It's June 2019 baby!

OMG! Did so much happen in 6 months my head is spinning! 

Let me start out by saying we had quite a spring. You turned 7, you finished 1st grade, you are a big sister again, you can do a round off flip flop- flip flop, and you are more amazing than ever!!! The start of 2019 was in Florida with the most perfect weather and an awesome trip. January was the coldest on record with 4 days of school missed due to the freeze. February was date night with Daddy and Danica where you dressed up and danced the night away. Then brought March, your birthday, and Charli, you are 7! Your birthday party this year was at the movie theater seeing WonderPark and that did not go as planned. On our way to your party we were in a car accident and since Mommy was 30 weeks pregnant I was taken to the hospital but everything worked out (thank God)  and we are all okay. Grandma, Auntie Terry, and Auntie Tami were there to pick up the pieces and make the party a success including giving out the bundtinis, yummy. April brought school plays about Rats, open house, more gymnastics and ice skating lessons, another monthly brownie meeting, and a clay adventure at Color me Mine, hosted by Mom and Dad. We even saw Suessical. May brought you a baby brother, yep he is here! Your gymnastics recital, open house at school, and June brought you the last day of school, perfect attendance, and summer vacation which is where we are now. 

PHEW! That was a nut shell of events but every day has been jam packed with a new adventure, a new craft, a new lesson, new experience, and lots of learning. Every school night ends with a worksheet in Math and Charli you rock math! You rock spelling. If I had a dollar for every 100% you have earned I'd be rolling in the cash. I am so proud of you! Excelling in school and excelling in gymnastics and ice skating. You are the youngest Might Might moving up before you were 7. Overcoming your fear of the pit bar and anything else that stands in you way. It is still true that everything you touch turns to gold, you really excel in everything and  it is truly amazing. Beautiful blond hair, bright blue eyes, a strong build with not an ounce of fat on your body, and the sweetest personality; so soft, kind, and serious but fun. You are a force Charli, don't you ever forget it! So many playdates and parties, your social life has kicked up another gear. You were even given a gift for being such a nice friend. We always have time to be kind.

You have done a great job with brownies and learning new worldly lessons. You sold close to 300 boxes of cookies- WOW! Nice job! We went to a water park, a camp under at the forest preserve, and gave out leprechaun themed cake pops for your birthday. Your vest has no more room for patches. (And let me just say putting those patches on is an impossible task) oh and did I mention you sold cookies at the Jewel while it was snowing, you are a hustler baby.

You have really been in to creating things and come home with a new something out of nothing creation daily. Your save bin is overflowing. The latest craft you have been interested in is making bracelets. You are like the once-ler you can't crank them out fast enough. You have made rubber band bracelets and now we are on to thread. I bought you 3 different bracelet makers each with its own type of bracelet. You are planning to sell them at our upcoming garage sale and were able to sell at the last pop up sale we went to. I think you are going to invent something one day, all you have to do is solve a daily problem people have and make like easier (easier said than done, right?) I can see you on shark tank one day.

Your room is fabulous, it isn't always clean, but it is fabulous. Just like you.You even made a calming corner in your closet like the one in your classroom. You have a great sense of style and are so artistic with color choices. I am excited for the color you picked to paint your bathroom, Turquoise Haze, can't wait to see how that turns out. I make sure to ask you about my clothing choices, because we know Daddy doesn't help. 

I love watching you and Danica interact, fight, laugh, play, lay together, swing together, ride bikes together, craft together, read together, sing, dance, sleep, even brush your teeth together! I love that you want to be together. She adores you and wants to be just like you. Imitation is the highest form of flattery and she is your mini. She even knows your entire gymnastics routine- Hey Mickey! It is awesome the bond you too have and I am so excited, for the first time, to watch you both perform TOGETHER at Bible Camp this Friday!!! We are so blessed that you like each other, no that you LOVE each other, and that you LOVE your little brother.

Speaking of your little brother... you asked me when we were at Disney World if you could tell me your wish, and if you did, would it still come true....and You decided to tell me.... you told me that you wished on a star for a baby brother, and Charli your wish came TRUE. It really did, and I never told anyone my wish but it came true too xoxoxxox. Oh, you just love your brother, and you want to hold him and spend time with him all the time. In his face is still not close enough for you or your sister, but I have to say you are so good with him. You hold him like you have done this your whole life, you are a natural. Even when he grabs your hair and your face you still don't even react. You are a great little mommy. He is already so lucky to have a big sister like you and Danica. What an amazing family we have and every day life just keeps getting better.

This summer has so much potential between Bible Camp, cheer camp, gymnastics, play dates, fests, parties, and a whole lot of play it by ear that I hope we make every day full of excitement and can tire you out. Not leaving a moment unturned without something fun to do.

So proud of you honey, and all you are, all that you do, and all you aspire to be. I hope you remain as humble, kind, and sweet as you are. I hope you will always want to hug me first, light up every time you see me, want to hold my hand, want me to do your hair, want to read together, spend time with you, share secrets, trust me, and love me the most, now and always. My sweet girl Mommy loves you to the moon and back and beyond to infinity. Keep creating, keep wishing on stars, you are my greatest creation and proof that wishes come true.

PS- let me not forget the story (lie) you told Jody about your cousin's wedding...on a Tuesday.. of why you missed practice....and you had everyone fooled. Well it just so happens, "like my dream" you said, when Robyn asked you and Danica to be flower girls in her wedding. Can't wait!

December 2018 update

Smartest first grader I know. Yep I said first grade! What an awesome transition to first grade. I love that you love school. Charli!!!!! 100%'s on spelling tests, 100%'s on math tests, I mean I couldn't ask for more. At parent teacher conferences your teacher said you are "delightful" I don't know if it gets better than that. We are so proud of you. You get so excited for art class and music class and seem to absorb everything like a sponge. Well not everything, the blisters and calluses on your hands symbolize the hard work you are putting in at the bars at recess-- including falling on your chin- fear is not an option I wish it was.

 It feels like everything you touch turns to gold- gymnastics you have moved up again doing level 5 events, giants- flip flops - back walk overs- one handed cartwheels! Ice skating you have moved up 4 class levels in 6 months and the teachers are just amazed by you. Crafting, that is a no brainer-- and having you and Danica in cooking and crafting class together for the first time was just awesome. The next event in your life is becoming a Daisy, yep you are officially on the cookie selling trail. You and your sidekick Danica selling door to door in your snowsuits- quite a team. Your goal is 101 boxes and with family, friends, and neighbors we might just get there. You did caroling for cans in  20' weather going to different homes and singing Christmas carols with your troop to get cans of food for those in need- I am so proud of your dedication. I can see your kind heart through the eyes of others, I am not sure there is anyone who doesn't want to be your friend and be around you and that really is a reflection of your good nature and soul.

You have been on a countdown for Florida for as long as I can remember. You made a calendar out of blocks and everyday you change the date, you let me know the date, and tell me how many days until we leave. I think you are a little bit excited! Praying for warm and sunny!

This summer you went off the high dive on the 4th of July and were a trailblazer for all of your friends. We took fear out of your stomach and we threw it away and now I can't get your down from the high dive. You also jumped off the boat at the lake house and I think you started dreaming of going back in  the lake you had so much fun. You and Danica are definitely boating girls and with a fun family like we have a day on the boat is always an adventure.

I put you in a soccer camp with a company I once worked for, Challenger Sports, and it was so hot out that week- and you told me "Soccer is a waste of time." I laughed so hard. We are going to put soccer on the back burner, not to say that you aren't skilled, there are other things you are more interested in...obviously! At that same camp you did however win for the most creative when we took a lamp shade and decorated it with all things China, that was the country you represented. Nice work CRC! I think in the creative department we always have the edge.

So many fun parties, pool days, extracurriculars, pay dates, fun outside, new playground from "Mr. Jimmy,"  snow day from school, Grinch the musical, Shrek the musical, Pinkalicious, Grinch in the movie theater, Santa's Village, night of a 1000 jack-o-lanterns, Cosley zoo, kite flying, long grove-- wow and this is just a few of the things we did - our days are filled from sun up to sun down- I think you even rode on a camel- actually I know you did.

Here is  a funny thing I just remembered about carving pumpkins- once they were carved I put them on the porch and the squirrels ate them, oh my gosh you and Danica were so upset. I know it isn't funny but it is because they tore those pumpkins up!

I love taking you to school everyday and seeing your outfit choice. One morning when it was 25' and you were wearing a short sleeve- slightly see through shirt -I told you to change and you told me, "I don't let you be your own person." I told you , you could be your own person when you are 25!

One day we were talking and you told me that I could hug and kiss you and walk you in to school every day even  when you are 35, even when you are 65. I sure hope so. I love that you tell me you are going to live in our house forever, and I love when I wear things that you like and you ask if I can save them for you. This goes for pictures too, when you like a picture you ask if I can  send it to your IPAD and then send it to your phone....when you get one..... like when you are 13!

Your heart is so pure and you have big blue eyes that are full of adventure. It is so fun to be around you and see what you are going to do next, you are all over the place. Your creative mind has led you to make a picture shrine in your room, a teddy bear wall, spinning art all over the kitchen when you should have been in bed, Dabbitz at 5 in the morning when you couldn't get enough. When you set your mind on something there is no stopping you....sounds familiar....Auntie Mimi just sent you an interactive watch and you can take pictures, sing in it, oh and it tracks your exercise so last night you were running the stairs trying  to beat your last time, a 6 year old setting personal records and beating their PB that's all heart baby!

I can say that you do sleep in your bed ... sometimes.... and because of you Elf Angel. When you do sleep in your be sometimes I awake to you standing over me and staring at my like poltergeist. OMG- terrifying. Then you just crawl in bed. I have no complaints --- I love when you and Danica are in our bed I mean you are only little once, right?

Well times they are a changing, when you wished upon a star as Disney world last year for a baby- it came true. It actually came true, you will be a big sister again in  May and we are all overly excited and filled with joy. I know you will be a tremendous help and I think everything just keeps falling in to place.

You have made my life more than I ever imagined. I love you Charli Reece to the moon and back a billion zillion times. My little ponnie ronnie!

I tool cannot wait for Christmas in Florida and all that 2019 will bring, until then I am just enjoying like with my beautiful family every overjoyed and blessed day at a time.

WHAAAAAAAT?????????? 6 years old, when? how?

                                                 
Charli Reece are you really 6? I can't even believe it,  I really can't. I don't know how that happened so fast. You bring so much happiness to my life, we are all more than happy to celebrate you, and that we did! We went to the same cook in front of you we have taken you since your first birthday. We celebrated with lots of family and lots of friends throughout the week. We celebrated so much that the night before your actual birthday I said to you, "Charli your birthday is tomorrow, today is the last day you are going to be 5," to which Danica in complete distress blurts out, "It's Charli's birthday again!!!!!"

It was quite a few weeks of celebrating. Your big birthday party this year was at California Pizza Kitchen with 36 friends! WOW you have so many friends and they had a great time. Every one got to pick an apron (dog groomer, grocery store clerk, chef, beauty salon, hardware store, doctor) it was so fun and so colorful. We toured the restaurant and got to go behind the scenes. Then everyone made their very own pizza. We had a leprechaun cut out so I took an individual picture of each friend as a leprechaun for their thank you card. It was so fun. Then  we finished with cake and ice cream. This year your cake was.... drum  roll please.....UNICORNS! ( and the crowd goes wild) It really was such a great time and you received so many amazing gifts that focused on crafting so that was really awesome. I thought the birthday outfit you picked out was spectacular, it was a beautiful long, light green dress, with pink flowers and you picked the Chef apron. For the record, Danica picked the Doctor apron. You wore a birthday girl official ribbon, and my dear you looked fabulous, with a 4 leaf clover painted on your check from cupcakes for the cause a day before. You made sure I loaded your cake up with princess candles and I did just that. Danica was in complete admiration watching you blow out your candles, it was a really special day for a REALLY special girl.

I am now completing this post 2 months later, where did the time go! Let me see, I know... crafting, gymnastics, piano lessons, stem classes, soccer, cheerleading, riding your bike, planting flowers, going to parties, playing with friends, and ICE SKATING. And how could I forget, Kindergarten! Open house, the seed packing event, field day, Dads and donuts, moms and muffins. We have done so much that each day the calendar has something new for us to do. We even went for a dinner cruise on  Aunt Ter's pontoon in the middle of the week! We are so busy having so much fun! You have done nothing more since the day you graced this world with your presence than amaze us, and at 6 you just keep getting more amazing! This past weekend was your gymnastics show and you were unbelievable! You moved up to an elite level and you showed everyone why! A back walk over- what?! Charli you are so awesome and your toe pointing and poses  are on point, you are definitely a star. You have set your goals high on wanting to be an ice skater so honey you are now an ice skater! The most determined I have seen. Since you stepped (fell on the ice) you have your eye on the prize. You are mind over matter by far. You see yourself as an ice princess so I know you will be one. In your first classes you are already starting to spin- if you can see it you can be it you can do it. I have always said you make me believe that first hand because that is what you do.

You have taught me so many things- like new handshakes, we do our secret one every morning when I drop you off to CARE. You have taught me new rhymes including one about going to Mexico- Dad and I think we need to change some of the words though...... also about the middle finger.... yep we don't use that one. You have had to tell some boys you can be friends, but can't have a boyfriend. We have come along way from your throwing shoes on the bus with Shiv! You wear your emotions on your sleeve so there is no hiding when you do or attempt to do something wrong. We also know the rule of keeping our hands to ourselves and you know what to do if anything happens.  We have our own 9-11 cheer!

  Food groups include a lot of carbs- like noodles, pizza, pancakes, cereal, bread, yogurt---you are a picky eater, but when it comes down to it, you really are a healthy eater, broccoli is a house fave.

Let me not forget to mention our own family shows, "Now taking the floor....Charli" (we love all your shows) I really like when Eric changes your names (George, Jessee).

 You are exceptional in school and earned more paws...oh and did I mention you were a top fundraiser for jump rope for heart and helping others, that is just great honey. All these lessons you are teaching me, and how you can read now and add and subtract, and new hairstyles, and clothing choices it is the coolest! You are by far the coolest. Now if we can just get you up in the morning without a struggle, stay in your own bed all night, like brushing your teeth, clean your room, help with laundry...you know what in the long run  I am thinking about winning the war, I will pick and choose my battles.

The fact that you love us the most, that you want to hug and kiss us, and spend all your time with your family  is all the matters. You give the best hugs and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. You say to the moon and back and I say to the moon and back to infinity now and forever.

Bring on summer and first grade!

Welcome 2018, It's Report card time

Charli!!!!! You received your first report card from kindergarten and it was nothing short of amazing. We are so proud of you and we are taking you out to cook in front of you to celebrate. There wasn't a category that you didn't excel. That makes us so proud! Way to go honey. School has been wonderful for you in all aspects and I couldn't be happier knowing just how much you enjoy being there. You hit the 100th day of school and had a huge celebration. We decorated your 100 with googly eyes and pom poms it was awesome! We also made the coolest unicorn Valentine's day box of course with an horn and as shiny and glittery as we could make it. You were so proud and you should be. Just to add to all our crafting projects we made your invitations for your upcoming pizza party celebrating your 6th, yes 6th birthday! What? When did that happen? Holy guacamole, where did the time go???? I cannot even believe that you are reading and writing and I mean well, really well. I am in awe. You know what I think it the best part about school? Snow days! And guess what, we had one and you guys wasted no time getting in the snow and playing in  your snow suits---one thing you didn't remember was to bring your boots home from school so I wrapped your feet in plastic bags and you wore your rain boots. LOL only us :)

 The start of 2018 has been a great one as we spent the second day of 2018 at the Magic Kingdom. (Your favorite part was the dumbo ride and the Aladdin ride and I let you drive the car)May I mention it was COLD. Just a week before on Christmas we were swimming in 80' weather and gathering shells from the beach. The weather is like life, you never know what each day will bring so make the most of each day you have. We try to do just that, every day should be a new experience and adventure. You my little miracle have started piano lessons, fungeneering, and continue to rock in gymnastics. We have talked about hip hop dance, tennis, and soccer so let the games begin! Whenever there is a crafting class offered we make sure you are there! It's so great that you have an artist in  Grandma and a master crafter in Auntie Terry which means you will always have something fun to make.

Just last week we went to see Disney on Ice and wow that was spectacular. I have to admit that the part you and Danica loved the most were the $12 each icy's..... in a souvenir cup- yep that's right, $12. You picked Rapunzel and Danica Elsa, then  you continued to have laughing attacks for the next 2 hours. It was quite a day to say the least. We will be going to see "The Emperor's New Clothes" next so that is something to be excited about. With spring around the corner we have 4 birthday parties lined up and yours so there is so much going on. The busier you are the happier you are so lets just do stuff!

Oh Charli by the way,  do you think that you could make it a habit to sleep in your own beautiful room in your own bed? Let's see if that is something we can work on for 2018.

---One side story you have been learning about secrets, and pinky swears, and making wishes. We talked about how you don't have to share your wishes ... but you kept getting sad that yours wasn't coming true..... You told me that you wish for a baby brother-----oh my sweet angel Charli, I too have wished for that---- but sometimes something better happens than what you wished for and for me it was YOU and DANICA. There is a song called "Unanswered prayers" by Garth Brooks, when you read this listen to the song you will  understand exactly what  I mean. I love you honey.

and that triggered my mind about secrets, which is such a big deal at this age and secrets are not a good thing. We have discussed any secret you are told Mommy has to know so we are good on  that...but oh boy did I screw up. I taught you how to make a silly noise and said that no one else knows how to do it, so it is our secret. I did the noise in the car in Florida with Daddy, Danica, and Eric, and you flipped out. I don't know if I am not allowed to make the noise but all I know is that Eric helped save the day. He let me know that in families we don't have secrets and that I am his sister and have been annoying him with that sound forever. You were still made at me, but I have to admit it was hilarous, you had daggers in your eyes. Oh my pannie.