Indian Princess

Veritas celebrated Thanksgiving by having all the kids dress up as pilgrims or indians. Alivia chose to be an indian and we got this cute costume at the last minute at Party City. All the kids did a presentation in front of the class while the parents watched. Alivia memorized her presentation and did so well. Here is what she said "My name is Rose. I am almost 6 years old. I help my Mommy fix meals. I am thankful for my family."

Amazingly she said she was not nervous because "all of the other kids have to do presentations, too."

Afterwards, they served a complete Thanksgiving lunch - it was really good! I am so glad that Matt, Mimi and I were all able to be there to celebrate our big Kindergartener!

My 39th Birthday

I worked all day and was dragging myself into the front door at 6:30 pm when I saw my sweet hubby and beautiful kids waiting for me at the front door. They all yelled "SURPRISE!!!" Matt had organized a card for me, a cake and a beautiful Gerber daisy plant. He also remembered that I love Cheez-Balls. No really. I. LOVE. CHEEZ. BALLS. I had seen a large barrel at Academy (because every athletic event needs cheez balls, right?) and said "Oh, I wish I could buy those" as we were walking out, so Matt went and got them for me as a surprise. Hilarious. The kids were thrilled - John especially. Nothing says 39th birthday than a barrel of Cheez Balls and love from my family.

39th Birthday Celebration

I have always loved that Matt and my birthdays fall within days of one another. We got sitters for all the kids and went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Carmelo's. The dinner was delicious and it was so fun to just be with the adults for fun conversation and plenty of laughs. Peyton and Matt can provide some pretty good entertainment.

39 sounds SO old and it seems even more hilarious that I am PREGNANT at 39 years old. I will be 28 weeks this week.

Oh, in case you wonder where Johnny-Cakes got his baby blues, check out my Dad's eyes in these pictures!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME and MY SWEET HUSBAND MATT.

Trip to Denton

This past weekend was supposed to be a TCU Girl's weekend in Denton, but everyone but me dropped out. When Anna called to tell me about that, I just assumed we would cancel, but she encouraged me to come anyway! I am so glad I did. It was a whirlwind trip - I left on Saturday morning and returned early Sunday afternoon.

As it turns out, Anna and I also convinced her mom, Alice Sessi (aka Mia) to also come, so I had the luxury of being driven up to Denton by one of my most favorite people (Mia), only to spend time with my other most favorite person (Anna). It was a treat.

We did some shopping and ate out almost every meal. And of course we talked each other's ears off. If only Anna lived in Austin. . . . sigh. . . .

Thanks for a fun weekend, Sessi girls!

PS. I am almost 28 weeks preggo in this pic

Look Who's Riding a Bike!

Will has been a little bit slower to develop some of his fine and gross motor skills so I was thrilled to see him get on Sister's bike and ride up and down the sidewalk. Grandpa actually bought him a bike about a year ago that he adamantly refused to ride so we returned it. He just needed to decide to do it on his own time, I guess.

I think we all know what Mommy and Daddy are getting him for his birthday!

American Girl Doll Fashion Show

Mimi, Emily, Avery, Alivia and I headed to the Westin in the Domain for the annual American Girl Doll Fashion Show. It raises money for Dell Children's Hospital and is quite the affair! Mom bought matching dresses for Avery and Alivia which looked very similar to the American Girl dresses that she bought for their dolls. The girls were thrilled to be together and dress up. They talked us into buying "pets" for their dolls. We sat at a table with Nanny Alva and her 2 granddaughters, Becky and Amber.

Avery and Alivia have already asked if they can model next year, too. Oh boy. . .

Ode to Nanny Alva

I am blessed to have found Nanny Alva (off Craigslist of all places!). She has been with our family for 5 years. When she first started with us, we lived on Calle Verde Cove and had one child. Now. . . 2 more kids and another on the way. Alva helps keep my life organized and sane and she loves my children. I have always said that a mother will never feel good about working outside the home unless she knows that her children are safe and in a good childcare situation.

Alva loves to do Alivia's hair and makes it look so pretty on school days. She cooks dinner for us and always seems to know what to do around our house to make things work more smoothly. She organizes the kids' drawers and closets and helps me troubleshoot crazy behavior.

I love you Nanny Alva. Thanks for all you do for our family.