Today Is The Day AFTER The Day...

my girls sang real a capella with the Vassar Devils!

What a tremendous night!  First, you had a two hour clinic with the Devils and then you got to perform on stage with them!

So many smiles and so much singing love to share.  We were so lucky that all of us, including Grandmom, Grandpop, Aunt Maria and Debbie came to support you.

My favorite part was when the Devils sang our wedding song and when you all sang together at the end.  WOW!  You girls were just amazing!  Love your creative outlets!

Vassar Selfie!

Today Was The Day..

HUGE DAY!  This morning, as I drove to work, I found out you were accepted to the high school we had really wanted you to get into. I called your dad on the phone, blubbering away with happiness.  I was a mess when I got to work.  I was that happy!!

It has been weighing on us for months, this decision of high school, and to know that you have a wonderful, safe school that you could thrive in makes the past year of work all worth it.

Yes it is far away, but there is no where on earth I wouldn't take you if I thought it was the right place for you.  I am so happy, so proud and so excited for you.

HAPPY kid!  And happy dad behind him
 

Learning the good news!

Today Was The Day...

Yesterday was the day you led the band in the Festival of the Whales parade!

You were confident, relaxed and led your group with amazing grace.  I have loved seeing you blossom with the band.  From a frustrated, crying 5th grader who couldn't make a note, to drum major!  It shows me that you are capable of pretty much anything you want to accomplish, and that is a beautiful thing.

Lead on!

Our personal cheering section!

Today Was The Day...

My dear, you are just the sweetest!  Today (and yesterday) you have absolutely insisted on helping Grandmom clean up everything from the dinner table!

We don't know what happened to make you want to do this, but gosh, you sure are making Momma proud!  What did we do to have such a kind, loving girl, filled with a servant's heart????

I love you forever and always, thank you for being you.

My precious Z

Today Was The Day...

You went to the American Girl store with your best friend for her birthday!

Ok, well first you went to art class.  I love that you love art.  It's been about two months since you started and you are doing so great and your confidence is growing and it's even inspired you to make other changes in your life, like doing yoga at night!  Keep it up sweetie!  Do what makes you happy and continue to develop in your art in your own time.

Then you had a full day at the American Girl store, with shopping and lunch and friends.  You looked so adorable and I can't believe you went without me, no problem!  This is one of the first times I've sent you with another mom to take care of ordering gluten-free for you, and you told me they took really good care of you.  That makes my heart happy.

You came home exhausted and happy.  You bought a small new rabbit for your doll, and named him Jeff Nutmeg.  Too cute for words.

Presenting your art work in class

Off to celebrate!

Not Today...But The Other Day Was the Day...

I am behind this week, so typical of your mom.

BUT...we cannot let such a momentous event pass by without recognition!

You achieved the rank of LIFE SCOUT in Scouting!

WOOHOOOO!   YEAH!  WAY TO GO!!!

You continue to amaze your father and myself with your dedication to becoming a better person thru Scouting.  This past year you hiked a 17 mile weekend hike, attended summer camp and held three different leadership positions.  Troop Instructor, Historian and Scribe.  You have even started work on your Ad Altare Dei religious emblem.  So much, so busy and worth every second.

Today Was The Day...

We went to the Gluten-Free & Allergy Friendly Expo!

It was AH-MAZING!  I never thought we would spend so much time there, but it was just so great to meet all of these amazing local, regional and national vendors providing high quality and delicious foods, drinks and supplements.

Almost everything was great and honestly, I can't wait to go back next year.  I know you can't either my little one.  You found new great foods and were never so excited to be gluten-free in your life!!

We love the Choc Zucc muffins, but who knew the Veggie Bites were just as delicious!?

Casanova Fish Tacos...WOW!!!  They were the best!

Mayacamas seasonings, gravies and mixes - can't wait to try

This was one of the best carrot cakes we ever tried - gluten free or not

We got a sneak taste of the Sweet Potato Potapas tortillas - delicious and can't wait for them to hit the stores

We had quite the haul!!

We tried several excellent breads, but we vote for La Brea Bakery's bread as Best In Show!

Sweet girl won frosted strawberry tarts from Glutino!

Loaded up

Excellent, fun and we left full!

Loved the new flavors from Beanfield's!

Glutino and Udi's were awesome!  LOVE their stuff!

Today Was The Day...

You had your big audition with OCSA!  You were soooo nervous today, and I mean really nervous.  Which made me nervous, but I think I hid it pretty well.

We all went with you to the interview, and you blended right in with the other kids.  I mean, it was like you found YOUR people!  I can truly see a place where you fit and you blend and you bond with others who like the same things you do...and it's awesome.

I am so proud of you.  You worked so hard this past year and prepared for today.  You walked in with your head held high and walked out with a smile like I've never seen.  You're still upstairs riding this high tonight.

I have to tell you, I really don't care if you go to this school.  I mean, I want you to succeed, but this school won't define you.  I am so proud of you, your work and your talent.  I am so lucky to be your mom.

Today was the day...

You went on a flight to Sacramento with your 4th grade class!

I have to admit, I was a little nervous...but you were so excited and brave and ready to have an adventure.  I hope today is a great day for you and I hope you never stop having adventures!

Valentine's Day was the day...

that we took our 14yo son to see Deadpool!  Yes it was fun and yes, it was extremely embarrassing to watch at times!  Just loved seeing it with you

Today was the day

we spent the afternoon curling your hair and getting ready for the dance while we sang songs from High School Musical and Teen Beach Movie. During the duets, I was the boy and you sang the girl leads.  ❤