Dan married into this family he never knew that he would end up with five girls not just two (and that does not even count other grandkids).  While Christina and I were a breeze to deal with :), these little girls are anything but. 

Grace, more so then Ella, is a proclaimed Papa's Girl.  We have had talks were Ella says she is a helper girl and a mommy and daddy's girl and asks Grace who she wants to be and Grace always, and I mean always, says "well I really papa's girl."  If she get hurt, or sad, or in trouble, or really just anytime she can open her mouth it is always I miss my papa, I need my papa, can I call my papa.  The last is by far my favorite.  Most of the calls she makes Dan ends not having a clue what they just talked about, but really I guess that might just be that she is a girl and he is a boy.  She will tell him about her day, what she wants to do next time she sees him, or how he gets to do something for her.  Take her to nana and papa's and she can find papa's lap quicker then an Oreo can find Dan's mouth (sorry had to add that in there). 

It should come as no surprise that when I told Grace we were going to see papa on Sunday that her face just beamed.  Sunday morning came and she had to get all dressed up, after all it had been two weeks since she had seen him which was just torture in her mind.  On the way she wanted to call and make sure papa would be home when she arrived.  After jumping in his lap she only moved to have her dress hemmed (which papa had to look at and watch the process for her) and to get a book in which papa must read.  Papa even got caught trying to skip pages (silly papa).  After watching almost all the football game that papa was coaching I suggested that it was time to head home.  If you could see the hurt in her eyes you would realize why we stayed another hour until papa was done coaching so she could give him a hug goodbye. 

So there is only one question left, papa when does Grace get to see you again :)

What every little girls needs

Children never cease to amaze me and there is never a dull moment when a child is around (trust me if there is something big is about to happen).  So let me set the scene. 

It is Saturday morning and Ella has gotten up at 6:00 a.m. and Stacey got her set watching cartoons and then came back to bed and fell back to sleep like the rest of us.  The three of us get up at 7:00 and I started breakfast.  We needed to leave by 9:20 for our 10:00 pictures (or so I thought).  I waited as long as possible before showering both girls and getting them dressed.  The only instructions was to spend the next hour not eating, drinking, or getting into anything.  Anyone with kids is most likely laughing now knowing this is impossible. 

Just as Stacey was getting ready to cut his hair and take a shower, I realized that our photos were at 9 not 10 and we needed to leave in 10 minutes.  I will spare you the story, but we made it only 10 minutes late which is not bad.

We arrive at this nice studio and the girls have gotten over the idea that I would not let them color in the truck with markers on the way.  They are both little hams so they are so excited when we get to choose the background and start getting set up.  Like a good mom I take one last look over them before sending them to the camera.  Grace reminds me that I was going to do lip gloss on them and I have to now explain that I left it at home and pray there is no meltdown coming.  "Don't worry mommy I have it here in my pocket," Grace says.  So as she is taking it out I realize that she has a few other things in her pocket.  Now here is what every girl needs to take with her to a photo shoot:  lip gloss, pink ribbon, hair clip, and oh yeah a pink handgun (fake of course).  I about fell over laughing.  When I asked why she brought this stuff, "You just never know when you might need to a gun or lip gloss mom."  At least she will be prepared for anything. 

The Hunting Widow

I met Stacey in December 2001 and by April when he had moved in, I realized that I was living with a hunter.  Now many of you may say so what, but let me tell you it is a lifestyle not a hobby.  By the fall of 2002 I really knew what I was in for and I loved it!  I love spending time with Stace, but I really enjoy the fall when he can be gone up to 3 or 4 nights a week and the opening weekend deer camp trip (now in fairness I will say that since he started the Taxidermy and we had kids, his hunting days have been cut down some).  It was our bestman Doug who said at our wedding, "usually Stacey would have a girlfriend and then October would come around and by the winter he no longer had a girlfriend so when Stephanie was still around in the winter we knew she was a keeper."

Before kids my "hunting days" were spent watching my football games (ie not MU), girly movies, organizing parts of the house (yes I do enjoy doing that and yes I know it is a sickness), shopping with my friends and mom, and anything I wanted to do.  Not too much has changed for my hunting days now that the kids have come along except to say that yes pancakes can be dinner and yes you can just eat noodles and butter and call it a meal :). 

Now I look forward to the day when Stacey and the girls all go hunting and I will be the one to sacrifice and stay at home.  Just imagine a whole day or weekend with everyone gone and just me at the house (hey a girl can dream can't she). 

We will miss you this fall hunny, but good luck!  Oh yeah and when are you taking the girls hunting :)

To all you hunters out there, best of luck this season and if you should get the big one I know a great taxidermist that can help you out :).

To all the hunting widows, enjoy the season and happy shopping, eating, or just laying around.

A Little Family Time

Every September since they were born, Stacey and I have taken the girls on a vacation to Colorado.  Each year has had its ups and downs.  The first year they were so off their schedule that they only way they would nap was if we drove.  The second year they were walking and we were trying to be supportive of their independence, but wow it took forever to get anywhere.  Last year they hiked liked little champs putting in about 3 miles in  one day. 

This year we were expecting that things would be about the same, but they always find a way to surprise us.  I am positive we were the only ones who had to sing songs while we hiked.  I never saw another girl dance her way down a hiking trail.   I am 100% sure people thought we were nuts hiking in the rain while our girls giggled and laughed. 

Here are a few things the girls taught me on vacation this year

1.  If you going to write your letters you better, better start them at the top.
2.  A walk and a hike are the same thing to a four year old and don't try to tell them otherwise.
3.  If you go into a store you must buy something, anything, just buy something.
4.  Songs make a hike go by faster and it is even better when strangers join in the song.
5.  Rain makes the best weather to hike in and you can jump in puddles.
6.  Trucks can be fun to ride in and it is amazing how many toys fit in a back seat.
7.  There is nothing better then sitting by a fire and watching elk as a family.
8.  You must always say good night to the Elk before going to sleep.
9.  Promising to go to the playground will get girls to do just about anything.
10.  9 nights in a camper bring you closer as a family

I can sum up this year's vacation as being fun, trying, and just plain perfect!