Ball Girls

Every year these ladies pull out their best ball girl skills for Suzy's soccer games. It always fun for them to be on the field, right next to the players. Go Kangs!

Day 1

First day of school pics. This year I didn't take Ari's picture in front of her school sign. I think she would have let me...but I was doing her a favor and letting that slide.
Lucky me, she didn't really want new school clothes. I begged her to get some new things, which she is wearing. Love this girl.

Middle School

Arianna Joi! You my little lady are starting middle school tomorrow. TOMORROW! Middle school.

You have your outfit picked out. Your backpack is ready to go and you were in bed by 9:20pm. I think I'm more nervous than you....not bad nervous, just nervous. It's a big deal. You are riding the bus, changing classes, changing clothes for PE and going to be a lot further away from home. You will  meet so many new people and teachers and you are going to have some major sweaty pits in your grey dress that I'm really worried about.
These next 3 years lots of things will change. Friends will change, you will change. You will probably start talking to boys and hopefully not kissing them...
Ari, I love you. I know I drive you nuts and I freak out over stupid stuff, but just so you know, I will continue freaking out over stupid stuff for.ev.er.  Because I love you. You will always be my little girl. I will be protective and ask lots of annoying questions and why so and so isn't talking to you or you aren't talking to them. Just so we are clear, I will ask a lot of questions.
Remember to be kind. Be honest. Be strong. Be confident. Be a great friend, a good listener, and most importantly be yourself.  Don't forget deodorant after PE and don't shave the bottom of your head like I did in junior high.
I can't wait to hear Briggs ask "where did sissy goooo?" 500 times tomorrow.
Love you Lulu,
Meme

1 - 1 PARRRTYYYY

Ari's big 11 birthday was her entire plan.

She wanted it to be a surprise for her bestiessss.
We ice skated, opened presents, dined at her fav restaurant (maggianos) and then headed to a movie. It was a fun/long day. Love Ari's friends and their love for each other. Most of the time they are super sweet to each other.

League, District, Regional and State

WOOT WOOT! This has been a huge soccer year for the CHEETAH's. They won their league without losing one game. Then headed onto districts where they won in below freezing temps. Then off to regionals as the swept through the series.  And then they headed straight to the State Playoffs!!!!

State Playoffs consisted of 5 games.
They. Won. Every. Single. Game.
I'm proud of Ari...a lot. She is smart, loves to read, does her homework right when she gets home from school, is kind and quiet and calm. She plays hard and loves her friends. But when she played her heart out... in that final game and they won, it was a feeling I haven't ever really had as a parent. Weeks later we found out she won MVP of the entire tournament. Proud doesn't really do it justice. Love this lady something fierce and all the effort she puts into her soccer game.

When I asked her what her favorite thing about soccer this year she said: being able to play and have fun with my teammates.

Thatta girl!

#9

11

Hi Ar,
You've been 11 for about 2 weeks. 11! Double 1's.Hi Ar!
This past year has been pretty amazing and so many changes for you...

You my friend have been so busy.
Soccer is still your number 1 favorite sport and although everyone thinks it should be basketball or volleyball, I like where your head is at. Your team won the state Championship! Which means your team is #1 in the state. What is even more tear jerking than that (yes it makes me teary, I'm weirdo)...you got MVP for your age group in the STATE! You my little Lulu bear received the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER award for your age group in the entire state of Washington. Makes me teary. Freaking proud. I'm so proud to be your Meme. Not only that your team went to the playoff in volleyball, and now we are onto basketball. I love watching you play these sports. You are so how I wished I played when I was younger. Competitive and aggressive, yet totally kind.

I love your imagination. You still will play with your friends...make believe. I love that. Hotel, college applications, super models, British girls, family, and pretend driving are the most common sites we see.

Briggs is so in love with his sissy. Sissy, where areeee youuuuuuu??? And when we hear your door open in the morning, "Sissy sissy sissy" is what we hear. I love how much he loves you and how well you love him, You are so good with him.

You still sleep with bear bear. You bring him out to breakfast every morning.

Your besties are Anno, Jo, Beep. Emma and Ellie....
You love instagram and have tried to create a secret account without me knowing (you little turd). I know everything little lady!

You don't seem to have any boy crushes...but your favorite thing about recess is playing four square with the boys. You are loving 5th grade and your teacher Mrs. Coebergh.

It's amazing what a year can do.

This is what I found on your white board in your room:



Be Awesome
Stay happy
Make my bed
Give Zeeke a hug (your little buddy at school)
Read a good book
Play 4 square
Play guitar
Say hi to Shanequa (beep)
Talk to Bella and Zoe
Be king of 4 square
Be Lovely (this is my favorite one)
Laugh out loud
Do something athleltic (not including PE)

Daily Goals:
Keep clean room
Do dishes
Do something nice for someone else
Do something that scares you
Have a friend over (not including Beep)
Write and essay about your week (short)

These pretty much describe you in a nut shell.

I love you so much Arianna Joi and am so glad you were born.

XOXOOX

Surrounded

Soccer season is in full force.
The Cheetahs are 4 - 0.
They are pretty awesome, Lu scored from mid-field on Saturday.

On a side note, I'm looking into baby leashes, so I can enjoy her games.

I'm proud of you Lu, even when you look over to see if I'm watching and I'm totally distracted by your bro. Sorry if I'm chasing him down the sideline or grabbing the handful of dirt he just put in his mouth, or running after him in the of another game. Or better yet, trying to withhold him from drinking all your teammates water. I am watching and am so proud!
XO

Summer Lovin

Love summer time.

Lazy mornings.
Long summer nights.
Little adventures.

This summer we tried to cram it all in...to the very last day (at the zoo).

2nd day of 5th Grade

I tried with all my might this morning to get her to change her outfit without really saying it.

Can you sit on the floor in music in that dress?
You have a play-date after school....
Do you need a jacket?

I'm trying really, really, really hard not to comment on Ari's clothes, how tall she is, how crazy her hair is, how she needs more deodorant. Trying really hard to build her confidence in who she is. Tall, long ass legs, hair armpits...you get the drill.

She is always hearing.... wow your so big. Wow your so tall, wow your boobs are big. Wow you tower over everyone. Wow you wear size 11 shoes. WOW. WOW. WOW. I think after awhile when you hear things over and over again about yourself you start to think. I am big. Too big? I am tall. Too tall? HECK NO.

So here is my 5th grader, standing a proud 5'5 in her mullet dress and combat boots.

WOOT WOOT.

4th Grade

This is your last full week of 4th Grade! Lu! I can't hardly believe it. 5th grade seems too old. I remember 5th grade like it was yesterday.

You went off to school today wearing your "multi-colored" outfit for spirit week. As you and Beep ran off, I got teary!

You had a pretty amazing year.

4th Grade Recap:

• Mrs. Coebergh - what an awesome teacher!
• You had a binder and kept it so organized
• Soccer - went to playoffs! Lost, but you guys played your hearts out
• Volleyball - undefeated...1st year playing! Champs!
• Basketball - undefeated amazeballs - coach zebby
• Softball - hard year, with a new league- great learning experience
• When I grow up project - You want to be a "world-wide professional athelete" your presentation at school fabulous
• The Amazing Me Paper
• You and Beeper started walking home from school (love this)
• You started watching your bro!! 
• You were Gabby Douglas for Halloween 
• You helped out with your bro every single day
• You played dress up (a lot in my clothes)
• You got Keratin treatments on your hair
• You went to Arizona, Hawaii, Chelan, Leavenworth, Suncadia
• You went to see Elf with Auntie for Christmas
• You had a dance party for your 10th Birthday
• You encouraged your meme with notes 
• You were a Bee and Dove in your school play
• You hit your first home run
• Choir is still one of your favs
• You grew taller
• You are wearing size 10/11 in shoes
• You still sleep with bearbear
• You love listening to music and pull your huge boom box into the bathroom to blast your music while you shower
• You sang the national anthem at the Mariner's game!!

Lulu, Sissypants, Ari, Arar! My sunshine. You are wrapping up 4th grade! Things are getting weird....boys and girls are starting to get crushes, and you now have a "health" section at the end of the school year. You are learning a lot about getting hurt and being kind and including everyone. You are probably seeing things I don't know you are and hearing things I don't know you are...and I pray daily for you and for protection around your heart. 

Here's to you my little lady for making me so very proud. I love you with all my heart.

Meme

 

Blogger wouldn't upload any more pics...4th grade you've been fabulous.

Super

Ari. She's so grown up right now. It's crazy to me. Looking at her is like looking at a little lady.

We are counting down the days to summer, 29 to be exact.

Bring it on!

10

Happy 10th Birthday Arianna - Lulu Bear.

I can hardly believe you are double digits. Since you came into this world 10 entire years ago you have been a complete joy. Seriously. You were such an angel baby. Such a funny little toddler. And you are becoming such an amazing little lady. My heart beams with pride having you as my daughter. You are so laid back and don't get overly excited or sad about anything really (sometimes this worries me). You are so even-keeled and I so wish I had more of this trait. Tonight after I tucked you into bed, after we washed your face with your new fancy face stuff from Nonnie you said: Meme, thanks for everything today. And that my dear, sums you up. Simple. So very sweet. Kind.

You LOVE:
BearBear (still your fav thing)
Music (Taylor Swift)
Sports - favs are volleyball and soccer
Cart Wheels - you've gotten sooo good at them
Animals - always have always will
TV - drives me nuts
Wearing leggings - everyday
Wearing socks to bed - everynight
Spaghetti - although as of late I would say you would pick french dip over spaghetti
Cesar salad
Your Friends!
Playing make believe (love ease dropping on your girls, yes...I do)
Your bro bro - love watching you two love on eachother
Reading (yes, you LOVE to read and I LOVE this about you)
Itouch - almost as addicted as I am to my iphone
Food - you wanted me to add this to the list. xo
Making list - you love making list and writing little stories. You are such a great writter Ari, I hope you always write.

Things you HATE:
Brushing your teeth
Showering
Rats
Snakes
Spiders

I love you so much Lu. The last 10 years you have brought so much joy to my life.

Happy Birthday little lady.

Ari's Christmas Letter

Ari wrote her grandparents (Aisha/Zuberi) her Christmas list last night. They tend to spoil her rotten with Christmas/Birthday gifts (she is their only grandbaby) and requested that she wrote them a letter.

She handed me the letter and I SOOO wish I took a picture of it {it's long gone in the mail now}.

The girl signed her letter and then put this:

PS. I would also like a starbucks gift card.

SAY WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who is this person? Although, she did also have stuffed animals on her list as well...

I guess she can give me a call on her new celly when she's ordering up her Chai Tea Latte. We got her a phone for her bday. More for me...so I can check in with her when she's at all her stinkin slumber parties and play dates. And mostly because sometimes, when we drop her off at the bus and head to Seattle, it freaks me out.

Well Visit

Lu had her 6-8 year old well visit yesterday.

And as you can see, she's an A across all boards.

Off the charts {always has been}.

She got an x-ray to see her bone age, just to make sure she's not growing too fast. I mean, she is 4'11!!

She my friends, is growing up way to fast.

Growin Up

Ari is wearing Auntie's shoes, my shorts, a bra and is almost as tall as me.

Lulu, 

Today you are going to skate king with camp. You picked out a special outfit and even put on necklace.

You are dying to go school supply shopping.

You have your first soccer practice today with the Cheetahs.

You still love to snuggle and bearbear is still your most prized possession.

You can out eat me, and LOVE DQ.

You want to go to UW or Stanford for college.

I love that.

You my dear, are the apple of my eye. And I just want it all to slow down a little bit.

xoxo

Just waitin...

for summer...

We'll still play outside, swim and dance if it's drizzling out.

This little lady, with her two buds, got 2 blue ribbons yesterday in track.

She is taking 2nd grade to a whole new level.

Love you mucho, little Lu.

xoxox

Momma

Baller

I so wish I had a better picture of this.

In a room full of about 75 people (mostly women athletes) Ari shares that she loves basketball because it's challenging and fun.

I am proud.

I think this is just the beginning to this little lady's career. I really do.

They asked her if she would say a little something and without a doubt she said, YES.

I asked her what she was going to say, and she said I don't know.

I would NEVER do that.

I love that she is just like me, except she has balls. Well not balls, but you get the idea.

Gitty-Up

Ari had her first horse riding lesson today. A great Birthday gift from her Unc and Auntie.

The girl was in heaven.

She's already asked for a horse....

I on the other hand am terrified of them...and them of me.

my camera blows.