Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Ever heard of "Pulling Money"?

 Anna Jane has lost another tooth! After the two bottoms were lost a year ago--she has finally lost a front tooth...and with a little help, too! During one of our Friday night gatherings, Mary Hunter took one gander at that dangling digit and made it her mission to prevent Anna Jane from choking on that tooth in her sleep. I've heard a lot about that in the news lately, haven't you? Children dying in their sleep having choked on a tooth that somehow comes out during their slumber? Hmmm...me neither...Before I knew it, there was a conversation about "Pulling Money". Yup, Anna Jane realized the potential for making some cash and agreed to let Mary Hunter take a closer look. I was totally queasy about the whole business...exposed roots, twisting, blood, gaping holes....argh! Wigged me out, totally! Anna Jane laid down with her head in Mary Hunter's lap while MH "inspected" the targeted tooth. With Kleenex in hand, MH gripped the tooth and distracted Anna Jane by telling her to look at something on the TV. Anna Jane turned her head, the Kleenex and tooth stayed in their coordinate plane and VIOLA! No more perfect smile...I am now the Mom to a Snaggler! Just in time for our beach portraits...oh well. We can immortalize the child of six with a gapped up smile.


She's cute, huh?


Anna Jane earned $1 as "Pulling Money"
During this visit, the Tooth Fairy brought 2 GOLD DOLLAR COINS! Wow! Anna Jane is saving every penny for her Disney visit later this month.
and yes...I've spied her checking her mouth for loose teeth!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Birthday Weekend Get-Away!

The most thoughtful gift...ever. Our friends, Mary Hunter and Amanda, gave Otis a weekend of childcare but they gave Anna Jane lots of memories to treasure!

When Otis's birthday, March 18, was approaching, the girls didn't know what to get him. They came up with idea of allowing the two of us to scamper off on a weekend away while they babysat Anna Jane. Mary Hunter picked up Anna Jane at school on Friday afternoon. Otis and I had delivered Anna Jane safely to school that morning and then we headed for the hills! I rented a cute little cabin, just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville.It could definitely accommodate 6. Great movie collection, comfortable furniture, good linens, fully equipped kitchen (I cooked every night, but we did splurge on brunch downtown on Sunday), a fabulous shower room and a perfect hot tub. We soaked, gazed at stars and planned for the future. Sorry, no pictures from that!





Alexander's Cabin was our "home away from home" for the weekend. It was secluded enough to feel private, but very convenient to shopping, restaurants, etc. This is a pet-friendly rental. Carly enjoyed the entire experience! A pot of happy, yellow tulips greeted us when we arrived. A personalized dog biscuit was a nice treat for Carly Jean! They also had a collection of leashes, doggie waste bags, towels and bedding material.
We were able to just chill. We knew that Anna Jane was having lots of adventures and much pampering! The weekend was fun-filled for that little girl, for sure! Amanda and Mary Hunter took Anna Jane out to dinner on Friday night to a kid's favorite: Pizza Inn! During the weekend, they shopped, they enjoyed "Farm Life", they crashed Hunter and Janie's house for dinner! Most importantly, Anna Jane got to spend some time away from The Parental Units.
 and relax, we did. Otis still needs a little more practice at the "chillin'" lifestyle! Note his tightly tied shoes compared to my relaxed, sockey feet!
I'll drink to that!

Special thanks to our friends. They probably have no idea how much Otis appreciated their gift (he has YET to write his thank-you note! GRRR). It's very meaningful to us, as parents, when others take an interest in our child and enjoy her company. Time invested in a kid is probably the greatest gift that one could give. Although this weekend scheme was a gift TO Otis, the person who benefited the most was surely Anna Jane.

Thank you again, girls. Hope you read this. Hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Read Across America Week



Some of our favorites!


Read Across America Poem


~Courtesy of the NEA

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,

To pick up a book and read with a child.

You're never too busy, too cool, or too hot,

To pick up a book and share what you've got.

In schools and communities,

Let's gather around,

Let's pick up a book,

Let's pass it around.

There are kids all around you,

Kids who will need

Someone to hug,

Someone to read.

Come join us March 2nd

Your own special way

And make this America's

Read to Kids Day.

Monday, February 21, 2011

365 Project

I am going to be participating in the 365 Project. I've committed to posting one picture a day for the next year. Check out the site by clicking here or at other times, you can access the project from the link on the right. I figured that I could kill two birds with one stone by posting the project pictures and then blogging about any events/pictures that didn't quite make the cut for that day--not that I'm going to be blogging every day--come on now, don't be crazy!
My button, "Comment make me happy" is really true. Those who know me, understand that I need to be stroked, encouraged and validated. High maintenance indeed!
Look what I found today.
Guess my hopes for another snow day have been dashed!
I knew this would happen if I bought snow pants!
(and I look really cute in them!)

Does this constitute animal cruelty?
He is so handsome.
He was trying on my shoes this morning...
and I'm talking about Yoohoo.

I know you can't read this, but it is measuring 78 degrees!
Love it.