How the Grinch Stole Christmas

For the 12th year in a row, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" has been a San Diego tradition at the Old Globe Theater. Every year, I see the ads and think about going, but never seem to get there. This year, I was determined to make it happen and thought it would be a great Mother/Daughter day out. After coordinating our calendars, Lisa, Leslie and I found a date that worked for all of us. The girls got ready this morning knowing we were going to a play, but not sure which one. We loaded up the two cars on a very cold, rainy afternoon and made our way to Balboa Park. We had to park at the zoo (museums are a busy place on a rainy day), but the girls enjoyed walking and posing on El Prado.

Once at the Old Globe, the first thing you see is the Whoville Christmas tree. So magical! It was a great photo spot:

Allison, Taylor, Emily, Lauren, Reanna and Felicia

The play was fantastic! The costumes, music and set decorations made you feel like you were in a winter wonderland. Cindy Lou Who was adorable and the Grinch was perfect. The girls and Moms all loved it! Then it was off to the Gaslamp Quarter for a fun dinner at Buca Di Beppo, a great family-style Italian restaurant.

The girls all loaded up on cheesy garlic bread, salad, spaghetti and meatballs and a delicious gelato for dessert. Lisa, Leslie and I split the Gnocchi and a shrimp pasta dish. Yummy! When we walked out of the restaurant, we were met with a downpour. Leslie and I offered to go get the cars, but the kids were so excited to walk in the rain. So off we went....

They all made fun of my ladybug umbrella.

Lisa and I had a very nice, peaceful ride home while Leslie chauffeured all of the girls.
When we got back to Temecula, Lauren serenaded us with her version of Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies". Her version was all about pasta. That kid is too much!

Check!

At the beginning of this Thanksgiving break, I made a "To Do" list that seemed impossible to complete. But knowing that December will be crazy with soccer tournaments and two parties being held here in the same weekend, I knew I needed to make the most of this week. I enlisted the help of my two darling daughters and very handy husband and at week's end, most of the items are checked off the list!

Item #1- Purchase and wrap Christmas presents. Check! (still waiting for some to arrive from Amazon.com, but I will wrap those as they come in.
Item #2- Put up Christmas decorations. Check!
Item #3- Bake cookies. Check!

Snickerdoodles

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Item #4- Hang Christmas lights. Check!

Somehow he got sidetracked and started tree-trimming too

Matt even did the 2nd story this year!

Item #5- Put up and decorate Christmas tree. Check!

Item #6- Take Christmas picture and order cards. Ok, I can't quite check that off yet. We are supposed to take it this morning at Temecula Creek Inn, but we woke up to rain. I'm looking for a Plan B, but 5 out of 6 isn't bad! Bring on December. I feel ready for it now!

I'm Happy to Report...

The girls are doing very well in school! I had both of their conferences this week and was very pleased and proud. Allison got 5's (92% or higher) in Word Knowledge, Math, Science and Social Studies and 4's (82% or higher) in Comprehension and Writing. Mrs. Falciano said Allison was proficient in all areas and just needs a little "fine tuning" with fluency. She praised her great participation and said she works very hard in class. Great job Allison! Keep up the great work!

Taylor continues to amaze me. She got 5's in all areas and I think her lowest grade was a 95.6% in reading. Unbelievable! Mrs. Atkinson praised Taylor for being a leader, great helper and fabulous student. In 4th and 5th grade, the students get recognized for making Honor Roll at Friday Flag Salute. Taylor was called up for making Honor Roll...
and then took a big step forward for getting all 5's.

Quite an accomplishment! Way to go Taylor!

New Moon Mania

The girls have been counting down this day for months! We had so much fun at the Twilight midnight showing last November so we knew we had to do it again for the New Moon release. Wendy purchased the tickets months ago and I marked the calendar. I am not quite as "crazy" as Wendy and Chessa are about these movies, but I must say I was looking forward to it after the quick refresher that Wendy gave me! It had been a while since I read the books. Chessa, Leslie and Wendy waiting in line

We picked up Chipotle on the way to the theater and got in line around 6:30. New Moon sold out in all 15 theaters which meant 3000 people waiting in line for the midnight show. Luckily, we got tickets to see Twilight at 9 so we were let in around 7:45. We found seats at the very top, unloaded our candy-filled purses and settled in for the 6 hours in our seats. I actually enjoyed Twilight more this time around and anxiously awaited New Moon.

At 12:03, the theater erupted with screaming fans as the movie began. I listened to Wendy cry as Edward left Bella and saw Chessa wipe away a few tears. I spent most of the time just trying to stay awake, but think I liked this movie even better than Twilight. I may even want to see it again (during the day next time). My head hit the pillow at 3am which made for a tough Friday. I have until June 10th to recover and then it is time for Eclipse!!!

Lightning Horses Team Party

Tonight we said goodbye to the Lightning Horses at our Shakey's Pizza team party. Allison had a great season scoring lots of goals and playing 1/2 of each game as goalie. She was a real leader and will do very well in U10 next fall. Marley, Reanna and Allison

Taylor got some nice cuddle time with Denton.

Allison hit the jackpot in the arcade!

Coach Debbie presented Allison with this trophy and thanked her for all of her effort.

More Birthday Fun

Lauren and Reanna spent the night for Taylor's actual birthday. We made delicious Cinnamon Burst french toast and the girls played most of the morning. Hank and Leslie joined us in the afternoon for lunch and some football. Taylor asked me to make meatball sandwiches for her birthday dinner and they were delicious. She opened some more presents ( a sleeping bag, soccer ball, manicure& pedicure gift card from us and some clothes from Gigi).

Then it was time for chocolate chip ice cream cake !

10 Years Ago Today

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful 10 year old I know. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful daughter who is kind-hearted, eager to please, self-motivated and smart. You are a fabulous friend and a talented soccer player. We have loved watching your sense of adventure as you explore the ocean and push yourself to try new things (rollercoasters, for example). We admire your attention to detail, your sensitivity and your willingness to volunteer to help others. You have been awarded for being a very creative writer and amateur photographer and also proven to be a tough opponent on the tennis court. We love you for all of these things and for just being you! Have a fantabulous 10th Birthday! We hope it is the best year yet!

One Game Short

Wow, what a week! Our team played in the 1st playoff game Monday and won 4-1 against the Mustangs. Taylor scored once and the team played very well. We were so excited to move to the semi-finals. On Tuesday night, we matched up against the Pink Diamonds and won 4-0. 2 more goals were scored by Taylor and the team was jumping at the chance to play in the Championship game. We soon found out we would be matched against the Bandits, a team we had beaten in the regular season 2-0, but a team that had very few goals scored against them.

Tonight was the night! So many family and friends came out to support our girls. The sidelines were roaring, the wind was blowing and our girls were fired up. We scored first, giving us the lead going into the half. Coach Charlie pumped them up at half and told them to give it all they had in the remainig 24 minutes. We were just hoping to hold them from scoring and the game would be ours. Unfortunately, the Bandits wanted it bad and it showed. We gave up 2 goals in the 3rd quarter and despite many desperate attempts by our Angels, we were unable to get another goal. Final score, 2-1 Bandits. We finished one game short of the championship, but quickly came together to support the team. A TVSA representative presented Coach Charlie with our trophies.
Charlie thanked all of the girls for their effort and told them they had so much to be proud of.

We gave each girl a glass of sparkling cider for a little toast.

Cheers to a wonderful season!

Thank you to all of our friends for coming out on a very chilly night to support us.

Taylor, we couldn't be prouder!!! Show us what you've got in Commissioner's Cup and All-Stars! We can't wait!