Halloween and Indianapolis

Maliana ~

We had a couple bits o' business to take care of this week, but for the most part, it was a fun-filled week full of Halloween celebrations, trick or treating, parties, and an out of town girls' trip adventure!

For one bit of business, you begged me to attend a Wilder fundraiser at the skating rink, and with the big elephant tears you whipped out when I wavered on saying yes, I knew I had to buck up and take you in spite of how tired and worn out I felt. Daddy met us there and while there wasn't a big turnout at all, I'm glad that we at least did our part.

this is your "I'm on skates but I'm not happy
about letting you take a picture" face

dancing with a friend from school

I also had a meeting at Children's Hospital this week for the Cleft Lip and Palate Parents' Advisory Group to which I belong and wound up taking you with me. You told Miss Jessica that morning at daycare that you had a meeting to attend and so would not be back after school, and then added, "but, I can come back if you want me to" with a combination of casual nonchalance and huge swagger. My little executive is in such high demand. Ha. You did fantastic entertaining yourself during the meeting and just so happened to be wearing your Team Lentil t-shirt of which the psychologist there knows all about. We chatted a bit with her and are hoping to somehow get little Lentil Bean to come to one of our events next year. Wouldn't that be awesome? We love that little pup.

Lentil is an adorable little dog that was also
born with a cleft lip and palate and has
become a national spokes-pup for
kids with craniofacial conditions

Beggar's night was on All Hallow's Eve and while I have no idea where your idea for a vampire costume was born, it ended up being the perfect choice for you! We did your hair into a widow's peak and with the short length, it couldn't have turned out any better. I LOVED it. Once you got over your shyness, you grew more comfortable with showing off your costume and got even more into trick or treating this year than last. You were still hesitant about going up to peoples' doors, but by the end of our outing, you were doing it like a pro.

you wanted Daddy and I to wear our capes
and Lao Lao was also dressed up as
Rosie the Riveter

we ran into Addison,our old neighbor

and some of the kids from the 'hood

You lasted about an hour and we headed back to the bonfire in Mark and Jen's driveway where about 5 houses full of neighbors came over to hang out, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, and laugh the evening away while we handed out candy. Once the begging hours had passed, you headed inside with Sophia, Cori and their friends for the big "candy trade" and some Wii while us grown ups stayed out in the cold around the fire, talking.


we also came up with a new Halloween tradition that we've named
"slip the weiner"...basically slipping a chunk of cold uncooked
hot dog in an unsuspecting kid's bag with their candy
(Sophia was our first victim this year)

sugar coma crash on my lap after your
big Halloween trick or treat night

It was a late night but luckily the next morning was Friday and fortuitously, your speech session was canceled so we got to sleep in another 30-45 minutes (doesn't sound like much but hey, every little bit helps). We got you ready for school and I was so tickled that you wanted to wear your vampire costume again (you weren't sure that you had wanted to earlier in the week, afraid you'd be embarrassed). We pulled up at school and you wanted to stay in the car for a few minutes, scoping out if any other kids were in costume. I guess you didn't believe me that other kids would actually be dressing up! We saw a couple of kids and even a mom (!) in costume and so you agreed to walk up to the front doors with me. I was carrying the spider and bat cupcakes that we'd made for your class party that afternoon and while I went in with you and put them in your classroom, you were still a little shy. Once in your room though, you flipped a switch and were totally comfortable, fully in school and friend mode. You were in your element. I love seeing you like that. I (almost) don't even mind that you barely acknowledge that I'm leaving and Heaven forbid you let me kiss you or say "I love you" in front of your friends. *sigh* This is just a taste of the years ahead and I guess I am ok with it...no, I know I'm ok with it. It's just so odd sometimes to see with my own eyes that you have this whole entire wonderful life outside of our safe little family bubble. It's surreal in certain moments and I have to catch my breath sometimes.

making the cupcakes with me

That afternoon was your class party and even Lao Lao came to help out! It was fun to see you kids in all of your costumes, to watch your faces light up with each of the festivities, to see the gleams in your eyes as you were proud of an achievement or delighting in a detail of the party, and to feel the excitement in the room as you went from activity to activity. 6 years old is such a fun age! I can totally see why Miss Stenger chooses to teach first grade and it's like watching a magic show to see how beautifully she interacts with and elicits responses from you children. At our parent-teacher conference the other week she related a story about how someone asked her why she teaches first grade and she responded with, "Because I like to have fun!" As we headed off to begin our weekend, the big hug that you gave Miss Stenger as we left the room said it all. From a kid who is very choosy about who she gives hugs and kisses to, that hug spoke volumes. We are so fortunate to have landed under this teacher's caring guidance.

the costume parade through the school

Saturday you hung out with Lao Lao while Daddy and I went to see Uncle Blaize's play, The Crucible. It was a bit more mature than a 6 year old would probably be interested in or else we would have definitely taken you. Immediately afterward, Daddy and I raced home; I scooped you and Lao Lao up and we headed off on our first girls' trip in what seems like a long time ~ Indianapolis to see their Children's Museum and its China exhibit!

When we arrived in Indy and checked into our hotel, they provided an upgrad to our room and let us stay in an actual train car! You see, the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Indianapolis was built over the site that was the very first Union Station in the U.S. It was a really cool surprise and a fun and unique night in a hotel.

Choo Choo!

peeking out one of our windows in the room

We got there late and were excited to go for a dip in the pool before bed. You exclaimed, "I am so pumped!" as we headed down the elevator. Unfortunately though, the pool was closed when we got there. Bummer! But we made the best of it by running around and taking pictures of each other photo-bombing the mannequins that were randomly placed all over the hotel. It was hilarious and we had so much fun just being obnoxiously goofy.

silly Lao Lao

this police officer did not enjoy my twerking

riding the paper boy's wagon

stealing drinks

stealing this sailor's bag - you said you
were a "robert" (aka robber)

this police officer had hog-tied you...ha!

giving this kid a boost onto the train

So...first thing in the morning we headed down to the pool and got our swim on. You had a ball and even though the water was freezing, I put my 'big girl panties' on and got in with you. It was fun, in spite of our shivering and blue lips.

After that, we headed off to the museum which was...AH-mazing! 4 floors of all sorts of hands-on learning activities for kids of all ages ~ fantastic! We saw the Terra Cotta Warrior exhibit first and then headed off to their Take Me to China exhibit (which you later told us was your favorite of everything and the reason we made this pilgrimage in the first place)...but we also saw the Dinosphere, train section, and all sorts of other areas. On the way home, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant in Richmond (IN) for dinner (the Jade Garden) and became chummy with the proprietor there who is from Taiwan. He was very nice and we promised him we'd send more people his way. The entire day felt wonderful with lots of singing, giggling, spontaneous dancing, joking and laughing all day long. This girls' trip (as brief as it may have been) was just the medicine I needed to ground me again and remind me of what's important. I love going out of town because it provides my free spirit the nudge it needs to wake up again. Being physically away from the everyday responsibilities helps me relax and just enjoy each and every moment with you. I remember how to joyfully laugh and fall hopelessly in love with you all over again. Numerous times while we were gone, I remarked to myself (and to Lao Lao) about what an awesome kid you are and how much fun you are to be around. We really, really, really lucked out in getting to be part of your family and share this thing called life with you. Between the two of you ~ I just love, love, love my girls!

quiet morning, chatting in bed while sipping your coffees...
moments like these are just one of the many
reasons I love our girls' trips.

making your own Terra Cotta Warrior face

your warrior is in there somewhere ~ I think you said it's
the second from the right in the front row

rebuilding a Terra Cotta Warrior

admiring your work

you with the warrior and your helper

learning how to properly drink tea in China

cooking Chinese food

digging for fossils

Dinosphere!

When we arrived home that night, Daddy had lovingly prepared a wonderful dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread with salad for all of us. He had even set the table for four. Unfortunately, none of us were hungry (oops) and he was utterly disappointed and it showed. You even looked at me with a sheepish look and shrug, asking, "What can we do to make Daddy happy?" Then you immediately came up with an idea and took me to your playroom to draw an apology card and color a picture for him. It worked because he felt a lot better. We swear next time we go out of town, we'll come home starving...ok, Daddy? Promise!

That night, you helped me out by packing your own lunch for the morning, telling me, "You know I like to helpful!" As I packed my lunch, you even decided to write a note on my banana this time...such a sweet kiddo. Love you so much.

translation = "I love you and I forgot that you are the best mom"
(not sure what that whole 'forgot' part means, but I'll take it!)

The next morning, on Monday, I couldn't bear to get up and out of bed at my usual time. I was exhausted. Plus, I just didn't want my lovely weekend to end. I got a little extra shut-eye and then was able to get up and make you eggs and peanut butter toast to start your morning off right; then I drove you to school and walked you to the front doors (which is normally just a Friday thing for us). I just love spending time with you so much, I didn't want it to end. Once you were with your friends, and of course Miss Awesome (aka Miss Stenger), I was free to go, safe in the knowledge that you had started your week off right, (and me too)!

Love you, Monkey.

Love,
Mama

P.S.
Going away is fun, but it sure is good to be home too...

bedtime stories for Suzy
(this pup clearly missed her best buddy)

These Moments Go Way Too Fast

Maliana ~

There were a lot of moments that gave me pause this week, reminders to stop and soak in each precious second because they are all so fleeting and seem to go faster and faster as you get older.

The first thing that comes to mind was, in our rush to get out the door on Friday morning, I hear you audibly gasp and say, "Oooh, look at the sunrise!"

After feeling so stressed in just trying to get us on our way to speech in one piece, this was exactly the reset I needed that morning. Then as we left speech you were so tired, insisting I carry you as we walked out to the car and laying your head on my shoulder. In spite of your long legs dangling nearly past my knees, I loved that at 6 years old, you still felt comforted by and wanted me to do that. I love you so much. Once again, a much needed reset.

In fact, that morning I was feeling so good that you and I decided to pay it forward to the car behind us at Tim Horton's and bought their order. Quickest way to giving yourself a boost is to do something nice for someone else. It totally works. For real.

It was a gorgeous day and after school we were both pretty pooped so we spent some quiet time on the back deck together. Me with a glass of wine and a magazine; you with your I-Pad and a snack. Before I knew it, you'd migrated over to my lap, however I didn't mind because it was getting chilly and you brought your big fuzzy blanket with your warm little body. And once again, it was another one of those moments that are fewer and farther between as you get older, which only makes them all that much sweeter when they happen.

We had our first parent-teacher conference with Miss Stenger this week too. She is very happy with you, says you're right on track academically, and while you were shy at first with the other kids, you have become very comfortable now. You love to help, try to work things out with classmates first before asking for help from the teacher (which evidently is a challenge at this age), and while you are described as having "a big personality in a tiny body", Miss Stenger also adds that you are very humble too. There are 17 boys in your class and only 7 girls this year (yikes!) so Miss Stenger said that you girls have become pretty close with each other, however you do a great job of being kind and talking to everyone. The conference couldn't have gone better. She is a great teacher!

Speaking of being kind, when we got home that night you challenged Daddy to some Wii. While I'm not typically a huge fan of video games myself, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you say things like,
"Yessshh!", "Oh awe-shome!", "It's ok, Dad!" and "Nice job, Dad!" as you soundly whooped his butt. I love that big, supportive heart of yours.

And along with all of that sweetness, there's definitely some sass and humor in you too. Here are a couple recent Mali-isms:

~While discussing how old one of your teachers at daycare is, you said, "Mom! Miss Jessica is in the same lane of old as you!" ...(We're both in our thirties).

~In your frustration at a YouTube video that kept buffering and interrupting what you were watching, you said, "Mom! This thing keeps buffalo-ing!"

I don't dare correct any of these little sayings of yours because this stuff...this is the good stuff. The stuff I will miss one of these days when I'm old and gray(er).

This weekend we spent a lot of family time together, whether it was just our immediate family or you getting to spend time with your cousins and other extended family. It was great!

We had a family night on Friday where we invited Lao Lao over and enjoyed our first crock pot meal of the year (chicken fajitas ~ yum!) and then challenged each other to our first ever "big ass cookie" decorating contest. It was WAY too much sugar for any of us to ingest but it was a lot of fun and you get the biggest kick out of these little contests we have started. I'll have to see what other things I can make into contests for our Friday Family Fun Nights this winter.

you were a big help with crock pot prep

getting the fajita buffet ready

yours and Audrey's creation

Lao Lao's masterpiece

my floral designed cookie
(and a Mali photo bomb)

Saturday you attended your manadarin class with Daddy while I went to a 5K to raise money for pancreatic cancer research and support Christina (Lainey's mommy) whose own mother is battling this disease right now. It was a good morning for the race, the weather was cool, the trees were beautiful and there was a sea of purple shirts on thousands of people all there to support the cause. Christina had asked me to bring a pair of hair clippers and at the end, she had me shave all of her hair completely off. You see, her mom has just lost all of her hair due to the chemotherapy she needs to help her fight this disease. Christina is doing this in solidarity with her mama so that she doesn't feel so alone and as another reminder of Christina's love and support for her. While I took the clippers to her head, I held my emotions together pretty well...she even joked with me that I seemed to be enjoying it a little too much. But...as I'm typing this, I'm getting tears in my eyes. This kind of gesture, Mali...this is just one great example of courage and love. I'm so inspired by people like Christina. I feel very lucky to call her a friend. These kinds of people...these are the good ones.

the Purple Stride is about to start!

the Doelling(s)

shaving Christina's head

maybe I did have a *little* fun

Jenny, Christina, Lainey and yo mama

After the race, I met you and Daddy out at Dill's Greenhouse for their Fall Fun Fest where Joey, Alex, Sammy, Uncle Kevin, Memaw and Papaw were too. It was a bright and sunny autumn day and you girls had so much fun together.

barrel rides

Papaw trying to capture some of you
and Sammy's shenanigans

Joey and Alex on the hayride

you were irritated with my camera here...
but it's still a cool shot
(Uncle Pat was even driving the tractor!)

I snuck this one of you and Sammy chatting

After that, we headed out to Kevin and Beth's where we celebrated Sammy's 6th birthday. We all love going out there and playing together (both little and big kids, alike).

birthday cake for Sammy!

Memaw and Papaw

Uncle Kevin feeding the goats some graham crackers

And click HERE and HERE to see your new tricks and silliness on their trampoline!

They were kind enough to let you sleep over and then go to church with them the next morning. Daddy picked you up from the church and you headed over to get your hair cut. Since there was a wait, you went next door and grabbed a bite at Gena's where you ate 4 (yes, 4!) eggs! Someone's getting ready to grow some more!

this picture came with a caption that read,
"I ate 4 eggs!"

I also got this text from you (via Daddy):

The rest of the day on Sunday we carved pumpkins, hung out at home and acted completely silly and obnoxious (little and big kids, alike) until you went to your first private swim lesson since group lessons have ended. You requested Audrey come along and watch you too and being the awesome aunt that she is, she did.

you told me, "Less pictures, more work!"
(I guess you were on to my trick of taking pictures
so I didn't have to help with the pumpkin guts!)

Daddy worked hard on his Frankenstein pumpkin

vampire and Frankenstein

After swim lessons, we headed over to Lao Lao's for some of her world famous chili. Daddy had eaten two bowls before we told him it was vegetarian. Ha ha, Daddy. Tricked you! Anyway, it was our first family dinner over at Lao Lao's new place (Uncle Flint came too) and it felt really cozy. It's nice to have her so close. They came back with us briefly so you could show them your freshly carved jack-o-lanterns.

You even gave our new jack-o-lanterns their own spooky Halloween soundtrack. Here, see for yourself!

Click THIS LINK to see the video.

Next up ~ Halloween week! This should be fun!
Love,
Mama