Mrs. Tooth Fairy

Alexa yanked out lost a tooth yesterday afterschool. It's a bittersweet time for me because I know wiggly teeth and gapped tooth smiles are going to be gone very soon.  I reminded her last night that we needed to leave the tooth out for the tooth fairy. Lex asked me if the tooth fairy was real and I turned it around and asked her {if she thought the tooth fairy was real?}. She paused and said yes, but was very confused because the older kids on the bus said santa is not real and she's SO confused.  When I told her I still believed in Santa, most definitely, and the tooth fairy, she got hard to work writing a letter to Mrs. Tooth fairy!

The tooth fairy went to work to write her back and leave her $5 and big a lipstick smack on her cheek.  (which grossed lex out in the morning because "She doesn't like kisses from strangers."

Tonight we're heading to Target so Lex can buy a HexBug with her money!

Oh boy....

Fun little Sunday playdate with Andrew. These two can play for hours and come up with so many adventures.  Lexo declared that she wants every weekend to be an Andrew weekend!

my baby.....

If you would have told me that I would have a {BULLDOG} at some point in my life, I would have laughed at you.  Now that we've had Hailey for over a year, I've never been more crazy about a dog ever. 

 This little 45 lb ball of muscle has the most personality in a dog... She snorts, she toots, she cuddles and she LOVES LOVES LOVES people, especially her people. I joke that she's the doggy version of me and michael with her need to be petted, cuddled, ALL on her terms.  Hai-hai, we adore you!

Our Little Lovebug

Hailey Sue is our little baby!! I've never met a more lovey, chill puppy before and she's fitting in perfectly with us! Plus, how can you resist those wrinkles!!!!

LOVE HER!

mg xmas gift

Click here to view this photo book larger

Back to school!

I have to admit I'm looking forward to back to school this year. The summer went by quickly and I was focused on trying to get myself back to Jen mode (ie mentally, physically) and am finally there. 

I'm looking forward to this time for new goals, new plans,a chance to be more organized and to he happy! This summer wasn't completely out of our routine since lex attended summer school, so bedtimes for us and waking up early are the norm. What I'm really hoping to accomplish is to be more of top of things. Lots of September goals to maintain with my schedule and lex's schedule!

1. Blog again...I loved reading about the things we've done in the past and I want to take a dedicated hour to recap our week. This past weekend we had an amazing 75 degree day in Georgetown on the waterfront. Alexa was a perfect angel people watching with Michael and I while we daydreamed of what type of yacht we will buy and what we will name it ( ha--- the jenny, of course). It was such a perfect little family day for me with the two people who make me laugh the most.  I also love to watch Lex and Michael interact because they have a very unique relationship where one teases the other, especially Lex.  If one of does something "wrong", we get "a warning" which is a smack in the bum. Lex LOVES to give warnings for no reason and it always makes us giggle.

2. Implement some more teaching strategies for lex. I met a teacher in the locker room at lifetime who gave me some good ideas for keeping lex organized and focused. One way is to set a timer for her to finish her homework without getting distracted. Big time importante for my kiddo with adhd.  Another thing I've done this year is to create a homework supply holder where all the items (crayons, a set of scissors, glue sticks, pencils, markers, eraser) must always stay in there and return to their home spot. 


3. My workouts! Need to keep up my momentum that I started in June-- 13 lbs down and 10 more to go before I leave for china October 16! I can do it if I am prepared and organized!!


4. Sleep, since I've been going to bed at 10, I just feel better!

That being said, nighty night!
Tomorrow will be a new post summarizing our fun, summer!

Valentine's Day weekend at the Ritz in Bmore

Things I need to remember...

Redefine Intelligence


Broaden your definition of intelligence. Being smart doesn’t have to mean you are an excellent speller and reader, or that you are a math whiz. Being smart can also include being artistic or a good storyteller. It can mean being good at sports and able to read what is going on strategically within the soccer field, being social and understanding of people’s feelings and emotions. All these activities require intelligence.

Cesar Milan--

So, I must admit, I think I have a crush on super cute Cesar Milan, aka "The Dog Whisperer".  Michael started watching the Dog Whisperer on National Graphic a couple of months ago one Saturday while channel surfing and I have to say, we are addicted to this mexican man.  So many of his concepts (ie being the pack leader, reading your pack, knowing your energy) are applicable to dealing with humans. 
Someone has even written an article about comparing the Psychology of Dogs with the Business Place....

Business Communication Lessons from the Dog Whisperer

Michael and I have even "zzttt'ed" (okay now get your mind out of the gutter), when someone was not following our pack.  HA!

Father Daughter Dance