We recently put Shelby in a once-a-week tumbling class at her school! A gymnastic company comes to her school, sets up a room and the kids enjoy a 45 minute class. Here is my post first day interview with Shelby. When I picked her up from school she was BEAMING with excitement and could not wait to tell me all about it! You think she liked it?!
Friday, January 30, 2015
Tumbling
We recently put Shelby in a once-a-week tumbling class at her school! A gymnastic company comes to her school, sets up a room and the kids enjoy a 45 minute class. Here is my post first day interview with Shelby. When I picked her up from school she was BEAMING with excitement and could not wait to tell me all about it! You think she liked it?!
We recently put Shelby in a once-a-week tumbling class at her school! A gymnastic company comes to her school, sets up a room and the kids enjoy a 45 minute class. Here is my post first day interview with Shelby. When I picked her up from school she was BEAMING with excitement and could not wait to tell me all about it! You think she liked it?!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Quack
I very vividly remember going to the park to feed the ducks with my mom and brothers. I took Shelby once before and she wasn't that into it....but this time she LOVED it and the day could not have been more gorgeous! The larger Geese eventually waddled up to us and were actively trying to get fed, so I finally had to pick Shelby up. Those guys can get ornery. We had a great time. My pics are not the best - I was terrified Shelby would end up in the lake!
I very vividly remember going to the park to feed the ducks with my mom and brothers. I took Shelby once before and she wasn't that into it....but this time she LOVED it and the day could not have been more gorgeous! The larger Geese eventually waddled up to us and were actively trying to get fed, so I finally had to pick Shelby up. Those guys can get ornery. We had a great time. My pics are not the best - I was terrified Shelby would end up in the lake!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Disney on Ice
I took Shelby on a lovely "date" to Disney on ICE. Her favorite part (by far!!) was the routine that featured the cast of Toy Story. We got into the Disney spirit and wore minnie/mickey attire. I love these sweet moments with my daughter. When the music started, I think Shelby was almost frieghtned and I was almost overcome with emotion thinking that I have a daughter old enough to take in such a spectacle. I digress....love you Shelby Clare!
On our way!
I took Shelby on a lovely "date" to Disney on ICE. Her favorite part (by far!!) was the routine that featured the cast of Toy Story. We got into the Disney spirit and wore minnie/mickey attire. I love these sweet moments with my daughter. When the music started, I think Shelby was almost frieghtned and I was almost overcome with emotion thinking that I have a daughter old enough to take in such a spectacle. I digress....love you Shelby Clare!
On our way!
New Additions
No, no annoucnement of a baby on the way, but instead - we purchased some new additions for our home! A Roomba, a Ninja and a Kitchen!
Roomba! Cleaning the floors is without question, my least favorite chore around the house. As such, Jack does 80 percent of the floor cleaning....maybe more! When I found out IGT would be paying annual bonuses, I promised Jack that I would buy us a Roomba. If you're not familiar, it's basically a robot vacuum that auto-cleans floors while we're gone. Pretty much amazing! Seriously, as a working mom, can you think of anything better?!
Ninja! We have gone nearly a year without a blender. The motor on our previous one burnt out a while back, so this is a welcomed addition - the Ninja Blender. Salsa, shakes and more - here we come!
Kitchen!
We try not to make our house look like one big playroom, but I found this gem and had to pick it up. Shelby's imagination is growing like a wildfire, so I encourage anything that fuels that flame. It was $25, brand new. That is the same price as taking the family out to lunch. Needless to say, Shelby loves it!
No, no annoucnement of a baby on the way, but instead - we purchased some new additions for our home! A Roomba, a Ninja and a Kitchen!
Roomba! Cleaning the floors is without question, my least favorite chore around the house. As such, Jack does 80 percent of the floor cleaning....maybe more! When I found out IGT would be paying annual bonuses, I promised Jack that I would buy us a Roomba. If you're not familiar, it's basically a robot vacuum that auto-cleans floors while we're gone. Pretty much amazing! Seriously, as a working mom, can you think of anything better?!Ninja! We have gone nearly a year without a blender. The motor on our previous one burnt out a while back, so this is a welcomed addition - the Ninja Blender. Salsa, shakes and more - here we come!Kitchen!
We try not to make our house look like one big playroom, but I found this gem and had to pick it up. Shelby's imagination is growing like a wildfire, so I encourage anything that fuels that flame. It was $25, brand new. That is the same price as taking the family out to lunch. Needless to say, Shelby loves it!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
2015?
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was 2015 already. I believe I just blinked my eyes and a WHOLE YEAR flashed before my eyes. Holy smokes!
I don't know who to blame for the inexplicably fast calendar year - Shelby or my job. Hands down, 2014 flew by faster than ANY year in my life. Good, bad or otherwise. I have a feeling that 2015 will be much of the same!
2014 Highlights:
2014 Lowlights
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was 2015 already. I believe I just blinked my eyes and a WHOLE YEAR flashed before my eyes. Holy smokes!
I don't know who to blame for the inexplicably fast calendar year - Shelby or my job. Hands down, 2014 flew by faster than ANY year in my life. Good, bad or otherwise. I have a feeling that 2015 will be much of the same!
2014 Highlights:
- Family Trips!
- Lake Tahoe
- Maui, Hawaii
- Texas
- My big promotion at work
- Jack completing 15,000 sessions at 24 Hour Fitness
- Shelby is potty trained!
- We bought a new car
- Jack installed lovely hard wood floors
- Jack and I saw a Cowboys game at AT & T stadium and had a blast doing it!
- I went back to exercising (although I have been lagging in 2015!)
- Good fortune for good people!
- My brother Brent got engaged
- My friend Kristi had a baby
- Our friend Katie got engaged (and is getting married on the same day as my brother, doh!)
- My Brother Howard bought a house
- My Dad retired and traveled the world!
- Visitors! We have been fortunate to have lovely visits from family and friends this year including THREE visits from G'Ma and G'Pa and a visit from my mom to stay with Shelby while I traveled
- Pretty much anything Shelby did :)
2014 Lowlights
- Disappointments with my previous car (it would almost be paid off now!!)
- The departure of Jack's long-time friend and colleague at work (technically in 2015)
- Our good friend Jennifer Kennedy moving back to Texas (boo!!)
- My high school friend's son's battle with cancer
- Reno! Quite a few times....sometimes twice in a week!
- Lovely London
- San Diego
- Philadelphia
- Floors! That was a biggie that was $$$$ and took some time!
- Finished the decor in the dining room
- Jack build Shelby's art and crafts "imagination station"
Texas Tradition
Each year before the cousins exchange gifts, Anita passes out song books and we all sing Christmas carols. The books are comprehensive and made with care. This is a Schenk family tradition that dates back decades, as there are very old home videos of the same events of yesteryear. I know this moment in time holds a special place in Jack's heart. The whole program got a little long for Shelby, but she was definitely familiar with a few songs. Her favorite were...Santa Clause is Coming to Town, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Jingle Bells.
After the songs, we opened gifts. We do not exchange adult gifts, however Jack totally spoiled me (and surprised) with new Ugg boots!!! Those will come in handy (and cozy!) later this month in London! I LOVE the pic of Shelby with the kaleidoscope - it captures all that is wonderful about being a kid! Thanks G'Ma and G'Pa!
Each year before the cousins exchange gifts, Anita passes out song books and we all sing Christmas carols. The books are comprehensive and made with care. This is a Schenk family tradition that dates back decades, as there are very old home videos of the same events of yesteryear. I know this moment in time holds a special place in Jack's heart. The whole program got a little long for Shelby, but she was definitely familiar with a few songs. Her favorite were...Santa Clause is Coming to Town, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Jingle Bells.
After the songs, we opened gifts. We do not exchange adult gifts, however Jack totally spoiled me (and surprised) with new Ugg boots!!! Those will come in handy (and cozy!) later this month in London! I LOVE the pic of Shelby with the kaleidoscope - it captures all that is wonderful about being a kid! Thanks G'Ma and G'Pa!
Cousins
Shelby will always have an interesting cousin experience.....on Jack's side she is almost the youngest and on my side, she will almost be the oldest. Her cousin Davvy is about 5 months younger than Shelby. It was terrific to stay with Ellette so they could share toys and play together....we tried the group bath but that did not go over so well. Everyone needs their space though - I cannot blame either of them. Here are a couple photos of the cuties together!
Shelby will always have an interesting cousin experience.....on Jack's side she is almost the youngest and on my side, she will almost be the oldest. Her cousin Davvy is about 5 months younger than Shelby. It was terrific to stay with Ellette so they could share toys and play together....we tried the group bath but that did not go over so well. Everyone needs their space though - I cannot blame either of them. Here are a couple photos of the cuties together!
Christmas Morning
We spent Christmas morning in Texas at Ellette and Adam's house. Ellette was kind enough to buy our family stockings a couple of years ago so Santa can always find us on his big day. Santa brought the three of us stockings full of goodies AND a lovely Elsa (from Frozen) dress for Shelby. Santa is NOT big into the "princess thing," but I figured they are only little once, right?
Hands down, Shelby's favorite stocking stuffer was a box full of Hello Kitty Band-aids...followed by "chocolate candies" and chap stick made third runner up!
We spent Christmas morning in Texas at Ellette and Adam's house. Ellette was kind enough to buy our family stockings a couple of years ago so Santa can always find us on his big day. Santa brought the three of us stockings full of goodies AND a lovely Elsa (from Frozen) dress for Shelby. Santa is NOT big into the "princess thing," but I figured they are only little once, right?
Hands down, Shelby's favorite stocking stuffer was a box full of Hello Kitty Band-aids...followed by "chocolate candies" and chap stick made third runner up!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
A Little Schenk Christmas
Our family exchanged gifts the weekend before we left for Texas. We enjoyed a cinnamon roll breakfast and then opened our family gifts all together. It is near impossible to do it after work during the week, and it was far too much to bring on the plane. It was a lovely morning. Of course, the camera found Shelby, but both Jack and I were spoiled with some very nice gifts from one another.
Shelby got a Dr. McStuffins coat, a Curious George and some clothes. I got some lovely shoes for work and some perfume (and later some more boots!). Jack got some work shoes and a new fleece! I am also buying the family a new vacuum in the next week or so.
Our family exchanged gifts the weekend before we left for Texas. We enjoyed a cinnamon roll breakfast and then opened our family gifts all together. It is near impossible to do it after work during the week, and it was far too much to bring on the plane. It was a lovely morning. Of course, the camera found Shelby, but both Jack and I were spoiled with some very nice gifts from one another.
Shelby got a Dr. McStuffins coat, a Curious George and some clothes. I got some lovely shoes for work and some perfume (and later some more boots!). Jack got some work shoes and a new fleece! I am also buying the family a new vacuum in the next week or so.
Santa Encounter
Shelby knew she made the 'nice' list a few weeks before Christmas. Our friends hosted a holiday brunch the first week of December. Unlike a usual breakfast buffet, this one included Santa! Each kid received a wrapped gift from Santa and had an opportunity to sit on Santa's lap. Shelby got a Vacuum and stayed consistent by requesting chocolate candies from the big man :)
Shelby knew she made the 'nice' list a few weeks before Christmas. Our friends hosted a holiday brunch the first week of December. Unlike a usual breakfast buffet, this one included Santa! Each kid received a wrapped gift from Santa and had an opportunity to sit on Santa's lap. Shelby got a Vacuum and stayed consistent by requesting chocolate candies from the big man :)
Girls' Day
One Sunday afternoon, Jack committed to helping his friend with some projects around his house, so I knew it was going to be just Shelby and I for the day. We. Had. A. Blast! It was the kind of day you dream of when you're first told "it's a girl!" First stop - Starbucks. I grabbed a coffee, she had a cake pop and we looked out the window and told stories.
Next stop - nail salon. I really needed a pedicure and I thought Shelby might finally be at the age where she would sit still long enough to get her toes painted. Success! She had a great time, and I got a pedi taken care of before we left for Texas.
Up next - the park! Several months ago, several recreational venues opened up in our neighborhood, including "the new park." There is not a day that goes by that Shelby does not beg to go to the park. She has no fear and loves it all....slides, swings, tunnels - you name it.
Time for gingerbread houses! We won a gingerbread house making kit and thought we would put it to good use. I am pretty sure about as much candy went in her mouth, as on the house, but it was a lovely experience and she was so proud of her final product.
From there - bubbles. No, not champagne - a bubble bath! We took a bath together in my big, giant tub together and had a ball. She loved to put bubbles all over my face. Sorry folks, no photos.
Final stop - bed time viewing of the movie Frozen. We took our bath a little earlier than normal, so I knew I would need to allow some time for Shelby to wind down. We watched Frozen in my bed for about 40 minutes. Naturally, Shelby asked questions about EVERY single aspect of the movie, but that is part of the charm.
A memorable mommy-Shelby day for sure!
One Sunday afternoon, Jack committed to helping his friend with some projects around his house, so I knew it was going to be just Shelby and I for the day. We. Had. A. Blast! It was the kind of day you dream of when you're first told "it's a girl!" First stop - Starbucks. I grabbed a coffee, she had a cake pop and we looked out the window and told stories.
Next stop - nail salon. I really needed a pedicure and I thought Shelby might finally be at the age where she would sit still long enough to get her toes painted. Success! She had a great time, and I got a pedi taken care of before we left for Texas.
Up next - the park! Several months ago, several recreational venues opened up in our neighborhood, including "the new park." There is not a day that goes by that Shelby does not beg to go to the park. She has no fear and loves it all....slides, swings, tunnels - you name it.
Time for gingerbread houses! We won a gingerbread house making kit and thought we would put it to good use. I am pretty sure about as much candy went in her mouth, as on the house, but it was a lovely experience and she was so proud of her final product.
From there - bubbles. No, not champagne - a bubble bath! We took a bath together in my big, giant tub together and had a ball. She loved to put bubbles all over my face. Sorry folks, no photos.
Final stop - bed time viewing of the movie Frozen. We took our bath a little earlier than normal, so I knew I would need to allow some time for Shelby to wind down. We watched Frozen in my bed for about 40 minutes. Naturally, Shelby asked questions about EVERY single aspect of the movie, but that is part of the charm.
A memorable mommy-Shelby day for sure!
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