Girls' Day Out

T and I had a girls day out today. First, we went to work where T "helped" me out. Here she is taking notes with my cheater glasses on...while she's watching spongebob.

I got out early today around noon, and we headed to the mall. We got a few nifty items from Claire's...a little girl's paradise, and then T discovered her new favorite store...

The Bubble Bath Store, as she calls it. In reality, it was Bath and Body Works. We had a fab time picking out which scents to buy, as the store was having a buy 2 get one free sale.

Meanwhile, I don't think I'll ever wash all the damn suds out of the tub.

Christmas Morning

Well, it turns out that this year was the year of the Barbie. As you can see, T got the barbie dream townhouse.

BEST PRESENT EVER!!!

Her words, not mine.

Big sigh of relief from mom.
T was also thrilled with her makeup kit. Really, it was just clear strawberry lip gloss, glitter lotion, and some lip balm, but she loves it.
Dot got her a set of old maid cards. Not quite sure why. This house appears to be filling up with a least two old maids, so not sure why we needed the game.

Especially, when T opened the thing and read the title out look,

"Look, its an Old Mama game"

Grrrrr. Out of the mouthes of babes, right?
Meanwhile, I had to take a pic of this old burdines box. Burdines has been closed for years. Macy's bought them out down here in Fla. We, of course, still have a box which, among others, get used every year and recycled. Anybody else do that?

Just made me laugh.

Best xmas present I got, aside from my loving daughter, was my loving daughter not waking up til 8:30 a.m. xmas morning. We all got to sleep in! yeaaaaa!

We then schlepped a bunch of stuff over to my mom's house for more xmas presents and dot's delish meal, and were home taking naps by 3:30 or so.

Hope you all had a very, merry Christmas, too

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was lots of fun again. Like last year, I was wondering if this would be the last year that T believes in Santa. Its just so darn sweet and cute when the little ones do.

So, we sprinkled magic reindeer food on our driveway, to entice the reindeer to come to our house. We had to hedge our bets since we weren't sure how secure T's place was on santa's "nice" list!
T spread the stuff all over our drive way. This kid wasn't taking any chances!
We then came back inside to make cookies from Santa, that we put on our special Cookies from Santa plate that we received from Aunt Ceci a few years back.
T was so funny, she announced around 830 that she was going to go to bed, so that santa would come sooner. Kid went in and actually went to bed. I went in with her, to make sure she would fall asleep. Nope. She was bouncing around the bed like a rubber ball. Had to have looked out the window at least 7 times. Finally, she drifted off to sleep, and I came out to start wrapping and getting the presents ready. I just start doing that when I look up, and who's coming down into the Florida room, but Taylor! BUSTED.

Luckily, it wasn't that bad. Dot chased her out, and I explained that we were wrapping our presents for Grandma and Grandpa. The kid bought it and was consented to returning to bed...with Dot.

Since the Barbie dream townhouse was already assembled, I just needed to wrap a few things, and set them out. the only thing this year to assemble was an aquarium nightlight. It has water in it and fake jelly fish. I open the box and read the directions which say in big type: DO NOT USE TAP WATER. USE ONLY BOTTLED/DISTILLED WATER.

*#%^# (insert your favorite lewd and crude curse word, cuz I said them all)

I then start searching the house for some bottled water. Unfortunately, we're basically a tap water family. Dade county has excellent water quality. Luckily I found 1.5 small bottles in the fridge, and dot found 2 frozen bottles in the freezer. All single serving.

So, at midnight Dot and I are in the kitchen microwaving the damn frozen water bottles trying to thaw the the things out. We microwave, we submerge in hot water, I suggest boiling on the stove, but Dot objected as she still had side dishes to cook. I gave up and went to bed, but Dot (who was up til about 3 or 4, was able to defrost them and pour our precious water in the "aquarium".

So ends our Christmas eve.

Feliz Navidad, baby!

...or should I say Police Navidad?

T is Sick

One of the girls at the birthday party, I noticed, was sick. Nick P got sick on Sunday night, and Taylor has been sick since monday night. Fever. Hovers around 102.6. Meds bring it down and she's her usual chipper self, but as they wear out she runs out of steam, and then is just one sick little girl with no energy. Very un-T.

I'm hoping they both get well before xmas.

No kids should be sick on xmas, right?

I'm Done

Yep, stick a fork in me cuz this girl's done! My xmas shopping is officially complete!

I think.

Today was a spectacularly productive day. I was at the mall by 7:30 a.m. Stayed there until about 2:00. I then went up to Dot's apt and assembled the Barbie Dream Townhouse with relative ease. I am just thrilled with this gift. Doorbell rings, toilet flushes (sound only), timer on oven works, fireplace, chandalier in dining room, and lights around jacuzzi all light up. It came with all kinds of furnishings, that I'm going to wrap separately. That means, MORE PRESENTS FOR T...at no cost!!! Yippee!

Next goal is to get my last cards and presents in the mail tomorrow... and pray they arrive for xmas. Oooops. I think I left it a day or two too late, though. So, SOMEBODY may be getting their gifts on the 27 or 28th.

With everything going on, though, I'm happy that they're in the mail before new years!

Big Day Tomorrow!

Pic has nothing to do with this post. Its from Fri night when T was hanging with the brownie troop. She was in her glory spending time with the big girls. Anyway...

Tomorrow is a huge day. I've taken the day off work. T is spending the day with Dot. I Confirmed that the mall opens at 7:00 a.m., and I have plans to be there very closely thereafter. Plan to do some shopping, roam the mall. Drink some coffee as I people watch waiting for my 11:00 am. eye appointment. It seems that overnight my eyes have stopped working. Can no longer hold my iphone far enough away to see it well. Figure I need the bifocals adjusted....again. Sigh. That just bites.

So, I'll finish up my xmas shopping, then plan to head to Dot's house to assemble Barbie's Dream Townhouse. I'm not waiting til xmas eve to do it. I worry that something will be screwed up or broken, and if I wait I'll have to charge out xmas eve to return it and then find something else to give her, after all the stores are sold out. So, wish me luck.

If you happen to hear high pitched screaming an cursing in the afternoon tomorrow, you'll know I'm having a fit assembling the thing.

X-Treme Rock Climbing

Taylor attended a birthday party today. It was held at Xtreme Rock Climbing. Just let me say, this place was definitely intense. There were people upside down going across the roof which was lined with rocks. All the little girls were harnessed up and had employees on the safety lines. The 9 yr olds did great and made it to the top with ease.

T was a bit hesitant at first, and definitely did not go to the top. She was more interested in going up 10 - 15 feet, then bouncing out back down and otherwise swinging on the rope. The young men manning the safety ropes were quite indulgent, once they realized she was in it more for the swing than the climb.

T literally looked like she was floating up the wall. Guess that's what happens when one is only 35 pounds. Me? I stayed firmly planted on the ground.
After about 90 minutes of climbing, they all trudged upstairs to the table area for a pizza party and cake.


T was sound asleep 10 minutes into the drive home. Perfect Bday party!

Toward the end of the day, she was rising to higher and higher heights. I was quite proud of her!

Polar Express

All the kids in kindergarten got to wear their PJs, and brought their ticket to board the polar express party. School lasted til noon. We then headed out to my office xmas party, and then went caroling for cans with a brownie troop. Flyers went out earlier in the week to the target houses, saying we would be coming around. If they wished, they could donate a can of food, which will be donated to a food bank...in exchange for a xmas carol.


Many were home, but others just left their cans on the porch. I think they were the smart ones. Everybody was totally off beat and off key, but had a really good time belting out the carols.

We're now home, and gearing up for a bday party tomorrow, at an Xtreme Rock Climbing place. I'll try and get some pics since i got none from tonight.

Merry xmas everyone!

BTW, the blonde in this last picture is Mrs. C., T's kindergarten teacher. She's being given her xmas gift by one of the room mothers, who is also our daisy troop leader.

Prize Patrol

The Prize Patrol has not left the building.

As an update, I was telling my friend marie about our friendly little wager we had going here re the latest loss of T's tooth, and my executive decision to deny Aunt Ceci her prize. Marie vehemently objected and successfully defended Ceci's claim to the prize.

Sooooo,

both Miss Sara and Aunt Ceci will get their prizes!!!

That is, as soon as I can get to the store, wrap, and mail them. I suspect I'll do that this weekend.

Good Lord

I look over and see T doing this for quite a while. When she finally takes the earphones out of her head, I ask her,

Me: Um, T, What are you doing?

T: (lisping) I'm relac-thing, with muthic in my earsth

I have no earthly clue where she learned this pose.

In all her glory...

Here she is, modeling the latest in lack of teeth. Face is dirty from school and girlscouts. We had fun tonight making Christmas cards for Marines in Afganistan. All the girls did a really good job.

12 more days til xmas....everybody got their shopping done?

All I Want for Xmas Is My 2 Front Teeth!

Guess who just lost her tooth? That's right, at 11:40 at night on 12/12, the tooth is out. The kid has been laying in bed wiggling the thing for the last couple hours. Hopefully now, she'll fall asleep.

Technically, there are no winners to the bet. So, I've decided to award the prize to the person who wagered the closest. Two people chose 12/13: Aunt Ceci, and Miss Sara. However, Aunt Ceci made the HUGE strategic error of hedging her bet a bit and mentioning the morning of 12/13. To me, that implies after waking up.

Miss Sara, who is clearly growing up to be a gifted wagerer, had the foresight not to hedge or otherwise limit her bet. She stated just 12/13. To me, that implies all of 12/13 including seconds after midnight tonight. Therefore, the award goes to Miss Sara Manville, T's China-sister.

Laura, I'm not sure I have your newest address, so please email it to me, and I'll work on getting Sara's prize in the mail.

Meanwhile, T looks and sounds so cute I can't stand it. With the loss of the tooth, she now has a slight lisp.

The Living Nativity

Here's a few pics of the living nativity. Unfortunately, its just the first and last scenes, and not the 5 or 6 scenes inbetween chock full o' camels, donkeys, goats, and such. We were at the first scene here, which is the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary to let her know of things to come, when we met up with our friends, who told us that Sophia and Marie were ahead and would not be there for long. Shift change was coming.
So, we high-tailed it to the end, the nativity, so that we wouldn't miss them
There is Marie as an angel, and her daughter Sophia is the shephard in the lower-right corner looking the wrong way.
The hallelujah chorus was blaring and a good time was had by all.

Great acting, guys!

We left and stopped at an ice cream shop for a cone, and are now happily back at home watching TV.

In other news, better get those wagers in soon...

Got Tooth?

Yep, we sure do.

Like my daugher, it appears to be quite stubborn.

In honor of my Aunt Connie, who loves nothing better than a sure bet, I'm going to start taking wagers.

Leave a comment stating what day you think it will come out. E.g. 12/22 , 12/25, etc. Only one date per comment.

The winners will get a surprise in the mail (an inexpensive prize, but a prize none the less!)

Let the wagering begin!

Breakfast with Santa

What fun we had this morning!

It all started out with Santa arriving on a Fire Engine.

The Kindergarten class performed a song from Polar Express

I cried during the performance

T refused to sit on Santa's lap....AGAIN!

The school trucked in some snow for the kids to play in

T got sopping wet playing in the "snow"

T's favorite thing was pegging her mom and Aunt Dotty with snowballs

We ate croquetas and cuban toast for breakfast

T tried to eat the snowflakes...which were really soap suds blown out of a 2nd floor window, with a snowflake machine.

We came home where T is flooding the living room while she plays with her new tea set...that she LOVES.

The End

p.s.: tonite we go to the living nativity, to view Sophia Perikles in her encore performance.

RIP

The South Fla legal community suffered a huge loss today. One of our best judges died of a stroke at the age of 56. He was an outstanding lawyer, outstanding judge, and outstanding husband and father.

He will be missed.

So very, very sad.

Snaggled Tooth Taylor

As you can see from these two pics, the tooth is still in the kid's head, but askew. Very askew. The thing looks like its right in the center of her mouth.

We had to go out to buy a hat and scarf tonight, as T's class will be performing at Breakfast with Santa on Saturday. I believe that they'll be singing a few xmas carols as a class. "Winter wear" is the required costume for this winter extravaganza, particularly a hat and scarf. Given that we live in the swamp state, T didn't own either.

Its anticipated that the high on saturday will be around 79. Winter wear in this state, especially the southern portion, is just ridiculous, but we try.

Twisted Xmas Carols

T is learning xmas carols in school, and is constantly singing them. Its really funny b/c she totally twists up and garbles the lyrics. I'm posting them here for posterity....

Jingle Bell Rock:
"Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell lots"

Angels We Have Heard On High:
"Glo-o-o-o-oooo-o-o-o-o-ooooo-o-o-o-o-ooooor-ia, in ex chinese dedo" (dedo is the spanish word for finger)

Felix Navidad:
"Police Navidad, Police Navidad"

Deck the Halls:
"Deck the halls with holly holly"

I'm trying to document all the "little girl" things she does, as I doubt she'll be doing many of them for long. She's just growing up too fast!

Meanwhile, the tooth survived today at school, and remains in her mouth at a very skewed angle...creeping me out! T has quickly realized this, and is showing it to me all the time. Sigh.

Hanging On by a Thread

No, we're not talking about me or my nerves. We're talking a fleshy somewhat bloody thread. Turns out the comments to the post regarding T's front tooth missing from last week were quite prophetic. Turns out the second top-front tooth will be gone soon, as well. Its literally hanging by a thread in the child's mouth.

Meanwhile, I'm no help at all. I can take most kid "ick" stuff, but not the wiggling tooth. Just literally creeps me out to see it. I am absolutely incapable of pulling it out of her head. Hopefully the gang at school can assist with this task.

So, there you have it. All my careful plotting for black friday and worrying about her gifts has been for naught. Turns out she really will want her two front teeth for xmas...and a whole lot more stuff, as well!

The Kid Can Wear a Dress

T received this beautiful dress from her godmother, Aunt Ceci. She immediately wanted to try it on and wear it.

Yeah, she gets to open her Ceci presents early every year. This year two were wrapped with boas around them, so she's chosen to open them first, of course. A present and a boa. A win/win situation if ever there was one.


She opened this gift on Friday, and she'll open the other one this coming friday.

I immediately asked to take a few pics of her in the dress, which is just too adorable for words.

These pics are the result.

Good lord.

Never have I seen a kid ham it up like she does. Guess the play modeling they did in summer camp stuck. Too bad for her that I doubt poor T will ever break much more than 5 feet tall. I figure 5'2" tops.
Anyway, thank you Aunt Ceci and the entire Sayre family for the cool gifts!

Coral Gables Xmas Park

Today we ran errands and then visited a park in Coral Gables that they decorate for xmas each year....with decorations circa 1965. T loves it. I hate it.

I hate it b/c they simulate snow with this fine white sand. It gets EVERYWHERE.

I've learned since the first year, when I had sandals on. This time we wore sneaks with socks. Still ended up with shoes full of sand.

We then drove around looking at lights and came home.
Last night was a xmas gathering at T's school. No pics, as she literally did not stay still long enough. She spend the whole time with a few kids from her class, running at the speed of light and playing an odd form of "keep away" with a nerf football. The grass stains on her leggings look black.

We'll see if Spray and Wash's promises hold true.
I have grave doubts.
Meanwhile, is anyone else having a spectacularly UNINSPIRED xmas gift shopping experience? Usually, I can find one cool thing, and give that to all my friends.

Last year, it was a label maker. No one was that thrilled with it, i think, upon receipt. But EVERYONE throughout the year has mentioned how they're always using it. Quite the handy device that everybody needs but doesn't know it.

This year, nothing is coming to mind.

Oh well, at least I've got a bit of time left. Perhaps a little Nog and Bourdon as I peruse the sales ads will assist!