I Have Moved!

Greetings faithful readers!

If any of you have me bookmarked (I should be so lucky!) I'm here to announce I will no longer be updating this blog.  I have consolidated all my ideas and moved to WordPress!

Please follow my new blog at A Modern Mom's Life.  I am still having my Mom musings as well as posts about things going on around town, my book, and product, reviews as well as following along my daughter Emma's acting and modelling career in my new, streamlined space.

I am also still the same on Twitter, FB and G+.  I'm also now on Instagram.  Please do follow me on all these platforms so you don't miss any of my ramblings!

Hope to see you on the new blog!

~Jess

PS - I have a new email too: modernmom@jessicafoley.ca  Drop me a line and say hi.  I'd love to hear from you!

My Little Builders

Over March Break the building stores around town held some free builds for kids.  My hubby was able to take the girls to a few.  They loved it!  Now I have a bunch of wooden toys that are just delicate enough that I can't throw them into the toy box.

At Home Depot they give the kids fun orange aprons to wear to "protect" their clothing.  Except the arms, and chest, and other areas paint can be splattered on.  Regardless the kids love having aprons "like Grandpa!" (He used to work there, but doesn't anymore)

Both the girls built a wagon and a helicopter at Home Depot and Emma built a Monster Truck at Lowes (and was able to bring a kit home for her sister so they could build with Dad at home!)

I think Dad is going to be stuck finding out when all these builds are in the future.  I seem to recall they happen on Saturdays during Rose's dance time (or really close to it.)  They also seem to be a very popular thing for lots of other kids as well.

I'm glad the girls are enjoying learning different life skills.  They're not very good with the hammer (yet!) but they love giving it a try.  I think real-world experience is the best way to learn (and remember) new skills.  I hope they continue trying new things and enjoying the experience!

Here's to raising well-rounded kids (or at least trying to!!)

~Jess

Spring is Coming and With It, Fashion Show Auditions!

Emma Fall Fashion Show 2015

Spring is fast approaching, and with it the Spring Fashion Show!

Emma will audition in March for a spot walking the runway of the Cataraqui Centre.  The show is April 2nd with 2 "shows" - one at noon and one at 2pm.

I expect it will work much the same as the fall fashion show Emma was selected for in September.  She had fun (as did I) but I remember it being a busy time.

We are hopeful that the mall people will choose Emma again to model something cute for the stores.  I'm under the impression they will choose someone who's "worked" for them before.  That seems to be how this "business" works sometimes.

Besides last fall's fashion show, Emma has not really done much as far as the Mode Elle world is concerned.  She had one "real" audition - you can read about that here - and she didn't get it.  I didn't much think she would as it had something to do with food, and we all know how adventurous Emma is with her eating!

So stay tuned to hear about Emma's next adventures in modelling.  I'll try to take lots of pictures and create posts when I've got something fun to talk about.

Audition Number 1 Under Our Belt

I'm guessing we didn't get the role Emma auditioned for.  It's now Wednesday and she was there on Friday.  She doesn't seem at all concerned, so much so that I'm not sure she understands what went on and why she was there.

Regardless, she had a good time and she got to eat some candy so that day was a success in her books!

Here's the run down of their day.  It's all second hand knowledge as I wasn't really a part of any of it, so there may be inaccuracies.  Also, the photos are all from Patrick's phone, no real camera took the journey with them.

Patrick picked Emma up at school and they were on the road by about 1:30 and made it to Toronto in good time.

Their first thought was to check the place out.  Of course it's right off the DVP most of the way downtown.  They were going to Larissa Mair Casting.  Since this was our first visit to any casting company we had no idea what was going to happen.

I guess I should say that we still aren't really sure what exactly she was auditioning for.  Apparently it's normal to not really know what you're there for.  The email I received from Mode Elle said it was for Knorr/Master Chef Canada.  What it doesn't say is whether it's a commercial, a show, or what it may be.  We never did find out.

Emma's audition was for 6:45 and I think they got there at 4 something.  So they went wandering and found a park.  Fun!  I guess she played there for a bit of time and they went wandering through stores. 

After they were done wandering the streets they decided to go back to the audition place and wait quietly inside.  Patrick said there were tons and tons of kids trying out.

We had packed a bag with everything she may have needed (change of clothes, snacks, hair baubles, colouring book, hairbrush...) and besides brushing her hair and sitting quietly and colouring, of course, she didn't need any of it!

Patrick said she was very patient, and she talked a little with the other kids, but mostly just coloured and waited.  Since they were so early they actually took a no-show kid's place got it done an hour early.  Showing up plenty early does pay off sometimes!

I don't really know if it was a big place, and if they lined up when there names were called or what, but apparently it was pretty quick audition.

Emma says she went in and there was a plate and it had a Nib (or Nibs?) and a gummy worm on it.  She was supposed to approach it as "Ick!  I'm not going to like this!" (that should have been easy for little miss picky eater!) and then try it and put on a "Wow, that's actually good!" face.  Also not a stretch as this has happened at our dinner table before.

She claims she did it, and, of course, parents don't go into the audition room, so we have no real idea how it went.  Seems like there must have been other kids with more appropriate reactions and/or acting skills, since we didn't get a part.

After they were done they grabbed McDonald's (of course) and then visited with some friends who live in Toronto before they headed home.  It was a very busy day for Miss Emma.  I think they got home around 11pm.  She was wiped, and slept most of the way home.  Patrick said it was "talk, talk, talk, silence" and she was out.

It's a mixed blessing that she didn't get a part in this production.  Patrick said there were to be 5 days of production time she'd be needed for.  And it was to be 3 days one week and 2 the next.  That's a lot of travelling, or going and having to stay over.  But at the same time, if we're going to do it, it might as well be a lot (with enough $$ to cover our time!) and all at once.

Let's hope another opportunity comes our way.  Besides the driving to Toronto, I'm so interested in the process that I really want to take her to something!  And, of course, how cool would it be if she scored some commercial gig or something!  As long as she's enjoying it, and we're not losing our shirts money-wise, we'll keep it up.  It's good for her development to learn how to act and approach people you don't know, and to be confident and all that.

Stay tuned to hear about other opportunities we may be offered.  And leave me a comment so I know you visited!

~Jess

We Have An Audition!

Today we had a case of "careful what you wish for."

Over the holidays we were discussing household things, what we'll keep up with (dance, maybe try skating more this winter, and other free community things), and what we might not.  Sadly Emma's Mode Elle stuff is (or was) teetering on the edge.  The idea there was "if we don't get her actually doing anything with it we won't pay the $$$ to keep her registered there."

Well today I received an email from Charline at Mode Elle.  Emma has an audition on Friday!  Of course it's in Toronto, and at 6:45pm it means we have to take her out of school early.  Not really a big deal, and at least it's Friday so not much worry about her staying up too late!

Patrick is taking the afternoon off to whisk her away to this "talent" audition.  I'm a little sad about that, only because it means I won't have the first hand experience to then blog about later.  I am very glad I don't have to navigate my way into downtown Toronto for 6pm on a Friday.

I don't know if this audition would then include shooting the spot as well, or returning at a later date to actually "do" the work.  It would be amazing if it was all done in one go.  We're not lucky enough for that to be the case, though!

I will try to post a follow-up after they've been through the process.  I'm dying of curiosity myself about what goes on.  I know "Dad" won't get to see her audition but at least he can get her impressions right away.  I'll likely have to wait til the next morning, as I might be in bed by the time they get home!

I really hope Emma enjoys this opportunity.  Whether she "lands the role" or not, quite frankly, is irrelevant.  She has increased her confidence like crazy since taking the course at Mode Elle.  She has also expressed a growing interest in theatre which is great since we have a great theatre community here.  Being at the Tett Centre every week (usually twice a week) has allowed us so expand our knowledge of community theatre groups and other artistic things that go on around town.  I want very much for Emma to expand her horizons, and explore things that are interesting to her.

So stay tuned - I will follow up in some fashion with another post.  Until then, wish us luck - not only with the audition, but the travel time too!

A Comparison Of My Daughters: Age 4

I'm going to do that thing that no mother should ever do: compare my children.  (To each other, not to anyone else's children...)

For the last few months I've been amazed by Rose and all the things she's up to.  So much so that I am constantly comparing her (in my mind, of course) with how Emma was at her age.  They are almost complete polar opposites.  It's astounding to me.

Emma at 4 - With 1 year old Rose peeking out the window.

Emma was always my quiet girl.  Well, once she got over being the baby that cried ALL THE TIME.  She was never a chatty kid.  She's 7 now and she's more chatty than before but still very content to sit and listen to what's going on around her.

Rose, on the other hand, was a quiet, easy-going baby, and now she never stops talking.  Just yesterday we watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and she talked through the whole thing.  "Who is that?"  "Where are they going?"  "When does Harry get his owl?"  "Is that person going to teach them?"  "That's a lot of children!" and so on.  I actually had to walk away, she was way too distracting!

Rose at 4 - always playing

The junior kindergarten experience is vastly different between the two girls.  To be fair, kindergarten education has changed since Emma started.  Rose is now having full-day everyday class where Emma went every other day and alternating Fridays.  Regardless, I think they would have had different experiences without that change.  They are vastly different kids!

Rose is now "air writing" everything she sees everywhere.  People's shirts, billboards and signs anywhere, and if words show up on tv.  She is so interested in letters (and numbers) and especially the ones in her name.  We have to trace words in every book we look at and she talks about the letters and the sounds and all that "academic" stuff all the time.  Emma never was interested in letters the same.  It was a struggle to "work" at school stuff with her.  Now (at 7) Emma likes words and reading and all that, but at 4 she had no interest.

The other big difference I'm seeing is the after school conversations.  Emma always told us she never did anything at school and it was "boring."  Rose, on the other hand, will talk for ages about who was at school and what they did and who was mean and all that.  I don't always understand what she's talking about, but boy does she talk!  She loves her class and her teachers and it really shows.  Not that I think Emma didn't enjoy her days then but she would rarely talk about it without considerable prodding from us parents.

I find it so fascinating that two little people who sprung from the same gene pool can grow and learn in completely different ways.  Life is a constant social experiment, especially when kids are involved.

Do we treat the girls differently?  Likely.  They are different people with different needs.  Rose needs the affection and cuddles and constant physical contact (especially when she's tired) while Emma is content to colour quietly or watch videos or movies alone, and without asking a million questions about what's going on.

We are fortunate that despite their differences (or because of them?) they are fast friends.  We don't really have "real" fights around the house.  Well unless they are with us parental people.  Sure, feelings get hurt (more often Rose's) but Emma knows how to work things out and give in to Rose when she's about to have a meltdown.

I'm intensely curious to see where the girls go from here.  Will Rose be fluently reading by age 5 1/2, due to this early interest in letters?  Will they stay emotional (and verbal) counterbalances to each other?  This raising kids business is way more interesting (and challenging!) than I ever thought.

Share your household's dynamics with me.  I love hearing other families observations of their kids and their differences (or similarities).  Post your comments below for me to marvel over!

Emma's First Salon Visit

Emma has beautiful long straight hair.  Up until now we've had it trimmed up by our daycare lady.  She does a swell job, and Rose is still happy to go under her scissors.  I just felt it was time for Emma to experience a luxurious salon haircut.

I go to James Brett downtown.  The atmosphere is fun and I've had quite a few of the stylists over the last few years.  They all do a stellar job.  I'd say no one is better than another.  In the summer we went to the Princess St Promenade and had Brandy give Emma some cool fishtail braids outside on the sidewalk.  Emma loved it, and Brandy remembered us.

Our appointment was for 9:45, so hubby took Rose to dance and Emma I went downtown.  We had to explore a few stores as we were early but we decided to go wait in the salon, I had a cup of tea and Emma had a glass of water and we watched some of the stylists do their thing.

Finally Brandy was ready for us.  She had to get a booster thing for the chair, but the seat next to them was free for me to sit and watch the proceedings.

A wash was first on the agenda.  Emma is a gal who loves getting her hair washed.  We chatted with Brandy about what "style" she'd like.  Turns out she wants it to look exactly the same as it looked before.

Brandy suggested only about an inch of trim off the ends as her hair was in really good condition.  She then also told Emma that in order to keep her hair as beautiful as it is now she should not do anything to it.  No colour, no perm, nothing.  Emma also shared that she'd like to just keep growing it and keep it long.

 After the ends were trimmed, the blow dryer came out.  That was a new experience for Emma.  She's had a curling wand used on her, but not the noisy hairdryer.  I was impressed at how well she held herself (as opposed to being pulled in the direction the hair was being pulled.)  Once dry, Brandy went to work giving Emma some long layers.

 Once the cut was complete Brandy made sure to show Emma how it looked.  To my inexperienced eye it really didn't look much different.  Good thing that's what we were going for!

Of course, being a beauty salon, they offer "finishing touches."  The first item Brandy said she had to do was to put a braid in Emma's hair.  And it wasn't just a braid.  She created this really cool flower out of a braided piece of hair.  Then we needed a little hairspray as well as some shine spray added to keep it looking beautiful.  I was, of course, consulted before really anything happened anywhere along this journey.

After the braid was all spun up and pinned into its flower Brandy suggested that little miss needed a little lip gloss to finish off her "look."  Well if anyone knows Emma at all, she was all over that suggestion!

We got to go over to the makeup area and Emma chose between 4 pink-ish colours.  Naturally she chose the one with a purple hue.  Brandy painted it on her and she loved it!

Before we left I got them to pose together for a photo.  I don't know who had more fun, Brandy or Emma!  It was a great first salon visit for Emma.  She's one who likes to be pampered - just like her momma.  We will return to James Brett (and Brandy) for Emma's next haircut for sure, but it won't be for a while.  Emma's hairstyle doesn't really need much maintenance from a stylist, which means haircuts won't happen too often.  That helps keep it special when we do go!

Family Fun Update - Fall Season 2015

We have had a busy fall season.  The beautiful weather this week is truly a treat.  It does make me a bit nervous though.  I think we may pay for this warm and sunny stretch soon enough!  But while the weather holds nice I thought I'd craft up a post about the things we got up to this fall (so far!)

Every year we do a corn maze.  This year was no exception.  Late in September we took a drive to our favourite apple orchard with a fun (and educational!) corn maze.  Wynn Farms had a great maze again this year.  The maze theme this year was Bees - how they help the apple trees, and what goes on in a bee hive.  Emma was able to write down the letters for the "secret message" and read parts of all the signs.  It was a fun day!

That same weekend we took part in Culture Days.  Emma and I participated in a workshop creating art using items from nature.  I was very impressed in the work created by all the participants!

I won some tickets to Disney on Ice when that came through town.  Emma and I got to go since it didn't start until Rose's bedtime.  It was great fun, but I really could not get over the prices of the snacks and stuff - wow!  That bag of popcorn in her hand cost us $15!  Maybe that's because of the tiny bag they put it in (that was lost the next day in the house somewhere...)

We are doing dance every Saturday morning still, and this season Emma's dancing Wednesday nights for 2 hours.  This past weekend there was a little excitement when a toddler pulled the fire alarm just as Rose's class was starting.  We got to go outside and watch the fire trucks pull up - an adventure for the little ones for sure!

Thanksgiving was excellent this year as well.  Two delicious dinners and two lovely weather days.  We've been spoiled by going out to a family friend's for Patrick's family dinner - they have a huge property, with a big garden and a barn, a "pond" and, if the weather's right, a fire pit.  Not to mention a giant house so we can all pile in and eat when the time is right!  I made "grandma's buns" to take this year and they went over really well.  We even managed a family photo!

Emma had a Halloween birthday party.  It earned it's own blog post here.  We had a lot of fun, but a bunch of kids in our small house creates a little tension.  Next time - less children I think (and maybe not Halloween themed!)

Patrick and I went to local theatre production of The Rocky Horror Show.  That was a good time.  We even went in costume.  I also crafted a blog post about our costume creating here.  There are also pictures of the evening on my Facebook page Modern Moms Life - you may have to scroll down a bit, but there is also an album of our Halloween costumes and yard decor if you're interested!

Speaking of Halloween, that was a great night!  The weather was nice, the girls got to trick-or-treat with friends this year, and the yard looked great!  I actually saw one family where the kids were scared to come to the door.  Made me a little sad, but also impressed by our Halloween-ness!  Now we have more candy in our home than we have ever had before.  Anyone one have ideas or recipes for using up tons of candy??

Well I guess that's a pretty long recap of what we've been up to lately. If you want to hear more specifics about any of these topics, request it in the comments please!  And also let me know what fun things you've been up to with your families this fall season.  

PS - it's so nice out today I went for a walk after hanging my clothes on the clothesline, and I saw fresh dandelions and 2 robins!

Emma Turned 7 Last Month - Now I'm Planning A Party

Emma, my now 7 year old, has a birthday in early September.  In the past, party organizing has gone fine (and by fine I mean we'd generically invite all the kids in her class and hope they don't all show up).  This year was different.

September got away from us very quickly.  The later school start this year, as well as Emma joining a modelling and talent agency, and busy weekends led to us being busy most weekends in September.  She even participated in a fashion show at the local mall.  She enjoyed every minute of it.  But as a result we kinda skipped over the school-friends birthday party.

We did have a lovely party for family and friends (it was more an end-of-summer party for us than for Emma, but she did get gifts from grandparents etc.)  She enjoyed that party, and I did invite some of her friends but not many came by.  So this year we decided to throw a Halloween birthday combo party.

It's getting hard to ask her to narrow down the guest list.  She has one boy best friend and then every one else she invites is a girl.  I have no issues with that, but sometimes she thinks she should invite more boys (after we've discussed all this and created the invitations).  And some years she leaves out people I would have totally thought she'd ask.  It's so interesting what goes on in their young minds.

We are pretty much all set.  Costumes are decided on, house and yard mostly decorated, cookies are baked (but not yet iced - job for Friday night or Saturday morning), snacks decided on (but not totally purchased), loot bags created and living room fairly tidy.

The party is Saturday.  We are expecting 9 or 10 kids plus my two.  This feels like a lot to me.  Plus my kids have been sick this week.  Emma started on Sunday and seems pretty much over it now.  She went to her 2 hours of dance class tonight, so I'd say she's better.  Rose has it now - threw up once and is just off and on feverish, with cold symptoms and extreme (cyclical) tiredness.

Today was my day to get most stuff sorted out for this party.  Then the school called to say Rose needed to come home.  Somehow I still managed to pull off most of what needed doing.  I did think I'd like to go to the grocery store, but we didn't get there today.  I was most excited to get cookies mixed, rolled, cut out and baked all before sick girl got home.  She went straight to bed, so I had most of an hour to stay productive.  And it mostly worked out.

Saturday morning will be finishing decorating and getting the table set up with treats while hubby takes Rose to dance (and hopefully Emma decides to go with so I can have more productive time!)  There will also be last-minute tidying, and mummy-dog making for dinner with the party kids.  I'm feeling more organized with this party than I usually feel for these things!

If you have any tips for kid parties (or Halloween parties) please do share - like game ideas or other easy to prepare fun snacks.  I have a few days yet to finish organizing myself - and everyone else!  And stay tuned to see how everything turns out.  I'm sure another blog post will occur - maybe with photos!

If I don't post again before - Happy Halloween everyone!  We're planning on a great time this year!

We've Left The Pre-School Years Behind

Our life is "quiet" right now.  We're well into the school routine, which is going more smoothly than I had imagined it would.  The ballet lessons have been going on for a few weeks, with the girls shuffling around classes so get to the right "levels" for their ages and skill levels.  And I've even made time for baking and cooking a little more often.  Check out my first attempt at making bread!

I feel like the girls are suddenly more mature (most days!) and able to get along without me now.  Okay, not without me, but they know how to amuse themselves.  Some days I even find them reading - quietly on their own, or to each other.  They play with toys, usually together, and then tidy them up when they're done - often without more that one suggestion to do so.  I am eternally grateful for these little things.

The eating in our house is changing now too.  Emma is a little more willing to try new things.  The key, some days, is to let her help out (even just stirring) so she's more interested in the foods.  I made potato soup and after explaining to her what was in it: bacon, potatoes, and whipping cream, she still had no desire to eat it.  After she watched me cook up the bacon, stir in the bits and the milk and cream she wanted to taste it.  Then she ate about half of what I gave her in a bowl - potatoes and all!

Rose's eating (and entire evenings) are much worse right now than I've experienced from her in a while.  She's tired.  School is wearing her out like crazy!  The dinner table is a battlefield, but once you tell her it's time for bed she's happy-go-lucky and bedtime is (usually) a breeze.

The modelling life is quiet now too.  Our "agent" has a rule where she won't submit Emma for anything in Toronto that doesn't pay enough to cover the loss of time (from work) and travel for us here in Kingston.  We peruse the acting submission website occasionally ourselves to make sure we aren't missing anything fun, but a lot of stuff really is not worth the time.  I think we're going to enrol Emma in some community theatre stuff this coming summer and she what she thinks of that.

Overall, life is good.  At the beginning of this post I said our life is "quiet" right now.  I only mean that we don't have a lot of events coming up.  Thanksgiving is our next family function and then we're throwing a Halloween party for Emma's friends since we missed her birthday with the Fashion Show at the mall.  And then, of course, actual Halloween.  Watch for my post about the party and Halloween as the month rolls on!

The busyness I feel right now comes from working, school stuff (like homework that we only have about an hour a night to work on, usually while I'm making dinner), dance stuff, outdoor clean-ups - now that the weather is getting cooler - and the need to get my gardens to bed.  And, I'm trying to make more food instead of buying insta-foods.  That's going ok, but I don't have as much time as I'd like to try more new things!

Readers, are your lives settling into routines now that it's October?  Or do you feel busier during the school year than the summer?  Comment below to let me know how your days are going.  Also I'd love easy recipes for dinners or baking that I can make and share with my family and other readers.  Thanks for visiting!

Fall Fashion Show 2015

Emma participated in her first real runway fashion show at the Cataraqui Centre last weekend.  She got to wear Sears and I think she loved every minute of it!  Mode Elle provides the models and organizes most of this event.

The kids had a rehearsal Thursday night for 1 hour - it included trying on the clothes (then immediately taking them off so they were still in pristine condition for the show), and doing a practice runway walk.  It went alright - busy, as there were a lot of kids, a lot clothes, and not a lot of listening.  One of Emma's cousins is also with Mode Elle so she was there as well, but she models the womens clothes and had two 3-hour rehearsals.  Glad we aren't involved with all the choreography yet!

Fashion Show Hair

Saturday morning we got ourselves all ready - showered, dressed in easy-change clothes (for her) and something comfy for hanging at the mall all day (for me), snacks packed and camera ready-to-go.  I had no idea whether I was supposed to do her hair, or if they may do it.  It was a little lacking in the communication department as far as that goes.  So after her hair was all dry and brushed I just twisted the front sections back and left it at that.

My Niece Colleen

We got to the mall at 10:30 and started our day there with a snack.  The coordinator woman had told us to meet at the stage for 10:45, so by 11:10 things finally started to happen.  Everyone did a walk-through of the show with music but without the fashions on.  Then it was quick-change time while I tried to snag (and keep) some seats up front for people to meet me at.  It actually worked out fine, and I met some nice moms there.


After getting changed I left Emma with the other kids and mall people and went back to my seats to visit with my family for a bit before the show.


There were 2 shows, one at 12 and one at 2.  I took pics at both, so I have tons of photos.  It looked pretty professional (the shows, not my photos) and I was impressed with the various looks of all the models.


I'm still trying to master the integration of photos and text on my blog.  I apologize if the loading is slow or it looks sloppy.



The show went on for at least 40 minutes, with lots of the models changing and returning to the stage in short order.  The last number they did was to Madonna's "Vogue" and it was choreographed wonderfully.

Now I'm sure you're all wondering where my photos of Emma are.  I just thought I would save the best for last!  After going over with her the need to look like she's having fun and enjoying herself, I think it finally sank in.  She put on a smile and walked down the runway like a pro!



I enjoyed my first "stage mom" job, although it won't stop me from grumbling about how long I had to be at the *mutter mutter* mall on a Saturday.  The bright side was I had a lot of family and friends come by to see Emma (or I just flagged them down while they were shopping) so I wasn't really alone at all.  That also means I barely had any time to read my book!  I was somewhat looking forward to that, but I had fun anyway.  Can't wait for next time!

First Modelling Gig - My Little Pony

On Wednesday last week I got an email from Charline at Mode Elle.  She outlined a fun opportunity for Emma, but it was happening the next day and also Friday afternoon.  Now I know I've said a million times that I'll happily leave work to deal with these modelling or acting things that come up, and Thursday evening I could have managed, but with it being a holiday weekend there was no way I could easily have left the store in the middle of the afternoon on the Friday.

Luckily Patrick was able to rearrange things so Emma could get to both shows.  This event was at the local mall (Cataraqui Centre) so getting there was not too traumatic, and Rose tagged along on Thursday evening.  Well, guess what?  The event organizers wanted Rose to model the clothes as well!  I didn't know if she'd do it.  The first show for them was 6:30pm and Rose is usually 85% ready for bed at that time.  

Thursday Evening Show

This is how the show went:  The Moblees opened the show (which was free in centre court of the mall), then the girls came out in their My Little Pony clothes, and afterward there was a My Little Pony show.  Each of the girls had been given a little pose to do on the "red carpet" but from the looks of it, Emma and Rose gave each other strength that first night.  Still super cute, but not quite confident models yet.

But then fast-forward to Friday afternoon - they were more confident (and less tired!) and they had a lot more fun.  Part of it, I'm sure, was that they were at the mall for 2 hours before the show on Thursday, but had a much shorter lead time Friday.

Friday Night Pre-Show

Both Rose and Emma performed better Friday afternoon.  Rose walked out without clinging to Emma for dear life, and Emma managed to have a very professional looking model pose on the "red carpet."

Rose's Pose

Emma's Pose

When they were done with the show, the young lady Twilight Sparkle had the models come back up on stage for a promo pic.  The girls were beyond excited for that!  Emma even understood that that meant they may use this picture for advertising purposes.  She's dying to get into commercials or magazines!

My Little Pony Fashion Show

I'm actually quite sad that I missed all this excitement with the girls.  I'm not very disappointed that I missed being at the mall with 1000 toddlers and their parents.  We've been to some of these shows in the past and it's just crazy busy, loud, and exhausting.  I am very glad the girls had a wonderful time, especially Rose who really had no idea what was going on.

Emma is now looking forward even more to the fashion show the mall is putting on in two weekends.  She made the cut at her audition and will be modelling something in two Saturday's time.  One of her cousins, who is new at Mode Elle, will be modelling as well.  I have managed to take the time off to get her to the rehearsal for this one.  And, dear readers, I plan to craft another nice long blog post with photos during or after that event and it's rehearsals.  So stay tuned!

And So It Begins...Her Modelling Career Starts Tomorrow.

This stuff is going to be so last minute!  Got an email tonight from Mode Elle for another modelling "job" but she has to be at the mall at 4:30 tomorrow, and also for a second show at 1:30 Friday.  Yikes!

I warned my boss that this is how it's going to be, but I will feel badly when it is me that has to take her.  Patrick is available for these times this week (and it's a holiday weekend coming up, so I really shouldn't be leaving the store early...) but it's going to be my turn one of these days.

It looks like she'll be modelling some My Little Pony clothes before the shows in the mall both tomorrow and Friday.  And she gets to keep the clothes!  She's so excited.  I'm very sad I won't see either show.  I'm not as sad that Patrick has to entertain Rose from 4pm until 7 or later when the show finishes!

The whole reason I started this blog was so I could follow along with Emma and all the neat and fun things she gets to do.  I guess it's finally starting!  I'm going to have to get over this "working mom" guilt of having to take time off work for this stuff.  I mean how can I blog about it all if I'm not there??

Anyway, if Patrick takes some pictures I'll be sure to share them with our loyal readers.  If not I may just try to write about what Emma thought of the show.  Either way she's going to have a great time!

Emma's First Audition

Tonight Emma has her first audition.  Sadly, I have to be at work, so Patrick will take her.  It's here in town, and it's for the fashion show at the mall.  I know, it's not really a big exciting deal, but I think it's the perfect first audition.

I hope everything goes smoothly for her.  She almost froze up when she did her end-of-course performance.  She told me afterwards it was because Rose shouted "That's my sister!" and pointed, and Emma did not want her doing that.  For this audition I don't think she has to perform much, just do a runway walk, so she should be comfortable with that.

We are going to put her in her pink polka dot dress.  She wanted to wear it this morning, for all day.  I said no.  Then I had to lay it out for her: What if you do painting today? or play outside in the dirt? or spill your lunch?  (This is how my thought process goes every morning when dressing the kids - or helping them dress themselves)  She thought through the logic and chose some "play clothes" for the day.

We also had the joy of a morning shower for Emma before leaving for day care.  That went much more smoothly (and quickly) than I had imagined.  Hair combed out beautifully and everything!  I'm almost dreading the days I'll actually have to blow dry her hair and try to do something with it.  That will require purchasing a hair dryer and/or curling implement.

When I dropped the girls off at day care I gave Emma so many instructions I'm sure she's forgotten them all already.  Put your hair up when you're eating!  Wash your hands any time you do anything!  Don't play in the dirt!  Don't paint or marker on yourself!  Brush your teeth when you go home to change!  Make Dad take your picture when you get there!  And HAVE FUN!!!  (Standard Mom nags.)

Stay tuned for more updates on the mall fashion show front.  I think they take most of the kids who try out.  I know the Quinte mall posted a giant list of all the people they wanted - one of the boys who was in Emma's "class" at Mode Elle made the list, so there's hope!  I think it'll be a week or more before we hear back.  The show itself is Sept 19th, so I'd expect to hear by early next week.  I'm going to have to take the Thurs afternoon before off as that's fitting and rehearsal.

I'll be watching the clock anxiously all day today.  6:00 won't come fast enough.  I really, truly hope she has a good time!  Send me some good vibes in the comments

Toodles!

My Girls Really Are Growing Up Too Fast!

I'm not sure what happened.  I had these little tiny people who needed me for every little thing.  Now I have these giant kids who (I feel sometimes) don't need me at all.  Well unless they want to reach something down, or eat hot food.  But they brush their teeth on their own (with a final check from a grown-up), put themselves to bed (when they're in the mood), and pick out their own clothes and put them on.

Girls at Movies in the Square

 They've also started to figure out that if you stay up late you can "sleep in" the next day.  Emma has mastered this skill, Rose is lagging a bit behind.  This doesn't stop us from keeping her out late once in a while.  Usually she's fast asleep in the car by the time we get home from whatever event we were at.  The Movies in the Square downtown on Thursday nights is a great outing for us.  They love movies, and popcorn.  And if we go in pajamas everyone is comfy and ready for bed the second we get home!

Girls at Fort Henry

We've done much more this summer than we have yet in our family's short history.  Finally I feel that Rose is old enough (she's 4 now) to actually walk around attractions and events without whining every minute.  She seems to have outgrown her need to be carried all the time.  When she's tired, of course she asks, but she keeps walking.  We took them on a hike (without really planning to do it) and they both hiked for 2 hours and the entire time (almost) went on about how great it was and why don't we do this more often?!  It's so nice - Patrick and I used to hike all the time, and I love going to all sorts of attractions and events, and now I feel more confident dragging the kids along.  They are liking to do so much more these days.

I won't say I don't miss my babies.  But these bigger girls are great in their own way.  They still choose to cuddle with me, they do still want my help with lots of things, and now they tell me how nice my skirt looks, or just that they love me with no prompt at all.  Patrick and I made great kids.  I can't wait to see what else unfolds on this crazy journey.

Toodles!

Emma's Ready To Go!

Emma is now officially listed at (with?) Mode Elle.  Her headshots can be seen here.  Or if you keep scrolling (and, hopefully, reading) they will be in this post as well.

 I think Emma's very first photoshoot went very well.  She was nervous (of course!) but the end result is fantastic.  I can't really believe this is my little girl!  She looks so much older.  I think it'll only get better from here!

            

This last photo, we were told, is a great headshot.  I tend to agree, but I'm a little biased!

We overheard Charline booking an audition for a client the other day before Emma's class.  It seems like it's literally about a 2 day turn around and you just have to be ready to go.  They don't really even ask you if you want to go - it's your responsibility to let them know when you're not available. I'm still intensely interested to see how it goes from here.  I guess I'm going to have to be ready to be chauffeur mom once in a while!

I will do my best to keep up-to-date here for anyone interested to follow along.  Please comment if you have any questions or there's anything you want to hear about.  And if you're interested in hiring Miss Emma, we have to go through Mode Elle or we can get in trouble!

Toodles!

Soon-to-be Adventures in Modelling

Emma July 2015

We are still anxiously waiting for Emma's head shots.  Her Mode Elle classes are winding down (I think there are 2 more, one of which is a showcase).  Next week we're at the cottage, so Patrick is going to bring Emma back from Sharbot Lake just for her hour session.  It's a good excuse/opportunity to visit the grocery store again, and pick up anything we forgot at the house.

There is a mall fashion show coming up in September.  The audition is at the end of Aug, but the show itself is the 19th.  That's the day we were going to plan Emma's birthday party, as we're at a wedding the weekend before (which is her actual birthday).  I'm sure we can plan it for the Sunday, but I made the mistake of mentioning this conflict to Emma so she immediately decided she did not want to do the fashion show.  I'm trying to explain it to her - that we can pick a different day for the party - but sometimes she just shuts down and won't absorb what you're telling her.

I think it will be good for her to do her first audition at the Mode Elle location where she's been learning all this stuff.  She really has no idea (I don't think) what an audition even is.  I would like her to go through the process before we sign her all up for things that will be happening elsewhere (like Toronto...)  I know she will need practice to figure out how to audition for things.  Heck, even I don't know what goes on at these auditions!

Any of you readers have some advice, or been to an audition in the fashion show world?  Please share your experiences and tips in the comments!

Summer's In Full Swing - And Busy!

Alright - summer is in full swing and I feel like I need to take back some of my "summer is relaxing" comments I made in my previous post. ("Summer is Here - Let The Relaxing Begin")  Summer definitely sends out it's relaxing vibes, but I'm coming to realize life is just as busy (if not more so) now than during the school year.

I still have to go to work - that is the least relaxing part about summer, so far, for me.  The kids do daycare - some days - and camps and other extra curriculars.  Plus we're doing a cottage week, there there's some days at Grandma and Grandpa's (while hubby and I go to Toronto for a few days), and Emma is at a day camp this week.  And she's still taking her Mode Elle course on Tuesday nights.

And then there's the around-town family and friends stuff we want to do.  Kingston Buskers Rendezvous is on tap this week - we will likely go Thursday night, and then I'm meeting another mom friend on Saturday to do more kid-oriented Buskers then.  There are the Movies in the Square every Thursday (except this week because of the Buskers) which we have not gone to yet - they don't start until it's dark, which is getting on to 9pm this time of year.  Another few weeks and we'll try to catch one or two movies.

We've been filling our weekends with other around town things, like Taste of Kingston, and a free Fort Henry visit as part of the Pan Am celebrations when the torch was here.  The girls want to get to a beach this summer,; I haven't managed to get into Nanny's pool yet (the girls have been a few times); and then there's just the fun outdoor time at home with the neighbour kids.  I think those are the best days, when the kids are just outside somewhere and I can just sit on the deck, read a book, hang out the laundry, and then maybe relax with a drink.

What do you get up to in the summers?  Are your weeks a busy as mine?  I don't yet feel so busy I can't deal with it - so let's hope that doesn't happen!  Now that the girls are older a busy summer is much different than when they really do need 24/7 supervision.  I'm enjoying this summer so far, but it's not quite as "relaxing" as I'd imagined!

Toodles!

Emma's First Photoshoot - with Miguel Jacob

First Manicure

Well the big day has come and gone.  Emma is well in bed (and hopefully asleep).  She had a great day!


We started the day with a shower (which is still a new concept for her) and then a trip to my esthetician for a manicure.  She has had one pedicure before but not her fingers.  We were only "allowed" clear polish, but she was okay with that.  She was good and patient.

Pre-Styling Hair

We got to Mode Elle about half an hour early (on purpose) so we played with the stuff we brought including our hair baubles. She loves this giant bow we bought on our shopping trip expressly for this shoot.


There were 2 other girls there in various stages of photoshoot readiness.  One was a 7 year old, who, when the photographer asked her, said "I've done this before" with such conviction you'd think she was a seasoned model.  Her mom piped up with "Yes, once before."  It was cute.


We had a hairstylist (who was also the makeup girl, but Emma was not "made up" as no six year old should be), as well as an actual stylist who helped us make outfits from the clothes we brought.  Big surprise she chose the things we had pretty much chosen for ourselves.

Soft Wavy Hair

The hairstylist told us that Emma has the softest hair she's ever felt.  Then she proceeded to produce beautiful soft waves with a curling "wand" - like a curling iron without the clamp part.  Very quick and neat.  She then shooed us away to wait until the stylist was ready to help with the clothes.  I couldn't resist taking some phone photos of her soft, wavy hair.

What a Beauty

I think Emma has a perfect no-expression face.  You just have to catch it, I don't think she can "put it on" whenever she wants to.  I've had luck finding it in my last few photo taking days


Anyway, then we got to prepare our "first look."  The stylist chose the pink polka dot dress we bought specifically for this occasion.  Emma was so excited.  We got it on and she wanted to put on this dollar store hat she loves and ask to wear it for the photos.  I told her no but that I would take a few pics of her in it.  The shots I took did not turn out fantastic, but I'll put one in anyway.

Polka Dot Dress
"First Look"

The hairstylist took her back in, gave her hair a gentle comb out and put that big black sparkly bow back in.  That was her completed look.

The photographer (Miguel Jacob) was really great.  He was so friendly and approachable, I was pleasantly surprised.  He managed to get some good smiles and poses out of Emma.  I did not try to take any photos during the actual shoot, as I thought that would be in bad taste.  It was very serious and professional with the big umbrella lights and white backdrop.  A bit intimidating for a first-timer but the people were all so great I think she had a lot of fun.  I know I did!

"Second Look"

Then she got changed and had her hair put in a messy topknot and the "second look" got photographed outside in an alleyway.  I've always liked the stone wall look in photos and I think hers turned out great.  I did see a few pictures the photographer really liked.  He seemed impressed with some of the photos himself.

We had a great day.  When Patrick asked Emma if she liked it she said, "YES!" and when he asked her if she'd do it again tomorrow she said, "Yes.  Where?" and looked like she was ready to go out the door right that minute if we needed to do it again.  I guess that's a good sign.


We finished our road trip with some ice cream and a few minutes of "park" time (there were goats and a climber behind the ice cream place) and then everyone fell asleep in the car on the way home.  Just the way any fun day should end.

Toodles!