Here's How It Went

This is how the birthday day went:

8:00 am   
Open presents - too excited to wait for family to come home at end of day
9:00 am   
Ditch school for birthday fun
10:00 am 
Buy glitter for toenails at craft store
11:00 am 
Meet brothers and sister for lunch and yogurt
Noon       
Go to school to distribute birthday treats
3:30 pm   
Come home from school and pick up friends for party
4:00 pm   
Paint pottery
6:00 pm   
Dinner at Roberto's Taco Shop
7:00 pm   
Family soccer game at park - girls against boys - birthday girl magically scores winning goal
8:00 pm   
Cupcakes, Birthday song, candles and wish
9:00 pm   
Bed.  Dreaming of what the 11th year will bring.

Double Digits

Today my baby hits double digits.  It's five AM right now and she's awake in her room anticipating the excitement the day will bring, but I told her she must go back to sleep for a bit longer.  That's what I like about kids growing up, you can give them instruction and they're capable of following your direction.

I loved when my kids were babies, but to be honest, I couldn't wait for them to be three.  Communication was important to me, still is.  It hurts where?  You ate what?  And I certainly wasn't one to cry when they turned five and I dropped them off for their first day of Kindergarten.  Most likely I did cartwheels to the minivan then caught a chick flick at the matinee.

Don't get me wrong, I adore my children.  I've loved every stage of their growth.  Some stages just make me more nervous than others.  I guess I feel like their self-reliance is a success for me.  What I want most is for them to be able to negotiate life using the skills my husband and I have taught them.    The skills we've worked the hardest to teach are selflessness, respect, kindness, and love.  I'm thankful that my baby girl exemplifies these qualities from day to day.  Come to think of it, she teaches me these skills better than I ever could teach her.  What a blessing these ten years have been. 

Comfort

Here is something that gave me great comfort over this past weekend.

2 for 1

Last week I made a visit to the boys down at Big O because my car was out of alignment and my front right tire was paying the price for it.  I walked in knowing exactly what I needed, an alignment and one tire.  The manager at Big O, John, kindly explained to me that getting an alignment and one tire is unacceptable.  He further explained how an alignment won't work well with one tire, thus two new tires would be required. 

Then it was my turn to explain a few things.  I explained to John that there was certainly no way I would be purchasing two new tires, when all I needed was one.  I stood firm, even as I saw the frustration on John's face as he grew more impatient with me.  Finally he said, "Look, I'm going to give you two tires for the price of one because I'm not doing an alignment with one tire."  I told him, with a smile on my face, that was fine by me. 

So here's my advice to you when you're negotiating car repairs:

1. Dress classy and walk in acting like you own the place.
2. Know exactly what you need and don't settle for anything else (unless it's a matter of safety).
3. Be kind, appreciative, and respectful. 
4. Get a second opinion.
5. If you're buying tires, ask if they have any used tires.  I've bought great used tires for 3-times less.

If you're lucky, you might just walk away with two tires for the price of one!

A Review

Allow me to review for you the Michael Buble concert.  It was wonderful.  Marvelous.  The kid can sing.  He was darling.  He's got some dance moves to go with that voice.  My sweet 16 daughter was my companion for the night and she was weak in the knees.  We sang and danced along with the music and definitely made it a night to remember.

A group called Naturally 7 opened up for Michael.  They were amazingly talented.  They sing acappella, but sound as if they are a band.  You hear drums, bass, violin, harmonica all as if they really were playing instruments.  Awesome.

So here is a list of tour dates for you if you'd like to see if this handsome crooner is coming to a town near you.  I don't know how you can go wrong with a good looking guy in a suit with a voice to swoon for.

Buble

Today I'm headed North to see a favorite singer of mine:  Michael Buble.  Tickets were a Christmas gift from my handsome hubby.  Here is a little something for you in case you are not fortunate enough to join me tonight.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Since Peter Cottontail is hopping down the bunny trail and Easter's on it's way. . .I'll share with you a cute note I got in the mail from my mother.

Things I've learned from the Easter Bunny:

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Walk softly and carry a big carrot!
Everyone needs a friend that is all ears.
There is no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Keep your paws off other people's jelly beans.
Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.
Some body parts should be floppy!