We're getting a dog...that's ALIVE

We've have been prepping our kids that we're getting a dog this year. My son keeps asking, "One that's ALIVE?!?!?!?!" You see, he has tons of plush puppies, but he's never had a real dog of his own.

Marty and I have had English Setters prior to having kids. Now that our kids are getting to an age where they can be more involved in helping care for our family pet, we are ready to make the addition to our family this fall/winter.

We found a woman in New Hampshire that owns a pet care and training facility and also shows Setters and Retrievers. She will be expecting a litter this fall. Right now she is waiting for the female to go into heat. The puppies would be born at the end of the summer and would be ready to take home late fall. She breeds her dogs for temperment and does extensive screenings and testing to ensure that we get a healthy puppy for our family. We've met and seen a lot of breeders, and this one really made me feel comfortable with her values and standards of ensuring the health of all her dogs. She also does a lot of work to get to know the families and dogs to get the PERFECT match! I like how she isn't just "selling puppies" but helping families get their furever friend!

Above is a picture of Tiana (the mommy) with one of last year's puppy. Below is a picture of Tiana at show time.

We are so excited about our puppy and I'm thrilled that my kiddos are going to be able to participate in the responsibilities and duties it takes to raise a puppy to be an obedient, happy and healthy family member.

A little goes a long way

This past Christmas I got each of the ladies in my community book club an LCD booklight. So many of us use the Amazon Kindle (which does not have a light) and I have found my booklight to be so useful! It really was nothing significant and they didn't cost me more than $5/each. I wrapped each one carefully and tied a ribbon and attached a Holiday Poem (poetry has always been December's theme for bookclub). It was small, but I felt that each of the ladies would be delighted with the modest gift. I placed each gift in their mailbox and that was that.

While sitting watching television with my family this evening, the phone rings; its our neighbor, Martha. She asked if she could stop by the house to drop something off. It was odd. We don't normally call each other on the phone or visit each other's homes unless there is some sort of community event. I told her "sure" and in less than 5 minutes our doorbell rings.

Martha is in her 70's. She is absolutely lovely. She's a real southern belle; I don't know when she moved here, but she has a thick sweet southern accent. She informs me that her and her husband have just returned from Africa. The retired couple travels often, always visiting exotic places! She goes on to tell me that she packed her booklight and one night she ended up having to use it as a flashlight to find her way around late one night. She then goes on to say, it was so effective and easy to keep with her (and clip to her) that she ended up using it the entire 3.5 weeks they were there!!! She said through the entire trip she thought of me and how thoughtful it was that I gave her that booklight. Who would have thought!?!?!

So she brought me back a gorgeous handcarved wooden fork and spoon set; the handles shaped like giraffes. They are magnificent! I am so touched! She brought these all the way back from Africa for ME?!?!? I was literally moved to tears!

Its amazing to me how small acts of kindness can affect people so greatly. I will cherish these forever.

I've reached a new point in my life.

Yesterday, while finishing up my run on the treadmill at my gym...I look over and see an "old friend", who had her child at my preschool a couple years ago, riding a stationary bike. She was going through a divorce at the time adn she kept promising me tuition but then one day just stopped bringing her child to school. She wouldn't return my calls, emails, defriended me from facebook...etc. I was devastated. We had been friends for years! It was after that I vowed to NEVER take any of my friends kids. No matter what!

Well, she ran up a bill of a little more than $3,000. Then dropped me like a hot potato. So I don't know if it was the adrenaline from the run or what...but I stepped off the treadmill and walked over to the bike. She did not look happy to see me. I said very calmly, "Elizabeth...how could you do that to me?" We went on and on. I was very calm. She went on about how she was in a bad place...yada yada yada. I just stood there cold. I told her it wasn't even about the money; She should have called me, talked to me, something. We were friends! We still roll in the same circles and I've never once said anything negative about her. I just can't do that.

I might have felt sorry for her, but we were standing in one of the most expensive gyms in Annapolis. Its a little hard to hear someone cry "broke" when you know what memberships cost and you "know" their lifestyle so well. Like I said, it wasn't even about the money; Its about people just having absolutely no respect or morals when it comes to friendship/business/humanity, etc. I just can't take it anymore.

UGH!

So I walked away, with her screaming ,"Alice Anne, Alice Anne! Get back here!" I kept walking, with my towel in hand just sort of waived her off. Screw her. I do feel so much better that I was finally able to say my peace.

Partying it up Bachelorette Style

This past weekend we had my niece's bridal shower and bachelorette party. It was truly one of the best girls' nights out I've ever ever ever had. Everyone got along so well and we just had a great drama free, stress free, fun night. It was hard to believe I was the oldest in the group (that has NEVER happened!) but not by much. :)

DisneyWorld Recap (a little more positive)

Whew! I'm finally recovered! I'm literally laughing out loud that my initial recap was so negative. Overall we had a lovely time and I'm thrilled that my kids enjoyed the trip. We were only there 4 days, but we really covered some ground.

Day #1, we checked into the Grand Floridian resort around 10am. Our room wasn't available for a few more hours, so we checked our bags in and headed straight to the Magic Kingdom. We were able to ride several rides without too much of a wait. Pirates of the Caribbean will always be my favorite ride, and I was thrilled that our son enjoyed it so much. Marissa was a little "ehhh" It made her nervous, but she muddled through.

Once we checked into our room, we had a couple hours of downtime. We were Club Level guests, so we were able to pop up to the 4th floor for drinks and goodies. I'm telling you, I will never do Disney again without being Club Level. I'm thinking that with going Club, you don't need to have a dining plan. We had so much food left over on our plan because we just at on the 4th floor at the Floridian. Most of the food at the parks is really terrible anyway, so our options were so limited. I think next time, we'll just do Club Level and then make reservations for the character meals.

After we had some time to rest, we went back to the Magic Kingdom and rode more rides and caught a little bit of the parade fireworks. We were able to get on the Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, that was a FUN FUN FUN ride! All of us really enjoyed it. It was interactive, fast moving and the props and scenery were so well done (of course, its DISNEY!) but I really felt like we were in action with the famous toys!

We all slept like rocks that night; it had been an extremely long day of travel and theme park adventures.

Day #2, we slept in. Until 7:30 AM! I know, that's what vacation is all about! We hopped on a bus to Hollywood Studios where we were able to catch a Camp Rock Parade. Marissa danced and sang along as the cast members rocked it right there in the middle of the street. She was Star Struck for sure! We then headed over to Hollywood and Vine Play and Dine for breakfast/brunch with all the Playhouse Disney characters (it was really just Handy Manny, Agent Oso, Leo and June from Little Einsteins) Christian was a disaster. He just couldn't not handle the excitement. He refused to eat and would not so much as even look up to greet the characters as they came to our table. We made it through the meal and I was feeling a little deflated, but the day improved from there.

We were able to sit in at Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor. That was really funny and I'm still trying to figure out how they were able to interact with the audience as well as they did. The jokes were great, the answers were definitely not standard answers/questions or scripted. It was a great show. I thought it might have been over Christian's head, but he laughed so hard and I think it definitely left an impression on him.

I was disappointed that we were unable to get onto the Toy Story ride. They had released all their Fast Passes by 11am for the day. I'm glad that my kids did not fully understand what the ride was or that they would not be able to ride it. I'm thinking that they were overwhelmed by everything else they didn't really feel they were missing out. I do wish we had been able to see it though. Because of their ages, I don't know if they will enjoy it so much next time we go...

After Hollywood Studios, we went to Epcot. That was fabulous! Actually, I think Epcot is my favorite. Surprisingly, I think Epcot turned out to be my kids' favorite park too. People might not think that there is a lot for the kids to do at Epcot, but I think it is loaded with fantastic kid activities. We actually saw a lot of Characters too! My kids LOVE the "giant golf ball ride" Spaceship Earth. They wanted to ride it THREE times! LOL!

I love that Epcot has the Kidcot activities in all the different "countries". The kids loved looking for the Kidcot stations and getting their passports stamped. I also like the food in Epcot. We ended up eating in Italy at Via Napoli. The pizza was a traditional italian pizza and the wine was just what this mama needed! I would have loved to have had their fresh spaghetti and handmade meatballs, but I didn't notice that until we were leaving! Darn!

Another great thing about Epcot is that they do have so many hands-on kid friendly activities that have absolutely zero wait time. Marissa was able to participate in some great science activities and also get a realistic view of the future. I love the age she is at right now and that things are really starting to make sense to her.

Day #3 We started our morning at Downtown Disney. Marissa spent about 2 hours getting pampered at the Bippity Boppity Boutique. She was transformed into a princess and she totally lived it up! This year, she chose to be dressed as Princess Aurora. She chose the Disney Diva hairstyle, and even though I wasn't thrilled, she chose Princess Pink hair extensions; she looked adorable! After her pamper session, complete with hair, make-up, a gorgeous dress, shoes and accessories, she had a photo shoot and it really did make us so happy that she felt so special. I love how Disney does that for the kids! Christian didn't participate at the boutique, but they did give him a sword and shield. I thought that was pretty cool. He LOVED it.

We then spent the next couple hours shopping and collecting souveneirs for ourselves and family and friends. Everything was extremely overpriced, but of course, we had to get things! We got my niece, who is 15 months old, a Minnie Mouse plush dressed as Tinkerbell and a Minnie Mouse accessory set with bag. Christian got a hat, "Not too Large, But Definitely In Charge", the kids picked out candies and other goodies and we picked up a few other small random things.

After Downtown Disney, we headed back to the Magic Kingdom and rode some of the "kiddie rides". We also took the train around. Christian loved the train. I think that was another highlight...oh the simple things! Of course, everyone ooohed and ahhhhed over Princess Marissa and her pink hair and gorgeous gown. :) We goofed around at the MK for a while and then Marissa and I had to get ready for our dinner at the Royal Table at Cinderella's Castle.

The boys split and headed over to Animal Kingdom. I was sad to miss it, since I know how much Christian loves animals it would have been much fun to see his reaction while he was on the safari. Marty says that they had a great time and that the park was not crowded at all.

Meanwhile, Marissa and I caught a "Hannah Montana" themed parade in the street and then we did a little shopping on Main Street. We then headed over to the castle and this was the evening where all her dreams came true; she met Cinderella!!!!!!

She had her picture taken with the princess and then we were led upstairs to the Royal Table. There we ordered a lovely dinner, and met Belle, Ariel, Aurora, and Snow White. Marissa could hardly contain herself. It was truly a magical evening and the two of us had a great time together. She was just a doll! The food was "ehhhh" but they tried really hard to make it fancy. I imagine it is difficult to create high quality meals for such large quantities of people and that also suits children. Marissa is a foodie though, and I could tell she was somewhat disappointed in the quality of the food. :(

We finished the evening catching up with each other and sharing details from our separate experiences. We took a boat ride in the lagoon and watched fireworks.

Day #4 We were at the Contemporary Resort for breakfast at Chef Mickey's at 7 AM. Christian was a totally different kid. He was ecstatic to see Mickey and Friends. The kids ate great, the buffet was actually pretty good. They got to meet and get autographs from Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. They were thrilled! We got some great family pictures and had a wonderful time.

After breakfast, we headed back to Epcot...yeah, that's where the kids wanted to finish their trip. We rode the Viking Voyage and had lunch in Mexico. It was a calm day and I truly felt like we had spent the perfect amount of time on this vacation. This is not a vacation that is peaceful or slow-paced. The kids were completely satisfied with all we had done and I think all 4 of us were ready to go home.

So there's my recap. I hope it sounds a little more positive that my initial post. I think it will be 2013 before we go back. I think our max is every two years. :)

SUCCESS

NO TEARS SWIM DAY!


We are so proud of Christian! Not only did he get through lessons today without a single tear, he had FUN! YAY! I can't tell you how great that felt to not have to listen to him wailing through the entire 50 minute class. My husband was the hero though; he came with us to lessons, made a deal with our son and reached SUCCESS.


Marissa also advanced to the next swimming level and actually swam laps this week (in her "own lane" I quote) She demonstrated great techniques and even though the back stroke was difficult and a little scary for her, she persevered and did a fantastic job!


The kids were rewarded with a special family outing to see "Rango", which I was sort disappointed in, but the point is they worked hard so they deserved it and we were happy that they were able to pick a family treat.

Dress it up!

While on vacation, I came across this book, so the first thing I did when I got home was order it from Amazon.

I haven't had much time to really sit down and dive into it, but from what I've seen and read so far, it was totally worth the purchase. As many people know, I love fashion. I believe that we should love what we wear and wear it with sass.

This book gives you real insight to fashion materials, styles, trends, classic looks, accessories and even tips on how to get more bang for your buck. I love how each section tells you what materials are safe for all year wear and then it tells you how to layer, add on and optimize use. For anyone who loves clothes, but has a limited budget...this is a MUST!

I'll never forget what a newly divorced woman told me just a few years ago. She said she forgot how to be a "woman". She was so busy being a mom and wife that she just let herself go. She didn't focus on keeping herself put together. She wore sweatpants and a ponytail every day and never felt good about herself, in or out of clothes. That really spoke volumes to me and I've made it a priority to feel good about myself. I want to feel good EVERY DAY. Comfort and style can go hand in hand and I believe if done right, a woman can pull off a style that suits, or jeans, or dresses her comfortably and fashionably!

So happy reading, happy dressing and hopefully...happy shopping!