First Days Not What They Used To Be...

This week marked our first days of 2nd grade for Abbie!  I love this kid. 

What I don't love is the way her sense of fashion has officially left the Smocked-Bishop-Dress Station and arrived firmly in Jusin-Bieber-Branded-T-shirts-and-Skinny-Jeans Town.  You might know the place...I'm pretty sure it's on the way to You're-Crazy-That-Skirt-Is-Too-Short Ville.

As a public service, I would like to show you how this move takes place...

Very first day of pre-school.  Adorable girl in cute rose shirt with denim capris with ruffles and a matching pink hairbow.  Every Mom's dream!

My three year old all ready for her first day 2008 style.  Notice the sensible and adorable Keds footwear.

And, we arrived at Pre-K.  Cute swing top, ruffle capris, and white grosgrain ribbon is proof that her mother is extraordinary.

First day of Kindergarten, and obviously this is a child who loves and trusts her mother!  Nothing wrong with a tshirt that sports a whimsical flower, matching bow and skirt.

And here we are at first grade.  I got the sense that we were going in a new direction when we insisted on NO BOW.  Instead a black flower that had been bedazzled nearly to death was in order along with a tulle skirt with sequined waist band and Converse kicks.  I should have pumped the brakes, but I didn't understand what was about to happen.

And by second grade, its official.  What can I say.  I've come to terms with the desire for skate-or-die tennis shoes, but a t-shirt with a terrified panda trapped behind magenta glittered stripes??? 

I intend to do some shopping and fill this child's closet with Peter Pan collared shirts and pleated plaid knee-length skirts.  I just hope she won't insist on wearing them with riding boots and a skull necklace.



Just another day Being Billingsley...

Kindergarten Graduation

Well, I survived it. I was a nervous wreck getting to it. I just knew I was going to be "that lady" at the ceremony... Crying all over herself with no likely chance of gaining any perspective on the event. And, you'll all be happy to hear that is exactly what happened.

I arrived early to an adorable slide show of pictures put to touching music and cried the whole time. Who is the jerk that wrote this song by the way? Let Them Be Little

They marched the kids into the gym in a perfectly orderly single-file line, and I was beside myself. I couldn't believe what was a whole line of babies just a year ago had become a legit line of students. I was insanely proud of her whole class.

As each child was called to the stage, the principal read aloud a list of awards earned by him/her. Abbie's list was extraordinary, but no surprise there...

• Recognized for reading 125+ books in her Reading Club
• Citizenship Award Recipient
• Ran 33 miles in her Mileage Club
• Character Counts Recipient
• Star Student Recipient

Abbie, I am so proud of you. You are beautiful, funny, brilliant...and you won more awards than many others. Nice work. (Not to mention you can rock a tutu dress like nobody's business.)

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Splash Day!!

As the school year drew to a close, Abbie's school had a great big ol' water day!

The kids are adorable and Abbie absolutely had the best teacher in the state of Texas. I knew that for sure when she permitted the children to throw water balloons at each other...and jumped in herself to get a couple of kids. Nice work Ms. P. Nice work.

The powerhouse class of 2023!


Abbie chatting with her bff and the guys while blowing bubbles.

The water balloon station. Loved it!

Abbie's tribute to her hero Superman on the slide. Who, apparently, is pretty amazing if Batman isn't available.

Only 6 years olds would get cold playing outside on a 100 degree day! Abbie and her bff trying to warm up here. Meanwhile, I had sweat through my second shirt by now.

You've gotta love a school that ALWAYS has a refreshments station on their special event days.

The local fire department decided to join the fun and spray the kids in the yard with not just one engine but two! The only thing that confused us Moms is why didn't the firemen show up in their swimsuits??

Just another hot summer day Being Billingsley...

Texas, Texas, Yee Haw!

We had a great time at the annual Kinder Rodeo!

Only in Central Texas would it seem perfectly appropriate to have all the townsfolk bring their livestock to a kindergarten setting.

There were bandannas, chaps, spurs, and cowboy hats as far as the eye could see, and if you were really quiet you could almost hear the single syllable words breaking as they were stretched into multiple syllables.

Here she is all ready to go to school. I thought she did a great job with her ensemble. Country yet tasteful.

Here we are staged before the "Grand March" into the rodeo. Each class entered the arena with both a Texas and an American flag after singing the National Anthem. The allergies were so bad in there I started to tear up, but really it was just the allergies...

Partying with the girls just before the festivities began.

Among the many activities...Roping, Snake Throwin', Barrel Racin', and Pannin' for Gold...was this Tire Pull Race. The kids loved it! My challenge to you this week is try selling this as a team building exercise at your next team meeting.

My little cowgirl ridding a pony while always maintaining her beauty pageant sensibilities.

The hay ride... Also known as the greatest source of anxiety for her mother. This trailer filled with 20 precious kids and 1 precious kindergarten teacher was pulled by an ancient tractor I was convinced would turn over each time he maneuvered over a bump, but all was well. Gotta remember these folks are expert tractor drivers. No doubt this is his primary vehicle. Can't believe I ever doubted him.

Abbie riding Oreo the GIANT longhorn.

Abbie and her bff before getting their brand tattoos and seeing the pigs, goats, and baby cows.

Feeding the world's most obese goat...

My exhausted cowgirl and her future husband chatting after a long day at the rodeo.

Just another day havin' a great time ya'll and Being Billingsley...

I love a trampoline.

The only thing I love more than playing a solid game of "Crack the Egg" on the thing myself is watching my kids play on it. It is hilarious.

They fall down a lot. They both think they are jumping "so high," but the truth is despite the greatest of efforts their feet don't really leave the surface. It's great.

They both think I'm some sort of super hero because I have this magical ability to get my feet to rise up above the surface of the trampoline tarp when I jump.

But, by far, the best thing about trampoline time is Lila's sweet hair when we are done...


Keep it crazy, Lila. Keep it crazy.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Tinsel Icicles...

My Mom was convinced that the one thing her tree was missing this year was tinsel icicles. Which took me back to all those Christmases hearing, "Not in clumps. NOT IN CLUMPS. One at a time. ONE AT A TIME!!"

So, of course I wanted to make sure Abbie and Lila had a chance to get in on the action. The day those icicles arrived at Mom's, we were on our way to teach the girls proper icicle administration.


They did a great job and looked really cute doing it!!


Just another day Being Billingsley...

Well, it was no crying baby picture...

I had to settle for mildly concerned baby instead, but it's still pretty cute. I also like how I can always rely on Abbie to bring her "A-game" smile.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Jingle Bell Run 2010

Abbie's school had their annual Jingle Bell Run today. It's a 1 mile run for the kindergarten and 1st grade classes. Parents were encouraged to come and participate. So, of course, I brought candy and Lila & I sat in the stands and watched everyone run.

Just before the race, Abs identified her running buddy. She explained to me that it's best to have a buddy because it really "pushes you to run harder." Here she is with her fellow Olympian-in-training...

They stretched as a group and then they were off-and-running...

These kids were so fast, Lila and I almost didn't have time to finish our Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Before we knew it, Abbie "The Blur" Billingsley was rounding the final turn blazing her way to the finish line...

I know what you're thinking... and the answer is absolutely YES. She gets her superlative athletic skills from me. Just look at that stride, the high knees, the straight posture, and the fact that she reduced the boy in front of her to throwing himself at the finish line in pure exhaustion. His fear of being beat by a girl kept him going for a mile, but he couldn't have lasted much longer. Abbie, on the other hand, was just getting warmed up.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

P.S. In case you were wondering, Lila and I did achieve a personal best today for most Reese's consumed in a 15 minute stretch. Those pb cups don't unwrap themselves people.

And the winner is...

Abbie! She was selected from ALL of the students in her school to receive an award for displaying exemplary character.

That's right folks... She's beautiful, smart, and kind!

I'm hoping that her award will come with some kind of a check for the parents who have obviously raised her so perfectly.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

My Texas Girl

Abbie had a special event today at school, and I decided I would go a little early and join her for lunch.

We've been planning it for weeks, and Abbie told me several times what it was I should wear and how important it was that I wear my hair "long" because a ponytail is "not my best look." I did my best to comply with her requests.

She originally wanted to "buy" lunch for me at school. I checked out the menu this morning, and had to break it to her that Mommy was NOT going to be eating fish sticks or cheese pizza cut into squares. So, I told her that I would be bringing lunch for the both of us.

There were other parents at the lunch who apparently couldn't bring themselves to dine on the fish sticks and ketchup combo either. So, they were toting in the standard special lunch treats. There were Sonic corn dogs proudly displaying their grease content through the paper bags, McDonald's happy meals, and chicken nuggets for days. But, what did MY girl get...

That's right folks! Abbie got herself a big ol' BBQ plate complete with BBQ sauce and lemonade from Smokey Mo's. She kept telling her friends, "Do you even know what this is!! This is fried okra and tater salad!!!"

I can't wait to get this kid on the baby back ribs and sweet tea. Seriously, she has to be the coolest five-year-old out there!

Just another day livin' it up in Texas and Being Billingsley...

Dancing with the Stars - The Judge is BACK!

Well, Abbie took her "Dancing with the Stars" judging to a whole new level this season.

She created for herself a judging form with the names of each of the dancers. Then, next to each contestant she wrote her comments. This kid is excellent.

A few of her thoughts, and remember, these are direct quotes...

• Kyle Massey: "Delightful, but I'm unimpressed."
• Michael Bolton: "He looks like an old grandpa bird."
• The Situation: "Mom, you're not serious. His name isn't 'The Situation.' Well that's the dumbest thing I've heard except for maybe his hair. I hate it.
• David "The Wasted" Hasselhoff: "This is disturbing." Ewwww is what came to mind for me.
  
• Bristol Palin: "How do you spell 'OFF'? Horrible."

Well, there you have it folks. As for the winning pick, Abbie said she would have picked Jennifer Grey except she made a poor decision when it came to her dress...."I really wish she hadn't bought that dress." So, we'll just have to wait until next week to see if there is a standout.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

The Intimidator

So, a little word of advice...If Abbie ever asks you what you are afraid of, you should lie.

She will arm herself with your little confession, and trust me, she will use it to intimidate you at just the right time. Proof??

Exhibit A:
She once got out of me my insane fear of sharks. I'll just say that Shark Week was pure hell at Chez Billingsley once Abbie discovered it was on the tube.

Exhibit B:
Through some impressive research, she has learned that her Gigi is afraid of snakes. So, she will routinely pretend to be a snake and then mock my Mother for her fear. She's requested a couple of stuffed snakes to have at the house... I think we can all guess why. And the crowning moment in her cruelty...check out the cake she made for my Mother's birthday:


Just another day livin' with The Intimidator and Being Billingsley...

Well, it was a huge success!

Abbie had a great time her first day of school. She learned a lot of useful things...

1. "When you draw a person, you should make sure he has a neck."
2. "It is probably better if I don't get married in Kindergarten and wait 'til college."
3. "My teacher has a baby boy. He should meet my little sister."
4. "If you eat a cupcake at school for a friends birthday, you shouldn't come home and eat one." (A lesson I don't understand at all, and who is teaching her this crap! I plan to write a strongly worded letter.)
5. "The playground is STUPID hot, and I really mean STUPID. It's not smart!"

She had a great time, and it was fun to listen to her little pearls of wisdom all night long.

She's still having trouble understanding she cannot maintain her sorority house schedule now that she's a school girl. At Chez Billingsley, our kids have always had relatively late bedtimes (9:00-10:00P) because we liked our kiddos to sleep in late (8:30-9:00A...sometimes later).

So, she thinks we can keep that up, but she's learning 6:00 comes very early each morning. Other than that, she's doing great!

Thank you to all of my wonderful friend who called and checked in with me all day. I am so proud to call you all my friends! I'm gonna make it through this!

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Well, today is the big day!

We took Abs to school bright and early, and as you can see, Abbie just did not want to go. Doesn't she look sad here?

She walked right in despite the fact that the weight of her backpack nearly caused her to fall backwards...

She sat right down and got to work on her morning project. James and I giggled because she is at a table FULL of boys. I can't wait to hear the stories that were told at that table today!


I cannot believe my baby is now big enough to go to school. I remember taking her to her first day of Mother's Day Out like it was yesterday...

First Day of the 2's Class!

First Day of 3's Class!

First Day of pre-K!

AND, OUR FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!

I am so proud of you Abbie, and I know you will do great today! I hope you will always know that it's your Dad's fault you are at school. I just wanted to keep you here with me always. There's no need for book learnin' as far as I'm concerned.

Just another day rulin' the school and Being Billingsley...

Wonderland a.k.a. Dallas!

Abbie and I took a trip this weekend to visit very good friends and to celebrate her last weekend as a preschooler! We had a phenomenal time with Cheryl and little M!

We journeyed to the Alice in Wonderland Adventure at a resort in the big D. This place was ridiculous! There were stations all over the atrium that illustrated a section of the story with a piece of artwork created by artists from all over the world.

My favorite was the Gryphon. It was made of balloons! Can you see how big this thing is? Look at the people in the upper left corner to get an idea.

Also very cool, was the caterpillar perched on the mushrooms. The artist created this with "chainsaw and styrofoam." Also huge! Look how convincingly wasted the little insect looks!


Check out this stack of tea cups and tea pots along with the little girl who was doing her best impression of an unimpressed model.

In addition to the crazy displays, many of the characters were wondering around the premises. We met...

The Queen of Hearts who made the girls curtsy for this picture. They were also required to say "Your Majesty."


The hookah smoking Caterpillar.


The Mad Hatter. I feel pretty sure this guy really was nuts! And, notice the Cheshire Cat is in the background!


And then, there's this GIANT flower. He was on stilts and seemed to be about 10 feet tall. He was my favorite, and probably because he made the kids very nervous.

M did not go near him, and Abs was very cautious. I, on the other hand, was very brave. I shook his hand and everything. He was a creepy thing. Check out that close-up!


What a wonderful weekend we had! Thanks Cheryl and M for being such perfect hostesses. Go ahead and pencil us in for the 2 million pounds of sculpted ice adventure in the winter! I can't wait!

Just another day in Wonderland and Being Billingsley...