Crazy Hair

Halloween 2009

Steve was Diego, I was a punk rocker, Bella was Belle and Matea was a hula girl by day (it was so freakin hot!) and Michael Jackson by night.

It was so fun to trick or treat in a "real" neighborhood last night. A few neighbors had mini haunted houses/Disneyland style decorated car ports so Steve has decided we need to out-do them next year. We spent all morning hitting all of the stores for clearance spooky decorations.

Cheesy Weenie

That's what one of Bella's classmates kept repeating today and now I can't get it out of my head. It makes me want to barf a little.

Halloween festivities began yesterday with Matea dressing up for preschool. After months of preparation to be Michael Jackson, she chickened out and was a unicorn instead.

This is her with the infamous "School Bella". Too sweet.

Bella dressed up as Belle from Beauty and the Beast today and sported a costume made by mom. This was my first time making a costume for one of the girls and I was pretty pleased with the result. Apparently, so was Junior at school because according to Bella, he told her exactly six times that she looked so pretty today.

Why?

Why did Bella have to pick the biggest turd in her whole class to be the object of her affection? Seriously, he's a five year old juvenile delinquent. And he's obviously in love with Bella.

I started volunteering in her classroom this week and you can totally tell that this kid is smitten. He stares at her and can't stop bugging her. And unfortunately, she thinks he's the greatest thing ever. I've gently (and not so gently) pointed out to Bella that he had to be removed from the class and sit alone during a recent assembly. And that he seems to be unable to "clip up to blue" and get a good behavior reward. I guess these aren't important qualities to her.

Two days ago, he asked Bella to come home with him after school to eat fish. His mom laughed and said, "He loves fish." I said, "I think he loves Bella more." Then he tried to get in our car and come home with us. No thank you. Two kids are enough for me and if I was going to pick up another, it would certainly be less turd-like (and would probably be another girl, not a boy).

New Morning Routine

Somehow, moving to our new house brought on a new morning routine for the ladies of the house. While the girls eat their breakfast, I sit with them and drink my coffee and we watch music videos on you tube. I'm not sure how it started but I'm sure it had something to do with Matea's Michael Jackson addiction.

Sometimes I take requests and sometimes it's "Mama's choice". The other day, I played Pink's "So What" and the girls were singing "Na, na, na, na, na, na we're gonna start a fight!" all afternoon. Very nice.

This morning, Matea requested Darius Rucker's "Alright". That's Hootie...as in, "The Blowfish". Anyhow, I love that song and really wish I had never seen the video. He looks a lot thinner than the Hootie I remember and somehow, he's actually aged since I first heard of him when I was in high school. How dare he!

Matea is a total music buff. She remembers voices fairly well and knew that the same lady (Cyndi Lauper) sang "Time After Time" and "Beautiful Colors" (I keep telling her it's "True Colors" but she won't have it). Maybe she'll grow up and be a band geek. Yay!

Pics

Posted a few pics of finished rooms in the new house on my Crafty Mama blog...
www.craftymamacreations.blogspot.com

New House - Before

Before new carpet, new kitchen flooring, and all of our colorful stuff. Hopefully, we can share "after" pics next week.'


Outside
Funky Bathroom with Step Down Shower and Laundry
Drive-through Window in Dining/Play Room
Tiny Kitchen (but tons of storage!)
Livingroom with Nasty Renter's Carpet

Pink Party Girls

The girls were invited to a Fancy Nancy party over the weekend and even though we were in the middle of our move, we made time to go celebrate. The birthday girl's mom is super fun and energetic so I expected the party to be fabulous and she didn't disappoint. There was a Fancy Nancy "store", make up session, dancing, and a fashion show. Now Bella wants the exact same party for her birthday and I don't know if I can live up to it. Damn you Nanette for setting the bar so high!

Just Because She's Cute

Award Winning

Bella's getting an award at school on Friday! The school is having a student recognition assembly for grades k-3rd and 9 students are receiving awards. Bella is getting an award for reading and we couldn't be prouder. She works really hard on her reading and writing and is learning and improving really quickly.

One night, when I came home from work, Steve told me Bella had written a note all on her own that she wanted me to read. It said, "I see the cat." and then the next morning she added a few more sentences. I can't wait to see her receive her award on Friday.

We're Here!

In the new house, that is. Steve moved all of our stuff over the last week with some help from Ronnie and Devin on Saturday. We started living here on Saturday night and so far, so good. It's definitely a busier street than we realized but it seems to quiet down at night and we're all sleeping well here.
Once we started moving our stuff in, we realized the house isn't really as small as we originally thought, just less open than our old house. With the exception of a few small pieces of non-essential furniture, we've been able to fit everything in. Now, we're just working on unpacking the last 20 or so boxes which are filled with miscellaneous crap that's hard to find a home for. And hanging things up on the wall is going to be a challenge since the house is really old and doesn't have drywall - I guess it's plaster?
We know renting is going to be a transition for us but so far, our property manager has gone above and beyond. After getting new carpet last week, they surprised us yesterday by putting new flooring in the kitchen too! There are a few small things that need "fixin'", but overall, the house is in good shape and already feels like home. There are a few small things we've had to buy like a microwave and dish drying rack (no dish washer here !) and we're thinking about trying to save up for a sectional couch but really, it's been a very smooth and easy move for us. We close escrow today and get to pick up our tiny proceeds check. I try not to think about how much money we lost and instead focus on how much we're saving each month (about $500).
The girls seem to really like the new house and love being close to school - it means they get to watch a few more minutes of Clifford in the morning!
I'll be back later to post some pics of the new place.

Sweet Jesus, It's Already Starting

I'm in the office packing for our move and totally out of the blue, Bella just walked in and said the following:

"I think Kevin and Alejandro are the two boys that love me at school. Well, I know Kevin does because he told me loves me but I just think Alejandro does because he gave me a flower today."

"Whaaaaat?!"

"Well, I really think all the boys love me but especially Kevin. He told me he does."

"Ummmmm, do you love them? And what about Junior? Isn't he the one that always smiles and yells your name when I pick you up?"

"Yes! I told you! I think all of the boys love me. But especially Kevin."


She is pretty cute and fun so I can see how she'd be popular with the boys. And she likes to wear dresses. Maybe I should warn all of these young men that she's fairly high maintenance. I think first, I'll start with pointing out to Bella that Alejandro has yet to earn even one good behavior sticker so maybe he's not the best choice for a love interest.

Quick Update

The home inspection last week went great and we only have to complete one very small repair. The buyer removed her contingencies today and we're signing the lease on our new rental house this afternoon! We're set to close escrow next Wednesday and are going to start moving boxes to our new house with every trip we make into town (and we make a lot of trips!). We'll move all of our furniture and actually start living there over the weekend.

Both girls have the crappy cold virus that's going around. Bella's whole class sounds like a symphony of long time smokers. One kid hacks and the rest all bark back. Tatey woke up at 4:00 this morning with a fever so she's home from preschool today, spending the morning watching tv in our bed.

I had a molar removed last Thursday and it's still really bothering me. Much more painful recovery than I expected and the whole eating on one side and funky taste in my mouth is getting old very quickly. Apparently 31 is too old to bounce back from these minor medical things:)

Hoping to posst pictures of our new house later tonight or tomorrow!

News!

We accepted an offer on our house yesterday with a 3 week escrow but we're shooting for closing in two weeks (it's an all cash buyer). As excited as we are to be moving on, finding a new place on such a short deadline has been stressful. Even more stressful is the fact that the buyer just backed out of another escrow last week and I believe she also backed out of one a few months ago. She asked for the short escrow and has to be out of her current rental very quickly so we're hoping that will motivate her to go through with the transaction.

The only contingency is the home inspection which is happening tomorrow. We're feeling pretty confident that our house has been well maintained so any issues should be minor but we won't know until Monday whether the contingency has been dropped. So, we've been busy trying to find a rental that meets all of our needs, is in our price range, and will work with our time line. Lucky for us, we found it today! It's an older, totally funky house. Ever heard of a sunken/step down livingroom? Well, this one has a step down shower and laundry! Totally weird but quirky in a fun way. Two bedrooms, small retro kitchen, bonus play/sewing room, ginormous two car garage, cute little back patio and a huge fenced yard and, it's only a block away from preschool. And I haven't even gotten to the best part...the rent is $250 lower than our budget! Steve will be able to bike to work a few days so we're looking at saving a total of about $500/month. Not too shabby!

The rental house is managed by one of Steve's customers who was more than nice about working with our timeline. As long as we get the rental approval, he's willing to hold the house for us until Monday and not require a deposit until all contingencies on our house sale have been removed. After working with total ass holes at a property management company yesterday, it was nice to meet someone today who was understanding of our situation and willing to work with us. So, if all goes well, hopefully we'll be moving the weekend of October 10th. Keep your fingers crossed!

What's going on here?

I'm cleaning the kitchen and turn around to see Matea in the hallway, pants down, shaking her naked hiney at Bella and laughing. Bella is yelling, "Is that your best work?! Is that your best work, Matea?!". Where is this coming from?

First Sick Day

We've had a little cold bug making its way through the family, courtesy of Matea. Bella's runny nose has been worse every day and today she woke up with a bit of a cough and rattly chest. She initially wanted to go to school but with a very scratchy voice, told me later this morning that she wanted to stay home. Since she loves going to school, I believed her when she said she didn't feel well.

So, now she's in the chair resting and watching tv.

And Matea can't be left out of the fun.

Shell Beach

Steve often takes the girls to the beach on weekends that I work. And then they come in to Carters to visit me, covered with sand and salty water and give my ultra clean and orderly boss a heart attack. Good times for all.

I just came across the pictures from their trip last weekend. Looks like they had a great time. Without Mama:(

Mama and Baby Ladies

School Updates...Or Not

We're about a month into school for both girls and I guess it's going well. Neither of them tells me much and I have to ask really specific questions to get any answers. Then I question whether their answers are truthful or they're just spitting out the first bit of info. that comes into their mind in order to shut me up.

Tatey seems to be enjoying preschool. No crying or clinging to mama at drop off and she's always so proud of her projects when I pick her up. The other day she said, "Papa, this is called art project" like it was a very scientific term. Her BFF at school is a sweet little girl named Bella. I know, poor girl just can't get away from the power that is Bella. School Bella looks a little like Matea, same brown bob hair and big brown eyes. She's just a little older than Tatey but I think she's a little more socially confident and Matea's happy to follow her. Matea talks about "School Bella" all the time and I think "Home Bella" has finally gotten over being pissed off that there's another Bella in Tate's life.

Bella really seems to be enjoying kindergarten but I can't really figure out what they do there all day. Their daily schedule is posted on the white board but when I ask questions, I get very limited answers (from both B and the teacher). So far, it doesn't seem that different from her pre-k class. At least, not different enough. I've learned that Bella is apparently the only kid in the class who can read and it doesn't appear that they're doing any reading activities in class yet. She comes home with "Open Court" reading books which seem like a joke since we've been working on reading for almost a year now. The assurance that she could be sent to first grade for reading has never been mentioned again and I'm just working on biting my tongue on the issue until parent conferences next month. I know I can be very critical and have high expectations but I'm creating a little human being and feel like I owe her more than she's getting. I was talking to another mom and she bluntly informed me that I was expecting too much for public school and that her son's kindergarten class (at a very highly ranked school) was at the same level as Bella's class. So, we'll just continue to work on our own reading program at home I guess.

There are two major things I've realized this school year. First, having both girls in school doesn't mean I have more time. It's actually quite the opposite. All of the shuttling around of children takes up a huge portion of my day, not to mention the homework and reading after school. My frustration level with selling the house has reached its peak. I really want to be living in town, close to school and work. I drove 40 miles yesterday alone and I have the gas bill that's gone up over $100 per month to prove it.

I've also realized that I was totally spoiled with feedback from teachers the last three years. Bella's first teacher, Miss Sandy, always gave feedback on behavior and performance. She could easily talk to you for 15 minutes and thoroughly answer any questions. And she was honest. When Bella was a little turd, Miss Sandy would tell me. When Bella had a great day, she would give me a 5 minute glowing review. Mrs. Kaar and Mrs. Sarawutari were just as great last year. They'd stay 10 minutes after class to talk to me about my kindergarten questions and concerns. They hugged Matea and asked her if she was excited to start preschool. When I ran into each of them separately after Bella graduated, they both seemed genuinely happy to see us. I just don't get that same ethusiasm and interest from either of the girls' current teachers.

Anyhow, we'll see how the rest of the year plays out. We were really hoping to be moved by the end of the year which leaves us about two months to start escrow in order to make our deadline. I'm sick of all the driving and time wasted in the car. Tired of keeping the house in tip top shape for potential buyers (no more lazy days around here).

Another First Day

Today was Tatey's first day of preschool. Grandma predicted tears and mama thought she'd be fine. I should have put $100 on it because mama was right! She did absolutely fine and even answered "yes" when I asked her whether she was ready for me to leave. I thought both girls looked particularly cute today. Grandma got them a fabulous new fall wardrobe and they look like little fashionistas. Thanks Grandma! Can you guess who taught Matea to pose? Grrrrrr.

Kindergarten: Week 2

Bella seems to have adjusted easily to her new school routine. I was really worried about her staying on task while getting ready in the mornings but she's been following directions well and we've been ready to go with plenty of time to spare.

She says she having fun at school but isn't learning anything. I've tried to tell her that the teacher is still trying to get everyone comfortable and in the routine (some freaking kid Cynthia cries hysterically almost all day) and learning will start soon but she seems a little concerned.

I was sitting outside her class room today a few minutes before pick up time. I was looking at the playground when I heard Bella's voice in the opposite direction yell, "Hi Mommy!". She had gone to the bathroom and was on her way back to class with the aide. I must have looked startled because she said, "It's me, Bella. I'm at school." I wanted to say, "No shit, I'm here to pick you up" but the aide whisked her away too quickly for me to say anything.

She had her first homework assignment tonight...decorating a figure to look like her. I cut out the doll as instructed by the teacher and cut out the dress as instructed by Bella. I left her on her own to design "herself" and I think she did a great job.
Of course, Matea had to do her own version of the homework.
Bella's signature concentration tongue.
See, they look exactly alike. Notice, they're both wearing pink headbands. Nice touch, Bella.