Big Update

Dear Maizy,

You are so hilarious!  You are really starting to say more and more funny things.

Like the other night you and I were in the kitchen.  You were doing something at the table, I was doing dishes and then out of no where you said "Mom, calm down.  Calm down mom!"  I laughed so hard.  First of all, I am not really sure where you got that from and second, I wasn't even freaking out or anything. Ha ha ha!

Then a few nights after that we were in the kitchen.  I was at the table and you were playing in the drawers.  You were trying to close a drawer but stuff was in your way, so as your trying to shove it closed you say "Gosh dangit!!"  Ha ha ha!  Ok I do know where you got that one from.  Me. 

One night while you and I were at Wal-mart I bought these little plastered animals - you picked the animals over the princess and castle - and some paints.  You saw those things sitting in the laundry room for about a week and we finally found the right time to paint them.  Watching you pain those animals was the cutest thing EVER! You were so meticulous and used all the colors. I loved sharing this moment with you.  We actually ended up spending a couple evenings painting since there were about 6 animals to paint. You LOVE doing crafty things, helping mommy and daddy and just keeping busy.  You make every day such an adventure. 

Then one night while daddy was working I decided to grab our little Christmas tree and finally put it up.  You were only interested in it for a few minutes.  I didn't have any ornaments since they were packed away - not sure where - but  I bought these cute little tags that I decided we could use as "ornaments".  They were little gingerbread men and then I tied some string through them to hang up.  I gave you 3 to go put on the tree while I stringed the rest.  I decided to come check out the ones you did hang up and I was SOOOOO impressed.  You were so methodical.  You got your cute little Dora chair to hang up one near the top, one in the middle and one near the bottom, sooooo very cute!!

I told you to pose by the tree and this is what I got!  Love it! 

We have been having so much getting ready for Christmas.  Not that we have done a whole lot shopping or wrapping wise but we have been watching the Christmas specials on t.v., talking about Santa Claus coming to our house and I've tried asking you what you want Santa to bring you and you just say toys.  

I just know you are going to love what Santa is going to bring you this year! I think we are more excited about it than you are.  

Anyway, you love being ticked and tickling back.  The other day dad and I teamed up and was tickling you.  You were saying "tickle me, tickle me" so that leaves us no choice.  Then you said, "I want to tickle her."  Then you started tickling me! Ha ha ha!!

As of late you start all your sentences with "you know what", it's the most adorable thing, even if it doesn't pertain to what you are about to say. 

12/9/12

12/19/12

I am really excited for Christmas this year.  We are going to have a blast!! This weekend we are just going to clean the house, shop and get ready for Christmas.  Monday is Christmas Eve, and I have the day off, so that will be nice to spend the day together then that night we have our annual Christmas Eve party at Grandpa Frank's house.  Then Christmas morning we are waking up, going to Grandma Annette's for breakfast and will hang out there for a while, then we we will go up to Grandma Donker's to celebrate Christmas and meet up with Grandma Shelly and Grandpa Glen.  We are going to have a fun filled day for sure.  Then when we get home we will open the gifts from us and Santa.  I have Wednesday off work too, so that we can spend time together playing with your toys! YAY!!

I love you more than you will ever know.  I am so thankful for your sweet, kind, loving, compassionate little self.  You are such a special girl.  I love and cherish you more each day just when I think it won't be possible. 

Merry Christmas Sweetie!

I love you!!

Love,
mommy

Black Friday

Dear Maizy,

Wow!  We have been going non-stop it seems like.  The day after Thanksgiving we woke up.  Grandma Shelly dropped her car off at our house since Grandpa Glen and her were running errands and us girls were meeting meeting up with her later and it would be easier to take one car.

We didn't get to sleep in too late on Friday like I had hoped.  We ate some breakfast and got ready for the day.  You looked freakin' adorable!! Around 2ish you and I loaded up in the car and headed to Grandma Donker's where we were to meet Grandma Shelly and your cousin Alexia - she was in town for the holiday from Arizona - and we would go up to Midway for a sleigh ride!!  Woo hoo!!

We got to Grandma's and you and Alexia were so excited to see each other!  It had been since May that you saw each other last.  We played for a minute, then loaded up in the car and headed towards Midway.  You girls were so cute together and were super silly!

See.....................

I would like to point out that this was all you babe.  "Look at me mom!"  You girls had a blast together and were so dang cute!

It was such a beautiful night!  We saw deer, horses, cows, and "a river mom!"

We arrived to the Homestead and checked in.  We were significantly early so we just waited and played in the gift shop of the golf course.

It was getting closer to our time so we started layering on the clothes.  We did not want you to be cold!  We put on your snow pants, a heavy sweatshirt and your really warm coat! We could see all the horsey's and wagons through the window until it was our turn.  Those horses were quite impressive. 

Then it was our turn!  YAY!!  Too bad that there wasn't enough snow for it to be an actual sleigh ride, it was more of a wagon ride but still a blast!!

We sang a few Christmas Carols, then the "driver" told us stories about the horses and the area.  He was a blacksmith that lived in Midway - too cool!  The ride was a lot of fun, it did get quite cold at times when we got near the river and little ponds.  It couldn't have been a more beautiful night though!

The ride last about 20 minutes, then they dropped us off at the "North Pole"  where we were greeted by elves and escorted to go see Santa.

 When I sat you on Santa's lap you just eyed the candy cane that was in his hand the whole time.  You LOVE candy! Santa commented on how quiet you were and that you weren't even scared.  I told him it was because of the candy! Ha!

 Alexia was so cute and excited to see Santa.  She was very concerned with letting him know that she moved from Texas to Arizona, so that he would know where to find her.  CUTE!

After visiting with Santa for a few minutes we went to find some dinner.  the only place open for dinner was across the street at the Zermatt.  When we pulled up I was in awe at how freakin' cute the place was!

See.....................

 Then went inside and ate at Matty's Bistro.  We walked in and there was a wishing fountain so you girls threw some coins in there and made wishes or maybe just threw coins!  There were't very many people in the restaurant, but we got seated near another family.  We weren't there for 5 minutes when your chair fell backwards - lucky you didn't!  I am not really sure what happened there but it was loud and scary - you were fine, but it startled us all.  That's when we got you a highchair - just to be safe. 

You girls did pretty well during dinner, you girls colored and drew with the crayons and paper you were given.  The food was actually quite delish!  Grandma and I shared a pizza and got salads - yum!  You had chicken fingers and fries. Just when were wrapping up dinner the waiter mentioned that the kids meals came with ice cream! 

You thought it'd be funny to put your chin in your ice cream! Ha!  Then of course Alexia had to copy you.  you girls!


After dinner we checked out the lobby of the hotel, it was so beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Then we loaded back up in the car and headed back towards the city.  We had to go visit Aunt Laurie at the rest home, yes, the rest home.  Long story!

You slept in the car on the way down there.  I felt bad waking you up cause I knew how tired you were.  Anyway, when we walked in there was a beautiful fish aquarium that caught your eye.  We looked at that for a few, then we went and saw Aunt Laurie.  We visited for a minute and of course it got boring real quick, so I decided to push you girls around in the wheel chair! Ha!  We were laughing and having so much fun. You and Alexia took turns then after a while you wouldn't have it, so I pushed you both around.  It was really fun to see you girls smile and hear your giggles.

Then we took a break and went and checked out the aquarium.  They really did have cool fish in there.  They even had a "sea urchin" that you recognized.  You definitely know your animals and sea creatures. We hung out there for a while then we headed home.  You and Alexia are so cute together.  When we arrived at home we had to pry you out of the car as you were crying for Alexia, sad!

When we got inside we told daddy all about our adventure.  Then it was bed time.

Thank you for always being so fun to take places.  I love seeing the joy and excitement in your eyes and cute face!  You are so easy going and I thank you for that.  You are the best!

This was the best Thanksgiving and now Black Friday yet!

I love you!

Love,

mommy

Thanksgiving!

Dear Maizy,

Thanksgiving is the the only holiday besides Valentine's Day where we get to do what we want and don't have to parade all over the valley because everyone wants to see you!  We fought hard for Thanksgiving but it's ours, all ours. 

This was our second year to stay home and it was AWESOME!!  We LOVED every minute of it.  You get to sleep in. I get to stay in my jammies most of the day.  We start drinking first thing in the a.m. Our house smells delish. You get to play with your own toys all day long.  We listen to the radio - loud - with the football game on the silent.  See it's just a great day and we all win.  

Grandpa Frank joins in on the fun too! He arrives a little early for some appetizers and drinks.  He entertains you while we cook!  I do have sympathize with you though because dad and I are so busy that we don't get to play like you want us too!  So you are more than thrilled to see Papa walk through the door.  This year we did a lot the night before and that worked out well.  

I get a little sad that we don't have this huge family to share the event with because some of my favorite memories were at Grandma Donker's with all the family and playing with the cousins.  I feel bad that I didn't enjoy or savor the meal part so much. Until I cooked the meal I never realized how much work and love goes into it all.  

You entertaining yourself the night before Thanksgiving while daddy and  I prepped for Thanksgiving. 

You and daddy getting ready to work on the dough for the rolls.  

Helping daddy with the homemade rolls!  Yum!

The homemade cheeseball and crackers.

Grandpa!  Most likely cracking up at you!

You were being a monkey and showing off for Grandpa.

The most delish turkey EVER!!

You didn't make it through dinner!  It was a long day.  

How does one be so dang cute!?!

Yep that's right  - those are all the pics I took on our most awesome Thanksgiving yet!  I wish I was more of a camera person, dangit!  In addition to the homemade cheeseball, crackers, homemade rolls, and turkey we had shrimp, homemade cocktail sauce, nuts sweet potatoes (half with marshmallows, half without),  green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, For dessert I made a homemade salted caramel pie!  It was delish!! You woke up just in time for dessert. 

It was such a great night! Grandpa hung out for a little bit then left about 9ish. Then about 10:30pm we decided to be crazy and go to Wal-Mart for some Black Friday deals!  We loaded up in the car, headed to Wal-Mart, got front row parking, found the one and only empty cart, got in line, paid for our t.v and were in and out of that place in 30 minutes!  Woo hoo!!
You LOVE to go look at all the toys every time we go to the store, it's the cutest thing!  You walk down each aisle very slowly and bend down to look at things and then get on your tippy toes to look at more stuff, it's the cutest thing ever!!  We checked out the toys while dad stood in line.  I love going to the store with you because you are so much fun!

After the store we got home, nibbled on some leftovers then we all hit the hay!

It was by far the funnest, most yummiest Thanksgiving EVER!

Thanks babe!

Love you!

Love,
mommy

Park

Dear Maizy,

The weekend before Thanksgiving we went out to breakfast at Bayleaf Cafe - yum!

Since you were so dang cute and well behaved at breakfast we told you that we would go to the park after.  Everyone at the restaurant loved you!  Even the cute bartender with tattoos all over said that you are "precious!" See even big, tough looking guys can appreciate a darling kid! 

So we went to the park after our yummy breakfast.  We were there all alone and it was AWESOME!

Even though you hadn't been to the park in a while you were still a pro! you climbed and monkeyed around like no one's business.  Daddy has taught you so well to take it slow and where to put your hands while climbing up the big metal ladders.  I love watching your cute face while you concentrate and are so methodical about your next move.  Daddy has definitely set you up for success at the park! 

It made me sad that summer is long gone! I just think that we will have to squeeze in some time at the park when we can.  We had a blast!!

See........................

I love that you are so active.  Your arms and legs have defined muscles.  I want you to always stay active and take care of your body.  

You are also such a little daredevil too that it gives me a heart attack!  I love the little risk taker side of you.  I hope you always take challenges no matter how big or small.  I will always be there for you and supporting you!

Thanks for always being so gosh dang fun and cute!

Oh I just remembered something you said at the park - there was a boy that came to the park with his family.  You pointed to the boy and said "what's his name?"  The boy was standing like 10 feet away and I said "I don't know."  Then you said "he hit me!"  We laughed but explained that he didn't and you should say things like that.  

You are saying the most hilarious things as of late!

Love you!

Love,

mommy

  

New Coat

Dear Maizy,

A few Fridays ago Grandma Shelly picked me up from work, then we went and picked you up at Grandma Donker's where you spent the day.  Daddy had the key to the house (this is an ongoing issue for us and has a real simple solution and that is for another post), so Grandma and I decided that we would kill some time at COSTCO.  While there we saw some coats just your size.  We went and tried them on you even though you were only interested in the glittery, brightly colored Christmas dresses next to us.  

We found a winner!

The coat isn 't bad either!

Then Grandpa Glen called and invited us on Grandma and Grandpa's date.  We joined them for some delicious sushi!  I think daddy was a little jealous.

After a wonderful dinner where you were pretty well behaved and Grandpa Glen was getting a kick out of you Grandma Shelly drove us home.  You hopped out of the car and played in the snow!!  I wasn't sure I would ever be able to get you inside the house. 

I love that you love being outside and you enjoy it all - the rain, sunshine, wind, and snow!!
We haven't had much snow since and we talked about building a snowman but we need some more snow!  I have my fingers crossed on snow for Christmas. 

Thank you for always being such a fun, sweet, lovable little girl!

Love you!

Love,
mommy

It's like butta'!

Dear Maizy,

I haven't written to you in far too long.  Soooooooooooooooo much has been going on, you have matured a ton, we have been doing lots of fun stuff and I am super worried I am going to forget to tell you something important.

Ok let's start with this.

You are addicted to butter.  Yes, that's right you LOVE butter.  You want it on everything including your finger just to lick it off!  You won't eat bread, toast, waffles, rolls, etc. UNLESS you can see the pad of butter on it!  Seriously.  It kind of cracks me up but at the same time I am worried about your cholesterol levels. Lucky for you you're always a movin' and a shakin' that I don't feel guilty fulfilling your request.  Um, I guess it also makes sense since you are your father's daughter and he loves butter!!  It goes You, Me then Butter for your dad!

When Aunt Brittany was here she showered you with gifts and one of them being silly puddy.  Well after a few days not much of it was a round because either A) I would find a piece stuck on the bottom of my sock or B) find a junk of it stuck in the living room rug.  Anyway, you had a little bit of puddy left that you were playing with and you were calling it "silly pup" - CUTEST thing EVER!!  I loved hearing you say "silly pup, silly pup" over and over again!
Well you were playing with it and I asked you what you were going to make and you said "hot dog", then "hamburger" and then "donut".  Ha!  You crack me up!  Not only do we not eat those things at our house - hot dogs on a rare occasion - I just thought it was super cute for you to name those things!  I love you my silly pup!!

A while ago when we hung out with Aunt Tina she gave me some wax vampire teeth to give to you.  I had them in my purse for weeeeeks!  Just waiting for the right time to give them to you when I could supervise you with this odd, messy, candy type stuff.  Well I found the right moment!

You have always been funny and showed a great sense of humor, as of late you do things intentionally to make me and your father laugh.  

I want you to know that I can't stress to you enough that your father and I both know we are truly blessed and ask ourselves and each other how we got so freakin' lucky to have you.  We feel so undeserving at times.  

I love you!

Love,
mommy

Catch-up Part: 4 A wedding and a funeral

Dear Maizy,

I can't get over how much you change and grow!  I love being your mom and that I get to witness you becoming this amazing little person with a big heart and personality.  

Aunt Brittany came and went.  We had some fun while she was here.  You and her even had a sleepover one night. See............................

She had the opportunity to experience your late night demands! Ha!  "Aunt Brittany I'm hungry!" at um, one in the morning! She came in town bearing gifts like always.  She gave you the most darling winter hat that will also keep your ears warm, silly putty which you call "silly pup", and a darling Strawberry Shortcake pez dispenser. 

Last week was kind of a somber week with the passing of Bear.  I still cry when I think about what a great guy the world has lost. I received the most honorable request - to be bartender at his wake. Bear's wake was held Friday November 2nd at the Greek Market's banquet room. I was really excited and not sure what to expect.  Connie, Bear's wife, asked one of her previous students, Holly, to come bar tend as she has had formal experience.  The drink requests starting coming and Holly hadn't arrived yet!  Yikes!  I just poured the drinks like I do at home and Voila!  People liked them and came back for more and more.  Holly arrived and she was freakin' awesome.  Her and I got along beautifully and had a great time.  I had a blast as crazy as that sounds.  The celebration was Ah-MAZING!!  They showed pictures on a big screen of Bear, his family, his great accomplishments (kids) and doing the things he loved, it was really moving.  His contagious smile was seen in most if not all of the pics.  Grandpa Glen spoke of his dear friend and he did a fantastic job.  I cried several times throughout the evening.  I saw friends, co-workers of Airgas and met new awesome people too. 

It's events like this that make you realize how short and precious life really is and it's not to be taken advantage of.  It makes you want to hug people more often, say I love you more than usual and make it known how much you mean to each other.  Bear was an amazing person and he adored you!  He is now free of pain and lives on in peace. 

Well needless to say after the celebration of life I did not feel so hot the next morning and we to do nothing but go, go, go!  Sara and Todd were getting married.  As her "maid of honor" or sorts I had a lot to do and all I felt like doing was sleeping in and cuddling you all day.  We woke up early took dad to work, went to Wal-Mart, went to Costco to buy flowers for Sara's bouquet, then I had to drop you off at Grandma Shelly's while I went to the ceremony.  Ugh!  It was a way busier day than I would have liked.

Luckily it was such a BEAUTIFUL fall day.  It really was a great day for Todd and Sara to get hitched.  After the ceremony I went home and the three of us hung out for a little while then we took you down to Grandma Annette's house for the night since the wedding reception was at a bar.
I didn't like dropping you off!  I miss you a tremendous amount when I am not with you.  Plus I really worry about you when you are at Gma Annette's - that's a whole other blog post!

Well we had a great time at the bar for the reception. We danced a TON!  Then Aunt Brittany got back in town from her little excursion which was great because she drove me and daddy back to Grandpa Frank's.  We slept over there.  Daddy went and picked you up pretty early from Grandma's and brought you back to Grandpa Frank's.  It truly was such a beautiful day!  We hung out there all day, listened to music, play in the yard, soaked up the sun as much as we could and had a delicious breakfast!! 

Thank you for the wonderful weekend.  For being my sweet, happy and loving daughter.  I love your creativity and your brain.  I have so much respect for you.  

I love you with all my heart!

Love,

mommy