Miss Nelson is Missing

Every year we read the book Miss Nelson is Missing! It is one of my favorite books! Basically the story is about a teacher who is fed up with her kids not following the rules so she dresses up as Miss Viola Swamp and comes to the classroom and whips the kids back in shape! Every year the 2nd grade teachers dress up as "The Swamp" and pretend we are missing. We let the kids come into the room in the morning and get started on their morning work, then we all go bursting in the room! The kids LOVE it and when I come back as myself they tell me all about what Miiss Witchington (that's my swamp name) did! It's hilarious! Here is the picture from this year!

FOR SALE!!

Santa brought Manze this Lifestyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen for Christmas. We thought it would be great for Manze and she has LOVED it, but it takes up too much space. If we had a playroom, it would be perfect in there, but we don't! It's not a year old yet and in great condition. Listed below are all its features. It retails for $259.99+tax. We would like to sell it for around $130.00...that is over $130.00 off! If you are interested in buying it, let me know!

Attached dining area includes 11" stool
3 electronic features: microwave, stove top, and phone
"Oak hardwood" foam flooring provides realism and comfort
Over six feet of "granite" counter tops provide space for cooking and dining
Large sink with swivel faucet and push button
"Stainless steel" appliances enhance play and provide extra storage space
Acessory set
Durable poly construction wipes clean easily and lasts for years
'Inside' Dimensions: 23" x 25"
Requires 4 AA and 2 AAA batteries (included)
Adult Assembly NOT Required (it's already set up)
Made in USA of US and imported parts (some accessories, phone, silver doors and faucet made in China; foam floor made in Taiwan)

More Monogramming

I've been doing a lot more monogramming and practicing! I'm having fun (except for when I mess up, LOL) and the next thing I'm going try are appliques! Here is some stuff:

Mt little model modeling her new shirt! The bows in her hair are were made by my friend Jennifer of Bowhead Hairbows!

posing and saying "cheese!"

These shirts were done for Richard to wear to his Daddy's High School Reunion!

fleece blanket

Big girl mattress...bed...

Manze is growing up right beofre our eyes...it's sad and exciting at the same time! Last Friday, Tommy called me and said he was taking the crib down...it was time for Manze to have her big girl bed! I was working late and thinking...this is not the best time, but okay! I was too tired to stop by Walmart and get a rail for the bed, so we decided to let her sleep on her mattress and she how she liked it! Tommy said when he was taking her crib down, Manze was so excited and kept saying she couldn't wait for her beautiful bed! Well, she slept great in it that first night (never tried to get out and come to us) but nap time the next day was a little harder. I had to lay down with her and when she finally went to sleep I snuck out! That night she slept in it great again but Sunday nap time was a whole other story. Manze did NOT want to take a nap. Tommy and I were not too excited about having to lay down with her and after a while told her she needed to go to sleep like a big girl! She sleeps on a mat at Mrs. Beth's house, so this should be easy right?? NO! I swear she turned into Linda Blair from the Exorcist...she was screaming and crying uncontrollably and the worst was when she started throwing herself on the floor and against the wall to get us to come back int he room! OH MY GOSH! I almost fainted! What had come over her???? Tommy and I were beside ourselves. After going through this for over an hour, I finally laid down with her. She went to sleep only to awake to the ice maker. I just put her in our bed at that point...I was spent! That night we decided to move her nig bed in her room to see if that would make a difference! She's doing better, but must have one of us lay down with her to go to sleep (nap and nighttime). If anyone has any suggestions on how to handle this, I'm open!!!!

her mattress bed

she was pretending to be asleep

her big girl bed (we still have to hang her stuff up correctly)

posing on her bed!

First Major Haircut

On Thursday, Manze got her first major haircut! She's gotten her bangs trimmed a lot and the split ends just trimmed off the back, but it was time for a haircut! Once we got our beach pictures done, I was okay with getting it cut! We went to Michelle and she cut off 2 1/2 inches! Manze was so excited! I almost fainted when she made the first cut (it seemed like so much)! I never thought I would be one of those moms who got upset over a haircut, but I guess I did! I know it will grow back and I'm even thinking of going shorter next time! Manze did a great job and was so excited! Here are some before and after pictures!:

Manze Before

Before

Getting her hair cut by Shell (Michelle)

After

After

It might not look too different, but she did get a lot cut off and it looks so healthy!

"Super Manze"

A couple of weeks ago Manze was playing and ran to me and said, "Mommy, I not Manze...I Super Manze...blast off!!" I laughed so hard and wondered where she came up with that! Now, she wants us to call her "Super Manze"! Here is a conversation from the other night:

Me: "Manze, let's go brush your teeth!"

Manze: "Mommy, I not Manze...I Super Manze!"

Me: "Okay Super Manze, let's go brush your teeth!"

Manze: "Okay Super Mommy!"

Since she is obsessed with her new alter ego, I decided that she will be "Super Manze" for Halloween! When I asked her about it she got so excited and has been telling everyone! I have some really cute ideas for her costume that is going to be a group effort to make...thanks in advance Mom (a.k.a Mimi) and Aunt Tyler!