Valentine Boxes

Ah, we all remember these days back in school.

Having to transform a plain white box or shoebox into a mailbox for our Valentine's day parties.

Many things have changed in the 25+ years since being in elementary, but this one thing sure has not...

While the girls were at school, I prepped their boxes...

Then gave them the freedom to put their own stamp (or sticker) on the design...

So much fun then.

Still so fun many years later!

The Six Year Celebration

Today began like any other day.

With one teensy-weensy exception.

It is Lily's birthday.

It is also a school day for her.

But her birthday couldn't go unnoticed.

So for lunch, I surprised her and Sophia and took them to lunch at Larry's Pizza...

They were quite surprised.
First they were relieved because they thought I had forgotten their lunches and they did NOT want to have to eat the cheese sticks at school.
No cheese sticks.
Just cheese pizza and cinnamon sticks and a few games.
Then it was back to school.

From there, I went home and whipped up this beauty for Lily...

Ha!
Lovely, isn't it?
Well, it's the thought that counts, right?

After school, Lily opened presents from the family...

Dinner was followed by cake...

Today Lily turned six.

It wasn't done with much fanfare, but it was filled with sweet surprises for my sweet six year old.

Puppy Love

Joe wanted to be certain that Lily came home from school to a precious treat on her birthday...

Such a kind daddy!

A Song for My Sister

Surprises are always extra special on your birthday.

But imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when Sophia's teacher texted me these pictures...

Apparently the Pre-K 3 teachers got Lily from her class to come to their class so they could sing her "Happy Birthday!"

Such a sweet and thoughtful thing to do.

20 Questions for Liliana

Today my big girl turns SIX...

So what exactly does a six year old like?
The truth is, you never know.
It can change from day to day.
But on this, the 8th of February 2012, Lily's favorites are the following:

1. What is your favorite color? PINK and PURPLE
2. What is your favorite toy? KOO KOO BIRD
3. What is your favorite fruit? APPLES
4. What is your favorite t.v. show? MR. MEN SHOW
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? HAMBURGERS
6. What is your favorite outfit? A DRESS
7. What is your favorite game? TAG
8. What is your favorite snack? CHEESE BALLS
9. What is your favorite animal? DOG
10. What is your favorite song? MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB
11. What is your favorite book? BAD KITTY CHRISTMAS
12. Who is your best friend? LYLA
13. What is your favorite cereal? RICE KRISPIES
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? PLAY HIDE AND SEEK
15. What is your favorite drink? WATER
16. What is your favorite holiday? HALLOWEEN
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? MY WHITE BLANKIE
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? CEREAL
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? MEXICAN FOOD
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A COWGIRL


Happy Birthday big girl!  
I love you so very much!

Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood

Our monthly "play" date came again today.

We did just as we did the last time.

We had lunch at Chili's and then went to see Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood.

As always, the girls had a fantastic time and enjoyed each other's company...

With the news of our move, I feel that these moments are even more important for my girls and their friends.

The move and house selling may keep me busy.

But there will always be time made to be with our most special friends in this little bit of time we have still in Arkansas.

A Little Bit of Big News

In all my craziness of cleaning house and keeping kids from getting sick, I forgot to mention the little bit of news we got.

WE ARE MOVING!!!!

Joe got a job working for the PTRA in Houston, Texas.
This isn't just any job.
Joe is taking a two position leap from a Director to Superintendent.
He will be the second in command for the PTRA just under the General Manager.
Did I forget to mention that Joe is the youngest EVER to be promoted to a Superintendent position.
He is only 34.

First let me say how proud I am of his accomplishment.
His past six years in Pine Bluff have been rough.
He has done a tremendous job.
As of now, he has gone 500+ days injury free.
This also has never happened before.

We have been waiting for news like this and let's just say that us city folk couldn't be happier to be moving to a big city.
(The 4th largest to be exact)

The girls were excited to hear the news.
Then Lily got  a little sad because at the age of almost 6, she knew this meant that she wasn't going to see her friends anymore.
I felt bad for her.
She must have sensed my weakness because then the negotiations came.

"I am not moving to Texas unless you buy me a horse."
This was the one time Joe's asthma was on our side.
"We can't have a horse at our house because daddy gets sick and can't breathe."

So we promised her cowgirl boots, a cowgirl hat and that we would go visit a horse.
Not sure if she bought it, but at least it bought me some time.
For now.

So here we go on our big adventure.
Goodbye Arkansas!  Howdy Texas!
Congratulations Joe!