First a Pearl, then Three Rubies!!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

A Sassy Solution!

9:14 AM |

Well..... They say everyone does it once in their life... For Ainsley it was 30 minutes before we were leaving for her pre-school Christmas concert when she was 4. For Sienna it was Tuesday evening, when I had my eye off her for a few minutes... The tool she used... The scissors I gave her to quietly cut paper... Yes, it is true... Sienna, our future hair stylist, decided to add a few extra layers to "The Sienna Signature Doo"... When I saw the pile of black hair neatly on the floor I never guessed it was hers... I thought she had practiced her future career on our black dog... Well, I guess there is one blessing in it.. She did not decide to practice on her little sister... I am guessing she tried, but Ruby was smart enough to quickly vacate the scene!

So, Thursday morning we went off to the spa (hair salon.) Yes, I know anyone reading a parenting book out there, would say I rewarded her for her bad behavior... But, quite honestly I rewarded me for mine. (I will admit my reaction to this creative expression was not exactly full of grace.) Yes, she looks adorable now... But, all I could think of was her first Christmas concert Monday night, first Christmas Eve pictures, etc...... Perhaps a tad bit shallow on my part... I am just being honest... Since I know there are some of you out there who get me, and love me anyway, for this admission, I thank you! What is it about daughters and Mom's and hair? Why does it mean so much to us, (me?)

So here are a few pictures from Sienna's "Consequence" for making a bad choice.. And, my "Consequence" for giving her the scissors in the first place!. Note: ALL scissors are now in a zip lock bag on a very high shelf!! And, Sienna has learned the answer to these two questions, "Sienna who cuts your hair? Answer: "Brie does!" Thank you Brie for doing such a great job!!!! "And, Sienna... what are scissors used for?" Answer: "Cutting paper Mama!"

The damage was on the left side, and a nice chunk of bangs...

Doesn't she look miserable in this "Time-Out" situation...?

The wonderful Miss Brie and the SASSY new "Pixie-Doo"

The next punishment at the Salon... Lip Gloss

(P.S: That is not eye liner, nor did I do anything to photo shop these.

Her eyes and eyelashes are the real deal!)

Assessing her painless recovery in the mirror...

Well... Her Rubiness could not miss out on sharing this "Consequence" with her sister... She wanted short hair too... "Just like Sienna's" she told us... We agreed to sass it up in the back for her.. But, neither Brie or this Mama were ready to let go of her beautiful long bangs..

Yes.. sometimes taking one for the team has it's rewards...

Like... red lipgloss

And, a little pampering..

And, a cute photo for this Mom so she never forgets this day!

Labels: Haircut, Ruby, Sienna | 29 comments

Friday, December 10, 2010

Christmas Musical

6:34 AM |

The 4th Graders at Ainsley's School put on the Christmas Musical every year. This year they did, "It's a Wonderful Life." Not the traditional one that we usually see on TV this time of year. But, the real story that we know in the Bible, that the real gift of Christmas is Jesus!

The kids have worked very hard, and they did a beautiful job! Ainsley was the present in this show! She had a big solo at the end, and we are so proud of the way she performed during both performances. She has a gift that has been passed down from some other musicians in our family! We pray she always finds joy in singing and praising God!

The Christmas Tree, The Jingle Bell, and The Present

This footage is from dress rehearsal! No time to download last night.

But, trust me when I say she did her very best!

(You can mute the music on my blog at the bottom. Slider on the top right corner)

Ainsley's 4th Grade Class at CHA

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Miss LIZ and Aunt TINA!!!! We Love you!

Labels: Ainsley, Chapel Hill, Christmas 2010 | 13 comments

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wordless Wednesday!

12:01 AM |

Labels: as, Christmas 2010, Sienna | 9 comments

Saturday, December 4, 2010

The Sisters with Santa!

11:32 PM |

This will always be a special photo to me.. Sienna's first conversation with Santa Clause!

It was such a sweet family night... The girls have been excited to visit Santa. Especially, with Sienna this year! So, we made a night of it. We went to see Santa, and then we had dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant. For dessert we treated the girls to ice cream! When we got home we all snuggled on the couch in our pajamas to continue our "The Santa Clause" marathon. (Last night we watched I)!! It has been so fun to just enjoy the season together. It helps to get you in the mood when you wake up to 8" of fresh powder like we did today! I just wish there was a mountain near by!

As we expected, Sienna had absolutely no fear of meeting Santa. She was ready when he invited her over! Ruby, has always been a fan from a distance. She did manage to join her sisters for one photo, and she took advantage of the opportunity to tell him she would like a "Unicorn Pillow Pet" for Christmas! (Has anyone ever seen one?)

I love this last shot... Sienna paused to give Santa a hug when she left... He understood this was her first Christmas, and he made the whole visit very special! It is such a blessing to share Christmas this year with Sienna Grace! I think she is enjoying it so far!! Gingerbread Houses tomorrow!! Always a highlight for our family.

*Update - The Unicorn has been found!!! Thank you for all of your help!!

and a few texts and emails too!

Labels: Christmas 2010, Santa | 27 comments

Friday, December 3, 2010

Ruby Red...

10:50 AM |

A few days ago, Ruby asked me if I thought she was special.. I could have spent hours telling Ruby why she is so special. First and foremost she has a beautiful and special story of how God created her, and chose her to be in our family. She is special because of the joy she has in her heart and the way she expresses it. She is special for the way her smile lights up a room. She is special for gifts that God has given her. Ruby's beauty comes from within, and nothing is more special than that!

Yesterday, this special girl was helping me with something outside. Sienna slipped and fell on the driveway. It was Ruby that sprinted to her before I could, only to fall on the ice too.. Not a tear shed by Ruby.. Only concern in making sure her sister was "ok." You see, in Ruby's four short years she has learned to put others before her.

So, Ruby Mei, if you ever again wonder for even one second if you are special, the answer is yes... Like the beautiful precious stone that shares your name.. You are precious, magical, rare, and so incredible.

I love you Ruby Mei! And, not a day goes by where I do not give thanks for you!

Labels: Ruby Mei | 13 comments

Thursday, December 2, 2010

We are Jingle-ing Over Here!!

6:46 AM |

Well, December 13th is a much anticipated night at our house! The pre-school Christmas concert! I just smile thinking about it as I type! Of course this year will be Sienna's first Christmas concert! The girls have been busy practicing their songs!! And, their adorable finger play! There is a very good chance, Her Rubiness will be the loudest one! Stay tuned for that coverage soon!

In the meantime, Ainsley is preparing for a very special play on December 8th. At her school the K-4th graders do the Christmas play. And, the fourth graders are the stars of the show. Ainsley is the "present" in this show, and she will be singing two solos. We are so incredibly proud of her for trying out for this! Sienna and Ruby's pre-school is going to Chapel Hill for a field trip on Thursday to see this play. The girls are so excited to take the bus and of course to see their sister!!

So Christmas is in full swing here! Tonight we kick it off with Phillips Craig and Dean and Point of Grace! We can't wait! Gingerbread House annual on Sunday.. All these fun things to look forward to, and the winter weather to remind us it really IS December!

More holiday coverage soon! My goal tomorrow... Getting our Christmas cards addressed!

Labels: Christmas 2010, Sisters | 4 comments

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

{Black & White Wednesday} A Studio First For Me

12:01 AM |

A while ago a friend from Ainsley's school emailed me about a new Photography Studio that was opening here for amateur or professional photographers to rent. It was started by a friend of hers who, while not a professional photographer, wanted a place to take pictures of her children in the cold winter months. So, she got this great idea, and created this great concept. They offer a natural light studio, along with all of the accessories you would need to feel like a pro!

Recently, a friend of ours was diagnosed with cancer. She has battled with it all with such courage and grace while being pregnant with her second child. One month ago she delivered her healthy and beautiful baby boy. Melissa reached out to me to take pictures of her babies. So, immediately I called "UClick Studio's" to see if I could reserve time in their natural light studio. I booked it for two hours and called my pal Julie to see if I could take photos of her three year old miracle Maddie too for practice! Many of you here prayed for the miracle of Maddie when she was born with a severe heart defect. I thought it would be fun for you to see her now! So, that was my Monday afternoon. Three adorable kids, on a rainy/snowy day indoors, in a great studio, pretending to be a pro! I could totally get used to playing photographer in some cool studio loft one day! I have a long way to go in capturing a one month old.... Clearly an art for those who specialize in infant photography! I was also shooting with a new lens.. So, let's just say I learned a lot for next time!

Here are a few photos from my first studio shoot: