Spring Break

This is where Kyle and I will be in 48 hours. Good-bye cold and rainy weather. Hello St. Kitts.

You Heard it Here!

The other day as I was leaving for work, Kyle said something about texting him later that day. Sydney then told me, "Mom, me and (friend whose name I can't remember) were texting each other in the home center yesterday." Complete with the universal sign for texting - you know thumbs typing a mile a minute. When I think of the sweet little 4 and 5 year olds in the home center, I imagine an ironing board and kitchen set, baby dolls and cradles. Apparently, this is not your average home center.

Tonight at dinner, Sam wanted to say the prayer. Those of you that know Sam well are thinking, "wait a minute, he doesn't talk". Yes, he is boy of few words, but he is talking more these days. Please bow your heads for Sam's Prayer:

Thank you. Eat. AMEN.

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.