Safiya Moorea

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Sassy at Seven

Dear Haven,

How on earth did my baby girl turn 7?? It seems as if you were born yesterday. I am having the best time watching you blossom into the little lady you are becoming. You fill my heart with so much joy. I love all of the drawings that you create, and the stories that you read. You are such a great helper to me around the house. It amazes me the talents that you have. You are so beautiful inside and out. I am so proud to be your mommy.

I hope that you have the greatest year. I love you with all of my heart.

Love always,
Mommy

School is coming to an end...

I can't believe that summer is quickly approaching and the kids will be done with school. Lily actually already graduated from preschool last week and Haven is almost finished with her 1st grade year! I am so proud of all of their accomplishments!

Haven is reading at a 3rd grade level already and just loves to learn! Lily learned all of her letters and is quickly forming words, I just love watching them get smarter each day. Safiya is 7 months old now and can sit all by herself! She is the happiest baby I've ever had, although she is having a hard time with teething.

We've had such a busy spring with ballet recitals and soccer games. I am looking forward to summer and slowing down a bit...although the days will be filled with lots of swimming and outdoor play ~ it will be nice to have all 3 girls home and together!

I really hope that I can start blogging more regularly! I need a place to just vent.

Catching up....

WOW! I can't believe that I haven't posted on here in over a year! So much has changed. We were blessed last fall with another beautiful little girl. Safiya is such an amazing baby. Her big sisters, Haven and Lily, just adore her. The newness of having a baby sister has not worn off yet - they are always smothering her with LOVE!!

I am going to work hard on keeping up with my blog.

Haven's Soccer Season - Go Grasshoppers!!

I just have to say that Haven really started to enjoy soccer this spring. The first 3 seasons took some patience, but with a good coach and a more mature little girl - she really gasped the concept of soccer. She wasn't afraid of the ball anymore, she learned how to defend the goal, and block shots, she even scored 8 goals! She really loved going to practice too. It was wonderful to watch her blossom - she changed drastically this year from the start of the season until the end. I love that she trys and has a determination to get better at something. She was disappointed a few times, but easily bounced back into the spirit and triend harder the next time. It will be interesting to watch her play again this fall! So excited :)

Haven's Ballet Recital - May 30th, 2009

Haven did such an amazing job at her dance recital. She loves to be on stage and just had a blast being with all the other dancers. She totally loved getting flowers at the end and her best friend Oliver came to the show with flowers all dressed handsome in his tie! Nana bought her an adorable ballet frame and included a pictures with her ballet bear that came with her costume. I got her some gorgeous ballet charms for her charm braclet. We celebrated at our house after with pizza and a yummy ballerina cake that I made. We all enjoyed watching the kids play together and had a great time connecting with family and friends.



We also celebrated Lily's birthday with Grandma and Grandpa that day - we had loads of fun and really enjoyed the new ball pit that Lily got. I have enjoyed bouncing around with the girls, brings back lots of memories from when I was a child.






It was a great day!

Princess Lily is 3!!

Hear ye, Hear ye, Princess Lily is 3! I can't believe that my little girl is not a baby anymore. I am truly amazed at how Lily has changed over the past year. She talks non stop, wears big girl underwear, loves to use her energy and imagination, she has great confidenence and determination and is just truly beautitul. She loves to be independent and most days she dresses herself. Some days she puts her favorite skirt back in the drawer instead of the hamper because she tells me "she wear it again tomorrow". I personally think that it's adorable and can't complain because that means a bit less laundry for me!!




We celebrated Lily's birthday in style - I made a GORGEOUS Princess Belle cake - quite amazed at myself actually. Lily opened presents all day long and had a blast tearing into the paper and bags. At one point she was so excited and ran up to me and told me " Mommy, this present is HUGE!!" with the sweetest face I've ever seen. I am glad that I picked up the princess tent as a last minute impulse buy. She got tons of clothes which she loves, nightgowns, bathing suits, Belle Barbie, princess bike and some books - Blessed that's for sure.







It was a great day and I am looking forward to our daily adventures of my 3 year old "ninny".
Love you Bugarooni XOXOXO Mommy

H's Morning Coffee Talk

We are on spring break until the 20th as well. Poor Haven is lost without school but I told her that I am sure we'll do lots of fun things. I thought the zoo might be fun as long as it's in the 50's and sunny. I spent most of the day yesterday cleaning up this computer and trying to get more running space - I went from 1G free to 7G - so hopefully it will by us some time until needing this one serviced or getting something new.

Yesterday one of the mom's at preschool wanted to see my accessories to see if I had something to match her daughter's easter/ graduation dress (she's in 8th grade and will move on to HS next year!) - She was thrilled and bought a bunch and this opened the door to just 3 other mom's who LOVED my things and couldn't wait to see more. I made $40 just at school pick up! I really need to get my website going - I am trying to do a free one on google, but it's really hard. I use to be so computer savvy and now, I am clueless. Then the mom in charge of the big school live auction with dinner and dancing approached me and asked if I'd like to donate something to the auction. I totally accepted that because they print a gorgeous program (with all my info) - that goes out to 100+ families, plus all the guest at the main event! Talk about advertisement. I'll just donate a bow holder, hat/flower combo, sampling of bows, and clippies! We are going this year to the auction too! So it will be nice to see what people bid - I think it will be part of the silent auction! Oliver's parents are going with us - so it will be fun. I was so disappointed that we didn't go last year.

Yesterday the girls and I made a easter egg tree - well that is what it was suppose to be!! - craft project didn't work so well. I envisioned something that I can't figure out how to hang or stand up! The girls had fun doing it so I guess that is all that matters. Lily was cute matching the eggs together. She is so smart. I could not believe that she counted all the way to 10! First time she didn't skip some!!

I am heading over to my parent's house today. I might try and run out to do some errands without the kids. That would be heavenly! Albeit I shouldn't spend money. I want to save all my coins for Florida in 2 weeks :)

Storytime with Sparky!!

Little did I know that Sparky was not a real dog! Here I go pumping up the girls that they are going to see a real dog at the library and a fireman and instead they get a giant size stuffed costume with a "rookie" inside. It was really cute to see Haven and Lily sit down and listen to the stories. Ed and I kept cracking up at the guy inside the suit - you know it has to be the new guy on the squad! Lily was on the move constantly and at one point I told her to sit on Haven's lap and she did. I laughed so hard at her face. She didn't freak or over-react so that was good. Afterwards all the kids got a book and a chance for pictures. Both my girls seemed to scared - so I didn't force it. I just love the library :)

What do April Snow's bring???

The weather in Michigan can sure be unpredictable! Woke up yesterday to a slushy mess and it continues on today. I had so much fun despite the cold, wet weather. I took Haven to school, and came home to grab Lily to take her to her music class at the library. She did OK this time, still extremely shy and not a fan of sitting with the other children. I love Ms. Ann at the library - she is really great with the kids. She plays fun songs - like yesterday her topic was spring and we sang great songs including jingle bells since the weather was more winter like than spring, and little bunny fufu - remember that song. My only fear is that Lily may start to bop me on the head like the rabbit bops the little field mouse!! After the library we picked up Haven and came home for lunch. The girls and I both napped which was great because it gave us loads of energy to play in the snow. We made a really cute snow bunny! I can't decide who had more fun, the girls or me!! And then we made a small centerpiece for the table in the backyard - I should take a picture of that one too.







I let the girls stay up later than normal to see daddy and to watch dancing with the stars. Haven just loves the girls gowns and she loves telling me the scores. So it's a little math lesson to her as well since she reads the numbers to me. Then after the girls went to bed - Ed and I watched poor Michigan State lose the National Championship game - I was really hoping that they could pull off that game - but the other team was in total control. I guess Obama should be happy since his team won!! Then we stayed up to watch 24. Hopefully I won't be too cracky today from going to bed at 2am.

Luckily today is a lowkey day. Not much planned except for getting the house ready for Easter. The girls and I are going to "decorate" with all of our springtime stuffed animals and shred paper for our easter baskets. I have convinced Haven that we are going to reuse our baskets from the past years - since it's better for the environment!

Jeah Sure!

Lily being super cute at breakfast Monday morning. We had a great time just the two of us :)

Can I just tell you how much I love it when Lily says "Jeah, sure" - she always says it at the right time. I think she picked that up from me as I am always saying "yeah, sure to another show, or another story, or another 5 minutes at the park..." - I just think it so adorable that these little peeps of mine are mini creations of Ed and I. Haven is just like her daddy and Lily is just like me! Not sure if that is a good thing or not but I'll take it :) I wonder if it has to do with birth order? Ed is the first born as is Haven and Lily is the second born like me. An example is when Haven is doing something or having a snack - she never asks if Lily will have some. Where when Lily is getting something, she immediately asks about Haven too. I just love to see each of my girls personalities growing. Truly amazing.

So, today was a good day. I managed to get some cleaning done around this place and worked out hard at the gym. I am seriously doing it this time. There is no reason for me not to be able to have some time and today I did almost 5 miles on the ellipitical machine. I was happy. I stayed on for an hour. I had not a care in the world and just kept my focus of being a healthier me. I've had success over the year, but I am so ready for a drastic change so there will be no stopping me and my exercise routine. I've felt so great these last few weeks with my diet and calorie counting and my focus in on becoming stronger. Maybe one day I could do a marathon? Not based on time for me - but to be able to go the distance. Goals. Setting them higher than normal - but why not put yourself on the pedistal - Yes I can.

Lily did really well today at storytime. The theme was farm animals and they made the cutest barn craft with rubber stamps and glue sticks, just so fun. Haven had a great day at school - she is really excited that they are studying the letter "H" - because that is her letter. I am just amazed that she can write her entire name HAVEN YOUNGBLOOD - truly amazing since she is just 4 1/2! I am really going to help her feel more comfortable with the lower case letters - she really wants to read, but isn't overly confident in the lower case - so that is making her frustrated. I just love watching her learn. She made me a letter at school today that had a picture of herself inside with her name on it - she loves art. I want to find a kiddy art class - she has some talent.

Ok - dinner is calling me. We are having sloppy joe's, ww buns, and french fries.... hey, I did work out - so I'm not feeling too guilty.

....rambling on

So my workout itself was GREAT. I chatted on the elliptical machine with an old friend from college - she is super athletic so I pushed myself harder. However, Lily screamed for 10 minutes when I left her in the daycare and Haven screamed and wailed when it was time to leave. So the stress that I worked out - was quickly back. I have just been doing really well lately with diet and exercise, that no matter how stressed these little girls make me - I am doing this. I devote all my time to them, and I need this for me.


After we got home I made them dinner and while I was starting to cook the chicken for Ed and I - Lily fell 1/2 wway down the stairs. She has a huge welt/burn down her spine. I iced it and gave her motrin - and today is so bruised. I told Ed last night that we seriously need a carpet runner up the stairs. I am going to start quoting that out.


I stayed up way to late last night watching 24! That show is so good. Too bad it's not on every day like a soap opera. I need warm weather! It is still below freezing here and I am ready to shed some layers. Enough with the hats, mittens, snowpants, coats already.



And about the storytimes that we go to. During the musical one that we went to yesterday, Lily was on my lap - moving, bending, standing, climbing all over me. They have small chairs, but she won't even attempt that!?!? Most of the kids are not focusing on anything and that's what is so cute about it. During the regular storytime Lily also sits on my lap and is constantly moving and poking me. They have an oval mat for the children to sit on! So if your library has anything like it, try it out - I am sure if you read stories at home to your kids they will pay attention as much as the other kids do. It is great for Lily to interact with other kids - she rarely is around kids her age so this I am hoping will help with preschool in the fall.


Ill be back - just lost my focus because the girls need me to play the witch locking someone in the tower. I'll be back after I get the girls haircut!!! and visit my parents. Haven knows that Nana buys her a little something when they are away :)
Have a great day.

Disney on Ice

Let me just start off by saying how wonderful the Disney on Ice show was yesterday. Haven and Lily truly had a great time as did I. As soon as we walked inside the Palace the girls just could not stop smiling. Mickey Mouse was all over the place - souvenirs galore, and just tons of little girls dressed up as princesses. We checked out the pre-show where they had gowns on display from Snow White, Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty - and guest appearances by Cinderella and Belle! Very cute. We rushed to get to our seats which was fun since I had my bag, 2 coats, carrying Lily and Haven holding my hand - but we made it! As soon as we got to our seats the show started - perfect timing - no antsy little girls. I took so many pictures - but most of them don't do justice as to how wonderful everything was. We had great seats - 2nd row from the ice! I was nervous that everyone would look to "big" but the girls didn't seem scared at all. Lily was holding her ears a few times because it was loud and she is still sensitive to sounds.

First off Mickey and Minnie came out, then all the cars for the Cars movie. Very cute indeed. Then was the little mermaid - I just loved that part. The Lion King was the next part and let me tell you, that was amazing. And then it was intermission. I decided it was best to stay in our seats - I bought some popcorn for the girls and we just had fun with our glow sticks. The 2nd half was all Tinkerbell. Cute, but not my favorite. It was awesome that the fairies floated above the ice - and the finale was wonderful too - the confetti falling from the ceiling was cute - all the kids were amazed by that - I just laughed and thought about the mess that someone has to clean up!

When it was time to leave - we bought a program, coloring book, and a Tinkerbell flag. It could have been worse as far as spending money on unnecessary light up gadgets. But I bought some glow sticks at the dollar store before hand - so the kids didn't feel like they didn't get cheated!

I lost my car! Thankfully we were only 1 row out of place. It was freezing and raining when we left and wandering around with 2 kids looking for the car was a challenge. But I found it! And starting laughing because you kept hearing car alarms going off with other parents searching for their cars! I saw 5 navy minivans in the row that I was parked - it's hard not to lose your car when everyone has the same kid friendly mobile!

When we got home we had lunch, long naps, and then laughed and giggled while looking through the photos. It was a great time and I hope that in the future, Ed will be able to come with us - so it would be a family affair.

Kitchen Beauticians!

So on Monday morning when I got back from taking Haven to preschool, Ed shows me a pile of hair. He asked if her hair was super tangly - and it was, but I would have noticed that much hair coming off on the brush. I became nervous. I was starting to worry if her hair was falling out? I just could not wait to pick her up at 11:15. I went on with my morning routine, and I hear Ed telling Lily not to cut her hair?!?!? Why all the obsession with hair today? What is going on? So when I pick Haven up from school, I notice her hair is goofy looking and falling out of her clip that I have it in. Well come to find out - the hair is too short to fit in the clip. As we started to drive home, Haven informed me that she cut her bangs so that she could see her homework. Her homework was to cut out a snowman... and in the same sentence, she then says, what are bangs?? I breathed a sigh of relief to figure out where the hair came from, but can't stop laughing at how silly she looks. She tells me that she thinks she looks pretty. And don't get me wrong, she does. But she also does not realize that her hair will grow out and it's going to take some fixing to get it right. I have spent 3 years growing out her bangs and now we are starting over at the roots, no pun intended :) Anyways - I then realized why Lily decided to trim hers - monkey see, monkey do!

My amazing 4 1/2 Year Old!!

Tears came to my eyes today when my little Haven handed me this wonderful picture. She created it herself - and I just love how bright she is. It's amazing to me what my 4.5 year old is doing these days - she also wrote the numbers 1 to 10 on the doodle pro today! With only the 7 backwards :) She is SO ready for Kindergarten - but am I??? boo hoo - next year is going to be so hard with her of to K and Lily starting preschool!