Thursday, September 06, 2007

A Birthday Celebration!

Kylie's big "finally a preteen" birthday began on Sunday. Her friends dropped by and gave her a birthday present and we were able to invite them to a skating party on Tuesday night. Kylie's big day being Monday, also coinciding with Labor Day, was spent with just the family.
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Here is the group shot from Sunday.


And then the dawn of the big day!
First up is breakfast of champions - Mickey Mouse pancakes!
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Kylie helped get these 2 on the griddle.



Then, when Dad got home from work we opened presents. Jeremy and Dad had fun shopping for them earlier in the week and I guess Jeremy just had to share his experiences, so Kylie was able to easily guess her gifts before opening them. But she still loved them!
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Jeremy cheesing for the camera.


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Kylie loves HSM and the rest of us kind of just hum along when no one is listening!


While we were doing that I had the cake in the oven. Kylie chose Blue and Red Raspberry Jello Cake. She really wanted an ice cream cake, but it just wasn't possible. So here is the cake ready to go into the fridge and chill out for awhile.
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While cleaning up and getting ready to go out for lunch, Kylie and Dad had a little chat. Kylie's been wanting to pierce her ears for a while, but hasn't gotten up the nerve just yet. Apparently she's been talking to some friends at church and now she really wants them pierced. So we're off to the mall before we go to lunch.
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Here I am, signing this really, really long form and putting my initials all over the place in the hopes that I won't sue them if something goes horribly wrong and my daughter's ears fall off. Ha! It's just a piece of paper.


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The big moment. Hold your breath!


It went better than we thought. So then off to lunch. Kylie's choice? SUSHI
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Mmmmmmm....it's been so long!


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And then for dessert? ICE CREAM! Only at Ghirardelli of course!
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Yes, it really was that big!


And then it was time to go home and rest. Because Tuesday was going to be a busy day! I'm thinking Kylie looks pretty happy!
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The Birthday Girl



The next day we had several errands plus some warm up school work, a quick bite to eat at the Chinese place across the street and then it was time to party!
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A size 8! Can you believe it?!


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It was a nice big rink. Really cold!

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Kylie and Jesse posing in their hats. Kylie is becoming quite the fashionista. I'm sure the Disney Stars are helping out a bit!
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The kids were really tired at the end of the day, but they didn't want to stop! We're definitely planning to add ice skating to our list of activities! It was a good day.

Wednesday, Kylie received some gifts in the mail. And that night we did the whole cake thing. We were outside at the rink trying to light the candles and finally just gave up and figured we'd just do it again with the left over cake. It's all good.
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After cake, I took Kylie shopping at Wal Mart so she could spend all her birthday money. And she did. A little over $2 left on one card. She pulled together some really neat stuff. But I don't have a picture yet.

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty memorable birthday! Happy 11th sweetpea!

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Another Year Older

My baby girl is turning 11 tomorrow! {crocodile tears and sniffling}

As she says, she's finally a preteen. {shuddering} I just see my baby getting taller and more beautiful every day. I wish I had some baby pictures with us here in FL. I'm resolved that when we head north again to visit, I'm sneaking as many pictures as I can into the luggage!

So tomorrow we'll spend the day catering to her every whim {she thinks} and I'll make a jello cake. That was her second choice, she really wants an ice cream cake.

When dad gets home from work we'll head over to Downtown Disney and have a big scoop of ice cream at Ghiradelli (and grab some free chocolate!) {drooling} So maybe she won't still want that ice cream cake? hmmm....she probably will! :P

Because of scheduling, we'll be going ice skating Tuesday night and taking a couple of her friends along. I haven't had ice skates on my feet since before she was born! eek! I'm a great roller blader, but not so hot on the ice. hehe...

So tomorrow is sure to be full of laughter, smiles....and a few tears.

Great Day

Today has been a great day.

These last couple months in morning service I've been sitting to two of the most wonderful women. Sondra and Darlene have quickly become very special to me. We're not quite friends yet, obviously. You can only get to know someone so much in those few minutes before and after service, chatting and smiling and laughing, and sometimes crying with each other.

Today I spent a little more time talking with Darlene after service. She holds a very special place in my heart. I don't know if it's because she reminds me of family or if it's just one of those instant kinships that God brings together.

While Sondra is happy and bubbly, open and friendly, Darlene has gone another step in getting to know me. We've had some similar experiences, Darlene and I. And I think that draws us to each other.

I think both women are wonderful and I treasure those moments we chat and share our weeks, our joys and challenges. I'm lucky to have found them.