Fingerache

So I was doing Elyse's hair on Thursday morning. I rarely curl her hair, because she has natural wave, but I had curled Evie's that morning and she was fascinated with the process. She was frustrated though, because she couldn't "see" what was going on.

"Mommy, I want up" (up on top of the counter).

"Elyse, I'm nervous about putting you up there because the curling iron is up there, and I don't want you to get burned. I'll put it over here, and you just don't touch it. Ok?"

"Ok."

And I hoist her up onto the counter away from the curling iron. I walk 10 feet away, turn my back to get a clip and hear a scream. I turn around and see her clutching this finger and telling me she was sorry. I put her hand under running, cold water and took the opportunity to give her a gentle mini-lecture. I let her know that I only I warn her of things because I don't want her to get hurt, and that she should trust me. She was so sad, and had to call Grandma to tell her about her "fingerache." I can only hope a minor burn on her index finger will be the worst of her experimentation.

Spring Performances

May is the time to watch those kids perform!

The Emperor in "The Emperor's New Clothes":

Coulson did a fantastic job. I was amazed at how well he "got into" his aristocratic, shallow character! This was only his opening costume. The rest of the time he had crazy outfits, and ended in his red long johns. The show was a musical, and it was very funny and clever. Great opportunity for the kids!

Coulson's ending costume

Prince Aiden--

the Emperor's son who is definitely NOT this serious! He quarreled with his sister, told the truth about his father, and went through the entire performance with his shoes UNTIED! Who is his mother? Certainly not the queen! He was hillarious.

Swan Princess

Evie's kindergarten class and the entire first grade did the "Animal Alphabet" for us (no one told me I was supposed to dress her like a swan). Evie sang every word of ever song, took several bows, and beamed the entire show!

I'm waiting for a child who doesn't love the spotlight--not happening so far. So until then, I just try not to beam too brightly at them, because I really am SO proud.

Fashion Expert

All right, I have to admit that in a pinch, I turn to Evie for fashion advice. Just Friday when I found an awesome $12.00 dress on a clearance rack, brought it home, and was agonizing over how to complete the ensemble--I turned to my personal consultant for help.

"Evie, do you think it looks better with the cardigan, or should I just go with the button-up underneath?" She told me that both were cute, but it looked better with the button-up. And 10 minutes later when I decided that maybe a 5-year old didn't know it all, and I would try a T-shirt, she told me again to go with the button-up. So what did I wear on Sunday? My new $12.00 dress with a white button-up underneath.

It was Saturday morning when she sealed the deal for me. I knew she deserved my full confidence when Evie bounded down the stairs in this little get-up, and emphatically declared, "Mom, I match!"

I simply replied, "Oh, you do?"

"Yes, because, look there's this blue on the shirt, and this blue here on the skirt."

"Ah yes I see that, but the skirt is what's called a plaid, and the shirt is striped, and technically, you're not supposed to wear a plaid and a stripe together."

She paused for a moment, and then said, "Well I feel cute, so I match!" And she turned around and started to play with Elyse.

My first impulse was incredulous indignation, then I started to laugh, and finally I just admired--all throughout the day--at lunch at Pickle Time, in Kohls, and at home. And when she snuggled down in her soft Belle jammies that night, I swelled with pride and hope that she would never lose that vision, never let social mores determine how she felt about herself. Because dang it, Evie! You ARE cute--stripes and plaids and all! And thanks for the advice on the dress. I felt cute on Sunday too. ;-)

Happy Mother's Day!

Your honey who loves you.

Just two of your children who admire you!

And ONE of your grandchildren who adores you!

Just thinking of a pretty (in more ways than one) awesome woman, who I'm glad to call my mom. I sure love you Mom, and hope you have a great day!

"I'm so glad when Daddy comes home!"

So, this is what I saw when I walked into our living room at 3:00pm Saturday afternoon. And this is not a love seat! There IS another cushion and a half to sit on, but something a little more desirable than space was on THIS side of the couch. Spence had been home one hour (after having been in India for 6 days), and was waiting for his ride to attend a leadership training with Elder Holland, a wonderful leader in our church. I guess the training was pretty incredible. India? He said it was productive, but not exactly your desired vacation spot. He was homesick much of the time. We missed him SO much! Glad you're home, Hon.