Happy Birthday, Sydney Kate!

Blog Friends - I'm back. Life has been kicking my butt lately so I have neglected my blogging duties.
Better late than never... here are pics from Sydney's 5th birthday. It was low-key this year (as is the tradition with us). We will continue the grandparents and close family event while we can get away with it. I know the day will come when she wants something bigger and more extravagant, but until then don't tell her about the parties the cool kids are having.
I really can't believe Sydney is 5. 5 seems different... like it's more important than 4 or 3. It's not like she's driving or anything, but 5 seems very grown up. Kindergarten is lurking around the corner. Don't get me wrong... I'm not one of those that can't stand the thought of her going. We are just starting a big, new, scary chapter (insert Ariel from the Little Mermaid singing "A Whole New World"). Sydney wanted so badly to have her ears pierced for her birthday. So we took the plunge. She was a trooper! A few tears and it was all over! She made me so proud. She walked up to the little spinning display that shows all of the choices for earrings. She looked right at the lady (that looked way too old to work at Sweet and Sassy) and said, "I want diamonds".

Enjoy the pictures of my little baby girl who is 5.

Ready to get her ears pierced!

X marks the spot!

All done... one big tear rolling down her face :(

Anxiously Waiting

Today we are celebrating Sydney's birthday - 5 years old! Her birthday was actually 2 days ago, but we are having our family over to celebrate today.

She is really excited and asked, "Mom, when do all of my customers get here for my birthday?" That's an interesting way to look at it...

Stay tuned for pics and Syd's new bling!

Happy Birthday, Samuel Kyle!

WARNING Blog readers: Hopefully you know me well enough now to know that me throwing the perfect birthday party did not make my list of "100 things I must do before I die". I'm about to post Sam's birthday party pics, but please know before you view, this party will not make Martha Stewart's segment on creative ways to gracioulsy host a celebration honoring your favorite two year old. Read on if you can stand it.

We had our family over to celebrate Sam's 2nd birthday. Sam had a great time and was well tuckered out by the end (see last pic).

Ice Swimming

We are indoors today... schools closed and ice on the roads. Sydney just came downstairs while I was on the computer and said, "Mom, I was hot in my pajamas so I changed into my swimsuit." Sure enough she's wearing a darling black and pink tankini from last year.

Trouble in Paradise

While I was gone Friday night and Saturday morning, Sydney apparently camped out in my room as evidenced by the Polly Pockets, snack wrappers, markers, crayons, etc. Today I asked her to clean up her mess:

Me: Sydney, please get the messed cleaned up in my room.
Sydney: I don't want to decorate your room. It's a MESS!
Me: I don't want you to decorate it, I want you to pick up the mess.
Sydney: I don't want to.
Me: (growing impatient) Who made the mess?
Sydney: (storming off with arms stiff by her side and fist clenched. gruff voice) This damn Sydney made the mess! I don't want to talk to you until this mess is cleaned up.

DOOR SLAM!

Does she think this is the Ritz-Carlton? Honey, this is far from the Ritz. We'd be lucky to call this a Holiday Inn Express.

A Great Man

My grandfather passed away and funeral services were today. I sat in awe as people spoke of him using words like "never uttered an unkind word" and "was a friend to everyone". James V. Thompson was remembered today as a devoted husband, loving father, faithful friend, and servant of the Lord. I couldn't help but think that everyone should be so blessed to have someone touch their lives as my Papa did for so many.

2009

Well, it looks like my 7 readers have spoken. "Exercise more" is the winner of the new year's resolutions poll. I hope you haven't fallen off the wagon yet. I didn't really make any resolutions. I just decided to bring a little more balance to my life (and yes, I decided this before Oprah's big week of why she's fat and how to live your best life). I often find myself feeling guilty at work for not being at home and feeling guilty at home for not working. Unlike Oprah, I don't have a personal assistant that schedules my workouts and lunches for me. Don't get me wrong, the elementary school that I work at is a lovely campus, but I've yet to find the world-class workout room and the personal chef has yet to show his face around school. So until then, I'm sure I'll continue to burn the candle at both ends.