It was a perfect day...

Everything came together for Maisie's four year old birthday party! Perfect weather, fun outdoor activities, My Little Pony decor, and happy kids - little and big! Certain occasions and backdrops create the most beautiful pictures too (not to mention a talented sister-in-law)

I really am learning what makes these parties successful and sweet. It's called spending time with the birthday child alone that day in preparation (Maisie I will forever remember wheeling you around Fred Meyers, you eating a donut in the cart's baby seat, as we picked up last minute Pony stuff and 10 beautiful pink helium balloons. Some moments are magical. That was one of them for me)

and keeping things simple.

Doesn't help when it's the most beautiful fall weather either! Thanks to all who came and helped. You all love Maisie too.

I was a teacher once...

Tomorrow is the start up of the moms group I lead here in town. We're not doing anything elaborate, but catching up and eating a snack. I also had an idea that I am going to pass along to them. Whenever I can put a little something in their "pocket" - - a good idea that maybe they hadn't thought of or didn't have the time to create - - I shall do it and pass it on the my viewers, IF I have the time:)

As a former teacher, I think this is a great idea for us moms. It has only taken me two years of preschool to sit down and actually create it. It's to gather info about your child's teachers' likes - things you can buy at a small cost that would really make his/her day! It's a questionairre for your child's teacher. Recreate it on your computer or copy and paste it. I put my girls' on hardstock paper, so that it will last all year in my car, purse or bulletin board.

"Getting to know you!" Questionairre

1. What is your favorite type of HOT drink?

2. What is your favorite kind of COLD drink?

3. What is your favorite candy?

4. What is your favorite cookie?

5. What are your favorite magazines?

6. What are your favorite authors?

7. What is your favorite sandwich in town?

First Days and New Things to Offer

If you read my subsequent posts you will realize that we have had some really busy days. It literally went like this:

Sunday - huge party at our house for Daph's 6th b-day
Monday - trip to State Fair on Daphne's actual b-day
Tuesday - Daphne starts KINDERGARTEN, Maisie starts 3yr old preschool, and Daphne has her first piano lesson with new teacher

Oh my! But you will all be amazed that I survived beautifully with virtually no tears. It's even more amazing to me as I recall it in writing.

The girls did wonderfully, Ruby and I had some sweet alone time, and I feel a new chapter beginning that I am excited about. On Friday when I attended a mandatory parents meeting with Daphne's kindergarten teacher, I was able to tell her that I taught 1st grade for 4 years, that I am hoping to sub this year occasionally and that I would like to volunteer in her classroom often and can help her with assessments. I'm not bragging here people, you know my heart by now. But do you know how good it felt to say, "I have some skills to offer you." and to have it received with such an excited/relieved response??!!!

It's a bright beginning - my kids' education with me fully involved!

Daphne's 6th Birthday

We had over 50 people at our house for Daphne's 6th birthday party! What in the world was I thinking. In the middle of the night afterward I woke up feeling bad that it was so crazy for people - no room, noisy and no real intimate moments. The cool thing though was that God gave me a word - no joke - in that moment. He said, "no, it wasn't an intimate gathering, but I'm pleased that you have taken the time for Daphne to make relationships with all those people." And it's true, because she hand picked that huge guest list. Wow - that made me feel better. It just reminded me that there is a time and place for all things under heaven - even chaos, when it's for a good cause:)

Here's some pictures of her party and our moments at the fair the next day on her true birthday.

Black Eyed Beauty

This is possibly an unnecessary post amongst many "must posts". But I just have to show you Maisie with the black eye that she received during a hot tub accident the week before school began.

I only show and comment, because I everytime I looked at it, I just couldn't help but laugh inside. I'm really not that way usually with injuries. But the fact that Maisie was sporting a black eye just cracked me up, because that is SO "Maisie". I love it.

I always wanted one growing up. I thought it would show my friends, especially boys maybe, that I was tough, and thus cool. I guess that screams my personality too - attention seeker.

But alas, I never have had one...

Maisie really is that tough and rough. It's hard to channel when they are little - but I'm starting to get really excited about her future. McMinnville High School football coaches watch out in 12 years or so...if she is as athletic as her dad and driven as she is now - she may just try out for the team!

Getting to Know You

I'll say it again. I'm blessed. You know all about my three children. But did you know that I have 7 nieces and nephews and one on the way? And they are all between ages six and in the womb. That's a lot of babies being born in a short amount of time. Yes, I always tell people that my siblings (that's including Mike's brother and wife as I claim them as mine too) and us are doing the "same thing" at the "same time".



It is really fun and the best way to make cousins - grow'em up together. The only downside is that when there is a family get together, we are all taking care of our own brood and barely have enough time and energy to spend one on one time with each others' children.



So I do what I can - and this summer that meant carving out some special time for two of them. I took my brother's son for a couple days and a night. And then Mike's brother's daughter for two nights. Yes, it was a little extra work, but I got to know Cole and Phoebe a lot better and more importantly, they know their auntie Stefanie in a more intimate way too. I love the memories we now share - they and I. And I love that Phoebe hugs me a little tighter when I see her too. Here I introduce you to them through an Auntie's eyes:



This is Cole. He is my brother, Jon and his beautiful wife, Meghann's firstborn. And now I get to brag outright, since Auntie's are allowed...He is the smartest 4 year old you may ever meet. He is reading and I mean READING already and has been for awhile. He can navigate a computer and knows his states too. But the part that really makes me want to ooh and aahh over him is his demeanor. He is so mild mannered and I just don't have a quiet child in my midst, so it amazes me. He is easy going and has great manners and is just stinkin' cute. Plus he looks a lot like my brother, whom many tell me is very handsome:). I will take him at my house anyday!

The morning I took him home, I was trying a teacher method of praising others to get the distracted "one" to redirect themselves. So, as Maisie screamed about her carseat being too tight, I purposely, yet honestly said aloud, "Cole, YOU listen so well. Can I keep you forever?"

Cole got that glazed over, thinking hard sort of look and replied, "No, I don't think so." And since he was taking it literally, I decided to clarify and said, "Well, can I just keep you as my nephew for forever?"

That's when he said, "Well, I think I will probably only live to be 100 years old...." Still taking it literally and the conversation continued hilariously in that direction.

I could eat him up!

Now here is Phoebe Claire. She is Matt and Becca's only little girl and she loves being girlie with my girls. She was tickled beyond measure to be invited for a two night "slumber party" in August. She is surrounded by gun shooting, punch throwing, weird noise making boys. I love her brothers to pieces, but goodness sake, I gotta give my niece a little break from them everyonce in awhile. However, I don't believe she had ever been away from her TWIN brother, Jabe - so this was really big. We played hard and had fun with this sweetie. Really, she just fits right in!

The second night, the girls decided to all sleep in Daphne's room together. So we prepared the beds and they were completely jazzed. I got some cute pictures of them in their still anticipatory mood. It wasn't till after the lights were turned off and I told them to go to sleep that Phoebe got a little teary. I only show you the bottom video because as the Auntie, I think it is completely endearing - her sweet voice and her attempt at trying to be stubborn. Sorry Phoebe, this momma has seen worse tantrums. So once again, I'll have this little one over anytime!