Ganesh Festival

After a long week of Mimi being in Arizona for work, Zoe is always anxious to get out and do something. I got a flyer in the mail a few weeks ago about a local Indian Festival and thought it would be right up our alley.

Today we headed over to see what it was all about. When we got there, the parking lot was so full we had to take a shuttle from a nearby elementary school. Lots and lots of people everywhere. We couldn’t wait to walk around and check everything out and of course enjoy some Indian food.

It was a fun afternoon. We walked around, watched several different Indian dances, Zoe got a henna tattoo, and we even went in the temple to check it out (no cameras allowed in there). Zoe was in complete awe over the whole thing. She couldn’t wait to get inside the temple to see what it was all about. Zoe had so many questions; ‘Why do we have to take our shoes off?”, ‘What do all these different statues mean?’, ‘Can we sit and pray, I really want to say a prayer’. Zoe was front and center as the priest began his blessing service. Shelli and I sat back and watched Zoe take it all in.  Zoe listened and watched the priest’s every move and even though she had no idea what he was saying, the entire process enthralled her.  When the blessing service was finished, Zoe walked back over to us and said, ‘I have no idea what he said, but that was really cool.’  Shelli and I just looked at her and smiled, both very proud that she had the interest to watch and take the entire service in on her own accord. 

We were one of very few folks who were not there dressed in traditional garb however, that didn’t stop anyone from being kind. Shelli struck up a conversation with a woman who told us all the best things to eat. Not the normal stuff you can get at the restaurants.  Of course, I had to indulge in my personal favorite, a mango lassi.  It was so much fun and we embraced every second of it.

Indian Festival Talent Show

Saving Time

Zoe has been back in school for a few weeks and as much as Zoe likes school, she doesn’t like to get up in the morning. I always try to find easy and simple ways to get through the mornings because I’m not the best morning person either!

The AM ritual should be as follows; wake up, make bed, get dressed, brush teeth, wash face, lotion up, eat breakfast, and put lunch in book bag (along with a snack).  By this time we are usually running to the car – late!

In order to save time in the morning, I decided to buy Zoe a hanging closet organizer. It has the perfect amount of storage space for everyday of the week. Even an extra on the bottom for her pj’s so they don’t get ‘lost’ under her bed. All she has to do is grab and go. I even put her socks in there so she has NOTHING to think about.

It’s all about making the mornings easier.

Dinner - Zoe style

Zoe is all about putting her french fries inside the burger.

DELISH!

Bella

I think Bella loves her new home.......

No school

Zoe didn’t have school today so we spent the day together and had a wonderful mommy/daughter day. First on Zoe's agenda was to spend the money she had been ‘saving’. Zoe was browsing the next aisle over and all of the sudden I hear, “Mom, I love this but, I don’t have enough money to buy it.......can you pleaseeee lend me the rest so I can buy it?” I didn’t know what ‘it’ was yet, because as she came around the corner she had it behind her back. I asked to see 'it', and Zoe whipped her little arms from behind her back and had a huge smile on her face. 'It' was a little puppy that cries and wags her tail. Zoe said, “Her name is Bella!” Needless to say, not only did Bella come home with us but she also went to lunch with us. It’s the small things in life – Right?!

Photo of the day.... Girls Girls Girls

Zoe, Abbie, and Jaylyn watching Dumbo......

Lunchroom Duty

Zoe made it through the first week of 2nd grade with flying colors. She is nothing short of exhausted, but that is to be expected. Zoe seems to be really enjoying being back to school and is constantly saying things like, “Mom, wanna eat dinner with a second grader?” or “Wanna watch TV with a second grader?” It’s adorable!

Today, I was lunchroom mom and it was great being back in the lunchroom with Zoe and all her friends. While I was there I got the news that 3rd grade doesn’t have ‘volunteers’ so, I will have to get my fill this year.

2nd Grade

After a fun (LONG) summer, today was the first day back to school. Zoe couldn’t of been more excited. She was the first one up (AND DRESSED!) She was fluttering around the house making sure she looked perfect. I was barely up 5 minutes and I hear, “Mom, I need to change my earrings so they match my outfit AND I also want to leave my hair down for the first day of school!” .... Is this my kid? I walked into her room and everything was in its place, including a made bed, imagine my astonishment!

I didn’t want to ruin this perfect moment. When we got downstairs, Zoe could hardly eat her breakfast. We made sure her book bag was all packed up and ready to go. Last night we went through the checklist to make sure we had all the required items.

As the time got closer to leave the house, I started getting a little overwhelmed with the thought that my baby was going to be in second grade, S-E-C-O-N-D grade! I pulled myself together and off we went.

Without fail, standing in front of the school was the principal. He came over right away to greet Zoe and give her a big hug. That makes her feel oh so special. Once we got to the classroom, I got to meet Zoe's teacher, whom I liked right away! I walked Zoe over to her desk to get her all settled in. Sitting next to her was one of her friends from 1st grade so right away I said Hi to Erin and asked her about her summer. It was comforting to see a familiar face.

When it was time for parents to leave, Zoe without hesitation jumped up and gave us a big hug and kiss. I know those days are going to come to an end when she’s ‘too cool’ but for now, I will embrace each and every moment I get.

Impromptu visit

I was ‘under the weather’ this weekend so when my co-worker Karen stopped by with her son Josh it made me smile. I’m always happy to see her and of course who couldn’t love Josh?