Our little angel

 Once Ali got used to the snow last year, she loved it! This year is special and I consider it her first real snow because this year she can do more than kick it, she can PLAY in it! The weather turned so quick! The day before it was in the mid teens, but forecast was calling for snow on Sun and true to forecast, it started in the wee hours and snowed for most of the day.

This year Ali made her first snow angel, I'm sure one of many to come. So far I'm guessing she's up to about 20 or so!

First taste of snow

Want some?

Princess Snow Angel

We came in for some popcorn and hot chocolate! Ali insisted on making popcorn.

A not brown dress

Ali: Momma, where's my big beautiful dress?
Momma: What color is it?
Ali: It's....not brown.

I found Gymboree.com!

Instead of heading to bed at a reasonable hour like I should have, I went looking online for a girls clothing website. I don't often get into town and the selection at the nearest WalMart just decreased. Old Navy and Joe were recommended to me, but those clothes didn't seem to jump out at me. I went looking on ebay to see what's out there and found a line I really like called Gymboree! There is size 5 in the baby girl and girl sections. Fashionable Fox was on sale so I grabbed two outfits complete with shoes and socks. There was a sweet grey and modern floral dress, so I went down that rabbit hole next and ended up with two more outfits. Just when I thought I was done, my finger slipped and I ended up in the baby girl Mousing Around line and just couldn't resist one more outfit with adorable shoes with mice on the toe, a jean skirt and tights, a purple mouse shirt and a furry little vest! With each order they have their own reward system and shoppers earn Gymbucks. I can't wait to use them on another Mousing Around outfit! This is exactly what I purchased for Alexiss (to show it off and just in case anyone wants to add to it). The Fashionable Fox may be on it's way out.

I love the entire Fox Collection, the boots, the outfits and even the purse:

Glitter Fox Wristlet

This Mousing Around outfit is pretty cute too:

Cat and Mouse

A day full of play

Okay, one more.

Today we play play played!

When we finally got moving (around 10AM), we went to visit Jessica and Jack. I dare think we overstayed our welcome but Jessica is a breath of real air and our conversations, although scattered, are always enlightening.

We finally made it home around 2. Although Ali wanted to come in a flake out for a bit the draw to play with "my friend Ashley" won out. Up the porch she went, knocked on the door and was rewarded with a big hug from Ashley and the two of them traipsing to the back yard to play. As it cooled off, and after Ash got dad's permission, they both came in to watch Pink Panther

Ashley's great with Alexiss and wants to be the big sister. Ali's more than happy to sit and have her hairbrushed. Dinner time was creeping close and our little princesses were still having fun so I asked Ashley if she wanted to stay if her parents said okay. They said okay!

The sat at the small Dora table and ate...and wiggled...and giggled...

Our little....Lexa (???, who's that?)..watch out for crocodiles!

Ali decided last week that her name is now Lexa. I wonder how many names she'll change to as she grows up? I remember "changing" my name to my middle name, Leslie for a few weeks. Well, I don't remember but Mom saved a few of my school papers where I used it. That must've thrown the teachers for a loop!

Last week Daddy was home with us all week. One morning Mark was off doing something or other and Ali...er... Lexa... started pretending their were crocodiles below the couch. My brain must've been pretty clear and creative that day because I grabbed her alphabet foam jig-saw tiles and started making a bridge with a safe walking path. Then Ali...er..Lexa helped me choose an crocodile picture on the computer to print off, color, and place in the "water".

Of course, I've just gotta throw in a die when I can, so I grabbed an empty Tassimo box, cut it into a cube and made one six sided die. Sometimes I think it's more fun creating with Ali...er..Lexa than it is the short play time after. I really hope that made up for the day before when I couldn't seem to muster the umfph to pretend and play.

Daddy came home just in time!

Dad! Watch out for the crocodiles infront of you!!!

The famous Tassimo die!

Thanksgiving and a horse ride!

It's going to be a post extravaganza today! So much to catch up with; thanksgiving, playing with friends and all around cuteness.

We spent Thanksgiving with Uncle Ron and Aunt Gail. Great food, great people and a great new adventure. Gail gave us the treat of a lifetime, Ali's first horse ride! Dad was more nervous than the horse even.

Gail went up ahead and when we got to the gate.

Gail was soothing Bailey. Poor Bailey was ansty without her herd within sight. We all patiently waited to see if Bailey was going to allow us the opportunity, it all respectfully rested on her shoulders. Gail finally felt that Bailey wasn't bothered enough to call it off.... What a magical memory!

Introductions and Salutations

Up she goes!!!

The first few rounds with Dad hanging on

Around and Around they go

Ali was a natural at posting. Definition: To rise and fall in rhythm with the horse's movement at a trot. Posting helps the horse stay in balance and the rider from bouncing on the horse's back causing discomfort to them both. What a treat for all of us, even Bailey!

It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend, special thanks to our wonderful host and hostess!

Quotable

Momma: Ali, let's get you ready for preschool.
Ali: Momma, are you going knitten?
Momma: yep
Ali: Momma, I'm so proud of you!

Ali: Momma, I fell and I didn't die. (it took me a few days to realize she was saying I didn't cry)

Momma: Ali, remember to share and not grab when you play with your friends. It's not nice. (a gazillion times)

Momma: Ali, remember the new rule, no throwing things in the house (a gazillion times)

Momma: Ali, I love you (a gazillion times)

Today I locked the keys in the truck....Today was an amazing day!

Seriously! I kid you not. Today I felt like God was smiling directly at us. After a quiet morning cuddling and sharing excitement over new Leap Frog shows on Netflix we had to go grocery shopping. I chose Ali's shirt and I have the feeling that the only reason she agreed to wear something not pink was because it said she was on the nice list! She picked the rest of the outfit "to match" complete with rainbow pants, rainbow socks and....err... flip flops.

I'm at the tail end of a cold had a sinus headache but  off to the grocery store we go. The entire time my patience was wearing thin but I tried to keep a good attitude, by the time I hit the check out I was done. For some reason I asked for the Advil Sinus that I'd purchased and instead of getting it put in the bag, I put it in my pocket. I also let Ali get a Kinder Egg. Groceries loaded, then to load Ali in the other side of the truck, I locked the passenger side, closed the door and started walking to the driver side....when I realized the groceries, the keys and my purse were in the truck. Now I'm starting to be super thankful for the Advil in my pocket, but I had no liquid to take it with and I was hungry. Ah well, it's a sunny day. I thought I'd call a friend to go by the house and bring extra keys, but I had no idea where they were and the idea of having to explain the five messy places it could be left me no choice but to call Mark. He was more than happy to come rescue us, now to wait for Mark to leave work and make the almost hour commute. Ali and I wandered back to the front of Sobey's and while we perched on the ledge by the front window, deciding what to do, I noticed a razor blade (probably used to clean tape or something off the front window) beside me on the ledge. Amazingly I had the Advil box to dispose of it safely, my conscious wouldn't allow me to turn my head and leave it.

A little background from yesterday. After preschool and playing in the playground it was time to head back to the truck. Instead of stopping and looking for cars Ali put her head down and slowly walked out onto the cross walk. When I asked her to stop, she kept slowly shuffling her feet. There were no cars, it's a small town but what if... so I hauled her back to the sidewalk via her coat and that's when the fight started. My heart was in my throat, no harm.. this time, but what about next time? How can I start trusting her and start to relax a bit instead of always hovering? She cried on the way home. I had the idea to use an example of a salamander we'd inspected squashed on the road a few weeks ago. I told her I was very upset and scared, that I didn't want to see her squished and that I would cry and cry. Back to today... we walked around the Sobey's building and as Ali held my hand, she repeated yesterday's event back to me. When I asked her what I would do after I cried she said "Get a new Alexiss". I told her there was no other Alexiss like her I wanted her, my Alexiss, that she was special and a one and only. I think she got it and I was thankful for the moment.

We finished our walk and ended up at the front of Sobey's again. Let me tell ya, there's nothing like locking your keys in the car to stop and take the time to play. The Kinder egg had a little monkey it in, Ali had a little dolly in her pocket and we found a ladybug! Time passed fast and I thanked God many times for the day with Alexiss. Locking the keys in the truck was a gift.

Dolly and Monkey hanging out in Ali's flip flop

Hello ladybug

Ladybug meet Monkey. Ladybug enjoyed walking all over Monkey.

Dolly and Monkey all tucked into the flip flop "bed" as Ali reads them a story (the pamphlet inside the Kinder Egg)

Ali was getting bored but being a good sport when Daddy finally showed up to save us!

Today was a blessing.

Quiet Time Sock Matching

Every other Thursday while Ali's at school, this Momma goes to meet up with Nancy at Bow Bench to work on quiet books. Where it's going to end up, we have no idea, but today was the second day and we completed a page! This week I have homework, a buzzzy bee stopping at flowers, based on this one. This week we completed a sock matching page with a dryer that opens! I couldn't have done it without Nancy's experience and knowledge for sure, I cut and did a little miniscule amount of hand stitching and Nancy set to work on her machine. We're learning for sure!

I think Ali likes it!