Aaaarh Matey

Halloween has begun over here. The pirate costume is out and ready to go. Today was the school party and we have a couple more shindigs this weekend. Heaven help us with all this candy. I am already eating the tootsie rolls!!! I am going to turn in to one!

Happy Halloween Weekend!!!!

School pics 2010

Oh my goodness! Can she look any older here!? And I am thinking that someone either fluffed up her hair or she ran her fingers through the side with the clip because it's a bit poofy! lol! What a cutie pie!

Pumpkin Patching

I took Claire to a pumpkin patch today. We had to get our annual pumpkin patch pics. I can't believe how big she's getting!! Not much else to report so far this week. Thursday begins the Halloween parties and costumes. Should be interesting this year and more fun for Claire! Each year brings a new joy with holidays! I love love love this time of year. I think everyone in AZ does though because the overwhelming heat is gone and it's gorgeous here.

Don't be fooled by the moo cow train picture. Claire still doesn't like to ride on rides or anything that moves so once they told her it was about to take off she was outta there!!

Fall Break Madness

Last week was Fall Break. It's basically just like spring break...one week off...kids out of school everywhere...mayhem follows! We managed the crowds though and had a pretty nice week. We went to the park (for hours!), musuem, petting zoo, and did a little baking. We didn't do one thing productive like get groceries or run errands. Well, we did have a 3yr old well check up but we actually like going to the doc because we aren't usually there for sick visits (knock on wood). It's hard to believe we'll be doing all those first year well visits again soon.

In between the good times we have had meltodowns, tantrums, tears, sensitivity through the roof (must be a girl thing), and the occasional nightmare wake up. I don't know if turning 3 ups the diva quotient for all little girls but it surely has for this one! I waiver between two extremes...the patience of a saint to the craziest mom in the grocery store. When I am patient I am thinking of everything I have read in the book, Raising Your Spirited Child, because Claire is strong willed and sensitive just like her mom. She doesn't fit the spirited child mold 100% but all in all this book as helped me see our challenges differently. On the flip side, I am the mom I hate. The one that drags their child out of the store by the arm and yelling without a care who is watching...until later that night when I am utterly embarrassed at the thought of my behavior. I keep thinking about all that is up ahead and how I will be acting in a few months when I am not sleeping and cranky and have another person to care for. Will I be crazy mom everyday? Then I remember....thanks to my closest of mama friends and my mom....that this too shall pass and we will survive just like before!

3rd Birthday!!!

My sweet girl turned 3 last Wednesday!! I can't believe she is already 3! She had quite the week too. We had the ultrasound last Tuesday, birthday Wed, Aunt Carolyn flew in Thursday, Tinkerbell party on Friday, and family party on Saturday. WHEW!! I was wiped out too. We over did it but it was worth it. Her Uncle Bill even flew in late Friday from Washington to help us celebrate. It was a great surprise!

I made Claire 2 cakes and I don't think I'll ever make another one (except the little cake b/c that's easy and I have done one every year so far). Icing a cake is a bitch! I have to blog these cupcakes too. My sis in law, Carla, made them. Don't they look awesome?!

All her parties were a success. Tinkerbell fairy wing glitter may forever be in our home! It's everywhere no matter how much I clean...it's still there! ha!

It's a GIRL!!

We are having another girl!! We couldn't be happier! We kind of wanted 2 little girlies running around here and we feel so lucky that she looks healthy and happy in there! =) She does have a name but I am going to wait until we have her middle name to post it!