The "buy back" bin

I adopted this idea from my grandma. She said when my dad and his brothers and sisters would forget to pick up their shoes she would make them buy them back from her. I have been so sick of picking things up lately for little girls I know are old enough to do it. They earn "mickey" dollars" when they do their chores so that's the currency used to get their stuff back. It seems to be working pretty well so far.

My birthday gift

I bought this cute bag for myself with some gift money. It's the Vera Bradley baby bag in "Very Berry Paisley." I thought it had great colors for fall and all the pockets inside are awesome!
My good friend Joni sent this mug to me from England. I love it. Hilarious!

A package from England!

The Fair

Another pic of Em's first day

This is when I had pulled up to pick her up. She was happy about having a good first day at Kindergarten.

Emma & Sophie's Birthday Party

A good day...

Emma had a great first day of Kindergarten! She was tired when I picked her and said she was ready to go home and watch a movie. So that's what she did pretty much. She helped Soph with a sticker book for a few minutes and then they watched "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Randomly she said to me this afternoon, "Mommy, I really love Kindergarten now because I drew a picture of myself as a princess today. I'll bring it home to show you." I said, "That's awesome, Mim." She also was excited to make a friend today, who she thought was named Emily. She was about 95% sure that was her name. It was a great first day and we are SO proud of our big girl!

Like my little monster I just posted? I found her on Pinterest and I felt it was appropriate.

I heart Making Stuff

I heart Making Stuff, a photo by suzytolen on Flickr.

Emma's First Day of Kindergarten

Birthday Wish Lists

Emma:

dolphin small pillow pet

toddler Rapunzel (with shoes)

Disney silver crown earrings at Walmart

small pearl earrings

American Girl sized clothes

Rapunzel house

Joann Etc. gift card (they have doll clothes and kids crafts she would like)

Baby at Toys R Us that eats

Happy Napper ladybug

you and me Disney princess, Belle or Ariel

You and Me Disney Princess outfit

Leapster Princess and the Frog game

Guess Who Disney game

You & Me baby

You & me baby bag

Graco baby doll jogger stoller (pink and black)

Princess Gem game (like the fishing game)

Disney Rapunzel Connectible Castle

Soph:

Bolt dvd

American Girl sized clothes

Lady and the Tramp dvd

Panda small pillow pet

Fairies Puzzle Tag book

Happy Napper unicorn

Happy Birthday, Soph!

I can't believe our little Soph is now 4! She woke up early on Saturday (I'm pretty sure Emma woke her up because she was also really excited for Soph). She came downstairs where her presents were laid out on the hearth. Once, we were all ready (Daddy and I needed our coffee in hand as early as it was) she opened them all up like Christmas morning.
Lily thought she needed some help.
Emma picked out a Rapunzel card for her.

Tank is extra excited, too.

Nursing friends

Oh my, it's been 10 years since we graduated from nursing school! We all got together over here Friday night and had a wonderful time. Great, great ladies!

They did it!

The girls got their ears pierced on Friday. We had been at Walmart for groceries earlier that day and I jokingly asked Emma if she wanted to get them done. She thought about it for a second and then said she wanted to. We had to wait until later when there were two ladies there to do it.

I paid for the earrings and the ladies opened them up (non-refundable at that point). I sat Emma in my lap and freak out city! She was crying and said she changed her mind. GEESH! So, Soph, being the little big shot she is, said she wanted to get hers done. So... she hopped up on my lap, closed her eyes, squeezed her hands together and got it done. Well then Emma, seeing that her little sister was such a rock star, knew she had to do it with no tears. And she did it!

They surprised Daddy when he got home that day and he was shocked! They are so proud of themselves and love their pierced ears.

The State Fair

Tim went golfing with his brothers today so Emma, Soph, Nana and I headed to the state fair. I'm pretty sure we hit all our favorite food stops...grilled cheese and milkshakes from the dairy barn, pork chop, elephant ear, curly fried potato chips and then more ice cream before we left. Pretty healthy, I know. Diet starts tomorrow. :)Soph always has food on her face! Silly kid.
Emma bought a straw hat from the pioneer building and wore it most of the day.

A package from England!

Soph got a package in the mail yesterday. Emma knew it was from our friends, Joni, Mike, Owen & Sam who live in Newcastle, England right now. Emma recognized the type of package and writing on it. Oh, the excitement! I had to let her open it right away. She was thrilled to get another "Joni Dress." Joni has a knack for picking out the best dresses for them. They love all of them! So, thanks, Joni!! We love and miss you!



She can barely stand it!