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!