Cleaning Fairy

C'mon people,

Don't you all wish we had someone who zips in and cleans the dishes and house with one swoop of her wand?

Well, in this case, mine came in the form of my thoughtful husband, who is man enough to do as his daughter requested....and wear her wings!

'Nuff said!

In all seriousness, I truly appreciate the fact that I have a husband who does more than his share around the house and will swallow his pride at the drop of a hat for his little girl's request!

For more Wordful Wednesdays, visit Angie at SevEn cLoWn CirCuS by clicking the button at the top of the post.

I'm Fondue of You!

Do you like my new fall nail color?

I sure do! It is I'm Fondue of You by OPI.

Tranquility

T-minus 19 hours until 2 days of pure tranquility.

How is that possible with 2 children under the age of 6, you ask?

Easy....they won't be here!!!!

Matt and the kids are headed to New Jersey for the weekend. I plan to take full advantage and have several self-indulgent experiences (mani/pedi and a movie or two), some scrapbooking, and even a few meals with girlfriends!

Ahhh, the sweet life.

I know that I will miss them, though, and be out of my mind by Sunday evening ready to hug their little necks and kiss those sweet cheeks!

But....until then, let the relaxation begin!

Fall Means Change

Change in the weather.

Change in the seasons.

Change in the colors.

Changes in life.

Just recently we found out about a huge change....our very dear friends are moving. We met them not too long ago, but from the moment we met, our lives were changed for the better. We met them at their son's 4th birthday party right after school started. Max and Matthew were in the same class. We hit it off immediately. Our lives were so similar. We shared the same values, family size, and our children became very close. Max and Matthew are only 3 months apart and our daughters are only 6 months apart. We have even become so close that we decided to travel together. They went with us to Walt Disney World this past April. We were even briefly pregnant with our third child at the same time (being only 2 weeks apart). Then, about a month ago, we got the devastating news that they were moving to the Atlanta area in just 2 short months. It is quickly approaching. We are going to miss them tremendously. However, we know that our friendship will last the distance between us. I found it very fitting that this picture was taken at Matthew's 6th birthday party...exactly 2 years from when we met them....yet it seems like we have known them for a lifetime!

This is one of my absolute favorite songs and I think it is rather fitting!

John, Kim, Matthew, and Elizabeth...."because we knew you, we have been changed for GOOD!"

For more Wordful Wednesdays, visit Angie at SevEn cLoWn CirCuS by clicking the button below.

Weekend Update

This weekend was sure eventful.

Saturday morning, Max asked to eat at a "diner". Since we really don't have the kind of diners they do in New Jersey, we opted for Breadwinners. It is a local bakery/bistro. The kids enjoyed their pancakes and Matt and I enjoyed the family time and silly conversations.

After breakfast, we headed to a birthday party for one of Max's best friends. It was at a pizza/arcade/Chuck E. Cheese-esque place. Max and Cate had a ball running around with their friends and playing all the games. Once again, Matt and I enjoyed some good conversations with the parents.

Once home, Cate took a nap and Max played while she slept. After she woke up, we headed for my aunt and uncle's house. They were keeping them overnight since Matt and I were hosting a couple's game night at our house that evening. They love going over there. My aunt is a Kindergarten teacher and always has fun crafts or activities to play. Heck...she did those same sort of things when I was little and visiting them! So, needless to say, it is never hard for us to leave them there.

On the way home, we stopped at the local market and grabbed some munchies and sweets for the party we were hosting. It was originally intended to be our bi-annual game night. However, we unintentionally scheduled it for the same night as the Texas Tech vs. University of Texas football game. This is a big game in our house...our house divided, that is. I went to Tech and Matt got his MBA from UT. So, it ended up being a game night duo. We paused the football game to play "Salad Bowl" (thank goodness for DVR) and then watched the game afterward! We probably would have eliminated "Salad Bowl" altogether, but one of the couples is moving and they wanted to play it one last time. We are so going to miss them! Unfortunately for me, Tech lost, but it was a good showing! At least it wasn't a slaughter!

Then, on Sunday, we slept in and then met my aunt and uncle for lunch at Red Robin to pick up the kids. We had a great lunch with them. They had spoiled the kids with treats and gifts...thanks a lot, Linda!

On the way home, Cate fell asleep and so we drove around for awhile running a few errands. We had told the kids that we would take them to see "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" or go to a putt-putt golf course. But, Max complained of an "icky tummy". So, we decided just to play at home. About 20 minutes later, Matt asked me where Max was and I said that I thought I heard him in the bathroom upstairs. Not 5 seconds later, Max screams out for me and I go up to find that he has vomitted all over the bathroom floor! He said he felt much better. However, he kept getting sick. He turned a very sallow, pale color. He didn't have a fever, but couldn't keep anything down. We were on the verge of taking him to the ER for dehydration, but called the doctor first. They said that based on his symptoms and the fact that he didn't have a fever, it was most likely a stomach virus and to just keep an eye on him and to keep him home from school. So, Matt went out and got some Gatorade. He was able to keep some of it down and slept pretty soundly all night. He only got sick once in the night.

Today, his coloring is better and he hasn't been sick since 12:45 last night. He has had some dry cereal this morning and more Gatorade, but still doesn't have a huge appetite. I called the school and kept him home today, which he was a little sad about, but I told him that as long as he feels better by tonight, he can go tomorrow!

So, that was our weekend's ups and downs! How was yours?

Plundering Ahead - The Pirates League

In honor of "Talk Like a Pirate Day" tomorrow, September 19th (yes it is an official day, click here), I thought I would discuss the "Pirates League" at Walt Disney World.

This is a one of a kind experience that you can arrange for your little pirate or yourself for that matter. You will be transformed from landlubber to pludering pirates or pirate maidens. That's right...it's not just for boys!

Take a look at this wonderful video done by the WDW Moms Panelists.



To book your appointment, call (407)WDW-CREW.

I can't wait to take Max to this on our next trip! Next week, I'll discuss the polar opposite of this...Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

For more tips, check back each Saturday or click on the button to the right. It will direct you to a main post with all the tips linked to it!

Disclaimer: These opinions are based on my personal experience and are in no way endorsed by the Walt Disney Company!

16 of 52 - Moms Magical Weekend

Instead of posting a picture of me with my kids...I'll be the kid this week and post a picture of me and my mom! We had a best weekend together at Disneyland and D23 Expo. As long as I can remember, we have never had just a girls trip. So, this was a fun opportunity to be with each other and have fun. We reminisced about past trips to Disneyland and made new memories as well. I will never forget it.

For more posts with "mom" in the picture, check out Forever in Blue Jeans by clicking the button above.

A Little Starstruck!

So, this blog has opened so many doors to new friends and opportunities to me. Many of you bloggers out there know what I mean. We meet people that we never would have met without today's technology and networking outlets. So, when I got the opportunity to meet one of my bloggy friends for the first time this past weekend, it all came full circle!

Let me back up a bit and give you some background on how this all came to be. A little over a year ago, I was getting ready to apply for the WDW Moms Panel. I was already a huge fan of the site and was familiar with most of the panelists via their online bios. Then, while doing some research via other Disney fan websites (ie, the DISboards), I learned of several blogs written by WDW Moms Panelists. The first day I read Darcie's blog, Such the Spot, I loved it! She is witty, serious, relatable, and super sweet! The way she writes makes you feel like you have just lived out the story with her.

So, in October of last year, I decided to start my own blog. In doing so, I turned to Darcie for some advice on how to get started, blog design, how to get my site noticed by other bloggers, etc. She was so thoughtful and quickly responded with a wealth of information. And she did this with having never met me, never having read my blog (as it wasn't started yet), and only trading a handful of emails and comments through her blog!

Then, from day one, she has been a loyal reader, commenter, and supporter. We eventually became better friends outside the blog through email, facebook and twitter. We sent each other Christmas cards, and have exchanged several other various cards and sentiments. She was also one of the first to offer words of sympathy and support after my grandmother's death and our recent miscarriage. And once again, we have never met in person.

Now, through this all, we have always shared our deep passion for Disney as one of the lifelines that began our friendship and continues to keep us bonded! So, earlier this summer, when I heard she might be going to D23 Expo, I knew I had to get the chance to meet her in person. To give her that hug. To see her smile and laugh as we talked. As it got closer, we arranged to meet. My mom and I had dinner reservations at Napa Rose, one of Disneyland Resort's premier restaurants located in the Grand Californian Resort and Spa. So, we asked her to join us for an evening of what I hoped to be good food, great wine and an amazing night of laughing and friendship!

I have to admit, about an hour before meeting her, I got a few butterflies. I mean, this gal is what I have often called my "bloggy mentor" and she is a Moms Panelist (a celebrity in my book anyway)! As we walked up to the restaurant and met up with her, all those nerves went right out the window. She is soooo down to earth and personable. It was like we have known each other for years.
Of course, we talked Disney, but we also talked about our families and lives back home. We enjoyed an amazing meal (more to come on that in my upcoming food post), some delicious California wine and great conversation. As the meal came to an end, we almost didn't want to leave as we had so much to talk about. It was getting late, and she needed to get back to her hotel, but we agreed to meet up again for several of the D23 breakout sessions. So, on Saturday, my mom and I once again met up with her and hung out at the Expo. We got our picture taken with one of our "mutual" friends and then got to hear about the exciting things in store for our "favorite" place.
As she left that day to head home, I was a bit sad to see her go. However, I know now that we will remain close friends and try to find more opportunities to get together again. In fact, I am trying to convince my husband to go on a Mediterranean Disney Cruise next year since she is going with her family. How fun would that be....to meet yet again and spend our time together especially when it is Disney related!

So, Darcie, thanks for your friendship! I am truly blessed to have you in my life!

For more Wordful Wednesdays, visit Angie at SevEn cLoWn CirCuS by clicking the button below.

What I Learned This Week - D23 Edition

As many of you know, I attended the D23 Expo this past weekend. D23 is the official Disney Fan Community that was launched this year (I am actually a launch day member). It was also the first year for the Expo. It was a convention of sorts related to all things Disney.

I was unable to go all four days as we spent some of our days there at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure (but I'll save that for another post). However, I did attend on Saturday, which was the day they revealed many exciting things to come for the Disney Parks and Resorts.
During an address by Jay Rasulo, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, he announced some upcoming attractions and projects.
First up, he cleared up the rumor on whether or not there is an expansion of Fantasyland in Walt Disney World planned. The rumors are TRUE!!!! Among the expansion of Fantasyland will be several new restaurants including Be Our Guest Restaurant in Beast's Castle and Gaston's Tavern, both inspired by Beauty and the Beast.
Also in the works for Fantasyland is a larger version of the ride, Dumbo. This is one of the most popular rides at WDW and so this expansion will make it even more so in my opinion. It is also going to have the queue set up like a 3-ring circus with interactive games and activities.
It will also eventually have an area dedicated to the fairies in the addition of Pixie Hollow, where guests will be "transformed" into tiny fairies and enter the tiny world of these magical creatures.
Next up, he discussed a new resort venture in Hawaii on the island of Oahu!
At the end of the presentation, he delivered some bad news....Star Tours will be closing! Enter the Storm Troopers and Darth Vadar on the jumbo tron....and the announcement that it will be transformed into a new, more exhilirating, 3-D experience...Star Tours II!
To see all these exciting announcements and more check out this video of the live announcement as we all witnessed it at D23!

I don't know about you, but I am super excited! I got goosebumps just hearing about it!

For more What I Learned This Week, visit Musings of a Housewife

Growing Up by Leaps and Bounds

Well, my little Cate is off to school! On Thursday, she began her school journey into the Leaps and Bounds (2 year olds) program at our parish school. She looked like she grew up before my very eyes as I dressed her in her little dress and Mary Jane shoes. She was so proud of her lunch box and backpack and once she put them on, she didn't want to take them off to sit in her carseat.

We met Matt up at the school so he could see her into her first day! Her little friend, Elizabeth (younger sister to Max's best friend, Matthew) and her parents got there around the same time, so we got a few pictures of the two girls together. They giggled with anticipation.

She walked right in and was so excited, she forgot to "get her spot" (part of the morning routine where they find the spot with their picture and put it up on the bulletin board). So, after we ran after her in the classroom to come back out to put away her bag and lunchbox, she got her spot.

Once in the classroom, she started off with her first project of the day and happily said good-bye.

She had a great day and I am so proud of my little pumpkin!

I wonder...

if my nails are dry yet?

my niece
September 5, 2009

Getting my appetitie ready for Pie!

Well, tomorrow is going down in the books as a monumental one, full of Pie and Ice Cream Moments!

It is Cate's first day of preschool. It is a 2 day program for 2 year olds. She will go for 4 hours a day and I think she is going to love it. She is such a social butterfly! We meet the teacher later this morning.

Then, I will also be submitting my application once again for this upcoming year's WDW Moms Panel. I applied last year, but didn't make it. They accept up to 20,000 applications, so it is pretty stiff competition! For more information on how you can apply, scroll down a couple of posts!

After that, my mom and I hurry off to the airport to catch our flight to California for the D23 Expo. D23 is the Official Disney Fan Community. This year is its first year and I am a launch day member! The Expo is a convention of sorts with all things Disney!!!!! More about that when I get back. We are also going to spend a couple of days at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. I haven't been there since I was a pre-teen. It is also our first mother/daughter trip ever!

So, once again, since I don't have a laptop, I may be MIA for a few days. I might try to pre-publish some posts, but if I don't get around to it....expect a full report when I get back!

PS Send some pixie dust my way for a little luck getting on the Moms Panel! Thanks!

Lazy Weekend Ride

To start off our Labor Day weekend, we went for a walk/bike ride with the kids. They ride, we walk. It was finally cooler in the evening to make it bearable to do so. I could tell that they have missed this activity since they were so excited to get going! We were all dressed in our comfortable weekend wear, but Cate decided that it needed to be a "fancier" affair! Can you tell we have been reading Fancy Nancy a lot lately.

The rest of our weekend consisted of attending birthday parties, enjoying time with friends from out of town and doing household projects. To round out the weekend, we had a lovely dinner with friends at our favorite local Italian restaurant, Isabella's. If you are ever in the area, you MUST check it out. Tonight, I had the delicious shrimp risotto with asparagus and mushrooms....mouthwatering, I tell ya!

Moms Panel

This week's Bit of Pixie Dust is all about the WDW Moms Panel.

As I have mentioned before, this is a fantastic resource for getting information regarding your upcoming WDW vacation. You can either browse the questions and answers that have already been asked or you can submit your own questions.

These moms (and dads) are very knowledgeable in the topic of all things Disney. They share the magic daily on this forum trying to make your vacation planning as smooth as possible!

Now, for a little side note on this topic...I am applying for this years' Moms Panel. I have a 1 in 20,000 chance, but I believe in faith and pixie dust! So, wish me luck and I'll keep you posted. Also, if you think you have what it takes, applications will be accepted beginning September 10, 2009. Click here for more information!

For more tips, check back each Saturday or click on the button to the right. It will direct you to a main post with all the tips linked to it! I hope you enjoyed this "Bit of Pixie Dust" and I hope it offered you a little insight into when to go that best suits your family's needs!

Disclaimer: These opinions are based on my personal experience and are in no way endorsed by the Walt Disney Company!

WordFUL Wednesday - Last Summer Hoorah

Last week, we were invited to my best friend's house (well, her mother's house) to a Back to School Pool Party! It happened to fall the day after my surgery, but was a good reason to get out and get my mind off of it! The kids had a blast with their friends! They grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and after it was all said and done, they got goody bags filled with pencils, stickers, erasers, and fruit roll ups! It was a fun way to send them off to a great year in school!

For more Wordful Wednesdays, click the button above for SevEn cLoWn CirCuS