Kindergarten Top Ten

The Top Ten Comments made by Eloise her first week of Kindergarten:

#10 Why is Sister Sara called a Sister? I have a sister, but I don't call her sister?

#9 I will never pee at school.

#8 When we are asked to line up - all of the girls listen and line up quietly and the boys run around like monkeys.

#7 I don't understand gym..why do we all just have to go in a big room and run around in circles..can I have Spanish class instead tomorrow?

#6 I can buy chocolate milk for lunch every day and there is nothing you can say or do about it, because you are not there.

#5 My music teacher's name is Barry Gross..giggle..giggle(sorry it cracks me up that she is already making fun of her teachers)

#4 We pray a lot - what is that all about..I think it is kind of like the blessings we used to say at the Jewish Community Center..just in English.

#3 If I learn to read everything this week - don't feel like you need to stop reading to me.

#2 I have to stay at this school forever so I won't leave Esther since she is so far behind me.

..and the #1 comment made by Eloise this week at school(and yes, heard by her teacher...Sister Sara) "Hey Mom, who is that guy hanging on the wall?"

I told the "guy hanging on the wall" story to a friend and her mother-in-law this weekend, and her MIL told a very funny joke that I won't completely repeat - but this little boy who went to Catholic School in the joke, got straight A's and did all of his homework as he didn't want to end up like the kid on the plus sign on the wall in school.

Oh, little Miss Eloise is having so much fun and learning so much..and I can't imagine the comments and questions she will have after her first Mass this week...especially if you haven't seen my post about her first Pope sighting...sigh..

xoxo, t

Make Believe

Tomorrow my mornings of make-believe, my hours of princess tea parties, my daily ballerina recitals, and occasional rock concerts will come to an end. Tomorrow, my Minnie Mouse, necklace wearing, poodle purse carrying, tutu wearing, ballet shoe adorned princess will start preschool.
Tomorrow, there will be no one to make me laugh uncontrollably, no one to make-up songs with, no one to take the zoo wearing the most fabulous ensemble of the week.
Tomorrow I will have Mommy "lonely" time - where I can drink a coffee with a friend, go for a long run interrupted, actually clean my house, read some blogs, and take time to take-in my perfectly quiet house.

I will miss my princess of make believe...but not enough that I will be playing dress-up and dancing to Dan Zane tomorrow, all by my lonely mommy self.
xoxo,t

European Fashions...

Since I still have nothing brilliant to say...I will bore you with more cuteness. I love European clothing for children - the fit, the style, the fabrics, the feel, the look..it is the complete package.





Little Esther is in her new dress and tights from IKKS - one of my all time favorite brands. She continued to wear this dress for most of the 92 degree day we had.

..and if you are wondering how Miss Eloise is doing - she is doing great in Kindergarten. I will get a post together with all of her questions, comments, triumphs and tears from the first week.

xoxo, t

With a Purpose...

The last few weeks I have been following the tragic story of Stephanie and Christian Nielson. Their plane went down a few weeks ago, killing their pilot and leaving them with critical injuries. They are the parents of 4 beautiful children and my heart just goes out to their families.

You can follow their recovery stories at 2 of my favorite blogs...

Stephanie's blog..and her sweet sister's blog cjanerun.

You can make a direct donation following this link:

...and we at Matilda Jane are helping too..

From September 5th to September 12th, Matilda Jane is donating 10% of it's revenue directly to the Nielson family.

You can see the details on the Matilda Jane Blog.

..and let's all give this family our time, prayers and love as they continue to heal.
xoxo,t

Beginnings...

34 years ago in a galaxy far, far away..well, actually in Blaine, MN...a little girl named Tracy started Kindergarten. Wasn't she cute in her green plaid Brady Bunch-esque outfit.

Present day - more plaid, and Eloise's 1st day of Kindergarten. My favorite part of the day was when Eloise put on her plaid jumper dress and said "Mom, what brand is this because it doesn't feel like Oilily." No my dear..it's cheap poly-knit Catholic School uniform plaid..get used to it...yuck.

I think she is ready for School Pictures - do you think?

Can you tell she is excited?!

..oh, sad Esther getting comfort from her Sally Cat...all I heard all day..."but I will miss my Ewoise, I weally miss my Ewoise..when is she coming home?"

..getting ready for the 1st bell so we can walk in the school...

..yes, it is poly-knit plaid from head to toe...headband, jumper dress, socks..

..she still looks happy with her new fairy to keep her company at school today...

..first time in her classroom - do you see the change in facial expressions - that happy look up there has now turned into the uncertain look down here...

..still a bit uncertain with her teacher the sweet Sister Sara...

..AND at pick-up today..I cannot get the smile to come off of her face..she was BEAMING when I picked her up..she says she should go to Kindergarten every day as it is so fun..and tomorrow they are learning Spanish, Music and Art....just look at that sweet, big, girl...my sweet, big, kindergarten, girl..I am so proud of you and love you dearly, my sweet girl...

..so sweet we need to celebrate with some Izzy's as a special treat...

..did I mention that I know I am the luckiest mom in the world?

Tomorrow...

I doubt that I will blog..not because I don't want to blog..but because I have to wake-up sleepy Eloise 1 hour earlier than usual(she is not a morning person) and then she has to miss watching Clifford, then she will be mad, and then I will throw a waffle at her, and then take her to her 1st day of Kindergarten, leave sobbing, make myself feel better with a nice Latte, and treating Eloise to ice cream after school.

Wish us luck on 'our' first day of Kindy...oh, she is such a big girl...

xoxo, t