Future Car Salesman:

I just returned home from a track meet, to find this:

While Coach was working in the garage, on his long list of last minute projects, Tink made this sign entirely on her own-

 

She was out in the front yard, Vanna White waving this to cars passing by our corner...

Simple. To the point.
She sure knows how to talk up her product.
Man, she is adorable.

Tink. Age 7 yrs 3 mos

I am separately giving each of my children a "Getting to Know You Quiz". To remember them exactly as they are today. January 2014.

 

(Answers typed exactly as she answered them.)

1. What is your favorite movie? George of the Jungle
2. What is your favorite TV show? Tom and Jerry (FYI-Tink loves dumb physical humour.)
3. What is your favorite color? Pink
4. Who is your favorite star? I don't have one.
5. What is your favorite food? McDonald's
6. What is your favorite thing that we do together? Snuggle
7. What do you wish we could do more? Snuggle more
8. What is your favorite toy? My doll Sara.
9. What is your favorite video game? Minecraft
10. Who are your best friends right now? Just Brynn
11. What do you like about them? I just don't know!! I just like her. (She got kinda mean and defensive on this one.)
12. What kind of music do you like to listen to? Somewhere over the Rainbow
13. Do you like hot weather or cold weather? Hot because I like to wear dresses!
14. What do you like to do more than anything? Watch movies on my couch.
15. What is your favorite book? the Pigeon books
16. Is there anything that Mom has done to disappoint you? Bothering me. (WHAT?)
17. Is there anything that you’ve wanted to ask Mom? How you lived when you were little?
18. What was your Favorite Vacation? Florida!
19. Who is your favorite brother or sister? and Why? My broder. Because we can connect on Minecraft.
20. What do you wish Dad would do for you? Make me a milkshake.

Three Reasons why we love Tink.

In just 24 hours, Tink proved three times, why this blog was originally written with her as the inspiration.

 

1.  Her School Christmas Pageant:

She was asked to wear plain black leggins and a plain green or red shirt.  To match the other elves in her grade.  We put on the required outfit but then, Tink says "You know... Elves like tall socks.. and you know, Elves like sparkle socks and probably sparkle shoes.. Elves would REALLY like that.. really" And then looked me square in the eye to emphasize her point.

So she wore sparkle leg warmers.

 

 (Do you like my garbage bag tree skirt??)

2. Yesterday, while practicing for the Church Christmas Pageant... Tink was front and center, with two of her other mini First Grade Friends.  Each child is standing sweetly in their spot.  On the large, Catholic alter... then, while calmly singing Silent Night as a group, Tink suddenly rocked out the Air Guitar: on her LEG.
Moments later, she head-banged during Joy to the World. (I mean.. that makes a little more sense than a Silent Night leg Air Guitar...)
The actual program during Mass on Saturday, may get reeeeal interesting. Gramma G- Maybe you'd better stay home.  Or at the very least, cross yourself a few extra times for your grand-daughter's soul.

3. Just hours after the air guitar... we gathered at the kitchen table to write letters to Santa.  Each child is allowed to ask Santa for one important (yet reasonable) gift.
Below, is Tink's actual letter.

Yes.
Tink is asking Santa for One giant box, filled with 10 pairs of pajamas.  Tru Story.  You may also notice the (1.) in the upper right corner... she snuck that in at the last second, before the letters went into the envelope.  She wrote that, to make sure Santa read her letter before reading her sister's letter.
I honestly can not make Tink's stories up.

An Elf Sex Change.

After two years of constant "Why can't we have a girl Elf??" complaints, we decided to give our boy Elf a lil Sex Change.  When I presented the idea to Coach, he barely reacted with surprise and simply responded "We're doing WHAT with the Elf??"

We're performing a Sex Change.

Because nothing actually changed on our Elf (I'm certainly not shelling out the cash to purchase a whole new Elf kit)... I decided what we needed was a back story.  First the girls woke up to a note on the kitchen table, which read:

 

Oh... Elves can't write or read good... funny little uneducated elves...
See, it makes sense the Elf looks the same, because they are brother and sister.  Get it?!  Next, I decided to name the Elf myself.  I thought both names should start with an F.  And because this house is Tinkerbell crazy, I choose 'FiFibell' as the new name.
I asked Coach: What do you think of FiFibell?  Is it too much or just right?

Coach: Doesn't matter to me... I'm still just gonna call it The Elf.

Coach is fun and festive.
Next, I set the scene.
I decided the little sister would want to arrive with more flair than her very boring big brother.  I dressed her in the new skirt, posed her sweetly, threw marshmallows every where and sprinkled glitter all over her.

I became nervous this was not convincing.  I worried this idea could blow up in my face and actually cause the girls to realize this whole elf thing is a scam.  I started questioning Coach "Is this enough?  Should she wear a Barbie tank top?  What else can we do??"

Coach pretty much ignored me.
Me: You're really not helping at all?  You could at least offer a suggestion or pretend to listen as I bounce ideas off you...

Coach: I don't know what to tell you!  I've never given a doll a sex change before!

Me: Me either!
(pause)
Me: Well... I guess that's not true.  I once cut off all my Barbie's hair to try and turn her into a Ken doll.  It didn't really work.

Remembering that Ken mistake did nothing to help my anxiety.

It went perfectly!
We smiled and played dumb.  Pretending to be just as excited and surprised as the girls.  (well... Coach at least raised his eyebrows a couple times..) I'm not sure why I worried.  We live in a fairly liberal and LGBT sympathetic home.  Our children are cool with change.  No biggie.
I figure, I'll place FiFibell in a few overly girlie situations over the next couple nights.  And then ease into ignoring her, just as much as her big brother.
Holiday cheer and all that...

Lucky Sevens all Around.

As I kissed Tink goodnite (for the last time as a 6 year old) Coco was shaking with excitement for her big sista's birthday.  Coco exclaimed "I can't wait to wake up to see how tall Tink got!!"  She was certain Tink would magically grow into a seven year old, overnight.

And essentially, she has.

In the past twelve months, Tink has become a First Grader.  She takes weekly piano lessons, hip-hop dance classes and yoga classes.  She has participated in T-Ball, youth Basketball and several Cheerleading camps.  She traveled to Florida and countless mini vacations.  She is reading!  And she was crowned the most beautiful Christmas Princess of All Times. (possibly a biased opinion.)

I continue to be utterly surprised by how completely surprised I find myself while admiring Tink's vast wealth of awesomeness.  I often want to turn to strangers around me and blurt "Do you SEE her?!  Isn't she amazing??  It's not just me, right... she really is something special, right?!"
I understand, millions of parents must share this feeling... Just this week, I found myself unable to hold back the following exclamation to my husband "Is Tink the best thing we have ever done??!"
(Please understand, I have said this in regards to my other babies, as well. Many times.) But what is different with my Tink, is how often she just plain surprises the heck out of us.

Upon first glance, Tink appears reserved.  Introverted.  She may even trick the unsuspecting into believing she is shy.  (It's all a total sham.) She is so brave. Surprisingly brave.  She has real guts, gumption. Go get em'-ness. With the exception of her arch nemesis The Diving Board, I am unsure if she has ever felt genuine fear.  Her sprite little body continues to amaze me, with the ability to just march up to a challenge.

Tink can really see people. 
She 'gets' what is real.  She instinctively seems to understand what the world may be throwing at her and takes it in stride.  In her deep library of impressive character traits, I wish this more than any other, remains most tru.  In a world of bullies, broken hearts and hurt feelings: Tink's shoulder shrug may prove to be her greatest gift.  She is impeccably unfazed, so perfectly unaffected.

Tink. Is. Hilarious.
The Kid is a frequent Top Ten Lister.  'Give me your Top Ten vacations, states, friends...etc.'  He recently asked me to list the Top Ten Funny People I Know. Tink made the Top Five.  Without question. (and I know funny people...)
If Coach and I blended a giant pot of DNA funny, extended from several siblings, cousins etc... Tink is the blue ribbon-best in show- premier apple pie in the whole competition.  With whipped cream and cherry on top.  That girl has the good stuff.  A rare combination of a lil bit silly and a whole lotta sarcastic.  I literally LOL daily, around this child.
**Side Note: ask me how funny this B is when she's 17 and we will see if she's still cracking me up...

Tink is beautiful.  She takes my breath away.  How could I have been a part in creating something so quietly and unassumingly engaging? Her adorable little legs, her delicate chin and striking blue eyes.  Her big girl haircut and bootcut slim jeans... her hand on hip confidence and milky perfect complexion.. ? 
Tink is the best version of me and Coach.  The perfect mascot of our quirky, unpredictable love story.  The Kid is our Heart.  Coco is our Joy.  Tink: is our chillin on the couch, hand holding, soft smile of love.

My Tinkerbell,
Words can not express my pride for you.  How could we have imagined such a teeny, tiny bundled baby could be so capable.  So strong.  So brilliant.  A determined pixie without limitations.  Please continue to become everything you are and more.  I miss you every day you leave for life and yet I no longer wish to keep you safely in my pocket.  Please continue to love life.  Live fearless (to a point!) Dream bigger than your imagination.  Compete only with yourself. 
Always know, we're on your sidelines: proudly watching you glow.  My girl, who continues to believe fairies paint the sparkles on freshly fallen snow....
I Lobe You.
Happy Seventh Birthday, Tink.
You're still just too good to be Tru.

So The Blogs are Back...!

Imagine my surprise when I finally logged back into my blog and realized the whole world is blogging again!  What?? I've implemented a plan to try and catch up and hey..  why not do it all in one afternoon of marathon blogging?  Yesterday was the Chicago Marathon, 26.crazysomething miles of running. One afternoon of blogging is almost the same thing.

Yesterday, Tink had her kid party for her upcoming seventh birthday.  She asked for a Scavenger Hunt and a Disco Dance party. (possibly she sees or hears too many details about her parents parties..)

She was allowed to invite 10 first grade friends (mostly because I ordered 10 FREE cards on Shutterfly.  It was a pretty scientific process..)

Little pink clues were hidden around Downtown.

Find the candy shop, draw thank-you cards for the local police and deliver to the station, stop for a water break at the train depot,

 

Visit the best barbershop in town and high-five the barber.

Locate a clock that looks like the clock from Peter Pan and Ring around the Rosey, around it.

Take a picture under a flying fire truck:

Games of Red Rover and a pizza picnic on the sidewalk.

Find Mickey Mouse and shake his hand.
The Kid was VERY excited to dress-up for his sister.

 Part Two:
A Dance party Rave in the yoga studio.
(It helps to be friends with DJ's)

We even ordered glow sticks for each kid.

Pretty confident Tink had an amazing time.  Those first graders know how to rock out.  Coach even gave a mini glow stick demo, which was impressive.  I am so happy my girl has so many amazing little friends. I hope they stick together for many years to come. (especially if she is really going to keep having big girl birthdays....)

The Big Kids

The Big kids are keeping me ridiculously busy.  I've turned into one of those obnoxious blogger moms, who's children are in a million activities, while I adorably wear a seasonal apron I have sewn myself, in between trips to milk the goat..

Tink's evenings are busy with: Piano lessons, Hip hop class, CCD and Children's Yoga.  For a couple evenings, she was able to fit in a cheer leading camp and performance at the Varsity Football game. And that experience, taught me this:

 

I'm completely unprepared to be a cheerleader's mother. It's against every fiber of my being.
I had to lame text other mothers to ask: shorts, skirt or leggings?? How early is too early to drop off?
Inner debates: make-up??  How much lip stick?  Isn't there something about wearing more stage make-up to see in crowds?  Is football cheer leading hair big?  Ponytail?? Pigtails are probably out... I just DON'T KNOW THESE THINGS!!  I'm out of my element!!

And then crazy stuff starts to happen to me... I'm cheering FOR a cheerleader.. I'm getting excited for how hard she snaps her arms. I love her tiny fists on her hips.  I'm annoyed they didn't teach her MORE cheers in the short 3 hour workshop.  I'm suddenly addicted to MORE cheering!
I can't believe she takes that huge football field, without a trace of hesitation.  She's got so much guts in that little body.

And the Biggest Kid?

In his first year of Junior High school baseball, The Kid slowly became a little star.  And my nerves can not handle it. 

Stealing bases:

It's sorta his thing.  His dad will stand up behind me, spreading his arms wider and wider, urging The Kid to take a bigger lead. Then I yank Coach into his chair, because the super wide lead makes my belly hurt.

The Kid's smile after stealing Second, then stealing Third and then finally stealing Home, looks like this:

And that smile is awesome.
But the real test to my nerves?? The Kid is becoming a pitcher.  And a pretty darned good one.

(PS- I'm only allowed to snap pics while he warms up, otherwise it may spook him...)
After each inning concludes, I am suddenly stricken with a throbbing headache, from holding my breath during the entire duration of each batter.  I'm a wreck.  He makes me want to drink.

Cute father and son moment, eye-black application before the game.

I'm super crazy proud of both Big Kids.  They have really surprised me.  It appears, I am kinda raising pretty awesome people... right now... hopefully that didn't jinx anything..
And Coco??
She doesn't dig, the big kids draining all the attention.
As you can imagine.

My Girls like to Pose.

In addition to the Children's Yoga class, offered at the sTudio (Thursdays 5:00-5:45pm) we are now very excited to have an instructor teaching a Children's Hip Hop dance class (Tuesdays 5:00-5:45pm).  My girls were beyond hyper to get to Hip Hop yesterday. 

They ran right into the house after school and jumped into a couple hand-me-down dance outfits. (which seem a wee bit snug...) We arrived to the sTudio early, to snap a couple New to Dance Class Pics.  I wasn't too thrilled with Tink's selfie style...

 

What's happening with her lips?? 

Though, these could almost be a couple pics of me and Flag Girl, around 11:52pm on Relay Dance Night...

Oh little Tink... Stop growing up.

Some of the Summer Activites Keeping me so Busy:

Once again, I was the teacher in the Art room at Summer Bible School.  Always a busy week but lots of fun for the kids!  I got a few pictures on the last day.

Coco and St. Patrick (currently they plan to marry each other and I would be totally fine with that.) 

Unfortunately, they broke up while playing on our yard last week.  St. Patrick stormed off, arms crossed and yelled "Now.... I will NEVER marry you, now!"

Two days later, they were back together. Looks like they're gonna be 'that' couple in High school.

 

Our new Brave Tinkerbell.
She hand-raised volunteered in front of a VERY full room to compete during a few games.  Marched over and chose Tom to be her partner.  She was sorta miffed they didn't win... (I don't know, maybe Tom could have leaned in more...)
But it looks like our little blue-eyed girl likes a little healthy competition in front of a crowd, like her daddy.

Sistas...

Tink and her buddy Flower.
With the cutest freckles ever.

Another great year at Bible School.
Thanks Bouchers.  The kids love it.

Tink's Cheerleading Performance

Yesterday, Tink attended a 3 hour Cheer Camp.  Tonight, Tink performed during half time of the Varsity Basketball game. She is very front and center.
Tiny, with bangs, grey leggins/skirt.
And She is Adorable.
Please notice her signature sign-off.

 

Nailed it.  Too cute. How bout them hips?!

Coco said: "My sista was SUPER awesome!  She was gorgeous.  She is golden."

Seriously, Coco said 'golden'.

Coco has never been more proud.

When not hugging her gorgeous sista, Coco hung in the Student Cheer Section, snuggled between her new mommy and daddy (Jumbo Joe and The Cute Girl)... aren't they the cutest family?!

This performance was such a huge deal: even Uncle came out to support his niece!

 

 

Eme, Tink's fellow cheerleader.

 
I'm so proud of Tink's bravery! How is it possible that I am really THIS in Luv with a cheerleader??! Crazy.

New and Stylish: Part 2

Tink wanted dramatic.

She wanted: Short. New. Stylish.

I'm usually pretty laid back with the girls' fashions but ... 1.) it took FOREVER for Tink to actually grow real hair. 2.) I fully understand the rash need by curly girls, for centuries, to want to chop off their hair and it's never really the right choice... so as her elder: I vetoed her request.

The Before Pics:

                                       

 

We went with bangs, lots of chunky layers and a few inches.  In addition, Jodi straightened her hair for good Stylish Measure.  Tink LOVED it.  (Especially, the straight).  We've had several discussions this evening, about how... Yes, it can be straight at school tomorrow but NO we will not make straightening a habit.

If I don't bother to straighten my curl,

I'm sure as heck not spending my morning flat ironing a six year old.  No danks.

 

When Tink got home and spent quality time in front of a mirror... she declared "I'm so beautiful!!  I look like a REAL third grader!"
WHAT???
I'm not prepared to mother girls.