Signs of Growing Up...

I never thought I would see the day that Allysa would stay at the house by herself even for a few minutes. I tried this summer when I walked Ashlee down the street a few times and she wanted nothing to do with it.
My what a few months can do, yesterday I needed to make a quick run to the store. She had gotten in car but was worried about something in the house so I said stay home then. In a million years I would never thought the girl who hates storms and thought staying home was punishment would she say- yes.
She did and of course I had to yell out the rules about not answering the door and phone.
I was very nervous because I realized I did not have my cell, sounds silly but true.
It may not seem like much to many of you but it was a big step for her and hopefully a confidence booster.

Christmas Day....

Well, we work so hard to get ready for Christmas and it is gone in a blink of an eye. The girls enjoyed everything. Allysa did not think they got their American Girls Doll because they were naughty. She thought the trunks they got were stools because they thought they did not open so it took them both a while to figure it out. My mom and I did not tell at first but eventually we just started laughing. That was pricelesss!!!!

The 4 am Christmas Conversation.....

For those of you who know Ashlee, you are well aware she is an early riser but this am she was all stuffy and woke up much earlier than I would have liked. Needless, to say she did not go back to sleep nor did I but she did have some insightful questions.
Ashlee- Mom where do you think Santa will put the gifts because there is not any room with all the gifts Nana brought. (Those who know my mom will not be surprised)
Me- He will figure it out
Ashlee- He always takes are stockings down- where will he put those?
Me- Do not worry just go back to sleep because we do not even know if he has been here yet.
Ashlee- I guess he will use his magic to figure it all out
Me- That sounds like a good answer to me let's go back to sleep.

We are still up because she needed to have a breathing treatment and in 3 seconds she determined Santa was here because he ate his cookies.


Merry Christmas Everyone.

The Elf is Back.............

For those of that were petitioning for Jonathon the Elf to return, he did. However, he and Santa set up some clear rules and consequences. Here are the rules:
- Listen to your parents
- Take care of your stuff
- Keep your room straightened up
- Stop fighting with each other and your friends so much

Santa and Jonathon will keep a close eye and if they do not follow the rules Jonathon will not be allowed to come back and they will be placed on the naughty list for next Christmas.

The Elf remains MIA....

The elf is still MIA due to the not so good behavior of the girls.
Last night Ashlee asked if I could call him and tell him they have been good which they had until later. I reminded them just like Santa he is still watching and knows if they have been naughty or nice........They are getting very worried because if Jonathon does not come back then Santa does not come either.
This morning Ashlee asked as soon as she got up if he was back and I said I did not know and later she found the note he left. He told them he he was disappointed and missed being here.
Ashlee has already written 2 notes- one saying they are sorry and the other that they will try to be good they just want him back.
Allysa seems sad but I am starting to wonder if she is beginning to question all of this.

Stay Tuned...................................

Ho-Ho-Ho

Santa made an early visit to the Mascolino, Wendel, Juenger, James and Hile families, this has been a tradition for our family for the past 4 or 5 years and some much longer. It is a great way to kick of the Holiday Season. I say it often but I have been blessed with the most wonderful set of friends . For me they are family, I know I can count on them for the good and bad times...
Unfortunately since Friday, behavior has taken a turn for the worst and Jonathon our elf returned to North Pole to report to Santa. He left the girls a note, that they had 4 days to get it together and maybe he will get to come back and Santa will take them off the naughty list.
Enjoy the pics and slide show.

The Mascolino Family and Santa

The whole gang(including the obnoxious teenager) and Santa
Ashlee and Santa



Allysa obviously very happy with her gift

Alysa and Santa

Holiday Piano Recital....

Well, I was hoping to post their video of their holiday piano recital but could not get it to work. They go to an assisted living home and play for the residents every year. This was Allysa's 3rd she has been playing since 1st grade and Ashlee's 1st she has not even been playing a year.

Allysa played Away in the Manager and Jolly Old St. Nicholas (duet with her teacher). Ashlee played We Three Kings and We wish you a Merry Christmas. Maybe next time, I will be able to get the video up.

Allysa and Lydia playing their duet Ashlee concentrating show hard...She did a good job for her first Holiday Recital

Ashlee's Bowling Party....

It is over- 2 hours with 16 little girls ranging from the ages of 7 and 8. This was Ashlee first birthday party that was not a joint party with her sister. Our tradition is no gifts ( they do not really need more stuff) but for guests to bring donations that will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of a dear friend. Although, some do not listen ( you know who you are) and still bring a gift the party raised almost 2oo dollars. Thanks everyone for coming and your generosity. Enjoy the collage of all the fun.

The Elf is back.........................

Well, Jonathon the elf is back.
For those who do not know the history- Allysa's best bud Julia has an elf named Christopher who would visit around Thanksgiving and leaves Christmas Eve and his sole purpose is to report back to Santa if the children are behaving.
Of course, there is more.. Jonathon moves around at night( he is magical) so every morning they come looking to see where he is and hoping it is not in their stocking( that is not good)... So, Allysa fell in love with this and last year she and Julia started writing Santa that Allysa needed an elf too... Obviously, Santa sent an elf.
The girls wrote their note to Santa when we got back from Thanksgiving this year for Jonathon to return. As you can see he is here. There are rules, they cannot touch him , he only flies at night and they can only talk to him but of course they have now taken to writing notes to see if he will answer.
Just a warning for anyone who may choose to do this- have a good story when the elf does not answer a note or move :).
For more information on this started you can visit this link, it really is a cool tradition even though I give Julia's mom a hard time....http://www.elfontheshelf.com/#/about-us or http://www.imaginatives.com/christophers-story.php

It beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

Well, it took me parts of several weekends to get it done but I think I finally have everything ready for Christmas. All the decorations are up and now the wrapping will begin. I still cannot believe it is upon us. It seems like Christmas came so fast, maybe it was the late Thanksgiving. Anyway, almost all is ready for Santa.

Happy Birthday to Ashlee.....The big 7

In a few hours it will be offical, my baby will no longer be 6 but officially 7. It is so hard to believe it has been 7 years since she arrived and what an arrival! Ashlee has been going down her own path since before she was born and to this day continues that path which is pretty bumpy and curvy. However, my heart would have a big hole in it without her.
Happy Birthday Sweetheart!