Happy Halloween!

Several months ago Maggie announced she wanted to be a ghost this Halloween. But as Halloween drew closer I was taking note that Maggie & Charlie were crazy addicted to the movie Ponyo. A quick cosume search came up with nothing. So I called our master seamstress Grandma Leu, a few measurements and loads of sewing labor....whaaaala. PONYO! And what a proud Ponyo she was.



Ponyo carries a green bucket and LOVES ham. Maggie played the part well. Although I feel like I failed a bit on her wig. The only kid-sized orange wig available at the party store was Aeriel, which I trimmed up to look like Ponyo. I had hoped it was a bit more true orange. Nevertheless - Maggie was smashing in her costume.

They had a Halloween parade at school followed with a party in their classroom. Here is her teacher, Ms. Palmieri, and all the girls dressed up.





After her Halloween celebration at school we raced over to Charlie's school Halloween party. Charlie is dressed as Sosuke, the little boy who loves Ponyo (imagine him with yacht hat on & pacifier out!).



On Halloween, Maggie and I ventured out for some girl time to the Park Chalet to listen to our favorite kid's band, the Jam Jam band. We hadn't seen Charity (or as Maggie kept calling her 'Cherry') in a few years. So we danced in the warm ocean breeze - front & center. I seized the opportunity to dress up like a pretty pink princess with Maggie. Not sure you can top dancing with your daughter who is all smiles while wearing a sparkling pink tutu...which by the way, when I pulled it out Maggie was amazed that MOM has a tutu too. That's right I do!!! Wait til she sees my pink cowboy boots....

I heart BIRDIE!

I had one of those overwhelming moments this morning with Maggie, one that hits you straight on with such clarity. I am so incredibly lucky to have Margaret Evelyn Leu in my life. She is the light of my life. She is my every day. She is the happy in my life - the person who never ceases to warm my heart over and over and over again.

Where is this coming from? Well, I got home from a 3 day buying trip in NYC to find Maggie curled up on the floor watching TV. Once she snapped out of her TV zombie mode, she quickly ran off to get me a present. (Now, wait. Aren't I the one to be bringing a present home?) She came bounding back with such pure excitement to gift me a beaded bracelet she made for ME at her friend Carly's birthday party. And then shows me the cape she made Charlie. And that's when it hit me. Here is the most amazing and beautiful little girl, who goes to her friend's art crafting birthday party and spends her time and energy making gifts for the people she loves. Not one thing for her...that's my Maggie, with a pure and simple heart driven with the desire to love & give to others with the unconscious intention to surround herself and others with happiness. It feels like a life lesson inherently woven into her soul, to give to others without the desire for anything in return. It's something to nourish, that's for sure. It will serve her well - it already does.

...I think it might be one of her super powers!

I HEART BIRDIE!!!! I love her like mad, to the moon & back, and to a gazillion little pieces. She lights up my world and teaches ME life lessons. I am a better person because of her in my life. Swear. She is just an angel that I am thankful for EVERY day of my life.

I. Love. You. Birdie!



Ok, so why Birdie? Well, I have for years called my Maggie 'chicken.' And not long ago she looked at me & said, 'Mommy, I don't want you to call me chicken anymore.' Ok - what shall we call you. 'Birdie.' So Birdie it is. Happily.