Deanna Rose 2010

Half of Johnson County and myself decided to go to Deanna Rose today, seriously, I counted 8 school buses and a Greyhound? I usually strive to get there right when it opens, but we were later today. Nevertheless, the girls had a fabulous time. Jilli wanted to "feed animals that don't bite her" meaning not the goats and instead the ducks and fish. Mia Kate just loves to play and enjoyed several of the playgrounds throughout the farmstead. We enjoyed exploring the new bank and getting an icecream treat. Our goal is to go back several times this summer!

I never thought my girls looked much alike, but look at their smiles....

Jillian was dissapointed that I chose her outfit today. She said "That outfit will make me a boy."

Once we returned to our car it was HOT!

The major downfall to my vehicle is that it doesn't have rear vents. Great car, knock on wood, perfect in the snow, drives well, no issues, except my sweaty children. When we bought our vehicle, pre-children, rear vents weren't on our list of must haves, I don't think I even thought of it. Instead I remember loving the fact that it didn't have a center console, which is where the vents would be.

Tonight I jimmy rigged up a little relief. Battery powered fans, with foam blades, to keep in their car seats. This is going to sound crazy, but I went ahead and turned one on and then put it up to my cheek really close to see how much damage Jilli could do to her own face. So if you see me in a sweatshirt driving around, it is because I have to freeze myself to cool the children.

Weak

Before Mia's last t-ball game I had to hop in the shower real quick, the girls were in swimsuits from a dash in the sprinkler, and I left them with these parting words "Get dressed before I am out of the shower."

I didn't tell them what to wear, so Jilli chose her new, and very posh, Fancy Nancy tutu. Perfect for a ball game in the heat, complete with leggings, undershirt, tee shirt. I let her wear it. And last week she was spotted in Costco wearing a "teddy" as Brad calls it. She covered up the transparent fabric with a size 18 month sweater? This is what I call 1) weak and 2) picking my battles. At this point I feel bad for Mia because in her wildest dreams would I have let her wear this type of get up in public.

By the end of the game, she shedded the tutu and was sweating profusely.

Summer Goal #1

Play a board game each day with the girls.

Today Mia chose her American Girl board game. Each Christmas they get one board game and this year I was so excited to give her this one. She was thrilled to receive it as well! Then, we played it. Currently, I am trying to figure out a way to hide it. That is mean, I know, but it goes the same for another game she has. I just don't understand why some game makers invent all of these crazy rules/cards. The problem is that I would play it daily, if we could finish one game in at least an hour, not kidding.

You have to collect cards and then go around and earn your token at a store that has to have specific colors of "trade and travel" cards and then you can get an action card, or there are different levels of trading, aauugghh! I have even tweaked it a little and it is FOREVER! Jilli wanted in today and all she wants is to be "Kit Kittredge" and is so funny and just says "Kit Kittredge" over and over. I pulled Mia aside and told her that Jilli is only counting spaces and when she gets to a store, she just earns her token, none of this crazy color coding cards. Mia loved that just her and I were the only ones "really playing."

Organizing her cards.

Of course after about 10 minutes Jilli and her "Kit Kittredge" game piece were rolling around on the floor.

We did not finish today, after playing for a good 45 minutes. Nevertheless, we had a good time, but tomorrow I am picking Hi Ho Cheerio!

Strawberry Shortcake

On Sunday we celebrated Jillian's birthday with a Strawberry Shortcake party. She has been wanting a SS party for quite sometime and practically dove out of the cart one day at Costco when she saw this outfit

she quickly told me that she was going to wear it to her party. This is my second SS party to throw, Mia's first birthday was also this theme. Jilli is such the second child, with a hand me down birthday party. Actually, since I had some decorations, I had a little extra time to add some more decor, maybe a little too much time.

Anyways, Mia Kate and I had so much fun gathering items to decorate with, she even did some scouting for me. She was in a Hy-Vee in Lawrence with my grandma and came home and said "Mom, I found the best balloons for Jilli's party. We just need to go to Lawrence and they have strawberry balloons." I found one online, she was thrilled.

We had her party at a park this year, it is one that we frequent on the bike trail that we ride. The rain held off and only one item broke due to the wind.

Jillian, Great Grandma Betty and Grandma Jan

Mia Kate and cousins Ava Furman and Emma Reuter



Uncle Spencer and Bradley manning the grill?



Mia Kate helped me pick peonies from our yard for our centerpieces and helped make strawberry jam for party favors.

M.K., Ava and Jillian

I lost the bid on ebay for a Vintage SS cake pan. I saw this cake on the cover of a magazine at my grandma's house and showed it to Jilli. She said "Yeah! That is what I want, with the squiggles on top." That was the best cake/dessert I have ever made, and I make a lot of them.

Centerpiece with party favors!

The SS shown was mine when I was a child.

Jilli is making great progress with her cake/candle craziness. Last year we laughed so hard at her glaring at the candles. This year she just looked down, no glaring.

But she BLEW them out quickly!

Yeah!

Love you Jilli Bug!

Hope you enjoyed your "Stwabewwy Shortcake" party and the "squiggles" on your cake!

Recipe for the cake can be found by clicking here

Oh, and when I googled the recipe to add to this post I noticed why it was so stinking good, 917 calories for one slice! Oops, Brad and I probably shouldn't have polished it off (a la mode) once the kids were in bed. Holy running shoes, I need to go for a jog!

Jilli's Day

"Momma! Momma!" Jilli yelled from her room. Even though the side is off of her crib, she still won't get out of her room until I come and get her. Awesome! I got her and we snuggled and watched a show. While snuggling I said an extra prayer of thanksgiving for the last three years of this little child.

I was barely done with my prayer when she said "Momma, since it is my birfday, can I have a starburster? A red one, yeah a red one?" Of course I let her, especially since she is tricky enough to throw in the birthday factor at 6:45 in the morning. Then we opened presents.

This is her showing us "3"on her fingers. In the cuffs......

Jilli was so happy to get a Leapster 2 like her sister!


Pancakes on a weekday? What a treat!

First stop: Swim Class

On the way to swim class Miss 3 asked me "Mom, why does red mean stop and green means go?" I told her that someone invented it a long time ago and we just stick with it????

Second stop: Monkey Bizness

Actually, Little Monkey Bizness, which is about 2 minutes from our house. I am not sure when this opened, sometime within the last year. We drive by it multiple times a week, but I have been avoiding it this winter thinking of the germs that lurked there. The girls were over the moon that we actually got to go!

We met a friend there and they stayed for a bit. The girls and I actually stayed there for 3 hours, definitely got our money's worth. To top it off, only 2 other kids came the entire time. My camera batteries died right after I took these shots of the girls in the art room, therefore nothing of them climbing around. If we go again this summer, we will go during the afternoon. I am thinking most little ones nap then and aren't out then? Mia Kate picked out her outfit, which was a Curious George shirt because "Mom, we are going to MONKEY bizness!"

After Monkey Bizness, we headed to Fritz's.
Shawnee special folks. Two great places within 2 minutes of each other. We went at 4:00 during their 1/2 price burgers and shake deal. Again, only us and 2 other people? On second thought, maybe business isn't too hot?

Love you Jilli!

Chocolate shake, best part of her day!

Mia Kate was such a big sis today!

Yes, Jillian changed outfits 3 times today. She is 3 right?

My partner in parenting (and life :) missed the whole day. He is back in school for 7 days, long days, getting a new career license. We will chat about that later!

I was bummed to organize this whole day and enjoy it without him. He had to leave so early that he missed the gifts and didn't get to tell her goodnight. We will celebrate again with him this weekend when his class is over.

Happy Birthday Little Lady J!

A Birthday Blessing

Lord our God,


Not only Jilli, but each of us


rejoices on this birthday


because birthdays are among the best


of all of our family feasts





Today we celebrate that Jilli


has been Your gift to all of us


a gift that grows more valuable in our hearts


with each passing day.





Bless her on her third birthday


with blessings of good health,


of laughter and happiness.


On this birthday, may her heart overflow


with good things and beautiful dreams.





Happy Birthday Jillian Elizabeth and many many more!


Kisses!


Mom & Dad

Although you might think this is a Wal-Mart photo studio backdrop, it is real, taken on the bike trail.

Blessing by Edward Hays, Prayers of the Domestic Church.

One of these............

I am on the hunt for one of these (the iron bed)
to replace this, because 3 year olds really shouldn't sleep in cribs.
Although I wish I was putting one of these

in that last picture, sigh.

I know where I can buy it new, but really want one with some character. I have tried Craigslist, had one teaser, Brad drove all the way to some lady's barn and then turned it down. He knows me too well.......Just putting the word out there, any ideas?

Super Graduate

Mia Kate wrapped up her preschool career with a wonderful graduation program. She stood front and center and her dress was swaying! That little thing has come a long way since her first program. My favorite number was the Rhythm Stick ensemble performed by her class.

The colors of her school are red and blue, imagine that......

Rhythm Sticks


The Graduate!

Mia Kate's fabulous teacher, Miss Pat.

My everything.

MK & Grandma Jan

Grandpa Frank, Grandma Cheryl & MK

Great Grandad, MK, and Great Grandma Betty

We tried to keep it on the d.l. being only a preschool graduation. Brad decorated this little cake for her. She requested that she wanted it to say "Super Graduate."

Dear Mia Kate,

We are so proud of you! Each day we are amazed at what a young lady you are becoming. You are a gift from God and we cherish you everyday! Best of luck in Kindergarten!

Hugs and Kisses!

Mom & Dad