Okay, so I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I do have to say, I am one cool mom! As many of you know, Reegan is wild about American Girl. Grandma wanted to get her another doll of her choice for Christmas last year (she already had Molly whom she loves). Reegan wanted a "just like me"doll, but none of them looked like her. That was until we looked at Kit. Reegan always liked Kit, but fell in love with her when she realized how much they looked alike.
(same hair color and style, dusting of freckles, and eyecolor )
Reegan got her for Christmas and hasn't put her down since. Our house has been on the countdown for Kits movie since we found out there would be one.

Well, July 2nd is upon us. I was on line today looking at show times and prices (since you all know that we are on a limited income lately) and I ran into a Kit Movie premiere tea party. I picked up the phone and called the theater for more info. Well, the lady was so nice but warned me that there were only two tickets left. I told her that I would call her right back. I called another theater that was also having a party (it was a few dollars more) and I had to leave a message to be called back. I got so scared that we wouldn't be able to get tickets so I called the first place and asked for the tickets. The only problem I ran into was I needed three tickets and they only had two left, Reegans friend Kenzie who lives down the street and has an American Girl doll wanted to go too (not many girls in our area have a doll, let alone even know what they are). Her mom said that if we could get her a ticket, she could come with us. The girls play with their dolls all of the time, no sleepover is complete without their dolls.
The lady was amazing, she placed me on hold so she could talk to her supervisor to make sure that I could have two kids tickets and one adult ticket (they limited the ticket sales to the first 50 reservations). We got them!!!! The best part is, the girls don't know where they are going! They know that they have to wear a dress and bring their dolls thinking that they are going to a "girl scouts" doll and me tea party!!! Do you know how excited I am? I have had such a hard time containg myself and not letting her know about the surprise. I called Kenzies parents to confirm the 8:15am pick up time, and they told me that Kenzie is so excited to go to a girl scouts event and can take her doll. They were busy ironing Kenzies dress and she was busy preparing "Emma" for the outing. The girls think that they will be earning a patch when in reality, they will be seeing the movie, getting a goody bag, doing activities, and having a tea party.
I am so excited to see their faces when I tell them that I have tickets for them! I am a bit nervous about them catching on when we pull up to the movie theater, I have to lie to them and tell them that they will be learning about movies and acting and such and that is why they are at the movie theater. I know that they will beg to see the movie later, but I will tell them that they don't show it until the evening.

I had to call someone right away to share in my excitement, so I called my mom. She was so excited and was even more excited about the fact that the girls don't know. I have to say, I did feel a bit guilty about spending the money (we are really watching what we spend) and my mom, God bless her over and over again, offered to send the money so Kevin didn't get upset about me buying the tickets (not that they are expensive, $10 adult/ $12 kids, I mean really, can you even get a ticket, popcorn and a soda for that amount now days?) when we are really trying hard to only get the necessities and sacrifice the extras. He wasn't mad when I told him, he thought that it was neat and that it is a special thing for Reegan. She has been through enough not having him around and a little treat was good for her. I am just so excited about tomorrow, I don't know how I am going to be able to sleep! My camera is charging so be prepared to get some pics tomorrow!!! Well, off to bed I go. Anyone else going to take a special little girl to the show? If so, let me know how you liked it!
Yea!!!!!!!!!!!
Jen

My Friend Chris over at Dad of Divas introduced me to this blogging. He also showed me a great opportunity to win a really neat camera. Check it out!


Joe over at JoePrah is giving away something I would love to win. He is giving away a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W120.Not only is he giving away the camera, but he is also going to be giving away:1 Sony (Red) Cyber-shot LCS-TWF soft carrying case2 Compatible Memory Cards (size and details to follow shortly)

I encourage you all to go over and not only enter but also read Joe's entries...he has a great way of putting parenting issues into perspective in a humorous and sometimes blunt way that is refreshing. --Posted By Chris to Dad of Divas at 6/29/2008 08:11:00 PM

Mom's Purse

Okay, I have been doing some searching for a new purse. I decided that I needed a zipper and it had to be large enough to hold a diaper, the wipes container, my planner and various other things. I haven't found anything that I really liked and suited my needs. I decided to make one. I am kinda handy with a sewing machine so I picked out material and a pattern and went to work. I finished and I have to say, it turned out kinda cute. While making this purse, I had time to reflect on my passion for purses and how my taste has changed through the years Here are some of the thoughts that ran through my head, please, be humored!

First of all size came to mind. I thought back to when I was in high school and how I would favor the small and tidy purses. I totally thought that big purses were unorganized and reflected that onto yourself. I always thought, what on earth could one person carry that they would need this big of a bag for? I also thought that if I wanted to date someone, what would they think if I showed up at the door with everything but the kitchen sink? I didn't think that it made a good first impression. I didn't have that much to carry in the first place so why the need for anything larger than a wallet on a string basically?
I now know why a larger bag is important. I have to have room! You never know when a child will want you to hold something when your hands are full, so bust out the purse! I have to now wear glasses all of the time so I need my glasses cleaner (okay, I am very anal about clean specs), my Rx sunglasses which means a glasses case, my planner (I would be totally lost without it), a diaper and wipes (I don't need a diaper bag with a 2 year old, just the necessities), wallet, checkbook, cosmetic pouch (as I get older, the reflection needs a lift), keys, pens, camera, MP3 player, sometimes a book, you know, the what ifs! So needless to say, I have had to change my ways and now favor a larger bag. I am just afraid that soon I will be wheeling around luggage! Gone are the days of a small and cute purse.
I know that this topic is kinda strange, but it really made me think about how our lives change and how our tastes change also. Children are always sending us a surprise and you never know what you will need from one moment to the next. I am a mom that has to be prepared for any situation and therefore, must carry a larger purse.

The second thing that came to mind was the style. I have always liked a real leather handbag (Kev actually worked for Coach while we were living in the Keys). But as I have more and more to carry, I am opting for a bag made of fabric. This is not just a weight issue, but a versatility issue. Fabric doesn't have to be conditioned, it won't get water stains, and I can easily throw it into the wash. You can't do that very well with leather. Plus, as I shopped for fabric, I was overwhelmed with the choices and patterns that I encountered. I had a ball placing fabrics together and designing my own bag. I didn't spend a lot of money and I can take pride in something that I made for myself.

So, I ask all of you, how do you do it? Especially the men, how do you NOT carry a purse? I think of the Friends episode where Joey gets a "man bag" and was teased because it was basically a purse. So, do you men wish that it was socially acceptable to carry a "man bag" to make your life easier? And for the women, how do you use your purse and what are all of your necessities? Am I just crazy or has anyone else gone through this dilemma also?

It's Friday!!!

Well, this is my first time starting to blog. Bare with me as I get into the swing of this.

This week finished up my first full year of school. Wow, what an experience! Being a student in your 30's is much different than in your late teens and early 20's! First, I get better grades and second, my all nighters consist of kids. I am grateful for the break for summer, but I already miss being in classes. I have loved being in school so far.

Today I get to join Reegan's class for a Mother's day special. She is very excited for this and was up at 5 am letting me know that she was dressed. I didn't look at the clock and told her to go eat breakfast. Kevin rolled over and saw that it was so early and made her go back to bed! So, I am looking forward to attending this special, this is one of the best parts of being a mom! Tomorrow, Reegan and I will attend the Women's banquet at church. It is another mother/child activity and I am also looking forward to spending some ladies time with Reegan at church. These are the special times Reegan and I have together. Sunday at church, she will be in with the rest of the kids and presenting a Mother's Day special for the mothers in the church.
Reegan is keeping us busy, she is in her 4th year of dance, her second year of ball, and first year of Brownies. It is something every day of the week lately! She loves the activity, she is becoming a well rounded little lady.
Addison on the other hand, well, she is Addison. Mark my words, she will be the one that gives us a run for our money! We had Isaac over yesterday (our Pastors son) while Missy went to work. Well, Isaac is really never just dropped off somewhere to be watched (Pastor Jon and Missy are from the Detroit area originally) and only being in this area for about 2 years, they still don't know a whole lot of people with kids. Isaac did wonderful, the only time he cried was when Pastor took him home. Missy called shortly after they arrived home and asked what we did to their son, he wants more Addy! I guess it doesn't really matter the boys age, Addy will have him wrapped! Watch out world! She is my little lover, she loves to cuddle me now that I am at home.
Kevin is still waiting to hear something from the city. They haven't recieved the second day of transcripts from the trial so they are still keeping us on hold. When we find out more, there will be a blog for that.

Well, I do have a whiny Addy here, so I will close up my first blog. Check back for more news about my jewels!