Funny Pictures and Ramblings

Pictures first:

Macie's first love letter. This is a picture of lips that she colored pink, cut out and taped to a pink paper. Then she wrote "I Love Cort... Macie" (it's kinda backwards, it evolved as she went). She loves her some Cort! He is a little boy she knows from church, sees him at preschool and playgroup. The picture was totally her idea. I had no input, by the way.

Macie was serving food out this window to Maris and Llano got involved.

This is what Maris does when she is excited to see you. I love it. Its kinda like how she says Hi!

This isn't funny, just posting about it cuz I haven't. Macie is cheering for Upward Basketball. It's going OK. I am the assistant coach. There are 8 4-year olds. That gives you an idea. Ha!

This is an expression we see from Maris quite often, especially when Macie is around.

Now some ramblings (inspired by Sara):

First topic is snacks: If you haven't tried the Pepperidge Farm Pretzels Thins, you must go get a box right now. They are SO yummy! And, great for dips. I love dips. I esp like them with spinach dip. I have been eating tons of Cheerios lately. I forgot (since Macie was a baby) how yummy they are for a snack. Not with milk, just eatin them right out of Maris's bowl. Not too sweet or salty, kinda melt in your mouth. Yum! And, lastly YAY! for Girl Scout cookies. Of course I always get the Samoas (Carmel Delites) and Thin Mints. But we are also on our 2nd box of Peanut Butter and Lemonades. Both excellent!

I never posted my New Years resolutions. Some aren't so much resolutions as they are goals or tasks to be completed. Sara, keep me on my toes!

1. Get organized.

2. Exercise, I would say "more" but I do nothing now so...

3. Sew more, learn more about it, get better at it

4. Paint growth tree on wall for girls

5. Get all 2008 photos into Blurb book

6. Improve my marriage

7. Enjoy the moment more

Thats all I can really think of now. Doing OK on some stuff. This was a lot of stuff. Bye for now!

Skirt

I finally made Macie a skirt. It wasn't the one I was planning on making because I decided to start wiht this easier one. I am planning on getting some more fabric and trying the other one in a week or so. It took me all day Saturday and Janet had to come over and help me thread the surger. But, its done and it fits and Macie likes it. Yay! She loves full skirts and dresses. Thank goodness this winter she will wear leggings. I have two more dresses planned too. We will see. I love the site jcaroline creative. They have some of the prettiest fabric, but its pricey. And, since there is a good chance I will mess it up, I just don't know.

Can I Be President?

I have been glued to the tv today, loving every minute of the inauguration coverage. That is VERY unlike me. I am normally not into politics, tv (that much), or news coverage of big events in general. But, I am just so amazed and moved by this event.

Today, while watching all this, Macie asked me if she could ever be president. I can totally, without a doubt tell her that YES! she can be president. Last year if she had asked I probably would have said Yes, but thought it was a long shot.

I remember my old boss used to hold up this picture of the TCEQ board of directors and point out that they were all old, white men. It is an image that we grew up with, hardly questioning. Now, our kiddos will have another picture of leadership. That alone, political opinions aside, is so hopeful for our country and even the world. So dramatic, I know!

Overheard

So, I am starting to freak out that Macie is going to be starting kindergarten in a few MONTHS. I never thought I would be one of those moms that would be all teary when their kids grew up, but it is just crazy how fast things are going. The best saying I ever heard is: "Motherhood is short years and long days". It is SO true. I am freaking out about kindergarten for two reasons: 1. We will be tied to a school schedule for the next 17 years! 2. Macie is growing up. So, on the subject of Macie growing up..... I am trying to cherish each little moment and each little bit of innocence..... in between the times she is driving me insane that is. So, don't know how long this will last, but I am starting a new thing, that could be daily knowing her, called "Overheard" where I am going to write down some little Macie-isms or chit-chat that could be overheard in our house.

Here is today's dose:

Macie, (while looking at some Disney princesses): Can princesses make people into princesses?
Me: Princesses are people just like you and me.
Macie: Well, I want to be a princess.
Me: You have to marry a prince.
Macie: What is a prince?
Me: The son of a king and queen. But, there are no king and queen in the US.
Macie: God is our King. Jesus is His son. I will marry Jesus.

Some may be totally disgusted by this whole conversation, but whatever. She loves princesses. Of course I could have answered in a different way and told her she is a princess, blah blah. I guess she has been listening in church after all.

Her little lines of logic just amaze me. Here is one from Thanksgiving while we were visiting my parents:

Macie LOVES her cousin Erin. Erin likes to sleep in and of course Macie is up early and can hardly stand to wait for Erin to get up so she can begin following her around all day. We were about to eat breakfast and here is the conversation:

Macie: Aunt Priscilla, does Erin like cold pancakes?
Aunt P: No, why?
Macie: Well, maybe you should wake her up, so she can eat the pancakes while they are hot.

So sneaky. Did I say innocent before? Oh well.

Maris Waved today

Today for playgroup, we met at the mall. The older kiddos were riding the carousel and all the mommies were waving and smiling as good mommies do, of course. And, Maris waved too!! It was so cute. I thought she MAY have kinda waved a few times before, but this was unmistakable! Too too cute! Nothin like a baby clapping or waving.

Christmas

I really haven't felt like posting anything, don't know why. We had a very nice Christmas. Here are some highlights in pictures:

Despite having a stomach virus for a week, I did get to do a little fun pre-Christmas stuff with Macie.

Our annual self-portrait Christmas picture. Maris joins us for the first time. I am always amazed at how well these turn out, considering we have to figure out how to set the self-timer, which usually involves getting out the book, find a place to set the camera, then get kid(s) and dog to look at the camera even though no one is behind it and John has to run and jump in place.

Granny's dolls. We had Christmas dinner at John's parent's house. His mom made these dresses for the girls. And, one for Macie's new doll, named Macie too!

The day after Christmas we went to my parent's house. Part of our family tradition is eating chocolate and biscuits for breakfast. Maris got to take part this year.

Happy New Year everyone!