Here Comes Santa Claus & fear for Rachel

We made a trip to the Square in Clinton to visit the big jolly guy. Both of the girls were super excited. I was really hoping this year's visit would go better than last year.

Last year, Rachel was not a fan of Santa in person. She sorta screamed her head off, and was reaching & grabbing for me. Yep, she was "that kid". I can't say I blame her though. It has to be frightening for a 2 year-old to be thrust onto a person's lap who they don't know. And then have your parents just walk back a ways to take your picture. She's young. She just doesn't get it.

Olivia, on the other hand, totally gets it. And she was so excited.

While we waited, Rachel played in the snow & gave me her best smile. And she was cracking me up! She kept yelling, "Santa in da house!" I recorded her saying it on my phone so I could play it for Jarrett. We were both rolling. That girl is crazy!

When it was our turn, Olivia didn't waste anytime. She immediately told Santa she wanted a puppy. I was out of her line of sight & gave Santa the high sign that he should steer her another direction. And he didn't disappoint...I love Santa. He promptly said, "How about a stuffed animal puppy, or one of those pillow pets? I love making those." YAY Santa! Olivia was completely sold on the idea of a puppy pillow pet.

And my little Rachel...Ever so shy & meek. She kept a safe distance the entire time we were in his little house. She stood as far away from Santa as humanly possible. And she let out a blood curdling scream when Olivia tried to drag her from her corner to Santa's lap. Rachel, still not wanting to be slighted come Christmas day, managed to shout that she wanted a Dora doll for Christmas.

Outside of Santa's little house, she went on to tell me how frightening this experience was for her.




So there we have it. Merry Christmas! And Santa, sorry about that scream. The ringing in your ears will stop in about 20 minutes or so. HA!

My Husband is 30...

Ask my Bestie, I have been trying to wrap my mind around that simple statement for about a month now. 30...Really, Jarrett you are 30 today?!

By the way...Happy Birthday, Jarrett!!

Anyway, back to me...my husband is 30. I don't know how close you all are to 30, but 30 used to seem SO old to me & I am not kidding. I remember being in high school & seeing random people, and just thinking about how old I thought they were. And they were only 30. At this point in my life, I don't even think my parents are old & they are 50 & 52 respectfully.

But am I really married to a 30 year old? That really snuck up on me. It makes me seem old, don't you think? Don't answer that. Does it make me feel old? Not a bit. It just sounds weird. I don't feel like I am rapidly approaching 30 or that Jarrett should be turning 30 today. Weren't we just 21??Where does the time go??

Maybe I should put a little bit about the birthday boy in here...


Dearest Jarrett,

Happy 30th Birthday!! I have been so blessed to watch you grow from the boy I fell in love with 10 years ago, into the man you are today. You are a terrific provider for our family. You are a wonderful & loving father to our two little girls.

Although I joke that we have run out of things to talk about {and I am referencing our discussion on how to properly pronounce the word "pajamas", here} I still love to talk to you. You are funny. You have an infectious laugh. You are incredibly passionate about all of the things you love. You make me happy.

I wish you the very happiest of birthdays, even though it freaks me out to say "my husband is 30".

All my love,

the name game

We were driving home last night when Olivia says to me (in her best pouty little voice), "Why didn't you give me a fancy name? Other people's names are fancy. I wish I had a fancy name too." Then there she sat, arms crossed & lips pursed.

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When Jarrett & I sat down to pick out names, I distinctly remember saying "I want a beautiful, almost elegant girl's name. And the boy's name has to be masculine."

It wasn't hard coming up with the girl's name. I had Olivia Grace picked out since I read Shakespeare's "The Twelfth Night" when I was a senior in high school. I thought Olivia Grace had such a pretty ring to it. To me, it sounded quite FANCY.

I will say, it is a very good thing that Olivia was an Olivia & not a boy. We didn't have a boy name we had settled on. The two we were tossing around were David Jarrett and Sean Richard. I wasn't 100% committed to either one of those. So, it is quite a good thing that Olivia came out an Olivia.

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She peeked my interest. I asked her, "What do you think is a FANCY name?" --- her answer "Abby or Katie, those are fancy names."

Just a week ago, Olivia asked Jarrett, "Why didn't you name me Jade?" --- he answered "Because we liked Olivia."

Olivia, Olivia, Olivia...That girl, my sweet & sassy Olivia Grace. I cannot picture her with any other name. She is Olivia. She is Livie Grace. She is Livie Lou. She is Livie Pie. She is Liv. And I am worried about what the teenage years will bring. I didn't realize at the ripe old age of 6, your name would cause you such stress.