Swimmingly unsuccessful...

What the girls did on vacation in one word. Swim. Well, okay 2 words...not swim. After almost 6 years of swimming lessons, Eloise is no closer to swimming than she was at 6 months old...and has little interest to learn.

Esther is a bit braver - and I hope WILL swim on her own by this Summer..and perhaps dear Eloise will follow - but perhaps not. That is okay. Most of my family is afraid of the water and cannot swim(or will not swim).

For now, Eloise loves being in the water - either in the kiddie pool where it reaches her knees or floating effortlessly and safely in a tube.

Perhaps she won't learn to swim - and then I can have a lounge chair companion - working on our tans, gossiping about boys, reading books and People magazine, and sipping margaritas. It is all good.

xoxo,t

I'm Gonna Wash that Gray Right Out of my Hair...

..and I did.

Yesterday I got my hair colored - all of it. After years of pretty and subtle highlights and now 8 years of pulling stray grays out of my locks, my gray hair started taking over. It has to happen someday - but being just barely 40 seems too young. Admittedly so, I actually probably waited 6 months more than I should of, but getting the hair dyed before 40 just seemed well, sad.

I chose brown - my natural color - I am such a rebel. Dan and I discussed red tones and even purple to amuse the girls, but I had pink hair in high school and thought purple hair at 40 would be just a little well, immature. Call me conservative - well actually don't - that would offend me...just call me a responsible 40 year old mom with plain brown hair. I also considered blond as I have never been a blond, but if I were a blond I would also want boobs, not that all blonds have boobs, but this one would want them. But alas, today I am still a brunette, sans gray, with 32aa's. The world is good.

I can sleep well at night also knowing that my brother Troy(who is just 10 months older than me) has more gray hair than I do.

Exhibit A

I am thinking when he comes to visit this Winter(you are coming right?;-), I am going to take him to Dan for a new color. Gosh, I wonder if Troy likes pedicures too? Can you say Spa Day.

xoxo,t

Sorry Jed,

...but it's a girl thing. Sigh, poor Jed. It has already started. The lone man in a house of girls(and a castrated male cat of course). It had to start sometime.

Jed picked Eloise up from school yesterday as a special treat. Poor girl. She was devastated. You see, something embarrassing happened to her yesterday at school and she waited most of the day to see me at pick-up to get it off her chest and let it all out. She was so brave though, she quietly greeted Jed and rode home in silence waiting to see Mom. The moment she came through the door and saw me she burst into tears coming to me for help. She grabbed my hand and pulled me upstairs away from Jed and away from listening ears. She did tell Esther she could come too - but just keep to herself.

She then sobbed and told me her story(never to be repeated to anyone else mind you - so don't even ask). I gave her lots of hugs and kisses and understanding words and eventually the tears turned to laughs and she was ready to move on and enjoy her afternoon.

I have a feeling - being she is just 6, that this will be the start of many mother-daughter talks. I just hope when she is 16 she will come to me too. I just know that poor Jed is going to feel a bit left out though as some things are just to personal to discuss with a dad.

I think he knows that he has about the most special place in her heart though. I just get picked sometimes because I am the right sex at the time. We all serve a special purpose for our kids. I am just glad I can be there when called upon.

xoxo,t

Happy 2009

I am here, I am alive and quite well actually. After a little jaunt to Mexico - our home is now filled with piles of wrapping, toys, luggage, sand and 10 load of laundry. Please don't come visit soon as it will take a least a month to dig out.

I am happy though - unlimited sun and sand, unlimited family time, unlimited bliss and the opportunity to wear our Summer wardrobe again.
Life is good!

Missed you!
xoxo,t

I can't believe...

..I missed my birthday...so much to tell...the food, the presents, the friends, the family. It was a perfect way to turn 40!

Jed spoiled me and surprised me with my LOUIS!!!!!!! Pics to come later..

In the meantime - you can tell by the smile on my face, that I was feeling pretty damn fabulous on my 40th birthday(and I don't look a day over 39) - I am so spoiled.

xoxo, t

Final Sewing project..

..well, not forever...just my last Holiday gift I finished.

I made these cute little dolls for 2 sweet girls in Oklahoma. Eloise and Esther both helped - it was a fun project to do with them.

We loosely followed this Martha Stewart pattern.

I hope to have more time to sew AFTER the holidays.

xoxo, t