Self Portrait

Amazing to watch your children develop...

Ellison's Self Portrait
Fall 2011

Ellison's Seld Portrait
Spring 2012

Ellison's Self Portrait
Fall 2012

Elison's Self Portrait
Spring 2012



Wedding of the Century

On Monday when I arrived to pick up Ellison, she ran up and told me that we needed to go shopping right away. She had nothing to wear to the wedding.  Now, Ellison's closest is full of appropriate attire, so I responded that I am sure she could find something.

However, when I opened her backpack, I found this sketch (and another one of just the dress)...

it was her design for the wedding. As Ellison described her ensemble, "I need a black dress with sparkly, colorful gems; long white gloves; your pearl necklace; my blue heels; my hair needs to be curly; and, my tiara that I got with Aunt Ashley at the wedding place."

How could I not indulge my creative child.  Off to Target we went.  She could not find the exact replica of what she envisioned, but she was happy with what she did find.  She held clothes up, thought about the different items, and brainstormed how to make gloves. And when there was not enough sparkle on the dress, she added a sparkly belt.

The result...

 At the end of the day, she came to the conclusion that fashion can hurt!  The belt, which she had turned around, had been bothering her all day.  She could not wait to get it off!

Oh yes, and who's wedding was the wedding of the century?  Q & U of course! 

 

I'm to Busy... Lesson Learned

Earlier this week I asked Ellison to take her toys from Dylan's room and return them to her room. I should probably also include that the total number of toys was 5, they fit in my hand, and they had already been collected and placed in a pile. 

She refused. I sent her to her room. 

MOMENTS LATER:

She came out and said, "Mom, you have to understand I'm to busy tonight.  I will do it another time."

I responded, "Ok, well just so you know I may be to busy to help you tomorrow."

Ellison responded, "Ok, that's fair. I'll remind you tomorrow to be to busy."

THE NEXT DAY (while driving to school):

Ellison says, "Mom, remember our deal from yesterday?"

I responded, "Yes." 

(This is where I think she is about to apologize and say she changes her mind.)

Ellison follows with, "You can just be to busy for me today.  Just like I was to busy yesterday."

I state, "Ellison, I will be to busy to take you to the pool party this afternoon.  Sorry, just to busy at work."

Quickly, Ellison says, "Mom, I am so sorry about last night.  I promise I will clean up when I get home.  Plus mom, don't you like all those other moms?  They'll be at the pool party, you know. You'll see them."

Lesson Learned.

Parental Fail

I have dreaded this post. 

We went to the Dentist for a family cleaning.  It was Dylan's first cleaning. He was perfect. Ellison went first and he was super excited for his turn in the chair.  When he finally got his turn, he loved every minute of it.  He stayed perfectly still for x-rays, let them clean away - Awesome, right?  I can take very little credit.  In fact, I was getting my teeth cleaned in another room. 

But let's go back to Ellison's turn. Let's get one thing straight, Ellison was happy to go to the dentist.  She was happy to sit in the chair.  She did wiggle, but then again she's Ellison. 

The failure part, like the epic fail - worst mom ever part, was the discovery of 2 cavities. I am not the best on bed time routine.  I have fought Ellison for 4 years, 11 months, and 2 weeks to brush her teeth.  I have jumped up and down, sang silly songs, told elaborate stories, begged, pleaded, and bribed her.  In the end, we were always lucky to have a quick brush of the teeth.  Add in sugar (she is sugar crazy) and working mother guilt = worst mother ever devastation! 

I know you are thinking that I am being dramatic.  Ok, I have realized that I am not the worst mother in the world.  However, I did feel horrible and continue to feel like I failed Ellison on that front.  I am happy to report that after the dentist visit, Ellison happily brushes and flosses twice a day.  I also took remedial measures and threw out every single piece of candy, plus Ellison's secret stash (recently discovered). 

So I have started a small list in my head on how I have not failed Ellison, 1. breast fed until 1; 2. never tasted soda; 3. never have juice in house; 4. ... Can I just blame Graham's genetics? 

Happy Mother's Day

I use the word blessed a lot when describing my children and motherhood.  I think I feel especially blessed because I was so hesitant about becoming a mother and  I truly believe that sometimes someone greater then you has a better plan for you then you ever imagined.  I had a wonderful Mother's Day. 

My morning began with breakfast in bed.  Dylan ran ahead of the others to alert me of the surprise.  He then proceeded to jump on the bed, resulting in my coffee flying everywhere.  All I could do was laugh at my precious boy.

I then met up with my sisters and Mom for a Gone with the Wind viewing at the Enzian.  I have always loved the movie, but on the big screen it's really spectacular.  We had a fun time catching up and then enjoying the film.

 As if my day was not already wonderful, I arrived home to Ellison wanting to play barbies with me and Dylan napping.  Time well spent with my girl.  I was Isabel this Princess and Ellison played Rockyella, the rock star.  Rockyella was quite the performer! 

During our play session, Ellison told me a little secret about their night time surprise. Again, I found the advance warning especially humorous, Graham didn't find the humor in it.  Love those kids.

In the evening, the boys (my Dad, Graham, Art and Andy) had set up a Winter Park Scenic Boat charter for a night enjoying beautiful Winter Park. 

Great night with my family.  Thank you Graham!  So blessed. Happy Mother's Day!

The Grand Finale

We had a week of Birthday Celebrations for Ellison's 5th Birthday.  The grand finale was a surprise pool party for her and her oldest friend, Bennett.  We learned that Ellison does not like surprises (just like her mama) and that she definitely loves the pool (and the candy bar)!

Ellison and her friend, Brian.

I think Dylan liked the cupcakes.

Bennett and Dylan with the water guns... long after our guests had gone home.

Ellison's Artistic Side

Ellison is a creative child.  In her two's class, her teachers were certain that she had design and architecture in her future.  She loved to build and create.  In her three's class, the teachers praised Ellison's love of sensory play and her imagination.  

Last week, I met with Ellison's Pre-K teachers, where they called her a "creative leader". Whether Ellison is building a tower, dressing up and designing fashions, coloring a masterpiece, or belting out an original tune, her mind is always creating...

She didn't know the camera was rolling.

Treasure.

So thoughtful and creative.

Recent self-portrait from school.