MOM'S GET TOGETHER

Almost everyday our daily schedule is jammed pack full of stuff to do. Fridays are just a smidgen less hectic. The other day while talking with Keri and Shelley, it was decided that they would make the margaritas and mom would cook up some hot wings and we would have a get together while the kids were in school. That is exactly what we did. This morning while mom was cleanning the kitchen and cooking up the hot wings, Mimi went with Erin and her family over to the indoor playground but unfortunately it was closed. Therefore Janet took them to the nearby park that is close to the indoor gym. Next she fed them lunch and brought them all to school. Bless her heart. While all the kids were in school, we all met at Keri's and had a grand time just laughing, eating, and a little drinking of the margaritas. Next thing we knew, it was time to go to the school and get the kids. Aw shucks! Oh well, I guess it was something that had to be done. Now besides Blake and Erin, Mimi likes to play with her new school friends Zoe and Halley. The good thing is that they all get along so well together. They all wanted to go over to Zoe's but her dad was home and was wanting a bit of peace and quiet so instead we all headed over to the park after stopping home to get some snacks. Somehow it seems that other people's homes and their toys are more fun than the ones that you have. None the less a good time was had by all. Of course mom did not get much housework done today.

PAW PRINTS

Our Mimi is growing up in more ways than one. Last year she could not even reach the monkey bars. This year not only could she reach the monkey bars but cross them as well all by herself.

This past Tuesday and Wednesday, mom voluteered her services to help out with the health screening at Mimi's school. Her job was to do the eye exam for the kids k-5. Mom did not get to test Mimi's eyes but she did several of Mimi's friends. Mimi did however pass mom in the hallway when her class went to their music class and mom heard a loud "HI MOM!!!" from Mimi or "HI, MIMI's MOM!" from her friends as they passed me in the hallway. It warmed her heart. The fish is what the kids used to cover their eyes and they were all quite pleased to know that they could keep them. Mimi has more than one (since mom forgot that she still had them in her pocket) so she has decided to color the other ones a rainbow color.

When the testing was done for the day, mom went to peek into Mimi's classroom only to find that they were out on the playground, so mom tried to be quiet as a mouse and peek around the corner of the building to watch the kids play. She found Mimi playing jump rope and much to mom's amazement, Mimi is very proficient in jumping rope! Today after school Mimi handed mom this note from her teacher at school. Apparently our Mimi not only has been working hard at practicing jumping rope but is encouraging her friends also. We are so proud of her.

CONCERT PIANIST???

Yesterday before school Mimi invited her two best friends over to the house for lunch. Before lunch started she wanted to show them what she has been learning from her piano teacher Ms Celia. Therefore she put on a short concert for us all. She did pretty darn good if I do say so myself. The only problem we had was there was not enough room for Bailey to sit on the bench along with Mimi, Blake and Erin. Boy did she wail like a banshee!

S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G B-E-E

Until school started mom could get away with spelling words out such as N-A-P. Mimi has completely stopped taking naps. Now and then mom could tell when Mimi is exhausted but she will fight it and try to stay awake. In the meantime she is more wired than usual and real grumpy.

Last Sunday while at grandma and grandpa's house, mom could tell that Mimi was super tired so mom said "I think Mimi needs a N-A-P" to which Mimi replied "N-O, do you know what that means mom? It means NO!" Dad says that now mom should spell it S-L-U-M-B-E-R. Hmmmm, what do ya think???

CARD GAMES

Mimi loves to play card games especially slap jack. Like her cousin Mari, Mimi can play like cut throat. Each time she saw the jack, she would slap it fast and say "Come to Mimi! Ha,Ha, Ha". All mom could do is hang her head and cry.

SCHOOL DAYS

So far so good. This week up till now has been puurrrrfect. Last week, Mimi worked real hard at practicing her piano and theory lessons. In the beginning mom would have Mimi practice the piano after school. That turned out to be disasterous. All Mimi would do is goof around. In turn mom would get quite irritated with her. Last week mom decided to try and have Mimi practice in the morning before school and gymnastics and the result was soooo much better. It works great for Mimi because she is a early riser. It just about kills mom though. So now mom gets up around 7:30, fixes breakfast, shower, then by 9:00 both mom and Mimi sit down at the piano bench for a 15-20 minute practice. Then it is on to gymnastics and kindergarten. After school Mimi will have a snack then go play with her friends for about one hour then come home and then it is time for bath, dinner and piano theory lessons. By the time all is said and done, it is 8:00 p.m. and both mom and Mimi are pooped! Mom now thinks she has a handle on the situation. Because of this schedule change Mimi is able to focus on what needs to be done. As a result, Mimi had a great lesson with Ms. Celia this past Monday. Ms Celia was quite pleased with Mimi's progress. This morning, Mimi's gymnastic teacher says that Mimi is doing much, much better on focusing and doing great in class. She seems to think that it is due to the fact that Mimi is in kindergarten now and is much more mature this year. As soon as gymnastic class was over, it was time to rush home while eating lunch in the car, change clothes and walk to school. This afternoon mom helped the school nurse with the health screening this year. It was quite fun. I was able to give the eye exams to Mimi's classmates and friends. Mimi was tested by another mom. It just worked out that way. As soon as we finished, mom was on her way home but not before stopping to watch Mimi and her friends play in their playground. Much to mom's surprise, Mimi is an excellent jump roper!!! Mom has never seen Mimi jump rope before today. So now, not only can Mimi cross the monkey bars without any help, she can jump rope too!!! My baby is growing up way too fast for me!! :-(

TEXAS

Usually Mimi will say that she is "relaxing in Mexico". Lately she has been on a cowboy kick. She will dress dad up to be a cowboy or she will put on her bandana and yell "Yee Haw cowboy!" all around the house. Yesterday while at Remlinger Farms, she no sooner rode off into the sunset on her pony, she turned to mom and dad saying "I'm go'in to Texas!" Without skipping a beat, dad yells back to her "Say hello to o'le George for us!"