A Great Weekend!

Something Crazy..

Is your 18 inch doll or American Girl Homeless?

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Some Old Some New...

Looks like we are going to wake up soon to say I can't believe 2012 is almost over.  Whoever said as you get older the clock ticks faster- SO TRUE!  I just had a D*** Birthday and it is coming up again.  How come when we are little it seems like forever for our next Birthday and then you turn 30 the clock starts ticking double time, ARGHHH!

I want to be a better blogger.  Since 2006 I have been blogging mostly about Cupcake and little about the annoyance of a neighbor and both with a little humor and few irritants.  I have had some positive responses and some not so positive responses ( those get deleted quickly!).  Overall I like sharing the journey of life with my daughter because I really didn't know...SO MANY THINGS!  To think when I was 14 I knew EVERYTHING and my parents knew nothing!  By the time I turned 30, I realized I knew very little and I was truly embarking on adulthood.  Even though I try to convince Cupcake I am a 29 years old, I am not so bent about turning 41 (ok, a little bent).  Life is more interesting is "learning" mode and Cupcake is an amazing teacher.  Her infectious smile and seven year old perspective on life is so interesting, entertaining, and a lesson in so many ways.  Cupcake's world is a place of rainbows, butterflies and unicorns. Of course there are a few bees and bee stings along the way but she always seems to see the vibrant yellow and black stripes after the sting.  She has taught me to smile in the morning even if I wake feeling grumpy and hugs and kisses every night are paramount (after milk & cookies).  She is the best reminder that it is just as easy to say things nicely (how far I have come even in the most contentious situations as being a role model in front of her trumps the "point."  As she is getting older it is difficult not to feel she needs me less but it isn't really less, it is needing me differently.  I find myself wanting to brush her teeth (i still scrub them well when I can sneak it in!) or tie her shoes (and sneak a thigh tickle) but she is a BIG girl now!  She has an opinion- OMG does she ever!  For the most part, I love her opinions and perspectives on life and friends.  I look forward to sharing more of her perspectives on life next year!

Today I have had an overwhelming sadness as I am following a story of a missing little 10 year old  girl in Colorado- Jessica Ridgeway.  My heart breaks for her mother.  I feel sick to my stomach of the thoughts that run through my mind.  I think of all of the little girls who have been kidnapped, murdered, and never returned since my obsession with following these stories (which started in 2005).  I hesitate to start writing about this topic because it is a topic that will only bring tears.  However it is so important to talk about it.  The more we talk about it, the more conscious we are of our surroundings.  Hopefully this will lead to better decisions.  If your child has to walk to school, make sure there is supervision, if you are on a playground don't turn around to take a call, and if you are a mall, amusement park, or any large event- do not blink an eye.  if you go to the movies be prepared to throw your child under a chair and lay on top of them.  If your child is going to a friends house restrict them on going to a playground or a crowed event if you aren't sure your child will be supervised in the SAME fashion you would.  Talk to your child about running, screaming, and hiding (in a healthy and unalarming manner) as preparing them is our job!  Most importantly, don't feel guilty or negative about thinking there are so many people in our country who harm children because this is the truth.  It is the reality of living in America.  With freedom comes many people who abuse their freedom resulting in crimes on children.  While it is important to be charitable in many facets from sick children to the less fortunate- don't ever risk the safety of our children.  I may sound a bit crazy and I know some deem me to be a bit (ok, a little more than a bit- Cupcake may not see a public event without me until she is 21) over protective, but I do prefer the chit chat about my craziness on this topic then the possibilities if I am not.  More on this topic later.

In the meantime, send strength and hope to Jessica Ridgeway's family!

Update:  Her body was found.

SO SO FANCY! & More...

CUPCAKE LOVES FANCY NANCY!!!

Fancy Nancy replaced Dr.Seuss very quickly!  I love Fancy Nancy too.  We have read them together and she loves reading them on her own.  When the "The Mermaid Ballet" book arrived we both gasped as it was just a beautiful book, a great read, and even better the Vital Theatre was rolling out the red carpet for the premiere.   Cupcake was not missing the show.  We have attended "Pinkalicious" which was also at the Vital Theatre in NYC and didn't think it could get any better  BUT...

All I can say it PERFECT!  She got to meet Jane O'Conner (the author -below), have her book autographed and sit with the cast.  All she can could say to Fancy Nancy...ARE YOU REAL?

Fancy Nancy was so REAL!!!  A perfect day in the world of Cupcake!

The show is playing for a couple months so if you have the opportunity and you are in NYC- Don't miss it!!! It is a MUST SEE!!!

Bree and Fancy Nancy are real!!!                                      

 The Mermaids waiting for the show to begin.    






Some scattered pics:

                                                  

         Cupcake is so 70's!

Great Grandma Kay is going to be 93 next month!!!

Cupcake manipulated her way into the cockpit as we departed Barcelona for America.  Special Clearance granted.

FIRST trip to the doctor for an injury.  YES, you can get hurt with child proof scissors.  YES I did forget to remind her to use on PAPER ONLY.  While attempting to cut a thin piece of plastic she took out of the trash (pretty purple) to make a mask??  The scissors cut a nice chunk on the tip & side of her finger...ARGGHHH!  Mother's guilt at its finest.   Dr. Daddy bandaged and got us to the hospital successfully!

We Love the Summer, Recap Summer 2012

Before we left for the summer 20 girls and Mom's joined us for a Spa Day for an early 7th Birthday celebration (the first of 3)

Goodbye America!

A few more months before we leave I start brain washing the routine for the plane ride...Dinner, movie, nite-nite Cupcake!  IT WORKS!

She woke up as we arrived in Italy- This is the "Are you for real face?" How can they not have fruit loops or cinnamon toast crunch-  SHE SURVIVED!

Cousin Ana came to the airport- Fruits Loops is no longer a problem!

Ok, Cupcake, you got what you want- after a long 24 hours of getting ready to leave, heading to Philly, boarding the plane, deplaning the dysfunctional US Airways flight 718, waiting for 5 hours for a new plane to arrive, and arriving 4 hours late, we managed to pull off finding our suits and getting to the beach IMMEDIATELY upon request!

While your mom is half dead trying to recover, your uncles and dad are the heroes.

For the first time your American Grandparents FINALLY showed up for a great summer visit!

When you don't remember, everyday but 2 out of 79 days all of us made sure you were on the beach!  By the way, Cupcake is a Beach Addict- A real life BEACH BUM!

If you aren't convinced that our apartment is to accommodate your every wish Marina Park is in our backyard.  All of the sudden our backyard at home looks a bit shabby!

Whatever it is - you little creatures find fun about running in a ball like a hamster- the fun is for us to laugh while we watch!

Out of 79 days, I only had one wish- this was to go to the Island of Giglio-  The Concordia deserved a moment of silence for the lives lost 100 years after the Titanic.

NEXT STOP:  MALLORCA

Thank you Maia- you made Cupcakes 2 weeks in Mallorca the best ever! 

For the 2 days she was without Maia- Dad was the sub

Bye-Bye Mallorca- we love your crystal blue waters and sunny skies!

NEXT STOP:  Barcelona

Walking the streets of Barcelona is a museum- taking pics were so much fun.  Barcelona deserves its own entry.  From Tapas Bar Bike to the beaches- we walked until we passed out but enjoyed every minute!  I miss you my pitcher of Sangria, you brightened every evening and tasted heavenly with every dinner!

Dad, Here is a message to you:  When mom says take a stroller because my little legs can't walk for 6 hours or you will be carrying me- you may want to believe her!

After visiting the cockpit with the pilot for a few minutes (and a few great pics)- Here is the chat:

Are we really back in America?  Yes Cupcake, we are here.  Mom, Could you please drop me off at Lilly's so I can play while you and daddy unpack and do your things.  NO CUPCAKE, you can help us and play another day.  There will be plenty of time to play!  ...SURPRISE  - Lilly was at the airport to pick you up- AND your mom can keep a surprise!

As soon as I get unpacked and comfy at home I will pack your bags again for one last hoorah with your girls!

O.C., MD- How could I not take her for one last weekend to a beach with her friends?  I am crazy!  I think they were having fun...

What do you do at the beach on a rainy day?  Ice Skating?

There is the quick recap of the summer that passed us by more quickly than we would have wished.  It was filled with so many adventures,  family, and so many friends old & new.

Cupcake, thank you for being the most amazing traveller.  You just completed your 17th roundtrip flight!  

Happy 7th Birthday my Sweet Little Cupcake!

Is it May?

Ok, I have 2 days until Mom's Birthday,  13 days until  Mother's Day, 20 days until Cupcake's Party (having 2 months early since we are leaving for the summer), 24 more school days waking at 6 am, and 30 days until we leave for the summer.

All I can think is HOT PINK & Zebra for her party!

I will post some party preview pics this weekend.

Spring Break?

We aren't big planners but the commercials for The Atlantis broke us down in February so we decided to go for Spring Break in March. We went before baby and it was one of our favorite trips. It is a quick flight, and a great resort. If you love water like Cupcake, it is endless hours of many pools and beaches. Since it was spring break, there was never a moment she couldn't find kids her age to play. We got back last week. School is now closed Thursday until Tuesday, I thought last week was Spring break?

The night before we left, her top tooth was hanging. The second night it fell out and now...she looks like a big kid. The pics look like a daddy & me trip - I am just the family photographer.

Anyway- 2 thumbs up for a great family place! Swimming with the Dolphins was Cupcake's favorite activity! Being 48 inches could of been the only thing to make her trip better. She didn't like not being able to go on all of the slides and not so crazy about wearing a vest for the rides they let her go on- but overall it was a week of BIG SMILES and lots of laughs!



























THE END.

Valentine's Day & More

Happy Valentine's Day from Mommy & Daddy! Cupcakes new hobby is roller skating. She just loves it so we surprised her with these really cool skates. Why are they so cool? The expand Size 10, 11, 12, 13...thats a great deal for $30.00! Maybe you can see the white button under the pink- you just push and stretch. On the bottom of the insert- there is elastic-Voile- adjustable skates! PS. She loves them
Coincedently, Disney usually has an ice skating show around Valentine's Day. We didn't have much to do so I picked up tickets the morning of and we headed down to Disney's 100 years on Ice- It was a good Saturday morning in Cupcakeland.


Fancygirlboutique put together these great Valentine's Day bags for her classmates. With only 9 girls to get little gifts for it was easy. School uniforms allow for only red and white hair bows so this was a great little treat in lieu of candy. The girls could put their Valentine's Cards in the bag too.

Surprise! My mother is a teacher and NEVER has the same days off. This year we had President's Day Weekend so Mom and Cupcake and I hopped on a plane to CA to the cousins. Since there was a new arrival of Baby J we had to go!

While in Cali-We couldn't miss Disney!


Baby J's big sisters and Cupcake...

Introducing Baby J- yummy xoxo