What I Will Miss....

I wrote a few of these posts back when Sophie was three/four years old.  I came across them recently and they made me feel all soft and squishy on the inside.  Clara is always making me giggle with the adorable things she does and says and I realized I should write a little about it before it slips my mind.

Last week Sophie went to the movies with some neighbors so Alain & I took Clara out to eat Indian.  She packed up some bags and a small suitcase before we left home. We had no idea what was inside and couldn't wait to find out once we got to the table and she started unloading. As we walked across the parking lot, she looked so cute that we couldn't help but stop and take a picture.

Another day.  Mexican restaurant.  We all turned around at some point to find that Clara was wearing our chip bowl like a hat.  Her expression make all three of us laugh!

On a recent toy store visit, Clara tried on the new beach hats and sunglasses.  She also collected a few toys.  I had to take a picture!

It was so cute, I had to take a second.

The girl loves FROYO.

She sleeps in the car quite often.  You have no idea how many pictures I have just like this one.  I chose this one because of the "fancy" glasses.  She loves to get "fancy" by trying on all of our dress-up clothes and accessories.

She recently filled up a rewards chart because of her good choices and good behavior.  Her reward was that I took her to the toy store and let her pick out a new toy.  Out of literally thousands of toys, she chose this hairdresser costume.  I've had at least 100 haircuts in the past week.  The hair dryer makes a drying sound when you press the button and it makes me giggle every time!

And some cute things she's said recently:

One day, Clara came home from school and said she knew all the planets.  I asked her to name them.  She started...."Mars, Earth, Saturn, Uranus, Stupider."

Clara is just as obsessed with Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter as I am.  Each night we sit on my bed and massage some into our feet.  She said to me, "This lotion smells so good" as she buried her face in the container.  "What does it smell like?", I asked.  She replied, "Pinecones."

Yesterday I overheard her say to Sophie, "Your face is truly beautiful."

Just writing this post melts my heart.  Clara is a sweet, affectionate, bright, very well spoken three year old!  She can be quite challenging but is also incredibly charming and silly.  I love hanging out with her and I know I will miss all these things when she gets bigger!

Recharge!

Hello Everyone!!!

Goodness, how I have missed this space!  You have no idea.  I thought I'd come back to my blog during one of my most favorite days of the year.  Do you remember when I stayed the night alone in a hotel last December?  Well, it was so good for me that I decided it needed to be an annual tradition. Turns out I'm still desperate for that time alone (maybe even more so?).  I adore my family.  I give them everything.  E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.  But I still need time alone and I have a severe deficit going lately.  

So my day/night alone.  Oh, it's so delicious.  

I started my day with a Thai lunch and a new magazine.  I lingered there for over an hour.  Divine.

As soon as I checked into the hotel, I pulled out the work table and dumped out some of my journal supplies.  I can't tell you how much I've been longing for some time to journal in quiet. (I found this blog in 2014 and it's REALLY inspired me to journal more ~ so happy about that!)

I may have been watching Love, Actually while I worked on my journal.  The first time I saw this movie I thought it was the worst movie ever (just read this article about the movie and it cracked me up).  Yet somehow, over time, it's grown on me.  I think it has something to do with this....

{I know, I know, but I can't help myself.}

.....and this.....

{I'm no skinny moron but I still say 'yes'!}.

After a few hours of relaxation, I headed out to the movies.

I read Wild at the end of 2012.  I enjoyed the book but I LOVED the movie.  It's the first time in my life that I've preferred the movie over the book.

Next, I went to the bookstore and bought a new magazine, grabbed a small bottle of wine at the grocery and then picked up some dinner at Panera.

And, here I am, enjoying dinner and typing up this blog post.

In the morning, I plan to reflect on 2014 and look ahead to 2015 using these 50 questions. I plan to lounge in bed for as long as I can stand it.  And, because it makes me happy, Alain will be bringing the girls for a swim before I head back home.

It feels so good to recharge.

When I think ahead to 2015, I think....

yep, let the fun begin, folks!

Happy New Year to all of you!  I wish you a wonderful year in 2015 full of all the things you love!

XOXO

Note: These crappy photos were all taken with my phone.  My goal is to purchase a new laptop during January so I can upload months of photos from my Big Girl Camera.  There may be a flurry of blog posts when that happens.  Consider yourself warned!   (smile)

Little Girls' Room

One morning, during our Kiawah vacation, Alain took the girls out to the beach to build sandcastles (it was too cold to swim).  I stayed behind as I needed some down time to buy groceries, clean a little, etc. When I walked into the bedroom that Sophie and Clara were sharing, I was overcome by the girlishness of the room and all the things they'd brought from home to make them comfortable. They'd definitely made the room their own. I felt this strong need to capture a few things....

This is the shared dresser that separated their two beds.  By next year Sophie will surely have moved on from Critter Club books but I love the glittery letters and soft colors of the covers.  Each night she'd sneak her flashlight under the covers to read while Clara fell asleep.  And Clara's little ladybug nightlight.....one day soon she won't want or need that anymore.  I know because Sophie just gave up her nightlight a couple of months ago. Gulp.

A bunch of shells the girls collected on the beach were lined up on the dresser.  I'm sure Sophie did that.  It really warmed my heart.

I know it won't be long before Sophie stops carting her stuffed animals on our travels.  I only allow three on each trip ~ otherwise she'd bring twenty.  I still get sad that Blue Man, the infamous Blue Man, gets left behind nowadays.

And Clara's loveys.....all three of them....they go everywhere with us.  How much longer will this last?  On this trip, our first attempt at having Clara share a room with Sophie and sleep in a "big girl bed", her bed was covered in extra pillows that we used to buffer her and hopefully prevent any falls from the bed. I'm insanely excited to report success!

The girls are growing so quickly.  Yes, they can drive me totally insane.  Oh my, yes, they fight way too much.  They can be really messy.  But I love, LoVe, LOVE  having two daughters. I've made my peace with pink.  I embrace their interests and do my best to soak up the best moments.  It won't be long before teeny magazines cover the dresser and no stuffed animals, loveys or nightlights will be necessary to comfort the girls away from home.  

In the future I know I will miss these days and just seeing photos of their favorite possessions on that long-ago vacation to Kiawah will melt my heart!

41

The years just keep on coming, don't they?  Here I arrive at 41 today!  I am veering from my annual tradition today, just a tad.  Have guys seen the video "73 Questions with Sarah Jessica Parker"?  I thought it was kind of cute.  Then I received an email from Sweet Paul with a similar video.  How adorable is he?  So I fused their two question lists for my birthday questions.  Yes, there are more than 41 questions but so be it......

How long have you been in the Charlotte area?  Since 1998.

What’s your favorite season in Charlotte?  Any season but Summer.

What’s your favorite activity in Charlotte?  Picnics in Freedom Park with my family.

Describe Charlotte in three words: Hot, hot and hot.

Would you ever leave Charlotte?  Absolutely.

What’s your favorite movie? To Kill A Mockingbird and The Way We Were (I cannot choose between them!)

Favorite movie in past five years?  No idea, I don’t think I could ever pick just one. 

Favorite TV show that’s currently on? MAD MEN!

What’s a book you plan on reading?  Grain Brain

A book you read in school that positively shaped you?  The Great Gatsby

A book you read in school that you never think of?  Great Expectations (I am NOT even linking to that book.  I hated it.)

What book is on your nightstand right now? I just counted and I have 13 on there currently.  My favorite of those is Goldfinch by Donna Tarrt (the best fiction I’ve read in a LONG time!)

Real books or tablets?  Um, hello, REAL BOOKS!

Favorite magazine? Sunset

On a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life right now?  TEN

iPhone or Android? Android

Twitter or Instagram? Instagram

Vine or Snapchat? I don’t even know what these are.  Ha!

Who should EVERYONE be following right now?  Lead, don’t follow.

What’s your favorite downtown restaurant?  In Charlotte, Fourth Ward Bread Co.

What’s your favorite food?  Indian

Least favorite food? Japanese

Favorite Meal of the Day? Always breakfast

Coffee or Tea? Tea, tea, tea

Favorite Cocktail?  Margarita or Mojito

What do you love on your pizza?  Loads of onions, and oregano.

Favorite drink? Red, red wine.

Favorite dessert? Brownie Pie

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?  Dark

What’s the hardest part about being a mom?  Letting go.

What’s your favorite band? Duran Duran, baby.

Favorite solo artist?  Adele.

Favorite lyrics? Hard question….there are so many……but let’s just say that I’m very partial to Country lyrics. 

If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be? Jimmy Fallon.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be? The guitar

If you had a tattoo, where would it be?  Never, ever, not in a million years would I ever have a tattoo (of my own choosing).  Skin is sacred.

To be or not to be? To be

Dogs or cats? Dogs.  Clearly.

Kittens or puppies? Puppies.

Dolphins or koalas? Dolphins.

Bird-watching or whale-watching?  This question is torture but I’m going to say whale watching.  One of my favorite days in my entire life is the day I went whale watching.

What’s your spirit animal? Haha, whale!  See previous question.

Best gift you’ve ever received? My daughters. And my pups.

Last gift you gave a friend? Some books for our little friends, Liam and Ben

A person you want to have coffee with?  Jane Goodall

A historical figure you’d love to have coffee with?  Ooooh, Thomas Jefferson. Or T. Jeff as he’s called in our house. 

How do you like your coffee?  With almond milk and real sugar.

What’s your favorite curse word? The F bomb.  Is there another?  

What’s your favorite board game? What’s a board game?  (totally kidding)

What’s your favorite country to visit?  Italy

What’s the last country you visited? Switzerland

What country do you wish to visit? Iceland

What’s your favorite color? Seafoam green

Least favorite color? Probably orange.

Favorite Flower: Pink Peonies and Red Poppies…..ooh, and Lilies of the Valley.

What color dress did you wear to your prom? I went to several proms but my dress was always black.

Diamonds or pearls?  Neither.

Cheap shampoo or expensive?  Expensive.

Blow-dry or air-dry?  Depends on the day.

Heels or flats?  I wore heels for YEARS and they ruined my feet. So flats.

Pilates or yoga?  Neither.  I like Zumba.

Jogging or swimming?  Neither. I like a nice brisk walk.

Best way to decompress?  Driving with some really good music…..or a long, hot shower.

If you had one superpower, what would it be? The ability to make people more caring.

Can you describe an experience you felt most nervous? Getting married.  I am extremely non-committal.

Who do you have a crush on?  Joseph Gordon-Levitt 

Well, that's it.  Join me won't you?  And lastly.....

On this birthday, as with every birthday, I raise up a toast in memory of my dear friend and fellow free spirit, Brian Paul Mercado. Thanks to knowing him and in part because of losing him at a young age, I appreciate EVERY birthday and understand how lucky I am to live each day. Bri, you are still loved and missed, every single day!!! Cheers....

This now goes out to Ygal too.  Iggy Pop.  My brother-in-law.  Little brother to Alain.  Sweet uncle to my girls.  Iggy, to say that you are missed every day would be the understatement of the century.  But you are always with us!   


{Sorry for the photo-less post.  Extremely short on time lately.}

An Old Lady in the Snow

My Dad sent me these pictures this morning.  My Kenzie, age 14, playing in the snow.  

I don't think I've mentioned it on the blog because I have a hard time getting the words out BUT, in mid-October, Kenzie's vet gave her yet another death sentence.  We were warned that her time is limited (um, HELLO, her time has always been limited!).  How much time, we asked with tight hearts, knowing that no human can really answer our question.  A few weeks to several months they told us.  Need I point out that it's now mid-February?  She's winding down, yes, and her legs are slowly giving out on her.  Yet here she is......deep in the throes of another winter....spriteful and as beautiful as ever in the snow.

My Kenzie Snooter.  Always defying the odds.  Still amazing me.  In her old age.

In her old age!  You can't imagine how happy it makes me to type those words.

In this picture, I can still see her 4-month old puppy face!

Kenzie, hang on another week and a half because Mommy is coming to give you some love!

I miss you, my first baby.

XOXO

PS ~

This is Jada, Kenzie's "bestie".  I hold her largely responsible (along with my parents, saints that they are!) for keeping my Kenzie alive and well.  Jada always keeps Kenzie company and loves her as only another dog can.

Thanks, as always, Mom & Dad!

Snow Daze

Like most of the Southeast, the girls and I have been snowed in at home for two days.  Alain's been traveling for work so I went it alone.  Whew.  I am WORN OUT but, overall, had a REALLY wonderful time.  I will always be thankful for these two days alone in the snow with my girls....

I am ALWAYS happy when I get to put on my snow boots.

With our neighbors' two girls.  LOVE.

Clara and her "bestie"

I can't get enough of this girl lately. Love, adore, admire her.

One of my absolute favorite things in life.....untouched snow, speckled with sunlight.  Truly divine.

  

This morning we had the most beautiful snow I've ever seen with flakes the size of quarters.  The girls and I just stood in the middle of the street with our arms out turning in circles....laughing and giggling and smiling the entire time!

I purchased some fresh flowers in advance of the storm.  I knew they'd help get me through!

The birds have been AMAZING!  Our yard has definitely been their hangout during the storm.  The girls and I walked the street behind our house this morning.  We walked along in the quiet but, as we passed our house (in the back), we suddenly noticed tons of birdsong.  We stopped in our tracks and listened for several minutes.  It was so awesome and made me incredibly happy!  More bird pictures to come....

Okay, one more view of the lavender flowers.

How else did I survive?  Well, we had many dance parties to "get the wiggles out".  Out of thousands of songs, we chose Macklemore.  Oh Macklemore!  "White Walls' was my personal favorite during this storm and will probably always remind me of these two days.

Tonight the girls and I had dinner with our neighbors and, as we walked back home, we couldn't believe how beautiful the moon was.  Full and bright. I have no idea how to get a good photo of the moon (need to study this post!) and you know this silly picture does not do it justice.  It was the best I could do with a screaming child in my arms!  As I closed the garage behind us my only thought was that this perfect moon was the best ending to our two snowy days.

Hope all of our Southeast family and friends stayed safe and warm!

XOXO