She thinks she knows what Christmas about. . .

Viv: I know what Christmas is about.
Me: (Very proud . . . Thinking she has learned something from Wonderful Wednesdays at the church) What?
Viv: TOYS!

Nice . . . .

Happy Holidays . . . From Vivian

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s that annual time of year again where I sneak in to our home office (looks like an extra bedroom to me) and hammer out the family holiday letter. As you can see, my reading and writing skills have advanced to a college graduate level, so I guess you could say kindergarten is going well. Now, I am cheating a bit by typing this. My handwriting is still a work in progress, but I figured I should leave at least one area to improve in 2011!

Kindergarten has been awesome! I love the teachers and all the activities we do. I’ve made tons of new friends with my outgoing and friendly nature. I take the exact same lunch every day, and it covers all the five major food groups: peanut butter, jelly, bread, chips, and Capri Sun. I could also live on Little Caesar’s pizza without complaint. Mom & Dad would probably really worry about my diet, but I also love lots of fruits. I get along great with my parents, but occasionally they say I already sound like a teenager trapped in a five year old body. Whatever!!!!

I discovered the old show Punky Brewster on DVD this year at my Mom’s suggestion and give it a big thumbs up. I played a ton of tennis, basketball, and tee ball with my sports-fanatic Dad nearby. I even watched the occasional Duke basketball game with him, just to flip on the cute switch and butter him up for the next toy purchase. I have also become a whiz at crafts, which lets me spend a lot of time with Mom while she works on her crafts and projects. Whether it’s swimming in Grandma’s pool, taking a nature center hike with Nana & Papa, or just riding my bike . . . I’m happiest when things are in motion!

Mom didn’t have to travel nearly as much this year in her job, so that was nice. She continues to work for Oce onsite at The Dow Chemical Company. Mom needed to satisfy her creative side, so she learned to sew and became addicted to fabric stores. Every town we go to now, we have to check out the fabric store. For example, we went up to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, home of those big cool water slides, and as soon as we arrive, our first visit is . . . the town fabric store. On the plus side, I get all kinds of cool homemade things to wear and also the scraps from Mom’s “reject pile.” What can I say, not every kid gets to wear a pajama shirt with some kind of animal sewn on slightly crooked on it! Mom even went further and branched out, opening her own Etsy shop (on-line). She called her on-line business “Hottie-Mottie”, which I like because Mott is my middle name and my Mom’s maiden name. Dad is still teaching and coaching, no new addictions to report there. Although I am slowly trying to turn him into a Justin Bieber fan.

I feel very fortunate to have such terrific family and friends to count on like all of you. I certainly am looking forward to continue growing and trying new things. Mom, Dad, and I would like to wish all of you best wishes for a great holiday and Happy New Year!

Love,

V

His Idea of Christmas Decorations . . .

Every December I am reminded of how different our decorating styles are . . .

Yes . . . Plugged in the living room

On Viv's night stand.

I suppose it could be worse . . .

It's been forevah, but we are doing well.

It's been forevah, but things are going really well for the Freeland family. Viv loves school - She can read!!! Justin's basketball season has started. So . . . We are all well, but busy.

I have been busy making new items for Hottie Mottie. We had an awesome photo session with our dear photog friend, Rachel Evans http://www.capturedphotographyart.com/blog/?p=323 at Captured Photography. I love working with her and the CP team! Enjoy the photos below of Viv and her friends - BEWARE: She is very camera shy!

She is gearing up for her 6th birthday in January!

Singing in the Shower

Viv loves singing . . . Singing by herself, singing in the car, singing for family and friends and LOVES singing in the shower. She loves music as much as Justin does. Tonight I couldn't help but record her in the shower - She was singing the clean version of, Eminem & Rihanna - "Love The Way You Lie."

For you you that have not heard this song, click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po9hcTf1eZQ

Does she not sound just like Rihanna???

First Day of School

Viv had a first great day of kindergarten. We were excited that she was so excited to start school. I emailed Mrs. A (yes, I am one of those crazy, annoying, overprotective moms) by 11:00 am to see how she was doing:

Hi Mrs. A,

I know it's early . . . How is Viv doing? She was very excited to start school, but got a little nervous this morning. Hope your morning is going well.

Dear Jennifer,
Vivian is doing absolutely wonderful. She is going to be
such a joy to have as a student. I can already tell that
she will succeed in here. Do not worry about asking me
about her. Feel free anytime!
Sincerely, Mrs. A.

Uh-oh . . . She said "Feel free anytime" . . . I hope she knows I will take that literally :)

Day 1

Day 1 - In the classroom sitting at her desk

Day 2

Holiday Card Time Already???

Yes- We already had a photo shoot for our 2010 holiday card. Renee' and I collaborated on ideas and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results. I think the card for 2010 is going to be harder than 2009's . . . which consisted of coin tosses. Enjoy the sneak peak that Renee' from Captured Photography gave me. . . .

http://www.capturedphotographyart.com/blog/?p=822

The Vivian Show is . . . Back!!!

She's ready to head north . . .

Viv and I are headed north with friends to Great Wolf Lodge. We have never been so Vivian was most excited about packing versus the pools, slides and FOOD. During the week she asked me every single night if it was time to pack. Friday night couldn't come fast enough so we could start packing. Tonight we packed her clothes in her suitcase and she asked if she could pack a couple extra things. This is what I found in her suitcase when I went back to check on her . . .


Really?? A microphone and TWO General Hospital magazines? Seriously? I couldn't help but laugh and wonder how her brain works. Then . . . I went to the kitchen only to find ALL of her bags that Justin helped pack. We are only going for one night!!!

We might have a couple of divas that live at this house . . . and that doesn't include me and my ONE bag (that's not inlcuded in the photo above)!

Tough Competition

I've got some tough sewing competition. Santa brought Viv her own sewing machine last year for Christmas - She loves it! Lately Viv has been spending a lot of time at her machine making 'ties' for family and friends . . .

The Craziest 4th of July EVER . . .

We had a relaxing day at the pool and were about to head out the door to watch the July 4th fireworks when . . . .

Little Miss Thing thought it would be fun to play with the Mama's rotary sewing cutter . . . OUCH!

Little Miss Thing did not realize how sharp the "pizza cutter" was and sliced her finger very, very deep and 10 percent of her nail was gone. As we were trying to get the bleeding to stop someone realized they were a tiny bit dehydrated from being out in the hot sun all weekend. Moments later Wife and Mama called this big guy for help . . .

Mr. Dehydration was also dealing with this . . .

Yes . . . that would be poison ivy, but picture the postules (orange goop) peppered from the ankle up to the knee on both legs. The doctor diagnosed it as a 'nightmare case of PI'.

The story ends with us watching the fireworks from this lovely place . . . I have to say we had a great view from the ER parking lot.

Viv's finger is doing really well. For one week she could not get her hand wet - which meant no swimming. It all worked out because Justin needed a break from the sun. Justin is doing well too. The poison ivy is still a little itchy, but (thank goodness) no more orange goop.

I will never forget that crazy July 4th.

Kellie Podsiad Photography & Hottie Mottie Collide

I am loving this Etsy shop thing . . . My friend, Katie hooked me up with her sister Kellie who is a photographer in Bay City. Not only is Kellie talented, but her kids (Bella and Jack) are so adorable and make fabulous models!! I am absolutely thrilled with how the photos turned out. I haven't added all the photos/items to the shop yet, but wanted to give my followers a sneak peak. Also, please check out Kellie's photography blog for more information on her work:

Kellie Podsiad Photography

http://www.kelliepodsiadphotography.blogspot.com/

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jfree5303

Hottie Mottie on Etsy

My Etsy shop (Hottie Mottie . . . I knew you would love the name) is almost ready to open. I still have lots to do, but wanted to share the link so you could take a quick glimpse.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jfree5303

Brenda is coming back to GH

During the school year Viv made friends with a boy named Peter and his mom, Shauna. Shauna and Viv bonded over General Hospital happenings. Grandma Becky and Viv watched GH every afternoon . . . unless Justin was going to pick her up at 3:30 . . . Grandma is a little addicted and would set the DVR so she could watch it without any interruptions. Tonight Viv made a video for Shauna to update her on the biggest GH scoop . . . Brenda is coming back August 11th!!!

I know Vivian is a little to young to be watching soaps, BUT Justin and I both grew up on GH and turned out okay, right? Well . . . Maybe Justin did . . . .

One Mile Fun Run

On Saturday the local community center was hosting a One Mile Fun Run Race - I signed the Freeland family up for the run. Viv did a terrific job. I don't think she knew what to expect, but loved all the cheering and familiar faces we saw in the crowd a long the run. She never stopped for a break, but shouted "My feet are killing me!" a couple of times. We finished the race together in about 12 minutes.

She Did It!

Viv graduated from Montessori Children's House last Thursday. It was a bittersweet day - We will miss the MCH teachers and friends dearly, but Viv is ready to be a LANCER!!!! Enjoy the pictures below from graduation.



Waiting with friends


Viv with her favorite Spanish teacher, Luz

Of course a silly face!

The proud Mama!!!!

Spring in Review

Time flies when you are having fun! We have had a lovely spring with lots going on . . .

Viv still loves her tennis class. I have even taken up tennis and have had lots of fun playing. . . .



Vivian went "netting" with Tiger, Nana & Papa on Easter morning. She caught two frogs and named them "Princess" and "The Frog". Unique, huh?






Viv also started playing T ball with Justin as her coach. The practices were very painful to watch. Vivian was so bored and wanted to play in the sand or pick the grass instead of watching for the ball. We were worried, but she had her first game on Saturday and was focused and cheered on her teammates. Maybe it won't be a long 6 weeks of ball . . .

Remember the Post - Life Is Your Art?

Remember the post about trying a new photographer and how adorable the photos turned out? http://jfree5303.blogspot.com/2009/11/life-is-your-art-life-love-joy.html Well . . . Renee' has opened up a studio in Midland. She posted some pictures of the studio on her Captured Photography Art blog. Check them out - I knew it was going to be super fabulous!! You might see some pictures of Vivian on display too . . .

http://www.capturedphotographyart.com/blog/

Zip It, Punk!

A little flu bug hit our house this week . . .Viv and I have stayed home from work and school the past two days. Here is the breakdown:

1. Number of times we left the house = 0
2. Showers taken = 7 (Viv 5; Mama 2)
3. Number of days that we didn't have phone service because the garbage truck snagged our phone line down = 2
4. Viv beat Mama in Whacka Mole = 2
5. Mama beat Viv in Memory = 5
6. Amount of Coke Mama drank to settle her stomach = 2 (very bad, but tasted so GOOD!)
7. Days we slept in past 9:00 am = 2
8. Watched Zack and Cody in bed = 4
9. Lunch in bed = 2
10. Heard Viv's favorite new saying " Zip it, punk!" = 100+

Viv - The Cheerleader? {Part 2}

My friend Lori made these videos of her daughter at the cheer clinic - I had to share since you can kind of see Vivian. Viv is in the second row, middle cheerleader.

Viv - The Cheerleader?

My two friends are the cheer coaches at Northwood University. Viv really wanted to do their cheer camp so we signed her up - Yes, Justin may have shed a few tears. In the morning they practiced the cheers and then showed their moves during half-time of the game. We were so proud - She had so much fun and looked great out there.


After the game we had lunch at Logan's Roadhouse. Viv's conversation with her Justin went like this:

Justin: So did you have fun today?

Vivian: Yes I did, but (big sigh) I think I like basketball better!

Justin (smiling ear to ear): Oh really?

Knock Knock

Knock Knock . . . is anybody there?

We are doing well at Wife and Mama, but just super busy. Stay tuned for an update!

2009 was good to us, but looking forward to 2010!

Wow - It's 2010 already! 2009 was good to us, but looking forward to a new year!! Just wanted to share a few of our favorite pictures from last year. Enjoy!!!

Our 1st 5K together.


Bloomin' Bands for a LoCoMaMa show.

4th Birthday Party - Pin the Tail on the Donkey or Brett Michaels.

At the zoo with Daddy.

Our new wheels that we have had so much fun with and put a lot of miles on.

My new license plate.

Yearbookyourself.com - Totally fun!

Viv's Hoops Party

Just wanted to share a picture of Viv's hoops/birthday party yesterday. Last year we had her party at the tennis center so this year we thought a 'hoops party' would be really fun. Justin ran the party and I think everyone had a good time . . . He was even able to bring in some of his players from his team to help (I think it helped that he fed them pizza and cupcakes afterwards :) Of course Viv had her camera on hand and documented the whole party. Below is a picture of some of the "Big Buddies" that helped.