Mo' Joy

Gabs licking the spoon.

2012-02-22T21:08:00.002-06:00

To anyone who thinks I don't cook at alllllll..... Well, here's the proof that, occasionally, it does occur!

BROWNIES!!! My favorite food!

And Gabbi Girl WIPED THAT BOWL OUT!!

I love that she is my fellow sweet girl. (But her favorite thing is still an apple... that's where we differ!).

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have been SWAMPED at work!! Lots of people needing therapy lately, and lots of sickness running through my staff. Those two things equal lots of work for ol' Mel!! I'll try to catch up the blog soon. Gabbi's dance pics should be up soon!!

Superbowl Sunday.

2012-02-20T19:54:00.007-06:00

I have certainly postponed posting any photos of the weekend we spend with our buddies, for the Superbowl! Here's Sarah with Ellie Sue. She HAD to wear her poncho! Our Saints weren't in the running, so actually, we didn't really care who won. I was sort of pulling for the Giants though. Gabs was given all her love to Linda Lou.

I was giving all my love to myself. Taking "hold out the camera" pictures of myself!

We went to the next door neighbor's joint for the usual grilling of all things meat.

I didn't even make my kiddos dress in team colors. There was no black and gold and no cheeseheads, so we were not invested!

I packed us some clay so we could do a little crafting while there.

And Todd the Bod DID sport his green and gold. How ya like that, Amy K?!

And speaking of "crafting", I actually DID spraypaint myself a XLVI tee shirt for the partay.

That's the closest I came to an actual event tee.

Always the best thing about our shindigs is the food.

That's Joe, Johnnye's older brother, and his girlfrand, Renee.

Paula and Angie were queens of the kitchen.

I know I have mentioned how much I love my new camera. Check out what it can do. I scanned from my far left to my far right, capturing the whole room and all the people at the bar.

These were the diehards, actually watching the game.

I'll be honest, I was conditioning clay. Getting ready for Camp Creative the next day!

And then there was THIS guy rooting for THAT team.

I am getting the retreat all laid out. Just for the record, here's who I have signed up.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn's mama

Jennifer P

NenaBeth

Paige

Maybes.... Zhohn, Polly, Riley, Julia

And here are the activities I have planned so far... girls, give me some feedback...

Clay pendants for St. Paddy's Day

Decoupaged hymnal on canvas, cross/ fleur de lis and verse or saying

Textured canvas with "word"

Canvas with masking, stamps, with house and "home quote" and number of home

Fabric cuff

handmade earrings

Tag mini book with pics from the weekend

Doodle project with oil pastels, watercolors and chalk

and..... any ideas you five?!

Ellie's Dance Class with Miss Linda Lou

2012-02-19T23:26:00.000-06:00

And every Wednesday, it's like a reunion with our favorite cousin, Madi.
It's been like "an etteeerrnnity" since we last saw her, after all!!
And dancing is about the only place where Ellie puts up little fight over what she is going to wear, because Miss Linda has strict rules regarding wardrobe in dance.
Black leotards, pink tights, and a skirt. There are a few little deviations here and there, but basically, that's the drill. And she also prefers a bun.
Gabs has dancing at 12:00, and there's a 30 minute gap between hers and Ellie's classes. This is when I slid in and snapped a picture. Gabbi Girl, the runt in this picture, made her way into the big kid photo!! And there's one missing, Ruby, who was not in a good mood upon arrival and was dragging a bit to move into the studio.
If these girls are anything like me and the girls I took dancing with when I was three, they will grow up to move from class to class each year together. I remember there were girls in my dance class that went to schools on the other side of the river. (WEST Monroe is separated from Monroe by the Ouachita River). If it hadn't been for dancing, I would have never known them at all. Once in college, and four hours from home at LSU, we would talk about memories of knowing each other from dancing when we were wee ones.
It's neat to think that these little darlings may also be bound by this unique experience.
This class has a really unique situation. There are only six people in the class. That's because most 4 year olds are in pre-K, and their mamas work. Because of this, they primarily choose the after school class for 4 year olds on Thursday afternoons. That class is big. We kind of lucked out.
We have this tiny little class of six. I would think that normally they would have cancelled or combined such a class. Buutttt, Miss Linda and Miss Linda Lou LOVE us, and I think they made a consolation!
We totally lucked out, because as they've been practicing their recital routine, we are seeing that they will have somewhat of a solo performance, as each one of them enter the stage independent of all others and do a little ditty. Well, it's ballet, so I guess it's not really a ditty, but you know... Aha. THere's Ruby. See? I told you... she was NOT in a good mood that day!! (Hey, LeighAnn... you still reading my blog?! She warmed up later! I promise!)
Ellie and Madi L.O.V.E. dancing!
and they L.O.V.E. each other!!
I don't know if I have mentioned this, but the professional photographer was scheduled to come into the classroom the following week to take pictures of the girls, both posed and random, natural shots, to use as a collage for purchase. I couldn't STAND it that I wouldn't have the opportunity to buy the pics of my girls, especially my Gabbi Girl, with her FIRST dance class.
Miss Linda Lou let me sneak in late in GG's class and between their classes for Ellie's group pics.
Ellie and Madi were in full dancer mode... first postion!
Ellie is busting out with a fourth position.
And I think Madi may be adding a little hip hop in there now!
The reason we would not be able to participate with the professional photographer was because that was our Orlando week. So, here are my shots...

I just won't be able to order them in a big collage style on a poster. But, I suppose I could make that work too, if I had too.
Miss Linda Lou even obliged and got in a few shots for me.

And then, I poked my head back in in time for the change of the shoes... between ballet time and tap time.

This summer when Ellie and Gabbi were taking the same summer class, I would poke my head in and Ellie would not only be doing HER shoes, but also Gabbi Girl's. She is a responsible big sister!!

And there's Miss Linda. Still dancing after, I think, 50 years. She was MY dance teacher at age three, I know that for sure.

And now she is instilling love of dance in all these little dancers' hearts and minds.
Madi.... ummm.... don't you put out too much effort there.
And then, I sat a spell and took a few actual tap dance action photos.
Girlfriend is WORKING that hip action!!
I LOVE this picture. I lightened it up a bit and printed it for Miss Linda Lou.

So there you have it... sassy sass.

Friends in dancing from age three.
And my favorite picture of all. The whole gang.
So glad my girls love dancing and are being taught by those who LOVE dance as well!

MO

Ellies Magazine Choices...

2012-02-18T23:34:00.000-06:00

I opened my magazine this weekend, something I rarely get to do, but that doesnt' keep me from being totally enthralled at the checkout counter with Demi's meltodown, the Grammy dresses, and now Whitney's passing. And so, I continue to buy the most recent edition of People or Us whenever I see it. Anyway. That's not the story here. This is... Please look closely above... someone, it seems, had already snagged my mag and had circled all her favorite things throughout the whole book.

Including this big, fancy, couture dress.

And when I asked her why she picked this one, she said, "I picked that one for Dad for Christmas.". I KNOW he'll be glad!

And of all these dresses, which did she like the best?!

She is going with Kyra's red hot back/side open number!

She also seems to favor big bottomed, frilly dresses. Like this one...

Oh, Lord. And this one! See that little black circle drawn around this girl? I swear, it was like a scavenger hunt as I turned page after page seeing what it was she'd "chosen".

As I was looking, she went, "Ahhh, MOM! It's Nicki Minaj!" Somehow she'd missed her on the first go round. Since Nicki's exorcism on live tv, I am NOT a fan!! Ecch.

I gotta admit, I was a little confused when I saw this one. She said, "For daddy. So he can

take it to the beach for the boys."Then, she chose many of her gifts for others for V Day.

She said these earrings were for her. As was the necklace.

Oh. This too! But, she's say, "I love daddy".

And how sweet of her... this was chosen for me! WOW. What can I say!??

And it's not hard to believe that she'd choose lipstick and eye shadow. IT wouldn't even really matter the color.

And why I am I also not surprised that she circled this girl!?I did find it interesting that she circled her hiney!?? ANd her high heels!

And finally, she really liked Bella's red hair and "I connected their kiss". OMG!!

My mom was over and I showed her this. She said, "You've done that since I can remember." As I looked at right where I'd been sitting and saw all of these magazine "clippings" I'd recently torn out for ideas or visually interesting things that I may want to integrate into our website, a design, whatever. Soooo....

I guess it's true. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

My girls and I, hanging out at the kitchen table.

Gabbi, practicing her "G"'s.
And Ellie circling her favorite things in my magazines.
Happy Sunday, y'all!!

My little Mini-Mes.

2012-02-17T23:08:00.000-06:00

Just a regular ol day. Hanging out in the art room. If you haven't noticed... we do that a lot.

And finally, I got Ellie Sue's new Hello Kitty sewing machine down and running for her to practice making lines with.
I got some plain cardstock and drew straight lines first, and as she mastered those, I added some simple curves.
I was quite shocked as Miss Thang followed those lines. Check out that little foot operating that foot pedal! how CUTE is that?!!??
She would get a little worried when her sewn lines weren't perfect.
In the meanwhile, baby number two was busy painting away. So much so that I forgot she still had on her cute dress from earlier in the day.
Gabs will just layer and layer and layer and layer levels of paint. That's her style. I think, perhaps, Ellie Sue now has control of the camera. Just sayin'!

We spend many an hour in this room. As much as it adds grey hair to my head, I know that someday I am gonna wish they were right in there with me, when they want to go out with their friends or drive away back to campus to leave me and dad home again alone. Soooo, for today, I am gonna LOVE it. Love their sense of wonder at the color on top of color that they slap on those canvases.
And all those precious little stitches Ellie makes on my makeshift patterns of cardstock!

Love my baby girls. MO

Valentine's Decorations and Playing in the tee-pee

2012-02-16T22:41:00.000-06:00

Around our house for Valentine's Day.
This is the garland I made when we were down in Orlando. Ellie seemed to really appreciate it, as she would hang her artwork all over it, smushing the hearts with tons of tape.
I need to name this deer. Help me out. Remember, she has eyelashes, so let's give her a name! Anyway, she was slathered in hearts in honor of our V Day decorations.
In all her glory.
We'd srapped wire heart garland around the cedar posts in the den for the Miss America pageant. We just left them there, because we knew teh holiday of love was fast approaching. Since you have seen pics of my den so many times, I thought about it, and I don't think I have ever had this angle where you can see those skylights waaaaay up in the den. Just saying.
I love this heart garland, sewn together in a loooong strip, then tripled on the mantle. I kinda think I need one just like it for St. Paddy's Day.
And I think a stick/ branches may be the best thing in the whole house for decorating and changing with the seasons. I bought two bags of these conversation hearts at the Dollar Tree. And just like hte garland, I already have to figure out what I will be adding to my sticks that are green for the next season.

These tulips are usually in a vase for Christmas, and put back in the attic with the rest of the Christmas stuff. THIS year, I decided to leave em out and have some extra red for V Day. WHY have I been putting them up year after year?
These doubled fringy hearts were also at the Dollar Tree, so for thre bucks, I linked them together for my front door design. NOW, don't even think that you can OPEN the door actually when they are on there, but that's just a technicality! Noone ever really uses that door much anyway.
Hey, there are those lights up there... along with a DARLING little girl ready to head to church.
And another little one who actually put on a sweet dress and a little cardigan. Yay... MOM: 1.
Yep. These girls were ready to rock that Baptist Church. Stylin' and profilin'!
After church.... we had a little teepee time.
We invited Angel Grace home with us to play after church.
She is straight up girly girl, so she was DIGGING the idea of a tea party in a teepee.
This bought mama a little time, because they were WAY into decorating the cakes.

It was a pretty fun day. Ellie LOVES playing with big girls. Gabbi loves tagging along. Have I mentioned I love having girls? (no hate mail from boy mamas, please! I'm sure they are just awesome too. haha)

MO

Making Valentines

2012-02-15T22:05:00.000-06:00

Ok, so the funk has spread through the house! Todd the Bod stayed home from work today. I was feeling a little bad first thing at work, but on a scale of 1-10 with 10 beind near death, I was about a 6. At the end of the morning, and I mean by 11 o'clock, I was a 9!! I was on my way to get the girls for dancing, and decided ON MY WAY HOME that I needed to go the doctor. And that's really saying something!! I never go to the doc! So, here we are... a steroid and Rocephin shot later, feeling better. BUT, I am taking the next two days off to rest a bit.
Oh, I also got FOUR prescriptions filled, so maybe I will for sho be much better soon.

OK, with all that, let's move onto my brilliant child making out her own Valentines. She actually put the candy and putty in the little bags, then used the ties to put it all together.

She took some of my manilla tags to write the names of all the kids in her class.
I am not kidding when I tell you she did it all by herself. I laid out bags of candy and opened the playdough, and told her how to fill em up like an assembly line. Then, I left the room.
I came back, and my big girl had it goin on!!
I love the way she appreciates independence. She has always been the "let me do it myself" type!!
As she did that, I did this. I have SOOOO many old magazines I need to discard, but I don't discard until I clip. So, I started ripping and cutting favorite things.
Wait til you see tomorrow's post!! Again, the apple doesnt' fall far from the tree.
You'll see!!

And after Valentines, Ellie brought her ballerina Barbie in there with us. She has gotten into ballerinas lately, and I love it. It's about the only thing she's ever done that she gets so into that she does not feel the need to have me sitting there playing WITH her. She just sees me as her number one playmate. And I know I am gonna be glad for that someday. For now, I'd like to sit a spell, clip those magazines, and watch that Lifetime show on my artroom TV. At least sometimes!
Then, in came this little tootie. She had another agenda entirely. That girl LOVES her some" nim-nims"!
Just a good ol Saturday round the Groves house.
MO

First Monday Art

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, first things first.... PAIGE!!!!! HAS !!! CONFIRMED!!!!! SHE !!!!! WILL!!!!! BE!!!!! AT !!!!! THE !!!!! RETREAT!!!!! And she said I could believe it this time (she backed out a few weeks ago), because she used so many exclamation points! Well, of course. Anyone who uses exclamation points can obviously be believed! Ha. But seriously, way to go, Paige's husband, who gave her the retreat for Valentine's Day and her anniversary. Now, that's sweet. Pressure is on. I have to make it SOOOOo worth it!!!!!!! (See? I MEAN it... lots of exclamation points!) So, Paige, Nena Beth, Brooklyn, Brooklyn's mama, Tamala, and Jennifer (and maybe JRey's mama, Julia and I'm still thinking maybe Riley), I am working on a few ancillary activities we will do amongst the big ones. For instance... working with clay.
I had not really done this much before myself, but I did it once at the Donna Downey retreat in North Carolina a few years ago. But that doesnt' scare me!
I went to Hobby Lobby, bought everything that had anything to do with clay, and got after it!
It was Valentine's Day the following week, after all, and the kids in Camp Creative NEEDED a Valentine necklace, right?!
So, we bought a pasta machine and some clay conditioner to figure out how to best soften the clay, since we had little hands making the projects.
They were shown many examples so they could figure out what they wanted their pendants to look like.
(Snack time... while we baked our pendants to make them hard!!)
New class rule this year. We sit and eat our snacks... not destroy Miss Mo's house, running up and down the stairs, and unmaking all the beds, and trashing the girls' toy areas. J/S!
And actually, they didn't seem to mind a bit.
It looked to me that they were having some nice little bonding, conversational time.
Ok, so for the retreat... I think we will make a little pin to wear for some holiday. Obviously V Day is over (although the heart with wings we made ... I posted it on Facebook page... and if you are friending me, please message me so I will know that you are a blogger and know to accept you. I don't friend if I don't know how we are "friends".), so we could make something cute for Easter, a shamrock, or... oh, we'll decide when you all get here.
Clay, I now realize, is one of those mediums that we can just leave out in a ziploc bag, so when you get finished with your canvas or main project, you can just whip out another mini project.
I am so proud of my little ones for staying so attentive and for creating so many different styles of hearts.
Robin was one of my helpers in art class. She'll also likely be present some during our Retreat weekend.
Here, Sarah, in the red, is my usual assistant in art class. She is the newly crowned Miss Lagniappe, and will be in Miss Louisiana Teen this year. She had the good fortune of using this class as part of her interview when asked about the arts. She explained that "Miss Melanie is a physical therapist, and because she nurtures her creativity in the arts, she has been very successful in her clinic, by having creative treatment with her patients. This makes her clinic unique." Yeaaaaahhhh, you go, GURL!
Usually toward the end of the classes, a couple of munchkins join us.

NObody minds a bit.

This is Payson, in the green. She is in the el-familio. Her mama, Amber, is my first cousin on the Massey side!
We also made a few beads to embellish the necklaces. SO simple and a good way to use the "extra" clay.
I taught them tiny sculptures and we used different tools to make various textures/ designs on the hearts.

And some of the girls (Katie!!) used their imagination to make their own designs by punching in the clay with a sharp tool
As you can see, we later covered it with a wash of paint. Usually black or white... but in the case of "jake", they chose both.
And the last step was a wash of glaze put on the whole thing. It makes it a shine nicely.
All that was left was a jumpring and a ribbon for a "chain". Pacey did a great job with hers.
As did Miss Katie, who is a newbie to the art class.
Now, really, if a 9 year old can do these, adults can have a BALL!!
So, anyway, as I start planning the retreat, I am being inspired by my kids' classes. Mainly becasue I think it is a blast, so I assume everyone else will too.
And for adults, we can add some bling with charms, crystals, etc. Pretty awesome, huh?
I'd say Kalie Ray made out like a bandit... Layer upon layer of awesomeness.

So, anyway... I am getting organized and ready. If you think you may want to come...
Call my agent.
Ha!!

MO

Jones Family Art Day

2012-02-13T20:42:00.007-06:00

I had a family member text me a couple of weeks ago and said, "Hey, why don't we have a family art day?". And I said, "Hey. WHy not?!" We rounded everybody up and lo and behold TEN of the Jones Family crew showed up. I had the canvases prepped with old encyclopedia papers. (For you retreaters, this is likely to be a project we will be doing as well. It's easy, and I can show you how, so it's one of those things you can go back home and do rather easily to make your own gifts!)
This is typically how things look before a class shows up. I have all the water cups, the canvases, the rags for blotting water, and a jar full of various sized brushes and a basket full of paint per table.
But, as is typical of hte Jones family, we began in the kitchen with a little "snacking".
I supplied the napkins! AND I made a cheese ball. Oh yes I did!!!
There also just happened to be a back sale at church that morning, so I picked up a little something extra.
Namely this chocolate on chocolate cake!! Thanks women's ministry!!
Until then, this was my other contribution!! Hershey's kisses and peanut butter M&M's.
Traci made these heart-shaped rice krispy treats.
This is my Aunt Mary. She decided right off the bat that she would just watch. She said, "I have no idea how to paint. I don't even know where to start." I told her that's where I come in , sister!!
Jenn, right here in the foreground, and Cherry, back there by the window (and the one hassling me on Facebook to hurry and do the family blog post) were the ring leaders for getting everyone here.
Cherry is crafty in her own right. She does a lot of appliques and monograms in her hometown.
As is Traci. She is kind of a Pinterest nut. However, she is someone who actually DOES the projects she pins. I am saving a WHOLE BLOG POST to talk about Pinterest one day. In case you are not following my boards, I am slightly addicted!!
I did this one. From this angle, you can barely even tell there is ripped paper decoupaged under there, but there is. I painted my background turquoise, because try as I may, I cannot escape my love of all things turquoise. And then I stenciled on these polka dots. I wanted to do a whimsical housey painting.
Also, for you retreaters, I think we will try and do something along these lines too. Decoupage and stencils on a background. But, I digress.

This is Sissy. She is one of our annual Canton trippers. She, Jin, Cherry, Staci, Mom, and I are gonna be there the first weekend of October come hell or high water. And that's Shay, her daughter.

Cherry was cooking with grease til I looked away and didnt' realize she had that gotten her brush and gotten all heavy handed with that black!! Guuurrrlll!!
Never you fear. We fixed it! So, Aunt Mary is mama's sister. Sissy and Cherry are her nieces. Shay is her great niece. Aunt Bonnie, who is partially obstructed right now by Aunt Mary is also mom's sister.
Oh. There she is! She is also having a total knee replacement on Thursday, so please keep her in your prayers. Those two on the end are Traci and Jenn, both of whom married into the family. Traci married my first cousin, Steve. And Jenn married Cherry's son, Drew. They are now expecting their first baby, due in August.
Please note, above, that Cherry's borders are a lot less severe. She also learned how to add little swirlies on the ends of her cross. Then, we used some mists to add the stenciled swirls all over the background.
It was MY plan that we all do a house with our house numbers worked into the design, as well as a saying about "home" or even a Bible verse about home. Only Staci and Jenn complied!! EVERYONE else had their own agenda!! That's how it is with family. They just do their own thing anyway!!

A couple of fleur de lis's and a funky little house.

and more of the same, plus one cross.
It was a great idea, Jenn. I think we need to get together like this more often.
I think next time around we may make jewelry. It leaves a little less mess!!
Aunt Mary... GET OFF THE PHONE!!
So, for a few of you who asked about the retreat. It is the first weekend in March. I think the 2nd through the 4th. It will start at noon on Friday and end noon on Sunday. Todd the Bod will be in charge of food for all three days, and of course, I have the bunk room for all your lodging needs!! The cost is $350 and that includes all the food, lodging and art supplies. At this point, I don't think you have to bring a thing, except maybe an empty suitcase. I am pretty sure we will be making around 4-5 canvases. Someone had a great idea that maybe we could make holiday canvases for the whole year. I think that might be fun. We'll make each one with a totally different technique so you learn a lot of new things, but themes could make it easy. For instance, a Valentine's canvas, or St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas. For those of you coming, do you like that idea? Or would you rather our themes remain more generic?!?

Julia, just jump in that car!! And JRey, send your mom. I guarantee she'll have a ball!
Peace Out, Homies!

Art Retreat Coming Soon!

2012-02-12T23:06:00.000-06:00

I thought I would start sharing a little of what I have planned for the art retreat coming up in a couple of weeks. I have about 6 confirmed participants, and want four more. So, if you think maybe you will or maybe you won't... let me share a few ideas for the weekend.

Does anyone remember this canvas? I made it when Ellie Sue was 6 months old. See that tiny handprint far left? It is a 6 month old handprint to be exact! I don't know if anyone remembers, because it's been FOUR years!!, but I did this canvas using petroleum jelly and acrylic paints. Below, see where I used a clear stamp to pull paint OFF the canvas.
And I used similar stamps to put paint ON the canvas as well.
Awwww... there's that tiny little hand!

Riley, you'd asked about some more advanced painting techniques. Well, I am in the midst of trying just about everything in this bucket. I have planned a canvas for my art campers this week so I can show another activity we will be doing at hte retreat. It is basically decoupage with foam stamps included on the canvas.
I am going to use some masking, like this, to make funky shapes on the background.
And some fun rubber stamps for swirly, curly flair!
SO, there we have it... a Vaseline canvas. If you are coming, be thinking about your subject matter for that canvas. Tomorrow, I can likely show you the funky shapes and bright colored one. Stay tuned. Come on... in the words of Nike... JUST DO IT!! I need to fill that class!

Mo

Back Home with Lizzie

2012-02-11T23:42:00.000-06:00

And so we are all done with Disney 2012. These pics are the very day we got back from Disney. Ellie felt the need to go ahead and torture poor ol Lizzie. Ellie could not understand WHY Lizzie didn't want ponytails.
Basically, her poor little ears were turned into pigtails, and all Ellie could point out was that her gold ponytail holders "matched her LSU outfit". I'm so sure Lizzie gave a big rip.
This is actually pretty funny! I mean, check out those pigtails.
Oh, and the creme de la creme!! A big black bow on top.
I felt sorry for the little darling. I tried to hug her and console her, but every time I woudl remove her accessories, Ellie would swoop in and put them all back on.
Lizzie is strangely getting a wee bit less tolerant of my girls playing with her. SHe snapped at Gabs the other day when Gabbi was lying on top of her. Basically, laying her head on her. But, the deal is, this is no new occurence!! She's done it a million times with LIzzie's patience always being stellar.
So when she gets "snippy", it is totally surprising to us!
ANd so, we are having to watch the girls around her a little more. When they are pestering her, I totally try to discourage it, and leave her alone. But, Lizzie is a dog who seems starved for attention. SHe wants to be IN my lap if the girls are. ANd our bed is typically FIVE strong, because she is going to be wherever the rest of the girls of the family are.
Anyway, she DID look cute in those pigtails and bow.

On another note, my girls have not been out of the house AT ALL this week due to fever.Gabs is more congested and really snotty with a little coughing. Ellie has had fever on and off for 5 days, despite being on an antibiotic!! Motrin typically knocks that fever down. But, we have no idea WHAT is causing this. WE took her to the doctor on Tuesday, but looks like we may be back there on Monday.
I am ready for us to get out and do something! And I KNOW Lizzie is ready for that too! Hahaha.

Y'all have a good Sunday.

Traveling Home

2012-02-10T21:34:00.000-06:00

It was a great week! The divas were ready to had back home. Yes, this is EXACTLY how they looked as we hit the airport... backpacks and shades, included.
And this is where we met Angel. Angel is a young lady from Jackson, MS, who is getting her MD/ PhD from Brown University! She is a really driven lady, and lucky for us, she is intending to be a pediatrician. What I mean by this is... she likes kids!
Of course, I gave her my life story. I tend to do that. I just find that my story is a crazy and awesome one with all kinds of Godwinks, and it is practically a testimony! I tell lots of people! Anyway, she thought it was neat, and I htink she may just be reading my blog now! If so, HI ANGEL! The girls were so smitten with her (particularly my tween!), that they asked if they could ride with Angel on the plane.
I kept saying, "really, Angel, if you don't wnat to do this, I will be happy to grab them to come sit with me." But Angel insisted she would be fine and that, in fact, she thought flying all the way to Mississippi with them in tow, sounded kind of fun.
And one other bonus. Ellie can now not only recognize Adele, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Katie Perry, and RHIANNA!! Soooooo.... can you see a little more of her infatuation with Angel?!

Hey, Angel. Todd and I LOVED our "private time" in the row behind you, listening to our devices with headphones and reading. It was like our own little private heaven!! I love meeting new people and glad my girlies are the same way.

Have a great weekend. This coming week, I will be outlining a few of the activities for our upcoming retreat. You ready?!!? I have about 4 openings!

MO

Playtime with Dee Dee and Grand Dad

2012-02-09T22:24:00.000-06:00

It wasn't for very long, but we for sure tried to make the most of the little time we had to spend with Granddad! He'd been hospitalized since the Wednesday prior to our leaving to head to Florida. He was diagnosed with viral pneumonia. And he is now telling us he has a new respect for the disease!! It was some BAD stuff!! He was in the hospital for 9 days!!
And even though I know he was weak, and still had pain with any deep breaths or any exertion, he STILL wanted to spend all the time he could with his grand girlies!

And scroll back up to that first picture. As I mentioned, I always take plenty of "activities" when we travel, both for me and for the girls. We were there for a week, but man did time fly when we realized it was already time to go home.
So, we all met out in the driveway for a photo shoot. You KNOW I am not gonna let this opportunity pass.
I had Todd take a pic with his parents all alone, since this is really a rare photo. Good looking crew, huh?! Who'd have known Larry had just gotten home from the hospital the night before?! and I am going to seriously miss DeeDee's taking my girls to walk the cats in a cat stroller and go feed the ducks! They liked that more than Disney. In fact, Ellie would ask every day to go home to leave the parks to go home and walk the cats!
And then, of course, the girls got in on that family photo action.
Well, sadly, it was time to say goodbye!
Until next time, thanks for a great vacation and lots and lots of good memories.

MO

Feeding the ducks

2012-02-08T21:02:00.000-06:00

Do you remember my mentioning the girls wanting to go home early some days to "feed the ducks"? Well, this is one of their favorite things to do when in Norlando! And I am so glad. I am glad they like being outside. I am glad they like being around nature. I am glad they like interacting with animals. I was watching a really cool video lately that basically had the speaker talking about how greatly our childrens' views of nature are to ours when we were young. He made me reflect on how much I LOVED to go outside AS SOON AS I got home from school. And I did NOT want to come back in. I remember Catherine and I riding our bikes a hundred or so times up and down our street. And, I remember going into the "woods" behind our house (all 300' or so of them) to build forts out of sticks and branches. Pine branches were the BEST for "hiding" our forts!!
If we lucked up and found some old wood, we would drag it all back there and makeshift some construction to add a floor or walls between a few trees, for a REALLY, REALLY awesome fort! And then there were the TRAILS!! Do any of you recall the trails of your childhood?! Man, I do. I rode my motorcylce ALL over the place right through the woods at the end of the street. We would stop and catch crawfish with a string and bacon. And we would make jumps to ramp over mud puddles.
But, as I was watching this video, and realizing that I was watching it on my computer, I also knew that Todd was in his Man Cave, watching sports on his tv and likely surfing scores and what not on his iPad.
and beside me, this angel lay finding music videos on my iphone. I was really kind of ashamed!! I looked outside often during this video to see that there WERE some woods not far from our back yard. And we live at the end of a not very busy street, so the girls actually CAN ride their bikes without my being constantly worried.... pretty soon. Not yet. And there's a big 0l' awesome pond in our backyard! Great for learning to fish and bait your own hook, and bond with each other in nature.
I remember vividly taking walks with my dad and Poppa in the woods behind Poppa's house just looking for whatever we may find! Those were really some of my most treasured memories!
Lo and behold, I just found my link!! You should watch it. It's a little stale, as far as not all action packed and all, but his message touched me!

http://www.artbabble.org/video/ima/abundant-childhood-nature-creativity-health-evening-richard-louv I DEFINITELY don't want knowledge and love of nature and being outdoors to end with my generation. I DEFINITELY want to do what I must do to ensure that my kids appreciate the grass and the natural waterways, and the woods!!
He spoke of the "stranger danger" and how that has greatly impacted our allowing our kids to just go out and play... sometimes alone. And how a particular lady actually threatened social services because a neighbor let her kids play in the yard alone. Think about that!! How many of us were ENCOURAGED to go outside and play alone?! I mean, with your siblings or neighbors, or whatever, but not chaperoned in any way! What a shame! I want that for my kids too.
I made a commitment that day to start taking the time to get outside with my girls more. To make sure they learn to fish out in the pond. To take them on walks in the woods. I am going to encourage Todd to make these memories with them, and I am going to ask Pops to come and teach them to fish and maybe even camp out from time to time.
Daddy used to take our family of four to the river and we'd pitch a tent and spend the night on the sandbar. Think about how "fearful" we might be now to do that. ANd why? The media makes a huge spectacle out of abductions, when actually, he reported this trend to be down from my childhood years. Daddy also used to take us to the river every weekend to ski and play in the water on the sandbars.
I actually realized that my fondest memories of all of my childhood were these. And there is a serious threat that my kids wouldn't know any of them as their own. Only ipads, iphones, laptops, cellphones. YUCK! I have to make a change!
We spend a good deal of time on a golf cart when the weather is good, and I can't wait for spring so we can get back out there. We're gonna take a few more nature walks though. The author of this book/ video, The Abundant Childhood: Nature, Creativity & Health: An Evening with Richard Louv , also emphasized the relationship between a child's creativity and his or her spending time outside.
It doesnt' take much creativity to open an app on an iphone. But it takes a TON to imagine a spaceship made of twigs and pine needles!! And for SURE, I want to raise creative children!

Soapbox?! Maybe. But, these outdoor, feed the ducks pictures from Norlando, reminded me and I wanted to share this conviction.

Mo

Magic Kingdom Day 3

2012-02-07T23:49:00.000-06:00

Trust me when I say, we are almost at the end of our week at Disney. But we have to finish up. It wouldn't be right to skip a day at Magic Kingdom, now would it?! All you peeps who have commented on how different it is to have girls vs boys, well.... here's another girl thing.... DRAMA!! The slightest thing is blown SOOOO out of proportion by girls!! I mean, I don't know what was really wrong here, but you'd have thought she needed a retinal transplant.
Oh wait. NOW I KNOW!! Look in Todd's hand! It was the sunscreen!! NOW I know what all that drama was about!!
Gabbi Girl was pretty excited about going to "The Castle". After all, every Disney video we have seen in the past month has opened with the castle in the opening credits. And every time, I've said, "we're going to see the Caaassstle!".

We had our own way of getting in the gates.
And how nice of Disney to welcome us with these PURPLE AND GOLD flowers!!
When we came in, we had only about 15 minutes til the big Main Street Parade began. So, we plopped down, got some candy to preoccupy everyone, and waited in our front row spot.
And the crowd started gathering.
I am LOVING my new panoramic feature on my new camera!!

Hey, MOM.... here they come!
Ellie was taken with Jessie. After all, that is who she was for Halloween, remember?!

ANd then, the star of the show!
Ellie, naturally, loved all the dancers in the parade. She would whisper to me and point at them pointing their toes.

I think I need to let my girls watch Peter Pan. And I am pretty sure we've tried Alice in WOnderland, with little attention. Have to admit, it IS a weird one!
The girls wanted to ride the carousel. Todd had to take the stroller over to a stroller parking area. That left me to navigate the line (which flew), and I had to go get ON the carousel with them. I'm pitiful... even the carousel makes me nauseaus!!
He got back in the nick of time, and they let him on too. But by then, it was too late for me to jump off! Oh NO!
Believe it or not, I did pretty well. Not too much stimulation!
And I think this is going to be my fellow scaredy cat!! She was the required 40" for many of the rides but refused to get on them with her daddy. Gabs was the one dying to get on them! Interesting, huh?
Here I am just trying to keep my eye on one spot. Like pirouettes in ballet!
They decided to go second round. And this time, I viewed them from the sidelines!!
Todd looks like he is having a BLAST!!
As nightime fell, we loaded up the girlies and headed toward the exit gates. By then, we'd had our Bippidy Boppidy Boutique experience.
It's really pretty at night.
The crowd actually started thickening as it got dark. I suppose folks were coming there to watch the fireworks show.
We did make onnnneee more little stop!
ANd then, the princesses, the prince, and I headed to the car.
Ellie was feeling FLY about now!
And our daddy had his hands full of the MUST HAVE souveniers of the day!
We knew that we had to find a way to go see Granddad in these get-ups. He just HAD to see this!! It was Thursday and he'd not seen the girls for the entire trip.
We had to be careful because Ellie had had a horrible asthma flare up just before we left town, and we were afraid to let her near him earlier, as his pneumonia was deemed viral. She already had weak lungs. And on the other hand, we didn't want to drive him crazy in his weakened state with loud, active little girlies in his room.
We ran by and picked up DeeDee to go the hospital with us. Can you see the pride on all three of their faces?

We loaded up and totally surprised him. The girls were certainly the talk of the hospital!! Everyone wanted to see what these two had on. And you know who was more than happy to show them!!
Look how sweet. Granddad was so weak and yet, he still wanted to get a picture of his girls with his camera. His words, "This is the bright spot of my day!".
By now, he was well on his way to health, as they FINALLY got him on the right antibiotics.
So, we ended our day with our favorite thing all day! We got to see Granddad. And he got to see these babies in all their glory.
Just about done with Disney. Kinda sad. It'll be a WHOLE 'nother year til we get back. Hope you are enjoying our little trip down Memory Lane.

Mo

Hanging out with DeeDee

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-06:00

I will never be the one blamed for not bringing enough "crafts" and activities for my kids to do. Nor for me either, for that matter. I did it for the girls to have lots of options of things to do. But I also thought it might be fun for DeeDee to see how they've changed since she last saw them. I brought pre K books so she could see how Ellie Sue can now write all of her letters and numbers. ANd how Gabbi can now recognize and match her colors. After all, isn't that something ALL Grandmothers would want to see?!

Besides all of that, I packed an entire suitcase full of dress up clothes. OH... AND a pair of hot pink high heel boots. I'd hate for them to miss THAT treat!!

Every day, I think, we spent some time at the kitchen table making art.

Oh, and of course, I had to make sure I wasn't wasting any time either. I packed scrapbook supplies, and then I spent a good deal of time at Joann's Crafts in Orlando!!

I bought green pipecleaners to practice an idea or two for making garland for my office's windows next month. I know, I know... I have a bit of a problem! I always think ahead and cannot sit still.

And while we are making pipe cleaner garland, let's just make some heart garland as well!

And why not go ahead and make a mini book ready to rock and roll as soon as I can get home and print my pictures and fill that sucker up!

And you know I HAD to name my book, "Norlando"! (Oh, I added the missing '0' to the 2012.)

Have a happy Tuesday.

Bippidy Boppidy Boutique

2012-02-05T22:15:00.000-06:00

And the moment you have been waiting for... the girls are transformed into princesses at the Magic Kingdom!
So, first things first, you go into the castle and choose your princess dress. I KNEW Gabs would want Belle, so I packed Ellie's dress from last year, now Gabbi's size, and why would I want TWO of the same dresses in the same size?! And sure enough... Belle!
Ellie, on the other hand, wanted anything that was a two piece. She had been talking about being Jasmine since about two weeks before we left. That's ONLY because Jasmine "shows her belly". LORD, help us!
Once we got there and started trying on costumes, the Jasmine costume was a little big, and Ellie wouldn't tolerate it! I had to explain to the helpers at Bippidy Boppidy the situation, and they said, "well, she could be Ariel." I said, "you have to understand... that is NOT gonna work for her!" She said, "We do have a two piece Ariel costume!" Ok then... you DO understand! That'll work just fine!
So, now that dresses are on, the girls were caped and got into their boutique chairs.
They bring around a menu, per se, of hairstyles from which to choose. Gabs picked the really tight, straight on top of her head, bun.
Ellie was going for more the rock and roll style. And she wanted red hair. Actually, she realized Ariel has red hair and was going for full character.
This is the photo I facebooked for those of you who saw it and many who commented. This is Todd the Bod, proud daddy, watching his girls get made up amidst many other little girls and several dads, in fact.
This was Gabs's first experience, and ol girly poo was LOVIN' it!!
Ellie, being a straight up veteran, was less "excited" than Gabs, but acted like a pro in the chair.
They use so much goop and gel that I was cringing just thinking about trying to wash all that mess out that night. Ugh.
And then came time for the hair extensions. Ellie was feeling pretty fine!
It was a bit odd having all that red hair hanging on top of that blond crown. But she loved it, and that is really what this whole experience is about!
Good ol' Daddy! He patiently awaited, hair, make up and nails!
It was almost time for pixie dust. So, they handed Gabs the face cover. I think that is one of my favorite parts of the whole experience. So cute.
Did I happen to mention that my new camera has a panoramic feature on it that allows you to scan from due left to due right, and all in between.
We used it at the LSU game and were able to scan the entire crowd to show what the Superdome looked like chock full. And this is what the boutique looks like on both sides. COOL feature on the camera, huh?!

and then came time for the nails. Oh. And then make up!
And last of all... the pixie dust. For anyone who is at Disney, if I am not mistaken, you can go in the gift shop right by the back of the castle and across from the carousel, and the workers in that shop will sprinkle your little one's head with pixie dust. ( I think)... it looked like they were doing that anyway. And that is without having been in BBB.
And a final sprinkling for Gabs.
There are different packages you can purchase at BBB. By far it makes more sense to shove a dress and some shoes in your backpack and then just purchase the makeover. I mean, to the tune of saving about $100 or more. But, with that package, you miss out 0n the professional portraits too.
Since Ellie got dress and all, we had the fancy schmancy package for her, and they let us put both of them in the portraits that came with her package. So, we kinda made out like a charm on Gabbi's package!
And then, just a BBB sash, and a wand, and ta daaaah!!

Voila. Like that... two princesses!! They don't let the girls see themselves at all during the makeover. And right before the big reveal, they signal to the professinal photographers who are present at all times in the room, to come over for the girls' big moment.
I'm not sure Gabbi knew just what to think!
But Ellie looks mighty proud!
ANd then they get a goody bag to take with them with leftover fingernail polish, eye shadow and lip gloss. Not a bad gig, really. I think it is well worth the money, because it a straight up , A+ experience for the girls!
Once outside, we had to pause for a Daddy and Princesses photo op.
I thought Gabbi looked so different with her hair all slicked back like that.
And then, a photo op with good ol' Mom. Must say, one of the best parts of our trip! They just absolutely LOVE it!
Oh, and if you go with bringing your own dress, and your kid wants the bun like Gabs, don't forget you will get a rhinestone crown (and a couple of rhinestone Mickey Mouse bobby pins and a rhinestone barrette... see good deal, huh?) , so you won't need to purchase the crown and wand, for some crazy amount. I didn't want my princess to be without a crown, so I DID purchase it, forgetting that they get one. Soooo, that explains why I am wearing one!
We like to do BBB later in the day, 4:30 to be exact, because we figure we can hang around in the evening and watch the fireworks. The sun is going down, and the castle is starting to put on its show with all the lights making it change colors.
That crane there was NOT good for photo ops, but we were later told that it was there because they were finishing getting the lights off the castle from the holidays.
As the castle turned purple, we could see our babies' eyes getting heavy. They'd had a really eventful day, after all, so we headed to the car.
Our two little princesses had to watch the fireworks from the car, because on this magical night, we were homeward bound!! Great memories!!

MO

Day 4-Animal Kingdom

2012-02-05T01:24:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all who made comments yesterday. As much as you like to read my posts, is how much I like to read your comments. Otherwise, it's like a one way conversation! And that's no fun! Anyway...
Day four... we hit up Animal Kingdom. Daddy wasn't all that excited about going. But I remembered it being pretty cool. Ellie had to wear her hair extensions the day AFTER Bippidy Boppidy Boutique, too.
It's kind of funny how EVERYTHING at Disney is an adventure! Even travelling from the parking lot to the parks. Sometimes it was on a tram. Sometimes a monorail. The kids liked those like they were rides themselves. I guess they actually were.
A lot of time, we had to divide and conquer. Gabs, as sweet as she is , is also my titty baby. She says, "You hurt my feelings" quite often. And she walks at a SNAIL'S PACE!!
When we say, "Coooomme on, Gabbi!" Or, "OK, we are gonna leave you" (don't hate... you've all done it), she stands and pouts. She wanted me to carry her ALL the time.
And you have to admit, that is a pretty pitiful face!
She will just stand until we come back and get her. That "we're gonna go on in without you" really doesn't phase her.
And so, I picked her up and we headed into the Rainforest Cafe.
She perked up a bit in there. It's never a good sign when we are having "moods" before we ever even enter the park.
I am one to forever be grateful to the restaurants who provide coloring pages for the food wait.

We finished up in there, and the first animals we saw were these. We stayed there watching this show for several minutes. This daddy (?? I think) bird would move and perfect the nest that the mama was sitting on (on eggs... we later saw them).
Todd kept saying, COME ON, but the girls and I were intrigued by their dance of perfecting the nest and swapping places to keep the eggs warm.
We were within distance to them to actually touch them.

Eventually, dad won and we moved along. The Tree (I really don't know what it is called... The Tree of Life maybe?!) is the central monument in the park.
It's amazing how much work went into carving all those animals into that tree!!
First up, 3-D movie, "It's a Bug's Life">.

WHO is that 4 year old in fake hair extensions, a denim mini skirt and wedges?? Oh, wait, she has a sweet Cinderella tee shirt on! Must be a super sweet girl after all!
Outside the show, there were live insects for us to look at and photo prop ops too!!

As intrigues as the girls and I were with the spoonbill cranes, Daddy was just TAKEN with Grapevine!
But I could kind of understand it! She moved so slowly and seductively and just slithered into the crowd. It was hard to take you eyes off of her.
Next up, my FAVORITE part of Aminal Kingdom.
We went on a "safari". Everyone piles into an open jeep and there's a guide who tells a story along the way about how we are heading into the brush to catch a poacher and to help a baby elephant get back to her mama.
There were giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, .... all kinds of animals along the way. And thennnn....
Yuck! Vultures are so gross.
Maybe my favorite part of the ride was when we approached the giraffes.
the girls perked up, because it looked like we were going to run over one. They were crossing the road.
And as we neared them, they didn't budge.
It was like we could have reached out and touched them!
ANd they are really beautiful animals.
I think all of us enjoyed the safari.
And who doesn't like a herd of elephants, especially when a BABY elephant is in the mix.
I think they said she was 4 months old.

Here we got a glimpse of the KING of the Jungle. I wondered how they keep some of these animals from charging the tour bus.
Like THIS sucker!! They said rhinos can run 35 miles per hour. WHO knew?!

Can you imagine this thing charging you at 35 mph?
Last stop 0f the day, Flights of Wonder. An interactive bird show. Can I say , birds kinda gross me out. They just seem so dirty. sorry to you bird lovers. I'm just sayin'.
One of the few things that Ellie recalls from the whole week long trip, if someone asks her what was her favorite thing about Disney (besides getting to show her belly in her two piece princess costume... LORD give me strength), is this...
"That big owl pooped on that lady's arm".

Yep. All that money spent was well worth it for her to remember that!

The bird show was an open arena where they let the birds swoop all over the crowd to retrieve items from the audience members, then return them to them.
We just kinda minded our own business and ate suckers!
and made ugly faces every time a camera was pointed at her.
Hey, by the way, this whole trip is documented by our new small, stick in your pocket-sized camera. So, here's the question... can you tell a difference between this and my big huge SLR camera? I really can't. In fact, sometimes I told TtheB that I thought they were BETTER. He said there's more pixels in this one. SO, what do you think?
Might have to frame this one.

Bird, you'd BETTER not poop on me or my family!!

Isnt' that how disease is spread?!
Sorry Animal Kingdom. I really did have fun with you. Just not fired up about birds. Maybe I'll just skip that one next time. It was cool, and kept the audience engaged, but you know...

I think we'll do the safari a couple of times!!

This is why we love Belle.

2012-02-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

I'd say Gabbi's favorite princess at present would have to be Belle. Or Rapunzel. Or Belle when she was a commoner and wore the "blue dress". My girls are very clear that there is a "blue dress Belle" and a "yellow dress Belle".
Blue dress Belle is the one who reads books and ignores all of Gaston's advances!!
In the fairtytale, she is an independent thinker and does not want to go with Gaston, the town hunk. Rather, she later falls in love with the beast and debuts her yellow dress.

Meet Blue Dress Belle.
Gabbi was determined that she was going to give her Cinderella necklace to Belle.
And despite a long line of people waiting to take a picture with Belle, she was so loving and patient with my girls.
She took the necklace from Gabs and tried it on. Gabbi would NOT take no for an answer!!
She was looking at me and letting me know she was not keeping it, but I knew it was going to be hard to get it back to Gabbi. She WANTED Belle to have it!
So, Belle played the music from it and because she wore it a while, I think Gabbi Girl was satisfied.
I just sat nearby and clicked away, because it is pretty uncommon for the princesses to take so much time with one (or in this case, two) kids.

Then, she got out her book and told the girls to gather round. They sat by her, and Belle started reading and talking to them about her adventures and all the books she has read.
No pictures in the book ,but Gabbi Girl was into anything Belle was!

I think Ellie Sue was singing to her "there goes the baker with his tray like always. The same ol bread and rolls to selllll. Every morning just the same. Since the morning that she came, to that poor provencial town. Good morning, Belle........" we know it verbatim!! That's what happens when you watch the same movie about 50 times!!
And by the way that is what Blue Dress Belle sings at the opening of the song. ANyone recognize it?!
This was a sweet picture. I think I may have to frame it!! This was a sweet little perfect Disney memory. A sweet princess and two very favored and happy girls!!

So, Blue Dress Belle kindly returned Gabs's necklace and we went on our merry way. Thank you, Belle, for being the perfect princess for my girls!

MO

And thank you, kimmybee for being the ONLY one to comment on my blog yesterday. WHAT'S UP!??? Come on, throw a dog a bone!! Comment so I know you are reading!! MOre Disney tomorrow, and soon a few of the retreat ideas!

Well, Helllllooooo, Mickey.

2012-02-02T22:49:00.000-06:00

And everyone who goes to Disney World dreams of THIS moment!! Mickey awaiting us with open arms! As I've mentioned, Ellie is never really all that sure that she wants to visit the characters. But Gabbi is always willing and ready!!
Now don't think we just walked right on up to say hi. Not by a long shot. We stood in line for about 20 minutes. But, there are actuallly times that I have seen people wait for almost two hours. Ummmm... NOPE!! Not this family!

If the wait had been like that, the adults in this family would've been saying, "heyyyy, look over there , girls!" and totally distracting them from the Mouse. Good for them, the wait wasn't bad at all.
THe thing is, though, when you wait in that line, you get to go and visit with a whole slew of characters. This is Epcot, by the way.
Gabbi slapped Pluto with a "five".
And rubbed his nose. Ellie looked at him like he had three eyes.
Once she wamed up, she wanted to go home with him.
And would ya look at that!! Minnie Mouse!! Hello, there, Minnie!!
Ya know, she really IS a cute mouse!
Again, Ellie admired her from afar. For her to be so outgoing, and aggressive in so many ways, Ellie is certianly not forward wthen it came to the characters, and even though she met the 40" tall limit to ride some of the rides, she did NOT want to. I guarantee that if Gabs grows about 4" or so this year, she will be right on those rides with her daddy! I am with Ellie Sue. I DON'T do scary rides!!

Well, what do we have here? Is that really Ellie Sue posing with the big duck?
Ahhhh, now we are settled in! Pluto, Minnie, Mickey, Donald, and now Goofy!!
Not long after that, we went to the Nemo show. And in the lobby, there are areas to pose and take pictures. Can you see that family of girls in the shark's mouth?
There they are again, and they look like they are in trouble.
This just LOOKS like a lot of strollers. This is definitely the slow season at Disney!
And after Nemo, popsicles for the cool kids.
One more stop... somewhere in some country, out in the middle of Epcot. We happened up on this courtyard full of characters, and there was no line!!
Since we aren't really Peter Pan fans, the girls hadd no idea who these dudes were. I had to go and break the ice for them.
And then, they settled on in. Bre, you starting to believe me on that whole "best time to go to Disney" thing? I mean, look at the lives to the characters. Like 3 people in them!
What is it with Ellie and ducks? She moves right on in if it has a beak and says quack quack.

As usual, the popsicle became much less interesting about 1/4 of the way through it, leaving good ol dad to figure out the situation.
But how in the world can we ever be bothered by it when this cute little thing is the one causing the mess?
I was surprised at how much my girls liked the street theatrics played out in several of the countries. I think this may be England.
And I was actually sneaking a picture of this bride and groom (who I overheard tell the photographer) were married in NOVEMBER, but then Gabs stood up and looked so dang cute. They were standing in line to take a picture with Pooh and Tigger.
About this time, Ellie was being a total turdlet.
She cocked her leg up on the other side of the stroller so Gabbi couldn't sit down.
And she was looking at us like, "What? Huh? I have no idea what you are talking about".
Oh, here is a family not too far from being the Duggars. And the mama was pregnant. She had eight. I counted. And because Disney wasn't crowded, and because they all wore orange. And because she had her own basketball team (both teams!), they were easy to spot and I spotted them often. Lord have mercy. I do NOT know how they do it. My TWO wear me out!!
And at long last, Tigger and Pooh!!
Once again, Gabbi was the only one to make contact.
Although Ellie did pretend she might hug him.
We all bid adeux and hit the trail. Much, much more to see and do!!
Next up... Magic Kingdom!

Oh.... and welcome Nena Beth to the MoJoy Retreat!! You are IN! And I can't wait to meet you. I've been working on the agenda and projects!!

MO

Hollywood studios

2012-02-01T23:55:00.000-06:00

Hollywood Studios. I was a little resistant. Todd said it would be fun and we should go! And awwwaaaaay we went.
It took me a while to get the concept of what this place was about. But basically, it is like the "sets" to movies/ cities, etc., thus Hollywood "studios". Duh, Mo!
Everytime we entered a new park, Gabs had to get the park Guide Map and would start studying the layout. WHy? I have no idea.
Ellie just started studying what all the teenagers were wearing. And noticing all the languages everyone was speaking.
Ya know, and I know you do, I have a good husband! He patiently deals with three women and wants to make sure that his girls have the best experience in every situation in which he's involved. I am a lucky woman. And my girls are lucky to have them as their daddy.
Oh, Hey there, Robin and George. I sure do like our morning meetings every day. I especially like you, Robin. I think you are a class act!
And can you believe this is a set? Check out the buildings at the end of this "street". Being a set designer must be a pretty cool job.
I mean, that is realistic.
The girls and I went to this park called "Honey, I shrunk the Kids" while our dad went to the Star Wars experience. NOT MY THING! (Sorry, Elaina... Mary Allison's older sister was some character in that show last year. ANd I am sure she was great at what she did. And to all those Star Wars fans, I am sure you were absolutlely fabulous!).
This park is big enough that the parents can explore with the kids.
But THIS parent wasn't in the mood to climb and scale and slide and stoop, so I found me a spot that I could see them going up, in and out!!
They were sliding out of a can of film. Cool, huh?

Oh. There I am.! Check out my shadow at the base of the slide.

The girls took a second to pause and take a pic on this gigantic ant. I had to slow them down because Ellie Sue's asthma was in full force just before we left town and then anytime she got active, it was cough, cough, cough, all over again.
We would take little breaks from playing to get our breathing back in check. (Look at her hair feathers. Hilarious!)
FINALLY!! Dad showed back up from "a galaxy far, far away". I can't delete this picture for some reason. Sorry. It is a reminder of the rubbery surface that Todd may want to check into for our back porch area. Just sayin.
Ellie was headed to find that buggy. She was all about riding in a stroller. And look at my handsome husband. Hubba Hubba.

Look at THAT set!! That is Lombard Street (is that it!??) in San Francisco. That is so cool.
Ahhhh... Phinneaus and Ferb! Now THAT's higher education TV, people.
We waited in the line for about 15 minutes before Ellie said, "I don't really want to see them." And that was ALL this mama had to hear. Out of that line we went!!
I'm sure Ferb had some great things to share, but it was going to have be with other kids. We were on our way to a 3D Muppet Adventure.
This is the way the majority of the week looked. Todd holding one. I, holding the other.
But, hey... It's Disney. What's there to ever complain about?!
And for Ellie Sue's FAVORITE thing at Hollywood Studios. The outdoor dancing group and Disney Channel Rocks show.
Now exactly sure why, but that girl in the yellow was her favorite. SHe told me numerous times!!
I videoed that girl a lot so we could watch it over and over and, if I know Ellie like I think I know Ellie, memorize the moves.
I think she could've sat and watched that show over and over and over. She LOVED those big girls in cool clothes, dancing to pop music. Definitely right up her alley!
the girls really were fairly well behaved for the whole trip. As far as I can recall, they were more willing to stay in the stroller this year as compared to the last three. And that makes for a much less frustrated mama and daddy, especially when we are not having to chase them.
Soooommmeeeedayyyy!!!
When the show was over, the girls hung around a little longer and were given some of the streamers from the show. WoW! WHat a treat.

So, all in all, I'd say Hollywood Studios was a WIN for the Groves Family on vacation.
And just like Elaina, I can see Miss Priss potentially wanting to head to Disney one day to be in a show...likely the Disney Channel Rocks show!!
MO

Epcot Day 1

2012-02-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

There's one "other" little reason that Todd and I kind of favor Epcot!! And while I share with you my delicious adult slush, I will also share that Todd took pictures like this all day long and sent them to all his buds via text. He'd sit his beer on a ledge in the foreground and have a bunch of flowers in the background and text them, "Would you look at this beautiful horticulture?" Or would put one on the table in the foreground, with the girls crashed in the buggy in the background, and say, "Boy are they whooped?". And so forth and so on! He was getting the funniest replies!!
There were princes and princesses all over the Epcot grounds. They would be in the country that was teh setting of their particular fairy tales. For instance, Jasmine was in Morocco.
There goes Gabs, in for the hug. Look at Ellie. She is too captivated by the fact that Jasmine's costume is TWO PIECE!!
I mean, she can't take her eyes off of her torso. It's like a bad wreck you can't look away from.
And later, she said, "why is her skin dark?" That was interesting to me, because Ellie has plenty of dark skinned friends at home and has never asked that question. Perhaps, she's just never seen their stomachs?! Jasmine and Aladdin were pretty nice. And extremely made up with excessive make up.
And one to grow on...
I swear that kid is the hugging bandit!
I will love you and stroke you and peer into your eyes...
About midday, Ellie was tired of her princess dress and decided it was time to whip out the tank and leggings. I didn't fight it when she asked me to put it in my backpack. But, Breanna noticed!! Her comment on FB... "Looks like someone packed their OWN suitcase!" Thanks for noticing, Bre.
Can I tell you it was H-O-T?!! I think around 85 degrees. And the girls would get moody!!
I also like Epcot because I think it's cool to see the cultures of other countries... including their dress, their activities, their entertainment, and shopping the way they do in their respective countries.

Every once in a while, we'd have to just let the girls out of that buggy and let them loose to play a bit.
Here, Ellie is showing me "Hey, MOm. Look at my toes. Look how good I am pointing them." Todd had an affinity to the Japanese beers!!
Here the girls were shown how their names look in Japanese. And since it was nice and cool in this area, we stayed a while and colored.
And I went inside this store. Did you know Japan is the home of Hello Kitty? ANd lots of other fun little cartoony/ paper supply/ knick knacky things?!
I texted mom and told her, I am 42 years old and I am buying stickers and staples and fun sticky notes, and am soooo fired up to even have found them. WHAT Is wrong with me?!
That is also why I have decided that is the next big place I want to visit!! Has anyone been to Japan? Wait. ANyone who loves artsy fartsy stuff been to Japan? Because as I was telling mom, I am not one to visit the typical touresty areas. Rather, I like the markets and shops, and quaint little areas when I visit. Anyone? Anyone? Ferris? And what did you think about it?
So, the girls ended up having a blast at Epcot. And Todd and I eventually...
did too!! They were WORN SLAP OUT!!
So as they slept, we continued through Germany...

and China....
and then....

We called it a day!!

MO

And by the way... I have the following CONFIRMED participants in the upcoming March MoJoy art retreat...
Brooklyn F
Brooklyn's mama
Jennifer JP
Tamala M
maybes are Maryann and her sister, and Kala, and I wasn't sure about you, Riley... but I have been looking at some super cool paint techniques just in case. Let me know if you want on the list. ANd to those maybes.... holla!!

Epcot Day 1 Breakfast with the Princesses

2012-01-30T22:07:00.000-06:00

And this is where it all began!! Cracks me up that a couple of you said I should have a reality TV show about my life, because, well, I hired a personal assistant, Robin, to help me keep my sanity, with the clinics, marketing, my retreats, art classes, my kids' extra curricular activities, etc, and... after a month of working with me, she SERIOUSLY said the very same thing!! Ha.. And THAT, my friends, is a run on sentence!!
So, here are my beautiful princesses up BRIGHT and EARLY to go and have breakfast with the princesses!!
We choose the breakfast at Epcot. Because we were booked for the 8:30 dining, we had to leave the house around 7:30. Fast forward midday and no nap, and wellllll, you'll see!!
I just LOVE that the minute you enter the gates of any Disney resort, the girls are greeted by, "Well, hello Princess!". And they seem to be just itching to give you something or do something for you! It's a CULTURE! I have been reading a lot about the culture of an organization or business lately. You know who else has a great culture? Chik Fil A. And MMPT. Just sayin!

We stopped to take a picture just inside the park, and see that guy waaaaay back there over Ellie's shoulder?! Well, when we passed hiim, he made his way, tiptoeing through rows of violas to pick and hand a couple of tiny purple blooms to my girls. He said, "Just for you, princesses." See? I LOVE THAT!!
I packed a whole suitcase of dresses, and today, Ellie chose to be Tiana, and Gabs was Rapunzel!
They were given stickers at the front entrance, and again by the guy who was renting the carts. So nice! And that's why Mr. Walt flourished!! Giving!! Karma! Bless, and you will be blessed!

Hey, Breanna, you looking? Check out the CROWD!! Hahahaha. I know, I know. It was early yet. But, people, let me just say. THIS is the time of year to go to Disney. We also parked on ROW ONE!! We were literally 75' from the entrance.
Oh, wow. NOW the crowd's really picking up! Hahaha
Breanna sent me a picture when they were there for New Year's and said, "So, you've never seen Epcot like this, huh?" And they were shoulder to shoulder.
Nope, I haven't Bre. Rather, we get front row Joe for all the highlights. I know with Ellie Sue starting kindergarten this year, I may have to rethink next year's visit, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

At the princess breakfast, there is always one princess who is set up to take the "professional" portrait that comes with the breakfast. Today, lucky for Miss Gabs, it was Belle.
Gabbi was completely and totally enamored!
Ellie was a little more, "mehh". You know, she is all about Rhianna, or coming down with Bieber Fever, or shopping at Justice! Ha. She's the ripe old age of four after all. (Look at Gabbi. That is just what her pics looked like last year. She can't quit looking at her!)

And this is a theme you will see throughout the week's pictures. Gabbi hugging.... EVERYONE!! Here she is hugging Aurora.
And then staring lovingly at her!
Ellie, "mehh".
Ellie is thinking, "Do you know Everyday I'm shuffling." NO? Well, let me just move along then!

The parade began and they asked the kids to come and meet the nearest princess for the processional. Ariel just happened to be beside our table.
Gabbi latched on and refused to let go. She got to lead the whole parade.
Ellie wouldn't even partake. Does that surprise you a bit? It did me. She, who loves so to entertain, wouldn't greet or talk to any of the princesses or characters. She just kinda hung out near her mama.
Gabbi, on the other hand, would've gone "under the sea" with her if she'd have let her.

This is Ellie anticipating another princess coming to the table. Can you see her excitement!? Todd's too!! Sorry, dad. That's the price you pay to be a girl daddy!!
WHAT?!! Snow White?!??

Let the hugging commence! Snow White probably did the best, of this group, of staying in character! I like it when they talk in their high-pitched princessy voices.
And look at her expressions.
Ellie, "mehh".
Gabbi: "I love you and want to go and live with you and the dwarfs!"
Oh yeah, and one more thing....
At least Ariel was trying to get my kid to eat a healthy breakfast. And can you see her response?

I pretty much liked Ariel too. I like it when they realy take their roles "seriously" and make it special for the little princesses.
And for the grand finale..... ONE MORE HUG!!
Pretty great breakfast overall. I highly recommend it!! And I think it was fun for the girls to be dressed in their princess dresses too. More on Epcot tomorrow. Gonna be a long week of adventure!

MO

Travelling to Orlando

2012-01-29T23:06:00.007-06:00

Okay. I have them all loaded up and ready to share!! Sit back. This may take a while!! I had 643 pictures from our trip. Oh, don't worry. I have broken them down to about a week of posts, and today's is only about the travelling TO "Norlando". (Ellie cannot be corrected to Orlando... she knows EVERYthing!)
I love me some Southwest!! Todd and I drove two hours to Jackson, MS, just so we could get the straight shot flight to Orlando. And because it was Southwest, we got to choose our seats. We lucked up and got three togehter and mine right across the aisle from them.

I think Gabs may just end up being my travelling buddy someday. She loved every minute of it!!

She would say, "We bout to take off, mama". And, "No more grass, mama. We are in the clouds." She hasn't flown since she was 6 months old, so I was surprised at how well she did and how much she understood of the whole process.

She was just an old pro at travelling.

They both did pretty well. Linda Lou had just given them cool backpacks for Christmas, so they were both loaded down with "just in case" activities to keep them preoccupied.

Neither one of them ever even tapped those activities, though, because they both had headphones and electronic devices!!

If you don't have a small child these days, let me just be the one to tell you... they were BORN INTO the electronic age, so they know straight up how to operate an ipad, iphone, get apps, download music, search itunes, watch cartoons, etc. Or at least Ellie does!!

Robin loaded all the Max and Ruby cartoons onto my ipad, so Gabs had something to keep her preoccupied during the flight.

Ellie was either rocking it out to Justin Bieber, Adele, Rhianna, or Katie Perry. Those are her current favorites. It is HYSTERICAL watching her deal with all her musical selections!!

It was an awesome day for travel!!

And once we arrived, I thought it was just the cutest thing having my teeny tots wait for their luggage at the carousel like they knew what was up!!

Ellie in her pink Northface backpack!

And Gabs sporting that cute purple hat and refusing to let us carry all the luggage. She pulled this one.

Even though it looked bigger than her, it was actually pretty light. It was full of princess dresses for them to wear to the parks or to entertain the grandparents with at night at home.

They were turning some heads as they strolled through that airport like they owned the place!!

If you are my Facebook friend, you likely saw this photo. I thought it was so precious!!

And so, we made it nice and early and problem free last Saturday. Flash forward a week, and buddy, I have a whole, whole bunch of memories to post on here. Stay tuned!!

It was nothing if not an adventure!!

Camp Creative Wednesday class... scrapbooks!

2012-01-28T04:32:00.000-06:00

So, I located a whole new crop of Camp Cre8ive (I like using the "8"!!) pictures. And since I will be starting a new group next Monday, I thought maybe I could get us in the mood by looking back at what the Wednesday group did with their Halloween scrapbooks. I laid a big ol bunch of supplies on the table from which they could choose. This included letter stickers, funky tape, ribbons, "jewels", etc.

That, for me as a kid, would've been a dream!! To come into a room and not have any idea what tools I'd be using, have the all supplied to me, and tell me to get after it. I swoon!

Because I know I will eventually get my group down to the girls who really, really love it and want to be there, I offered it again, and first dibs went to the girls involved last go round, fall 2011.

Ol Emma Lou is coming back. So is Lexi, and Molly Ann and Ramie Jo.

These two are diehards!! Emma Claire and Angel Grace both remind me of me when I was a kid. Absolutely absorbed!!

Maddi is coming back as well. Then there are some who are moving on to soccer, guitar, piano, whatever!! That is what happened to me at 13 when I had to make the decision to stop dancing after 10 years in order to pursue my deeper love of sports. It happens. I just can't wait to see what girls "come out in the wash" as being the ones who absolutely LOVE this!

I kinda wanna help mentor them. You know, from a creative standpoint. Never settling for a "so-so" social studies project. Or thinking long and hard with assistance of a color wheel and fellow "artists" before choosing the new color for a bedroom makeover.

I also look forward to seeing how they change and mature and grow. Already, I have picked up on some of their different creative styles. Some are more sloppy, and free. Some are meticulous and linear.

I am shocked that my Paigey Poo isn't coming back. She is quite the equestrian, so I would imagine her mama is having a tough time getting her to and from. But look at those feathers... is that not an artist?! I love ecclectic style. Paige definitely has that!

And look at that table. It inspires me NOW... two months later! I just love paper crafts.

Ramey Jo is coming back. She is my jackrabbit. Get er done fast. Then go play! That's her motto.

Sarah will be back to help me as my art assistant. The girls loved her and she understood what I needed from her as far as the help to set up, dismantle, and give more assistance to the younger ones as needed.

There are snacks at each class. This is a nice break midway through, especially if we need to wait for a background to dry or glue to set. Ummm, you didn't think I'd have carrot sticks, did you?!

Angel Grace LOVES her some art!! ANd her Halloween scrapbook showed she has talent in that area as well. Her mom now has a precious keepsake from Halloween 2011! Made by Angel Grace.

I don't give the girls a whole lot of help. In some cases, none. I provide a project and inspiration. I will sometimes show them my example, then let the wild dogs run!

I like that every kid has a totally different final product.

I mean, look at these. I think all of these are by second graders.

And then, the aftermath. I keep it somewhat together, but have to put it away for the next project to be introduced the next week. Oh, and the fact that I LIVE here!

So, I await my full class of students for the 2012 winter season.

And we often had one little straggler who joined in after the group left and she was picked up from daycare. I may let her in on the group this year. She has shown me a true interest in art, and actually, she is pretty self motivated and has definite ideas about where she'd like to see her projects go.

And this was mine. I love that when a season/ holiday is over, so are my recorded memories, tucked away for viewing at a later date.

ANd with that, if you happen to be a local yocal, I have a few spots left. I intend to do classes for 8 weeks, (Feb/ March), then, take a little break and do another 8 weeks. There will likely be an art camp in the summer.

And the moment many of you adults have been waiting for.... next MoJoy ART RETREAT...

March 2-4. Details on the projects to follow. Or if you think you want to attend and have an idea of what you "hope" we'd be doing, shoot me a comment and I can make it happen. I have that kind of pull! Ha. All food, supplies, and lodging provided. I can take 10 this time. So, holllla.