Ivy's Birthday Celebrations

Birthday breakfast consists of Chocolate donuts covered in sprinkles. She opened her presents before Marley went to school which made getting out the door VERY hard! I found her the color changing dolphin (I thought she had dreamt up), Pet Shop rodents (sounds sick, I know, but they are stinkin cute!), and Barbie Thumbelina movie and some matching playsets that she has wanted FOREVER. She got to lick the beaters when I made her cake and had ice cream for dinner. I don't think she would have changed a thing about this birthday!

(In a strong English accent please,) Ivy's Birthday Tea Party at the Telford Court. The guests, Avery and Izabela, were invited to come for afternoon tea and crumpets in celebration of her majesty's 4th birthday. We all wore the most divine gowns and sipped the finest tea. Berries of all sorts were served and make up was done in the parlor. What a fine gala to remember, such fun had by all in attendance.

Grandma Sally also had a party for Ivy. The whole fam was there except for Brian and Casey... sniff, sniff. But we did get to talk to them on the phone. Grandma had 3 different kinds of cake and food galore. Ivy got a new ballerina dress up, Littlest Pet Shops, a puppy that whimpers and barks, and new dresses. Thanks to all!

"She tookded my tooth and left me 5 bucks!"

Marley's first encounter with the Tooth Fairy

Okay, I don't have any more excuses, really. I finally got wireless upstairs, even a laptop to carry from room to room. I am committing, once again, to the preservation of the day to day moments that make up my life. This week is a BIG one. So let's go.

08/07/09 Marley started kindergarten on Tuesday. She's just like me; no tears, ready to please. (Okay, I admit, I got a teeny bit choked up, only because she was so brave and knew exactly what to do; her independence scares me.) She ran to the fence right when the bell rang and waited for Mrs. Hannah. For homework the first night she recited all the rules by heart and knows all the consequences if she chooses not to follow. She gave me a big scary face regarding the call home I may get if she doesn't get on the "choo, choo, choose the rule train". I threatened her with no treats and long afternoons in her room if I EVER get a call from her teacher. I know that will never happen, not just because of my threats, but because she is a pleaser. I am completely in love with her.

08/05/09 My tiniest baby, Ivy Giselle, 4 years old. I still talk baby talk to her. She seems so little compared to Marley at this age. She still chooses to ride in the stroller for hell's sake. The cutest things she says right now are "that's totally wicket; and Mama, I love you". Honestly, there are a lot more nasty phrases like, "That's it!", "Marley, that's enough" or "I'm done!" that are just as cute but clearly are imitations of me (not so cute). The window panes literally rattle when she screams, I sometimes worry that the neighbors can hear her during her fits of rage. It is so funny to watch her come into her own but still have such a baby side. I am completely in love with her.

08/07/09 10 years of marriage. WOW. Russell, my muscle, is still the man of my dreams. When we got married, when I was 20, I think I was in love with the idea of him... his big truck, his mysterioius style, his big blue puppy dog eyes, his handsome face, the way I had to work for our first kiss. But it is so different now. I love the way he is, the way he treats everyone he knows. His gentleness and easygoing-ness, yet his determined and stubborn way. He is 100% russell all the time. No fakey. Everyone loves him, which has been an issue for me...my weakness, I admit. I know I have a great husband and my daughters have a great daddy. I can only hope that I am for him what he is for me. I am completely in love with him.