Ruthie's birthday party at school

Ruthie celebrated her birthday today at school since she will not be at school the day of her birthday. What a huge hit. Of couse she wanted a "Little Miss Sunshine" theme. She wore her shirt and insisted on these smiley face cookies she saw at the bakery. Too funny!

Lulu and I got to go to school and share in her special day!

You get to wear the birthday hat and hold the birthday bear while everyone sings during music.

Hot Rod Ruthie

Seriously, this kid has not gotten the memo that she is only 3. Granted she will be 4 soon, but she has been crazy like this on the scooter forever. And I honestly think that is how she learned to ride her bike without training wheels last summer when she was 3 and a couple months!

I had to take video because I sear no one would belive me. She is constantly trying new "tricks".

Presents

The girls got a package in the mail from Vicki and Tony (our dear family friends in Jersey) for their birthday. We met Vicki and Tony years ago and for all you camp people they are a camp family. Camp lasts forever! They are too good to the girls. They sent them tons of crafty stuff and a motorcycle for Ruthie. Ruthie can't wait to go for a ride on Tony's motorcycle. (When she is 35) But I am hoping Tony will take me to Sturgis this year! (hint, hint)

They had so much fun with their crafts and watch out in the mail for some fun things coming your way!

Nap Time.

I could just eat these two up!

Yeah, sometimes you need to just have a naptime in the middle of the day. And if Simon asks....

I spent the afternoon cleaning.

I so did not fall asleep on the chair/ottoman and woke myself up snoring, just in time to take the picture.

Snow Seriously - Enough already!

Taken, just the other day. Come on already!

Columbus Visit

The girls and I went to Columbus last week to visit my sister Katie, her husband Tim and their new baby (7 weeks old) Harper Leslie. From here on out we will refer to him as Pingu. That is the name that Ruthie named him as soon as Katie told us she was pregnant. She said.... "You will have a boy and you will name him Pingu" Well 1 out of 2 is not bad.

As usual..Ruthie was a baby monger. Wanted to hold him every minute of every day. Couldn't get enough of him. Lulu would not have anything to do with holding him. Loved playing with her Annie (her Bitty Baby) and putting Annie in all of the baby stuff, swing bouncy seat, etc.

We had so much fun also visiting with my old co-workers from the good old days. It used to be Planks, and BW3's and now it is pizza playdates and home by 8:30. My how times have changed.

I also got in some much needed retail therapy at my favorite little stores in my favorite old neighborhood. And I was managing along just fine until Ruthie asked if we ever had to leave Columbus? And why did we have to go back to Michigan? Um... It is called Employment and your father talk to him!

In fairness to Michigan I would like to stick up for it by highlighting some things I noticed while on my trip....
1. There is less traffic in our small town. (Columbus is the 14 largest US city. According to Simon) i should really look that up, but I have alot of posts to get through.
2. I would be 50 pounds heavier than I am now if I lived in Columbus due to the fabulous restaurants, ice cream stores and fun bar/pubs.
3. There are much better shops there and I would be broke or be mad that I didn't have the money to shop so that is good.
4. Believe it or not, I would really miss my simple life that I have here. And my good friends that I have made.
5. I really like my church here, and I didn't like my church in Columbus.... Granted, I bet I could find one I did like, 14 largest, but let's not dwell on that.
6. Simon loves what he does, and his job is here. Simon's happiness = my happiness.

I plan on making that trip alot more. It was not a bad 4 hour drive. (2.5 Disney video's) and I need to take advantage of the freedom to get out and go while I am not entirely tied down. The girls really did have an awesome time!

Ruthie and her love of babies

Ruthie loves all babies. If you haven't seen this post click HERE. This was my best friend Kelly's baby and this is where I believe Ruthie's infatuation started. You will have to scroll to the bottom of that post for the video.

Ruthie couldn't get enough of Pingu. had to take some video as well. This is them, just hanging out on the couch.

Ruthie and Pingu.

Then, as I said before, Lulu wouldn't have anything to do with holding Pingu. Until one day. He is screaming like someone is trying to cut off his leg and Lulu announces.... "I WANT TO HOLD PINGU RIGHT NOW" So typical Lulu. Look at her face and look at Pingu. Too funny.

They also got to give Pingu a bath. Definately a big hit.

Also, saw the Easter Bunny. There was no way Lulu would get in the picture. We did however get a group shot with my sister, pingu, the girls and me. But of course, it is the mall purchased one.

And last but certainly not least. I made it in to a picture for a change. On the carousel at the zoo in Columbus.

Such a crazy week!

Simon was in Arizona for work, so the girls and I hit the road to see their new cousin in Columbus.

I have killed my computer again, so I can't upload photos. But I will leave you with this funny story.

The girls had so much fun babies, babies, and babies all week. Katie's baby and then 2 of her friends are pregnant.

At dinner tonight, Lulu says.... "I have a baby in my belly! Look (she juts out her belly)" Then she makes a jerk and holds her hand out and says.............. "Look her it is it just hatched"

If only it was that easy. I don't know about having that talk with a 2 year old, so we are going with the hatching option. I am too exhausted to open that can of worms.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

St. Patrick's Day makes me homesick. But the smile on the girls faces brightens my day.

T-Shirts courtesy of my sister Regan, who is a freshman at Notre Dame!

Reason why Simon can't park his car in the garage in the summer....

Enjoying some great weather.

We had a great weekend! As usual...Friday is Bisson Family Fun Night. We feel it is EXTREMELY important to have a family togetherness night that is a ritual. SO, the girls get to decide what they want to do. This week it was Pizza for dinner, swimming at the Y, and then followed up with a family movie night all cuddled up together.

Check out Ruthie's new shirt.... I am trying to get her into a shirt other than Little Miss Sunshine. She just told me that she wants a Little Miss Sunshine cake for her birthday....That or Lightning McQueen.

Shirt says: Miss Molly's Donuts

Drive on into spring!

Toy Box

While taking pics of the big girl bed... I realized that I have never spotlighted the Toy Box that Lulu got for her 1st Birthday from her godmother Bridget. Lulu's godmother Bridget is a long time family friend, Bridget and I were raised almost like cousin's.

Bridget is like a fairy godmother. The girls love her, she is one of their favorite's. She usually comes to visit several times a year. And who really chooses to come to visit Michigan? She comes along on our family beach vacation in the summer and is just a totally awesome person.

When Simon saw the toy box he started crying. It is amazing. Such an awesome gift. So thoughtful, and creative and something she will have forever!

**************Yes, Lulu's name is Lucy Martin Bisson. Simon chose the first name, I chose the middle. We switched, Ruthie I chose the first name he chose the middle... Ruth Catherine Bisson. Lucy, cuz he loved it.. Martin after my brother who I adore.

We never actually intended to call her LULU, not in a million years. Although, Ruthie started calling her Lulu and it totally stuck. When we tried to correct Ruthie and make her say Lucy.... It came out as HUSSY...... So clearly....Lulu is the lesser of 2 evils.....

Lulu it is.... For music class, for gymnastics. I even signed her up for Pre-school as Lulu. She refused to answer to Lucy. So Lulu it is....................

WELL LULU OR DUDE...... YOU DECIDE!!!!!

Big Girl Bed

Lulu fights EVERYTHING that has to do with her being a big girl. She is still wanting her Paci, won't pee on the potty and insists on a crib. I am not buying this "I am going to still be a baby". She is going to be 3 in a few weeks.

So, we went to the store together to get a mattress for her big girl bed. I left it in the garage and when Simon got home he decided tonight was the night. We put her bed together and I said that we might need to leave her bed up and then gradually move her into her big girl bed. Simon's response...... "Are you going to baby, the baby" Real rich coming from Simon......

Mr... "Daddy it is 2 in the afternoon and I want my paci, ok Lulu, anything you want Lulu." real rich coming from you.

She was totally into it! She loved it. We then put her to bed.... She was fine and then she started calling me and Simon. I went upstairs and she was hiding in the corner behind her rocking chair. Great, just great. She will be out of her Big Girl bed and driving the car around the neighborhood just because, tonight!

Simon went to check on her just now and he stopped on the walkway upstairs and yelled to me with the biggest smile.... She is sleeping under her covers like a real big girl.

All I can think..... FOR NOW!!!!!!!!

Box

Bought Lulu a new car seat the other day.......

Looks like I may not need to buy any birthday presents. This box was more fun!

A story to make Debi proud......Or any camp person proud!

This morning while talking to Ruthie about getting dressed for school.........

Ruthie: "Mommy, maybe I can go to bed at night with my school clothes on then I won't have to get changed in the morning!"

Man, I like the way that girl thinks...

I totally knew my "sleeping in my clothes" would take the world by storm one day. I couldn't be any more proud.


****For the "non" camp readers.... Back in the day, I was the QUEEN of sleeping in my clothes. I due to laziness, thoughtfulness, resourcefulnees, etc. (you fill in the blanks as to what I could have been up to...) I would sleep in my clothes, that way when the flagpole bell would ring....I would only need to roll out of bed, attend flagpole, go back to my cabin, take a shower and still make it to breakfast. That extra time that sleeping in my clothes alotted was PRICELESS!!!!!!! Seeing as I was at camp for 7 years, all that saved time has really made a huge contribution to my overall happiness.


****Another reminder for the "non" camp readers...... I worked at camp from the time I was 19 to the time I was 26. Clearly, beyond the time of sleeping in one's clothes. Again, I am so proud this way of thinking is taking the world by storm!

Bowling

Following a glorious day on Friday, this weekend was a monsoon. It never stopped raining and it rained hard. We had a fabulous weekend as a family. On Saturday we took the girls for their 3 and 4 year pics. (to be revealed soon) We went to lunch and did some exploring around Lansing.

Sunday I got to enjoy church by myself while Simon cleaned the house with the girls. Then, when I got home we took the girls bowling. Ruthie loves to go bowling but really only has the stamina for 1 game. She is totally awesome at bowling. Granted she had the bumpers but she got a 93! Seriously a 93 with NO help from us. She always amazes me with her physical ability.

Lulu needed some help from Daddy but still did great with her first bowling experience. It wasn't until we were in the 8th frame that the guy asked if we wanted a ramp to help with their bowling. (Thanks, a little late, but thanks).

This is such a fun time as a family. The girls really like exploring new cities and trying new things, and we don't feel so tied down to naps and schedules. - We have been trying to phase out Lulu's nap lately. She usually can't function without a 2-3 hour nap every afternoon in her bed, but we are testing it out with no nap and while she has a grumpy period, we fight through it, then she collapses at about 7:30 for a solid 12 hour sleep.

Go Team!

Outdoor playing

Living in Michigan, where there is crazy weather we take EVERY opportunity when the weather is nice to go outside and enjoy it.

Lulu has completed her medicine regime for her Pnemonia. She seems to be about 85% better. I still feel like she needs to get a good deep breath, and I am really thinking I am going to call the doctor this morning just to check her lung function. But that is a different story.

We had a couple of days last week where we were able to get outside and enjoy ourselves. And I had EVERY window in the house open trying to air out all these bad germs. The girls were ecstatic to get outside and run around.

Sunbathing and taking in the glorious sun.

I was ecstatic for the start of Outdoor drinking weather! I cracked open a beer in the glorious 65* weather on Friday just because I needed to celebrate the start of a fabulous season!

Simon loves the American cheese!

Simon loves being an American (well, american for 13 years). He loves the picket fences, he loves to mow the lawn..... in cut off t-shirts that scare the neighbors, he loves babecues and lazy days, Team Bisson t-shirts, etc. So I was totally not surprised when he caught sight of one of these family bumper stickers and insisted he gets one. I blew it off for a while but he really started bugging me and even swore that he would get one himself (I was not going to leave that to him!) So I got one for him for Christmas, put it in his stocking. I really thought he would realize they were cheesy....... Well, he insisted it be put on the car. So there it is, on MY car. I want to duck behind another car in the preschool pick up line. I am no longer that incognito silver mini-van. What would my friends think? But I must admit, everytime I see it, I am not going to lie.... Embarrassed, I smile and shake my head. He is so cheesy, but I love him.

What have I done?

**** TO clarify for my mother..... No we didn't go to the nail salon today. (I know, I have sick kids) They are now playing "pretend" nail salon since they have been to the nail salon and like it. ALOT, almost too much. And the purse, is because they know what you do at the nail salon, talk on your phone, wear your sunglasses, and read magazine! Seriously, look at the way Ruthie is smiling and has her pants rolled up. Scary, she is only 3 going on 16.

Well, Lulu has pnemonia. (I can't even go into it, because I am just up to my eyeballs with sick kids!) I am seriously considering moving to Florida. Simon could commute right?

So needless to say, we have been stuck in the house. We are getting a little cagey. The girls have been so good about playing and not killing each other.... Well, I have stopped the fighting before it got to that point. Thankfully.

Today they were playing by themselves in our bedroom and I was in the kitchen. All of a sudden I heard our bath running. I go in to see them in this picture. Their response........

"We are at the nail salon getting a pedicure!!!"

Ruthie got herself dressed today, hence the layered shirt with her 2nd favorite "Little Miss " shirt. She is the official president of Little Miss Sunshine's fanclub.

I ran to get the camera (naturally) and noticed the purse on the floor. All the essentials are there.... sunglasses, phone, and a hand held game in case you get bored. I guess the US Weekly didn't fit in that small purse.

Santa Claus

We are working with Ruthie (as always) Bad Action =Bad Consequence.

In this case, it was dinner and she had bad table manners and would not listen. We gave her a warning and said she will not get the brownies that she and Daddy made earlier ( I know right, he does the laundry, cleans, and makes brownies, ah the life). Well, she didn't shape up and we told her the brownies were not an option her reply.......

I DON'T LOVE YOU!!!!!

Our reply: That is ok. But it hurts our feelings.

She quickly followed that with: (on the top of her lungs!)

AND I DON'T LIKE SANTA CLAUS!!!!!

Why did she have to bring him into it?

SERIOUSLY

I can't take it anymore. Strep throat, bronchitis, traveling husband, stuck in the house. I can handle giving up Target but honestly, this internet thing is not going to work.

Isn't living far away from family and friends and being stuck in the house forever, Lent enough?