A Conversation with Ruby

Ruby's first bike!

Ruby is officially a cyclist. I recently got her a 2-wheel bike from my coworker (thanks, Brent!) and a pretty princess helmet that she picked out herself. The bike is actually a Glider Rider - it doesn't have any pedals. These are all the rage in Europe - the kids apparently learn very quickly how to balance on it and can easily transition to a regular bike.

Right now, she's a whole lot more excited about her "dinger" (the matching princess bell that came with her helmet) than she is about riding the bike..... But she looks pretty cute regardless!

Tiny Dancer

Ruby has begun taking ballet classes with Texas Ballet Theater!  I've been a big supporter of TBT for a few years, offering to help whenever I can, not only because some of their staff and their dancers are my closest friends, but also because I believe in promoting the arts in our community!

To say that Ruby loves her ballet class is an understatement.  She now tip-toes through the house in her tutu and will gladly show you some of her latest moves (most of which involve running quickly in a circle).... Hey - the name of the class is "Creative Movement," so I wasn't anticipating an early admission to Juilliard at this point.  The smile on Ruby's face shows me that it is worth it.

Ruby seems to be quite well known up at the TBT Studios - the dancers recognize her and Ruby just basks in the attention.  I hope that Ruby grows to have the same appreciation and love of the arts that I do - it's amazing how much beauty is in our world if you take the time to notice it.

"Tiny Dancer.....you had a busy day today."

A "Yellow" 3rd Birthday

A few months ago, I asked Ruby what kind of birthday party that she wanted for her 3rd birthday.  Her reply was simply "Yellow."  I thought "Yellow?  Well, that's.....obscure....." 

After a few weeks of re-confirming that she did, in fact, want a yellow birthday party I did what any sane parent would do and I turned to Pinterest.  Obviously.  So, it turns out that color-themed birthday parties for toddlers is a thing (who knew), and I was able to find some cute ideas and inspirations. 

Ruby's birthday is December 22, but to avoid the Christmas hustle and bustle and other obligations we always have her party the second weekend of January.  January in Texas can be hit-or-miss.  Sometimes it's a frigid, miserable, windy, wet wasteland, and sometimes the heavens open and the angels sing and the weather is absolutely gorgeous.  The weekend of Ruby's party, the angels were singing.  It was about 65 degrees, sunny, and wonderful.

I ordered a custom party package from a great company that I found on Etsy, called Anders Ruff.  They designed the invitations, all of the paper decorations including the bunting banner, and the thank-you cards.  It was so fun to have the custom designs and decorations!

She wanted Yellow, so I gave her Yellow! 

All of the food was yellow - we had curried chicken salad, mac-n-cheese "cupcakes", fiesta corn dip, yellow cupcakes, yellow sugar cookies, yellow candy, goldfish, and bananas.

Close up of the mac-n-cheese "cupcakes"

Feel free to judge me, but these are not homemade cupcakes.  Sure, I love a good homemade cupcake any day of the week, but if I have a choice I'll always pick these store-bought ones with whipped icing.  I could eat that icing by the bucket-full.  I only wish I was kidding.

In addition to the custom water bottles, we had lemonade and orange juice.

The party favors for the guests were Nana's homemade (yellow) meringue cookies.  Ruby helped to make them and they are some of her favorite cookies.

Some of the pretty birthday flowers.

Without realizing it, I even coordinated the outdoor landscaping to match the theme. 

When it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Ruby, she wanted us all to stand in a circle and hold hands while we sang.  And she sang to herself also.  Aaaaaadorable.

The birthday girl and her cupcake.  That hat is from her first birthday, but she was very insistent that she wanted to wear it for her third birthday as well. 
Her dress is from an adorable shop here in Fort Worth called Snug as a Bug.  If I have anything to do with it, Ruby will wear smocked dresses until she's in college.  I love these things.

Ruby had so many gifts that she had to enlist some assistance. 

Getting some good help from her friends Hazel and Frances.

The trampoline was a HUGE hit - the kids played outside in the back yard for most of the party.  I have a ton of pictures of the kids with their hair standing up like this - pretty darn cute if you ask me! 

This is Ruby and her sweet friend Isaac from church. 

I didn't realize until after all of the guests had left that in the craziness of the day, I hadn't even gotten a picture with the birthday girl.  So before Nana walked out the door, I had her snap this shot.  We're two very tired and very happy girls.

I can't say enough how blessed we are with such amazing friends and family.  I was absolutely overwhelmed with the number of people that were able to come and celebrate with us.  As a single mommy, sometimes things feel pretty isolated and lonely.  But then moments like this weekend come along when the outpouring of love and support reminds me that I don't always have to be superwoman - my friends will love me regardless.  I appreciate each and every one of you for helping to make my princess's day so special.  My face is still sore from smiling so hard all day.

And to Ruby - Happy Birthday sweet baby.  I love you more and more every minute.  I am continually amazed how each day you bless me in a new way.  I am so lucky to be your mommy.  I love you with all of my heart.

Watch out, HGTV

As many of you may know, Ruby asked Santa for a big-girl bed for Christmas.  Well, Santa delivered.  Not only that, but she got new bookshelves from Ikea, as well as a 32-inch LED LCD TV.  Lucky duck!

Here are the before pictures of her cluttered nursery.  It's organized chaos.  Don't judge, ok?

The Ikea instructions were very clear that if you assembled these alone, you would end up sad and confused.  If you had a partner, you would be happy and successful.  So (of course) I decided to do this all by myself, while drinking a glass of wine.  This should go well, right???

Aaaaaand the glorious AFTER picture!

Watch out, HGTV.  I'm coming for ya!  She loooooves it, by the way.

You'd better not pout...

Things have been a bit hectic this month with Christmas right around the corner!  Ruby has absolutely been loving all of the Christmas decorations, the music, the cookies, and her Elf on the Shelf.  If she's not carrying around her Baby Jesus from the nativity, singing Frosty the Snowman, or helping someone bake cookies, then she's snuggled up with visions of sugarplums dancing in her head. 

She wakes up in the morning and immediately wants to go find "Chaaaaaahlie" her elf.  You pronounce the elf's name like Audrey Hepburn says "Dahling" (*side note - whoever invented the Elf on the Shelf is brilliant.  I want to give them a big Christmas Kiss).  And, since she knows that Chaaaaahlie visits Santa every night with a behavior report, and she also remembers that Santa sees you when you're sleeping and he knows when you're awake, she has been on her BEST behavior.  I'm tempted to keep Chaaaaaahlie around all year long.  But in the mean time, I thought I would write a letter to Santa on Ruby's behalf.

Dearest Santa,

I hope that you and the Mrs. are doing well.  Ruby is very excited for your visit this Christmas.  I thought that I would fill you in a bit on how she has been doing this year.

Ruby is extraordinarily smart.  I know, I'm her mom so that's something that I should think about my kid anyway.  But honestly, it's kind of baffling.  You can read her a book twice and she will recite it, word for word, back to you.  She can put together complicated puzzles easily and quickly.  And she can say various words and phrases in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese.  Half of the time I don't know what she's saying..... I need a translator app for my daughter (and an iPad for me while you're at it)!

She is really tall - the girl has almost outgrown most of her 4T clothes already.  Her hair is stunning - people stop us when we're out in public and comment on her hair all the time.  When it's wet, it goes 3/4 the way down her back.  :)  She loves bows, dressing up in her princess dresses, wearing her cowgirl boots and cowgirl hat, and wearing her raincoat.  Not all at once, obviously.

Most importantly, Ruby is the most kind and loving kid that I've ever seen.  She has the sweetest heart and is always ready with a smile and a big hug.  If she can tell that I am upset or stressed, she'll tell me "It's ok, mommy.  I love you."  And then everything is magically ok.  She is the biggest blessing to me and my family.  She truly is a very well-behaved little girl - she likes to follow the rules and she loves to make other people happy or proud of her.  Don't ever tell Ruby that she can't do something, or she's doing it incorrectly, or really to just offer her help in general.  She's incredibly independent and will spend hours trying to prove you wrong.  I have no idea where she gets that characteristic....

Ruby turns 3-years old tomorrow.  She wants a big-girl bed for Christmas so badly.  She has been asking for one for a while, and really has her heart set on one.  I'm fully confident that you'll come through on this one, Big Guy.

We're looking forward to your visit on Christmas Eve.  Ruby isn't sure if your reindeer prefer carrots or glitter, so if you could let us know what to put out for them that would be great.

Fa la la la la,
Jaedeanne




Shop Amazon Toys - Up to 60 Off

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so very much for which to be thankful this year.  That little girl in the picture above - well, I count her twice.

I am so thankful for the many blessings in our lives.  I am thankful for my amazing family, without them I wouldn't be the person that I am today.  I am thankful for my wonderful friends - each of them continues to be such a bright spot in my life and brings a smile to my face even when I sometimes don't feel like smiling.

I am thankful for my great job where I am continually learning and getting the opportunity to help to make the world a better place for some people.  I am thankful for my home and my health and my comfort.

I am also thankful for the difficult times and trials that I've been through in my life.  They were tough and terrible at the time, but they were a great time of growth, development, perspective, and humility.

I am thankful for God's grace, mercy, sovereignty, and faithfulness.  Very thankful for that.

I hope that y'all have a fantastic Thanksgiving too, and that you're able to count your many blessings.

Psalm 107:1

Hey Nana, you're kind of awesome.

So, it's a well-known fact that my mom is probably the most amazing woman that has ever walked this planet.  Seriously, she's pretty awesome. 

I wrote something about her awesomeness, and IT GOT PUBLISHED, Y'ALL!!!! 

So, go check it out.  I'm super proud of her - and frankly, I'm a little proud of myself too. 

http://www.curvygirlguide.com/parenting/nana-knows-best-co-parenting-with-the-grandparents/

Happy Halloween!

Ruby had so much fun at the Morris's Annual Pumpkin Party!

My little angel

Follow the Yellow Brick Road....

Fun times at a Trunk or Treat in Aledo!

Sugar rush commencing......

Ready to hit the road for more candy!

The most beautiful Dorothy ever!

No Dorothy would be complete without her Toto! (Actually her name is YoYo, but she answered to both).

Strength and Dignity

I need this today.  Strength and Dignity.