VanderMeander

I have four minutes to write this post so it gets published on Madeline’s birthday…

Today Madeline turned seven years old. That is crazy! Soon it will be ten and then sixteen and then she’ll be moved out. This year was definitely the year for “growing up” presents. From us she got two books she’d really wanted, a two-pack of Madeline dvds ($6 for both at Superstore!), her “Christmas” dress and a doll that is wearing the exact same dress (Is there anything greater, as a little girl, than to have a doll wear the same clothes as you? I still remember the dark blue fleece zip-up footie pyjamas with the white belt that I had for myself and one of my dolls.), and tickets to see the Royal Winnipeg ballet perform The Nutcracker this Saturday. We also took her to get her ears pierced tonight. She’s been talking about it for weeks and she seems ready and responsible enough. And, speaking of ready and responsible, she also got a violin from her grandparents. I’m very excited to teach her what I remember from my years taking violin.

So, this morning she woke up to a decorated trailer, toast with chocolate sprinkles, and presents waiting for her on the table. She was so excited. We’d gotten her up (with the traditional singing of “Happy Birthday” as we walked into her bedroom) with lots of time to spare. She even had time to read us one of her books before she had to go to the bus. Then after school we picked up the kids, and Madeline’s new friend from Costa Rica who lives here on campus came with us to Winnipeg. We had supper at a McDonald’s with a huge play structure. We stuck a candle in a Smartie McFlurry. And then we headed over to the mall to get her ears pierced. She did so well. They did them both at the same time and she didn’t flinch or shed one tear. She was so proud. And she looks so grown-up and beautiful with those rainbow sparkly daisies in her ears! It was a very good day. And I’m looking forward to all this year has in store for my Madeline. I love you, my girl!

What I thought was a rather brilliant and extremely easy decoration: seven “7″ posters hanging from the ceiling.


(Is it sacrilegious to use our advent candles as a card holder when they’re not lit? You’ll notice Marc’s musical card with the bartender from the Love Boat on it. Luke now knows the first three lines of “The Love Boat” theme song.)

She’s just a little bit happy.


This girl LOVES to read!



Waiting and nervous and excited.

And it’s that easy! (As long as they don’t get infected!)

Filed under: Family, Kids by Dixie Vandersluys