Merry Christmas! Treasure Hunt

Christmas morning began as usual, with a pile of presents from Santa.

Then, what's that?!  There's something shiny inside the tree...

It's an envelope addressed to Bronwen, Lila, Adam and Corinne!  Here's what it says:

Merry Christmas, everyone!  Now, open up your eyes.

I hope you all are ready for a Christmas Day surprise.

Santa Claus helped Mom and Dad prepare this gift for you,

But you’ll need to be clever and work together to follow all the clues.

First, here’s an easy hint for you that we will give:

You’ll find the next clue in the spot where Princes and Princesses live.

So they all ran upstairs to the play room and headed straight for the Princess Castle...

Lila found the next clue and opened the envelope.  Though Lila is a good reader, the clue-printers used a fancy cursive-style font (called "Zapfino" for you font aficionados).  So, Bronwen read the next clue:

Great job, you’re quick!  That took no time at all.

The present that you’re looking for is really not so small.

Your next clue awaits you in a tricky place to hide:

It’s in the thing you go to when you want to take a ride.

But, not just any ride will do—we might be going far,

So we’re riding super-duper fast in a shiny red race car!

This was a tough one, but our brave adventurers eventually figured out that Lila and Adam like to ride bikes.  Lightning McQueen is a shiny red race car, so they raced back downstairs to get to Adam's new Lightning McQueen bike in the garage:

The next clue read:

Good for you!  You’re right on track.  But do you have a read

On the secret hidden Christmas gift to which these clues might lead?

The spots where all the clues are hidden have a common theme;

If you know it, keep it to yourself; for goodness sake don’t scream.

Let’s proceed with our adventure, don’t be too quick to respond;

The next clue will take you to “Infinity and beyond!”

Bronwen was first to dash back upstairs, but ran into the play room looking for one of Adam's several Buzz Lightyear toys.  However, the Buzz holding the next clue was in the Middles' room, so Adam got there first and opened up the next clue:

Awesome!  You’re doing a great job and you’ve come a long, long way;

Just a couple more clues will lead you to your special gift today.

Solving this next clue will make you happy as a lark;

Think of what you must be if you’re afraid when you’re in the dark.

Buzz Lightyear is always ready to defend his friends and mates;

The last clue is held by someone you know who finally changed her Fate.

Bronwen and Lila darted back to the play room to look for Merida from the movie "Brave."  Merida was, of course, holding the final clue:

Bronwen and Lila had a discussion about who would get to read the last clue.  Lila wanted to try to read the fancy writing.  But, a compromise was reached where Bronwen read the final clue while Lila held onto all the previous clues:

Stupendous job!  Just one more clue will lead you to your gift.

So hurry, there’s no time to lose, get shoes on and be swift.

This final clue reveals the secrets of your Christmas mystery;

Have you figured out the meaning behind the clues we’ve given thee?

So, quick! Prepare for laughter, thrills, excitement, fun and more;

Christmas Magic is waiting for you right outside our front door!

Adam did not want to put on his shoes.  Or he thought it was too cold outside.  Or both.  But, Bronwen scrambled to get some shoes on.  Lila decided that slippers were good enough to count as shoes; the cold did not deter the girls from bolting outside to find the prize:

After bringing the shiny red package back into the house, Dja Dja and Adam joined the girls to open the box and read the final note:

Congratulations!  You found it!  Now, let’s see what’s inside.

These boxes hold what you’ve been seeking; It’s been a wild ride.

These Magic Bands are truly magical, not just decoration;

There’s one for each of you to bring on our stupendous fun vacation!

In January we’ll pack our bags and head out on the road

To meet Belle and Rapunzel and Buzz and more; to Disney World we’ll go!

Birthday Wishes

Tis the season, to wish Aunt Jana Happy Birthday once again! Try number 1, with Lila in bed...

Video

Try number 2, with an out-of-sorts Adam...

Video

Wise Child

Okay, so I was talking to Bronwen about her school day, and she mentioned how they had cupcakes for someone's birthday.  I asked her if they had their usual Friday ice cream treat as well...well, here you go.

Me: "Did you have ice cream too?"
B: "No Mom, that is only on FRIDAYS."
Me: "Oh right, today is only Thursday.  I thought it was Friday already."
B: "Savor time, Mom."

September 25

Lila, in playroom, coloring a picture of her, Aidan, TJ, and me.  She talks aloud, noting that TJ has black hair and blue eyes.  I say, "Yes, Daddy does have blue eyes!"  She says, "No Mama, I am talking to MYSELF."  I say, "Can't I talk to you too?" She replies, "No!  Myself just wants to talk to myself right now."

Safe!

When we were at the mountain house for the 4th of July, TJ had Adam outside during the beginning of a storm.  I went out and asked him to bring Adam inside, and TJ basically ignored me.  2 minutes later, the loudest clap of thunder ever sounded, and poor Adam freaked out.

Two weeks later, we were home and TJ had Adam outside once again.  A storm started brewing, and yet again, TJ kept him out too long, and KABOOM! huge thunderclap and trauma inflicted upon our youngest child.

Ever since, Adam will hear any sound (airplane, car, etc) and get a freaked out look on his face and say, "Thunder! Thunder!" (okay, it sounds more like "Thundah! Thundah!")  Sometimes he will add "storm" to it too. 

So today we were hanging out in the playroom, it is bright and sunny outside, and Adam runs into the puppet theater saying "Safe!  Safe!  Thundah storm!"  Apparently, he now has a safe place to stay. 

Church 8/12/2012

I know I have been a little lax about updating the blog--so much to do, so little time!  I think I am going to try to go back to my daily snippets of hilarity whenever possible. 

One of these days, I am going to get to work on my scrapbooking...I only have 5-years' worth to get through.  Sigh.

Okay, so today at church, Lila was writing and drawing on church envelopes, and she wrote, "Lila," the "Mama," and then "Mimi."  She turns to me and asks me how to spell Adam.  I told her, and then she asked how to spell Daddy.  Within 5 seconds, she turns to me and says, "Mama, how do you spell magnifying glass?"

Adam

Not sure if I mentioned this, but he is counting.  And instead of "yes" he likes to say "Yep."  Plus he has 4 more teeth coming in at once, so for a couple of weeks he had a finger stuck in his mouth constantly.  Luckily, that seems to have abated.

Be on Guard

TJ has informed me that if you let one slip around Adam, he will announce loudly, "Toot!"

Walmart Surprise

Adam and I were in Walmart today, picking up a few ingredients for a Pampered Chef show, and as we went to the cilantro bin, I noticed a beautiful, dark, red ladybug just sitting on a bunch of cilantro.  I was concerned at first that she wasn't alive, but I picked her up and set her in my palm, so Adam could have a look.  He excitedly said, "Bay bug! Bay bug!" and sure enough, she warmed up a little and began crawling all over my hand.  Adam told me "Hold! Hold! Hand!" so I gently placed the ladybug on his hand, and she crawled all over his arm and hand, only falling once to his shirt.  She was really picking up some speed, and I could see she was trying to fly, so Adam and I hurried her outside.  I let Adam hold her one last time, and she took off from his finger.  I told him to tell her goodbye, and he obliged with a "Bye, Bye, Bay Bug!"  several times in a row.  We finished up all our shopping and left the store.  As soon as we exited, he was saying it again, "Bye Bay bug!  Bye Bye Bay Bug!"  It was an awesome shopping trip and insect rescue all rolled into one. 

Mother's Day

Had a pretty good Mother's Day--took Mom to lunch at PF Chang's and discovered the world's most delicious appetizer, then bought three new pairs of shoes...

Came home to a rainy day and princess stories on the porch with my birthday girl. 

Was a little disappointed at the end of the evening when I asked TJ if he got a card for me...and he didn't.  Felt a little let down and unappreciated--he did make up for it today with a lovely apology card, but I am getting to the best part.

So tonight the kids went out to the cul-de-sac and Lila and Bronwen both picked clover flowers for me declaring "Happy Mother's Day!"  When we got back inside, Bronwen arranged Miss Kitty on the bed so I wouldn't have to exercise alone.  I found this incredibly thoughtful and said:

Me: Bronwen, I really appreciate all the little things you are doing for me for Mother's Day. 
Bronwen: Well, Mom, I have to do them.  You are so important.  I mean, what would I do without you?

Best.  Gift.  Ever.

Bronwen's Birthday

 Bronwen's party was on the Saturday before her birthday.  She wanted Hello Kitty invitations and cake, but she wanted a princess party.  So I got princess plates, napkins, etc, and a castle bounce house, and invited her entire preschool class.  I suppose May is a busy time of year, but we ended up with several families--which was great because Lila's friends from preschool were there as well.  Mimi and Dja Dja were there, of course, and Bronwen had a blast with her friends.  So glad she had an awesome party!

Bronwen and her friend Bridget

Three Lovely Ladies!

Bounce House!

Playing Before the party

Bronwen kept playing dead--Adam was investigating

Kids made their own pizzas

Cake!

 

Food!

5 Already!

Adam's Words

Adam just turned 17 months, and the other day he came strutting over to me, hands me a book, and says, "Read book."    I was so taken aback that he was already using a phrase--it occurred to me that I should be documenting his extensive vocabulary.  I am sure TJ will want to add to this:
He has mastered the obvious:  Mama, Da-ee, Lila, and Bronwen (although it sounds like ma-men), ball, snack, Mo (his monkey), Mollie, and Pepper.

Then he has expanded to include:  Cheese stick, truck (sometimes dump truck), bug (uses this one a lot), ay-bug (lady bug), sprinkler, stroller, bubbles, and airplane...oh one of my favorites is Surprise!  He says that when TJ comes home, mainly because the girls say it.

Trying to think of other ones he says...

When you sneeze he will say bless you, and as he eats he constantly says "more!"  Just now he came up to me with a tin of cards and said "open." 

Dear Bronwen

Brief conversation right before bed:

L:  Brah-wen, I don't like pork.

B:  Lila!  Pork is meat.  Meat comes from a pig.  

L:  Oh.  Meat comes from a pig?

B:  Yes, meat comes from a pig.  Just like milk comes from a cow.  Did you know that milk comes from a cow?

L:  Oh, yes!  Brah-wen, where does water come from?

B:  Hmm, well, water, uh, we get water from the refrigerator.  Yes, water usually comes from refrigerators.

Easter

We had a lovely Easter.  Despite being the day after Lila's party, I managed to get the kiddos up and outside for the family photo just as TJ wanted...at 7:30 am.  Granted, it was under duress (I wasn't thrilled to be dressed up so far in advance) but it all worked out.  Still, I let the girls get a peek at their baskets before we took the picture.

Bronwen, Lila, and Adam's baskets

2012 Easter Photo

After church, we drove up to Jill's house for Easter brunch.  We managed to get a picture of the kiddos.

After Jill's we headed to Shelby for another Easter feast.  It was a beautiful day, so the kids had a great time playing in the great outdoors.

Mimi's new garden gnome

Bronwen, searching for the elusive "clover flower."

Taking a spin

Picture perfect!

Bug!

I love how Adam inspects bugs.  He points to them, saying, "Bug!!" (obviously) and then will watch them intently.  There is something so sweet about his little crouch.

Hanging Out

It was a lovely day for just hanging out on the screened-in porch!  (March 28)

Lila's Birthday Party

 Lila's 3rd birthday was a great time indeed!  She wanted a Dora party, but at the last minute changed her mind and insisted on a princess cake.  I made the crown out of gumpaste, and made a chocolate and vanilla cake for the layers.  I couldn't find princess cake toppers, so I used cardboard pictures I found in a confetti package.  I am happy with how it came out.

The food

Hunting for eggs!

Beautiful Birthday girl.

Bronwen had to help her with this part, but the candles got blown out!

Wow--Been gone so long the format of Blogger has changed!  Okay, well, I'll give it a go.  The girls got their hair trimmed yesterday;  poor Lila thought she could get hair added down to her shoulders.  I thought she was a bit young to get extensions, so it was a normal haircut.   Plus we are still trying to get the bits in the back (that she cut) to grow back out.  Almost there! 

 

Birthdays

I can't even remember what I was telling Bronwen that wanted, but I do remember she was telling me I could get it for my birthday. I was telling her that my birthday had just passed, and this is what she said to explain the way time works (I actually made an immediate voice recording so that I wouldn't forget):

Bronwen: Don't worry, the days and years go round and round like in a circle, and every day there is a new challenge and discovery of something new. And don't worry, if you ask Daddy to get you that for your birthday, I'm SURE he will get it for you. I am sure.

Happy Birthday Lila!!

Three years ago, my little Lila was born, and has brought sunshine and joy to each day. From her adorable little voice that echos her big sister, to the way she is such a great big sister to Adam, my Lila has always been such a sweet natured little one. I can't believe that she is already three, completely out of diapers, writing her name, and the declared "Puzzle Master!"