P A C I

Anyone that knows our eldest well, realizes that she loves her Mr. Paci, her papus!  Ever since she was ity bity it's been a source of comfort and has grown from one paci to six or more in her bed nightly.  She hordes them under her pillow and I've even seen her cover them with blankets to keep them warm.  Every morning she comes into her room with all of them gathered into a purse!

Upon picking her up at school last Tuesday, Primrose informed me that they took away her paci at naptime and although she cried, she did well without it.  I promptly called David, who was already home, and had him go through the house locate the rest (twenty it turns out) and hide them away.

We were prepared for a couple of rough nights, BUT, Katie proved us wrong yet again and although she still asks for it once in a while has done absolutely amazing, right from the start!

I originally was going to take Sissy's away as well, but it broke my heart to do so, so she'll be able to enjoy for a while longer!

S N O W Finally!

I was sure it was going to be a year filled with snow days, after all the last two years were.  Determined to have snowsuits on hand for the girls, I purchased them in October and they sat in the closet . . . . . . . until TODAY! 

It was sure coming down last night and accumulated a little over four inches on the ground, enough to make Monday a lot of fun for the Farmer Girls.

Sissy couldn't stop looking out the windows at the snow, pointing and squealing.  I pulled the suits out of the closet and Katie said, "What that called?" "A snowsuit," I replied, "you put it on to play in the snow."  Well after those comments she could hardly stand it, was ready to suit up and make a "snowman!"

 Katie went off the back porch first, Sissy was so excited to follow she was stepping back and forth, bouncing.  As usual she couldn't wait to join her big sister!

Caroline's first time playing in the snow.

Just love these!

Eventually Caroline had to go in to nap and during that time Katie made a snowman with our neighbors!

Finished product . .with the "Farmer" touch :)

Happy Girls = Great Pictures

I was just thinking yesterday how I wish that Katie and Caroline were to the age where I could just say "smile" and they would break into those breathtaking grins - no scowels, pouts, fake smiles or questions asked. 

Today however, I received some AMAZING smiles . .because they were having the time of their lives at a neighborhood birthday party.  What fabulous and fun pictures of my beautiful girls!

Once a bit cautious, Katie now jumps right into the mix - this makes her mama very proud!

Sissy - never cautious, always right in the mix - I love it!

Love our girl!



Who me?  I didn't open the cabinets . . .

I want fruit snacks!!!!

I WANT FRUIT SNACKS!!!

Okay . . .I really just wanted night night :)

Ringing Brothers and Barnum Bailey

When I was a little girl, probably in early elementary school, my family and I went to Madison Square Garden in New York City to see the Ringing Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus.  At one point during the show my dad took me down to the front, they ushered me onto the circus floor and I became part of the show.  I felt so important being out there, I loved it!  Years later I learned that my dad slipped some money to the attendant, hence why they allowed me to join the other kids!  I love him for doing that, for making sure that our family outing together (which was rare) was even more special! 

So needless to say, I have a special place in my heart for the Ringing Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus and it was with great pleasure that we took Katie today for the first time!  Sorry Sissy, you wouldn't have been able to sit through it . .next time!!!

 

Katie loved all the "animals and dancers"!

 . . .and her hot dog, pop corn, lolli-pop and rice krispie treat!

YOU!  Playing outside with her and sissy's wands.  Even though Caroline wasn't there, we made sure to bring her a present.

Just think this picture is cool . . .

Valentine's Day at Primrose

This Valentines Day marked the first occasion where Caroline actually had a school "party"!  Dave and I joined in the fun to make sure we spent amble time at both Katies (3:15) and Caroline's (3:30).   When talking into Sissy's classroom, her face was priceless!  Some other parents were already in attendance and I had the feeling that she absolutely understood her mom and dad came to celebrate with her!  

My mommy and daddy came!

Sitting with new friends . .

Katie came in after her party finished . .this is what it looks like when your big sister steals the "party" spotlight!

As mentioned in my last post, Katie had Caroline's teachers only a year ago . .so they were more then willing to let Katie join in, with a large plate of food.

Our girls V-Day loot!

More candy daddy?   Take note of our Valentines Day mantel!  Thanks Auntie Heather (Newberry) for the help and inspiration!

First Day in Toddlerville!

Caroline,

Today was your first full day in the Toddler Class and you took to it like a pro!!!!  You were all smiles and had a great time with all your new "friends."  We're proud of you, especially because the class size grew from four to sixteen . . which didn't even phase you.

The teachers are the same from when your sister was there only last year and we're so excited about what you'll learn over then next seven months!

We love you sissy!  Look at your smile in the picture below . . .

Proud Mama!

Katie,

Yesterday I received a call from school, informing us that we had the option of moving you from Early Pre-school to Pre-school.  The educational liaison sat and evaluated your classroom interaction prior to making this decision and felt your verbal communication (obviously from my side :) and other skill sets are excellent and you're are emotionally ready for the move.

Although not a surprise to us, I wanted to make sure this change was based on your academic and emotional readiness and not because Primrose had spots to fill in the Early Pre-School rooms.  I do understand they have a business to run, but it won't be to the detriment of my children.

So in true parent fashion I talked to your Ms. Norman (your current teacher) and she explained how you're a "leader" amongst your classmates and "more then ready" to take on the Pre-school challenges.  So tomorrow you start the transition, five months early (with four of your friends) into a new environment. 

We are so proud of you Bucket and know that you're going to do great!!

Love always,

Mom and Dad

First Day! February 21st, 2012

What a difference a year can make!

This week I kissed my family goodbye and headed out to Phoenix for Knight's annual Leadership Meeting.  What a difference a year can make!  I was in a horrible place, professionally, during those same meetings in 2011.  An extremely tough trucking economy, we were overworked and over committed . . . I couldn't even breath, I felt so trapped within my job.  I was in a downward spiral and there was a negativity that surrounded me and quite a few others.

I had just received a new boss and I am forever grateful that he listened to me and realized that if things continued on, my career at Knight would come to a close.  He believed I was worth keeping.  We fought and I pushed (and pushed), together we added two additional employees to my group.  It was an extremely tough road, but in May of last year I began to see the difference, in September I began to feel positive about the year ahead.

Last week our CFO vested (early) our stock plans from 2008 back and gave us a larger amount of our 2009 restricted shares.  To say what this does for the financial security of my family, is beyond words. The reason why we all stuck it out . . because we hoped the time taken away from our families, that the blood, sweat and most definitely tears would be rewarded!

So the positivity is back!  I work with an amazing group of people and although we still work extremely hard, it's not all consuming and we see the light at the end of the tunnel, we all have a common goal, to kick some serious @&& in 2012 . . .well and maybe to see that stock price rise to $23!!!!

Knight Sales Conference 2002 (displayed when entering the meeting Friday)

Perry Paquette, Scott Tice, Jason Knight, JW Hunt (retired), myself, Wayne Gillow, Mike Stallsmith (left) and Chris Treubert

Ate an ity bity bite of rattlesnake at a company dinner, very chewy. I'm sure it was mind over matter (or the skeleton), but I was not a fan.

 

I did have some down time during the week, my first stop was at the Disney Store - what I couldn't have bought for Katie and Caroline!

I was also given four tickets to the Coyotes/Sharks Hockey game - the seats were no hardship!

I love you girls, thank you for always making time for me!  I'll see you end of August!!!!!