Adams Hotel

We spent a few days of our Spring Break visiting the Adams' hotel. Although we didn't do much, it was so fun to spend time with our cousins! Thank you Lacey, Jerome, Caden, Eli and Millie for letting us stay at your place and taking us fun places!! We can't wait to visit again :)

Meet Elisa

While Carlie was playing social butterfly on Friday (birthday party, sleepover), we let Lucy have a play date as well. Elisa Jane came over on Friday and she was an absolute doll. The girls played so well together! I was sorry to see her go when it was time! Unfortunately, Elisa will not be going to CLS next year, so this friendship may be limited to one year -- the first of many for our Lucy!

Easter Morning

Happy Easter! If you would have told me 7 1/2 years ago that I would love buying twirly, girly dresses...I would have laughed. But guess what? Two little girls have changed me. I get so excited to buy their dresses each year, and to see them parade into church each morning, I am one proud mama. And I can tell by the rooster chest Jeff parades, that he too is proud of our two beautiful blessings. I am glad I am given the opportunity to teach them this holiday is more than just Easter baskets and candy. Altough that is high on their priority list right now in their life, Carlie told me this morning, "Mom, I try to focus on the real reasons for the season." When I inquired, she told me...you know...like Christ rising from the dead, and the birth of Jesus at Christmas." Proud? You can say that.

Growing Fast

Carlie attended a "Diva" Birthday Party this weekend, and the girls had so much fun. We went to the beauty college where their hair was fixed, nails painted and makeup was applied. They thought they were so cool. While driving Carlie and her friend to the Pizza Hut for the lunch celebration after the makeovers, she instructed me to "just pull up to the door and drop me off." How did we get here? Where is my little girl who wanted to hold her mommy's hands all the time? Little by little I am noticing Carlie become the woman she one day will be. Little by little I am trying to loosen my grip on her hand, and let her become that person. But I just didn't know it was going to be this hard!

St. Patty's Day

Long gone are the days of green beer and 9:00 a.m. O'Sullivan visits. Parenthood has definitely changed my St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Do I miss the old days? Sometimes. I would be lying if I said I didn't. There are even moments when I think that I could do it all again. But then I think, seriously? Each year I attempt to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a kid friendly way. This year, J.K. O'Donnells had a "family friendly" tent. Jeff had to work late, so the girls and I dressed up in our beads and green and went down. Carlie was very disappointed. Her exact statement was, "I thought there were going to be kid things to do." And when I went to the bartender and asked for a non-alcoholic beer (I was driving you know!) - you should have SEEN the look I received. Luckily, the owner was standing by and quickly came to my rescue and my request was granted. We stayed for approximately 26 minutes. Enough time for the girls to be "bored" and "hungry" (which we ate dinner RIGHT BEFORE we went down). So we hit McDonald's for a Shamrock Shake and went home to celebrate. Maybe next year. Probably not, but an Irish mom can hope. Instead I bought a four pack of Guinness and enjoyed one with my husband when he got home. Come to think of it, I don't miss it at all.

Daddy Date Night

Micki read somewhere that as a father, it is your duty to teach your daughter how she should expect to be treated when she is out on a date. Now, I know Carlie is only 7, but I guess it is never too early to start. Central was running a promotion for a Mad Ants game, and since Carlie's "favorite sport" is now basketball, we decided to go. I open the car door for her, open the restaurant door for her, pull her chair out for her, pay for her dinner, buy her cotton candy. All these things, and what is the highlight of her evening? Mrs White sitting next to her for the first half of the game. So goes being a Daddy. As she gets older, it will be hanging with her friends or YIKES!!! hanging out with the boys. Of course I assume I was much more relaxed than any of her dates will be with the threat of "Crazy one shoe, banana pocket Dad" lurking in the shadows. If you don't know what this last sentence means, ask me sometime and I will be happy to explain.

F.A.M.E.

F.A.M.E. = Foundation of Arts and Music in Elementary Education. Carlie had her artwork chosen to be displayed at this year's FAME Festival in Fort Wayne. Of the nearly 300 students in her school, only about 40 had their artwork chosen. Way to go Carlie! Her current future occupation desire is to be a teacher, and particularly, an art teacher. I think she would be a great teacher, just like her Aunt Ginger!!