A Fortuitous Find

It happened one evening that we were shopping at the local Goodwill store. We had not set out to go. We were just driving by and said, "Let's stop in and see what they have."

While I was looking at some skirts, Abby wandered off because a little suitcase caught her eye. While she was over by the suitcase, she came upon a Cinderella doll.

"Oh, Mommy! She's beautiful! May I please have her?"

How could I say no?

Later, I found a Cinderella nightgown. It was a little big for her and had a small tear in it, but it was love at first sight as well.


The outfit was made complete with a crown and some Cinderella earrings - and a stunning pose!
It was a beneficial trip all the way around: Billy got a couple of shirts and I found two skirts and some pajama pants. And Abby used her new suitcase for our trip to Grandmother's house. Oh, Happy Day!

Bordom Is Looking At A Blog That Hasn't Changed In Over A Month

Or so I've been informed...

So, obviously, me and my pals had a great time this past month in Paris. We saw the sights, took in a couple shows, went shopping and sipped coffee at the local cafe. What fun! But all good things must come to an end.

Oh, I jest. It would have been fabulous to have that excuse for taking a month off blogging. But it was not that exciting around here.

So a little update for my 3 faithful readers... a list of sorts. In no particular order:

1. I missed doing a birthday post for my honey. Sorry dear! He is a wonderful man and I am blessed to be his wife. If you want to see last year's birthday post read this. Apparently, last year I was only a little more verbose on the subject.

2. Abby started Mini Movers again. It's a little gymnastics class at the local Rec Center for ages 3-5. She's doing well, but I can tell that tumbling is not her first love. She is quite anxious to take a dance class. That will have to wait for the summer because she was a little too young to start last fall.

3. I have been "running" again... inside, at the Rec where the air is above freezing. I've gone 2 or 3 times a week for a month or so. I'm not logging major miles, just trying to get back into it. Billy got me a cool running watch for Christmas/birthday so it's fun to play with the timer or the stopwatch, etc. to see how fast I'm going (or not).

4. Abby and I took a little unexpected trip to visit "Grandmother" for the weekend. Billy was going to be visisting the auto show anyway, so we took the opportunity to skip town as well. It was fun to get away and catch up with some friends while we were there. Thank you, Aunt Linda for a little R & R (and a GF Chocolate cake!!).

5. Billy and I started taking a class on personal finances. We just can't get enough of this stuff! Some of our friends introduced us to Dave Ramsey (no, not personally) and his Total Money Makeover, and it was just the push we needed. We are planning to dump some debt this year!

6. Its been COLD here this month! And WINDY! It is making me long for spring time even more than usual. The temperatures, however, don't seem to faze (or freeze) Abby. She loves to wear her shorts and tank tops around the house. And she's changing clothes quite often these days. I'm glad she's gaining independence and can do more things herself, but I wish she would stick to more seasonal clothes.

7. We attended Abby's Parent Teacher Conference. They were well pleased with our little student. In fact, they said she is their little substitute teacher. See, I told you so!

8. Happy Chinese New Year - the year of the Rat. How nice. It looks much cuter as a Mouse.

9. That's all for now. I'll post pictures later in the week. Don't hold your breath!

10. Ten is such a nice round number.

11. Don't you love all my links? :)

What To Do When You're Bored And Have No TV Cable

... take a few silly personality quizzes. The site I went to had tons of different ones. Here are the results of the few I picked:

What City Should You Live In?
	You should live in Paris. The city of lights will appeal to your appreciation of beauty and romance. You are a lover and a poet by nature, and Paris' sensitive charms will be a perfect match for yours.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Which Friends Character Are You?
	You are part Monica. You have a go-all-out nature. Your friends better watch out, because you play to win. Also, when it comes to order and cleanliness, you're a bit obsessive compulsive. Your best trait, however, is your thoughtfulness. You go to great lengths to care for your friends.
	You are part Ross. You're intelligent and adored by your parents. However, your lack of social skills causes you to talk too much and try too hard. While your friends pick on you for your nerdiness, they better watch our for your rage.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Which Gilmore Girls Character Are You?
	You are Rory. You pride yourself on your moral fortitude. You are a bit of a prude and bookworm, but you have honesty and a quiet humor on your side.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

I guess Monica, Ross, Rory and I will be moving to Paris soon. Wanna come?

WW - Matching Day

Girl Time

This past weekend, my sister had some out-of-town guests in for a visit. This family has seven children and the youngest two are girls and one is Abby's age. I suggested that maybe the girls could come over to play with Abby for a little while.

The first half an hour or more was spent trying on various "dress-up" outfits and accessories. I think they each tried on three or more outfits. Then it was time for a tea party and playing with the dollhouse.

Abby was excited to have new girl friends. At one point, she ran into the room where her Daddy was working on the computer and said, "Daddy, I have some new friends!" She loves her (boy) cousins, but I'm sure it was nice to have someone understand her need for "Fancy!"

Yes, I realize Abby's not smiling in the picture, but being the Hostess takes concentration and hard work. And that spot on the black outfit is my camera's fault, not a laundry problem.

A Stranger In The Yard

Continuing from yesterday...

After Billy and Abby had been inside about an hour, we looked out the window and saw this:

Is he leaning over to hear the snow hit the ground?

I was amazed his hat was still on the snowman's head. He really did like it.

Then we let our dog outside. He is very protective of our yard and does not like strangers. At all. He started barking at once, but was skeptical of getting too close.

Cautious stance: Who is this intruder?

He jumped back several times, as if he sensed movement from the Snowman.

Leaning way in to get a better sniff.

Bark! Bark, bark! Bark!
That should have scared him away by now!

Funny thing is, the dog was outside the whole time Billy and Abby were building the snowman. Only when the Snowman started to lean did he become a threat.

The First Snowman

To start the New Year off right, we got a few inches of clean white snow. Abby and her Daddy went out to play and built a snowman, just her size.

It looks as if she is giving him acupuncture.

Maybe it was the acupuncture, maybe it was the face creator... or maybe it's just me. Is this a Chinese Snowman, or what?

I think I need to try that hat.

Looks good on me, too!
The snowman looks a little put out, don't you think?