At times, she’s wanted to quit. It was a long commitment for a 5-year-old. But she has stuck with it and we are nearing the big fancy recital at the end.

She was instructed to wear full makeup for it. She was so “freaked out”! We were too, to tell you the truth. 5-year-olds just don’t look right with makeup on.

I think she felt just fine once she was in class though.

She’s the tallest in her class. How is this possible? She always seems a little older than she is.

And always wanting to be in on the fun … this girl twirled all night in our own tutu.

Yes, we are the proud owners of this new table from Pier 1.

It’s actually circular without the leaf, so it fits our family of four just perfect.

And 4 of these yet to be delivered chairs from Target …

And two of these …

And some of these chair cushions from Crate and Barrel…

I love it all. So happy about it. But I sure think we should update the dining  light fixture now that we’re getting a new table …

There were tears and even some screaming. Dang, that sucks. Wish Steve could have gone with us.

Luckily the nurses are so extremely nice and they have a wonderful playroom and even let the kids get into a treasure chest before they leave.

They also give us some hand-sewn gifts from a lady who just makes things for all the kid patients there. And that lady is taking care of her own husband who has pancreatic cancer.

I explained to Ella about how people with cancer take medicine that makes them lose their hair. I wanted her know so she didn’t accidentally ask about it and hurt some child’s feelings. The hematology center we go to is also a pediatric cancer center. So, yeah, I don’t feel too sorry for us. And Ella told me, “mom, if you say something would hurt somebody’s feeling I would never want to say that.” She’s such a sweetie.

There were some bad times too. I mean as far as trips go, we had some pretty bad luck. My friend hurt her food. Bad. Was so sorry for her and I knew she felt so sorry for us for changing the trip. But really we still had a good time. It was so nice to wake up and have coffee with my sister and friend of over 20 years every morning.

Also, I received the news that a friend passed away, unexpectedly, at the age of 42. So, so sad. That really weighed on me and still it makes me tear up. Wish I could have gone to the memorial. It was in L.A. this past weekend.

The trip was really good. It was really good to have a break and be selfish everyday and leave all the housework of being a mom of two for a little while. And now that I’m back I am enjoying them even more. I swear they have changed a little too. I think every mom should get a getaway.

I will try to write more on trip later. I’m bad about trips though … so much to say, I get overwhelmed. Maybe some photos!

My sister’s 40th birthday, Easter and a visit with my best friend and her family were last weekend.

This weekend we’ll be at a Pacer’s game with my oldest daughter.

Next weekend, San Francisco.

So I just walked down the street for a coffee to really get me going and I ran into a customer who recognized me from the restaurant I waitressed at when I was 16 (almost 20 years ago). And his wife too, who waitressed with me. We had a nice long chat.

I remembered how when I worked there it was like I was a chicken with my head cut off, running around, being so busy, yet strangely liking the fast-paced job and craziness of it all. It’s kinda like now. Guess I like that sorta thing.

OK, more to do, more to do …. gotta keep moving!

I bought Sharpie Fabric Markers and a couple cheap t-shirts and found some images around the house and stencils for the kids to use. A friend brought over a bunch of cookie cutters that were a hit too. The kids had a blast. Pictures to come. I’m way too tired to for anything involved right now.

It’s been a really good week. Yesterday Ella said she wanted to make a treasure chest out of a box but Eva wanted to play outside, so we took paint, two boxes, paintbrushes, etc. and did a craft in the sun. Ella said it was the best day ever and wished that day would come around more often. I like the way she puts things sometimes.

So, yeah, we are having some good times this week. Don’t get me wrong, there’s been lowpoints too. Like some broken items last night, some serious complaining about my cooking from a sassy four-year-old and a wild 2-year-old getting into everything and peeing on the floor right after her bath. But I think the good is winning.

Really love the color of this dress.

This looks like it would be super cute with any color t-shirt, but I haven’t found too many skirts I look good in. My hips do not need to be emphasized. But maybe this will be the skirt that changes everything.

This little skirt is so cute. But again, must try on. May be a disaster on.

This is so pretty.

And why don’t I have a pair of these already?

Overall, I like having shorter hair again though. Maybe I’ll even go a little shorter.

This is one of the photos I took to my hairdresser. Hope this girl doesn’t mind I’m stalking her hair. I think I owe her a link at least: thejulieblog

Love this shot too. A little shorter. Maybe I’ll get the nerve to go that short in a couple cuts …

]]> http://mommatimes.com/hair/wavy-vs-straight-a-hair-post/feed/ 1 http://mommatimes.com/ella-stories/ella-turns-5/ http://mommatimes.com/ella-stories/ella-turns-5/#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:12:02 +0000 Erin http://mommatimes.com/?p=3055 My little baby turned 5 this week.

We had grandparents and a faraway cousin in town all weekend to celebrate.

We had a great party with mostly family and a few friends.

Ella’s big gift from us was a new camera. And she picked out a very cute flowery case to carry it in. This girl loves accessories. And self portraits.

This is the world from her eyes. A big bright playset and her little sister. Not bad.

She shared photos from her life with her classmates. They asked questions. One boy told me he had eczema. 5-year-olds are funny. She took her new American Girl doll, Penny, for show and tell. Her name is Penny because her hair is the color of Pennies, said Ella.

She got a couple new shoes, size 13! And she stopped taking her blankie everywhere except Kara’s. This girl is growing up. I think we’re going to like 5 a lot!