Got Eggs?

So this year, we gave simple instructions to the tone of ---

"Ok, girls when you wake up on Easter morning you need to wake mommy and daddy up before you go downstairs."

I don't know how this could be misinterpreted as "go downstairs and find the eggs, then, when you can't find the rest, come and get mommy and daddy."

And need I add... when a ticked off Daddy asks the older one, "Did you open your baskets?" and she replies, "No!" that same Daddy gets more ticked off when we both go downstairs to find where once sat nicely put together baskets - a tornado of a toystore.....

My husband LOVES the holidays, and was very hurt that the girls did not include him in their Easter morning. He even said, "Girls, you ruined my day. Mommy and I find happiness in seeing you happy to find your things from the Easter Bunny." Now... do you think they really internalized this? The RHW 2 eggs into sweet tart jellybeans and Kenzie counting cash from her filled egg stash? The Easter bunny - ever so cleaver as he/she may be left a note for the girls specifying which color eggs should be found by each girl. Kenzie quickly retorted, "Um, dad, I knew which eggs were mine because I read the note." (in a tone surely to be followed with "Duh!?"

I at least was able to get them on the stairs to appear they are walking downstairs on Easter morning. If nothing else, to capture the lovely bedhead they both possess.

American Girls - and the Dolls, too....

As a little girl I dreamed I would be a mom -- and I always hoped I would have a little girl. I hit the jackpot - I have two. My girls and I have a lot of fun together, so for some time now, I wanted to plan a special trip just for us girls that we would create a very special memory. My girls have been invited to many neighborhood parties where the craze is to bring a doll to do hair and style. It didn't take long for Mackenzie to say, "Mom, why don't I have an American Girl Doll?" - We talked about how special the dolls were and I asked her why she wanted one. We talked about how special they are and how to take care of them. I told her that we could talk about getting one for a special occasion...and THANK HEAVENS for grandparents. Grandma Noisy Toys and Grandpa Cubs sent giftcards for the girls for their birthdays---which prompted my idea for the American Girl Doll experience.

This trip took quite a bit of preparation - with two young girls, it was imperative that we study the catalog and go in with a plan. I knew, without a plan I could easily lose control of the situation. For weeks we contemplated...the girls changed their mind on which doll they would choose. And then, I came across a brilliant idea.....the BITTY twins! --you could pick two for the price of one ---and then I could justify a few accessories to be purchased. I used my powerful psychology to bring this idea to the girls. We all agreed that the girls would each pick a twin. We began the countdown weeks before our trip... 10 sleeps, 8 sleeps, the girls could hardly contain themselves.

Did I mention that I reserved us a hotel at the Chicago Intercontinental on Michigan Avenue? Because I did. I live by the words GO big or GO home. Why do this any differently? I work hard, and oftentimes miss things with the girls. This was my time to show them just how we make memories - not by how much money I spent, but by creating an experience that they will look back on and smile. I love anytime we do things with just us girls, we have a cheer "GIRL POWER!" - it's quite adorable. We checked into our hotel on a Sunday afternoon - our room, on the 15th floor, provided a beautiful view of the city where the girls proclaimed, "WE LOVE CHICAGO!" - within our room was two American Girl beds along with princess crowns for each girl. Once we settled into our room, it was off to a long walk down Michigan Avenue to visit the store. The girls could hardly wait. Not only were they in awe of the magnificent skyscrapers, they were tickled at seeing the horse/carriages and were convinced that Cinderella may have a part time residence near watertower place.

We got to the store and I will admit, I was awestruck. Don't judge...I'd like a doll of my own. There is something for every little girl - every personality, each hobby, every ethnicity. It's a museum of sorts. The girls were very much into the moment and gasped rounding every corner. And there they were - the bitty twins----with my plan fully in tact, we were set to purchase our first set of dolls. Kenzie was prepared to pick the blond twin, and Allie the brunette. :) All set ---all paid for ----and then, the tears...."BUT I WANT THE BROWN haired girl!", says Kenzie. Just as I am flustered and about to beg the cashier for an exchange something happened that has never happened before, the RHW says, "Kenzie, you can have mine. I will have yours"....time stood still. I could hardly believe it. Allie, offering to share and to do something for her sister. I was equally proud and astonished....for as you learn to know Allie - it's Allie's world and we are all livin' in it. It was a proud mom moment, one that I smile in my heart just remembering it.

Arriving back at the hotel after dinner we arrived to cupcakes and milk left for each girl. It was quite the site. That evening, one of my best friends, Kim, joined us at the hotel (in town from Minnesota). We all had a great time and couldn't wait for our brunch reservations at the American Girl Cafe the next morning.

And so, Monday morning arrived ready for lil' American Girls and their dolls. We took our first taxi ride to Watertower - learned the walk was far too long the night before! Brunch was amazing - the girls were able to have their dolls sit at the table. After brunch, we had the dolls get their hair styled. Kenzie and Allie loved every second of this experience. I still smile remembering every special moment of our first girls trip together. We left American Girl, and left our hotel, but all through this week I keep hearing the girls say, "Remember when!?" --- mission accomplished.

If they only knew how much 'joy' they brought me.

Sugar and Spice

I have been planning this for some time now ...while I definitely think the antics of my girls could command a loyal following on a primetime network, I figured we'd start small... and so, welcome to my blog. If you know me, you know the very heart and soul of me - my two girls, therefore, that's what this blog is all about. Part of me will think of this as the modern day baby book, the other will use this to update out of state family. Mostly, I love to share the silly stories and amazing milestones of my two little ladies and this will allow me to do it in an organized way. Sugar and Spice - that's my two sweethearts - One is all sugar - and the other---well, we'll just say she is extra spicey.

I definitely am feeling the pressure of my first blog entry...there's so much to say starting out late in the game, so rather than start backwards, I figure we'll go from here forward.

I'm a married mom (going on 10 years this November)...and together we have created the most amazing two little girls I have yet to encounter. Since they are the showstoppers let's introduce them:

Mackenzie Elisabeth - we call her Kenzie. Kenzie will be 6 this June. She is a blond haired, blue eyed beauty. She loves to play outside where you can often find her swinging happily on the monkey bars or playing soccer. She also loves gymnastics and the color orange. Kenzie is very serious and at times I worry when I see her "perfectionist" tendencies. She is an amazing artist (which excites me to no end!) - she has a knack for color/design. Mackenzie loves to play with her friends, and she is always the first to share, the one to let friends go first, and the kindest little girl. While most kids enjoy junkfood, Kenzie is my healthy eater and demands a serving of vegetables at every meal. She is 3/4 of the way through Kindergarten and LOVES school. She has a smile that melts my heart, with deep set dimples and a sparkle in her eye, she is the most sweet and sincere child I have yet to meet. She loves her friends and is very courteous and helpful. She has the patience of a saint....as she is a big sister to Allie.

Meet Allie - Born Alexa Delaney - also known as the "RHW" - I often refer to her using this term (affectionately, of course) - RHW stands for RED HAIRED WONDER. People often laugh as they meet my children for the first time because I have dark hair and dark eyes. My daughters are completely opposite in their coloring. Allie, in particular was born with red hair. Over the years, it's lightened to a strawberry blond, but she will always be our lil' RHW. Allie is a free spirited little girl, who hasn't got a care in the world. She's cute and she knows it and will challenge anyone who doesn't see that at first meeting. Allie turned 4 this past March. Like her sister, she loves the outdoors, but wants nothing to do with sports. She likes to sit on the sidelines in a dress and look cute. She loves to draw - on anything but paper...she has a particular interest in drawing on her sister's homework papers or artwork. She also likes to experiment with mediums such as paint with nailpolish, drawing on toys - because they were "boring" without her flair, and of course, on the walls. Allie adores her big sister, and wants to be just like her. Unlike her sister, Allie prefers the other four food groups: Candy, Fruitsnacks, Ice Cream and Chicken Fries. She will tell anyone who asks that her favorite food is "Junk". Allie loves to attend ballet class, enjoys her time in preschool and her favorite color is green.

I'm so excited to share my two little wonders with the world. Attached is a picture from the first day of school this year. I love the body language in this photo. Their personalities really show through here.

Are you interested in starting your own family blog? Looking for an adorable design and personalized features? I have to thank Jana with Little Web Writing Hood. She has created this blog design for me as well as my business blog. Let me know if you want to contact her - she is OUTSTANDING. Of course - tell her Supermom sent you.