We've MOVED!!!

Visit: http://www.maddiesminute.com/

I've done it.... I've been talking about it for months and I've finally done it. I purchased my first domain name. I've exported all posts and comments from blogger. I've installed Wordpress 2.3.1. I've installed several themes I'm playing with. I've installed a new ClustrMap! I've installed some funky Plugins. I've downloaded FileZilla so I can start the whole FTP thing as it's so much faster. Please come visit us at http://www.maddiesminute.com/! I'm learning so bear with me!!!!! :) As you can see, I've completely demolished my sidebar to the right. It was an accident. I thought you had to push the blog from blogger to Wordpress. You can actually pull it from blogger using Wordpress.... learning everyday!

Christmas at the Links!

This entire week has been about children running around the Links after dark, knocking on doors as loud as they can and then running to hide as fast as they can! There are about 20 kids out at the Links and they were all part of a Secret Santa gift exchange. I keep forgetting (sometimes) that Maddie is four as this is all still very new to her. We had participated in Secret Santa last year, but doesn't really remember doing so. Maddie first heard the door on Monday night and was ecstatic as she was opening the present... when she realized it was a book she burst into tears because "Santa" didn't bring her the ballet slippers she wanted! It was then that we had the discussion about the difference between Santa and a Secret Santa. She decided a Secret Santa was like a leprechaun - it worked for her! :)

Tonight we did the final gift exchange, but before we did so we were entertained a bit during a dinner. Sometimes you just have to pinch yourself and ask, "where am I and how did I get here?"

The young boy on the bicycle juggled and threw plates onto his head while riding a unicycle. I loved the look in his eye when he tossed three bowls at once to the top of his head from his foot... even he was proud! Then there was a young woman who did a dance for this kids where her face changed colors. It's difficult to describe so look a the clip and watch the color of her face change in the middle of it. I think it changed seven times in all! The girls then came out in their purple outfits with roller skates on where they spun as fast as they could in a very small space.

Girls twirling plates on the top of long sticks and a magician ended the show! Maddie sat in the front row with her mouth wide open the entire time! The gift exchange is what they all were waiting for though. Maddie gave Cleet his basketball and then received a PINK SAS sweatshirt from Cooper! It was a great night had by all... now it's time to head home for real down home Christmas time! One week and counting!!!!

Santa's Workshop

This week at school Maddie had Santa's Workshop at school. Neither Andy or I were able to attend with her so we gave her a set amount of money to spend and sent her on her way. Maddie bought presents for Ms. Zhou, mommy, daddy and Amelia. She decided that she wanted us to open the presents as soon as she got home - she must get that from me! She bought me a beautiful necklace, dad a great tie, Ms. Zhou a pretty necklace, and Amelia a cute little Santa Clause! Thanks for the Christmas presents Madeline Anna!!

Friday Night Date Nights... with Amelia!

While Maddie and Ms. Zhou enjoy their Friday night movie ritual, Andy and I go out for date night. I thought for sure that we would put it on hold after Amelia arrived, but this kid likes to be a part of it all! If she's sitting in your lap, she's a happy camper. So... dad I continue the date nights (with Amelia in tow) while Maddie continues on with her Ms. Zhou/Maddie bonding time. Life is good!!