Birthday-Russian Style

I got to admit, my Russian people KNOW how to throw a Birthday Party and this year, our friend Aliona's was no exception. She was turning a milestone and wanted to celbrate in style, so we did just that. We met at "The Roof" and had a birthday bash- Russian style. Such good food, wonderful company, so much fun. Were very blessed to have such great friends who include us in such memories. Aliona- The Birthday Girl with her husband Blaine. These two are amazing together.

Aliona's Mom. She was Hilarious!!! Everyone kept on calling her the "turtle" I guess there is some Russian cartoon that she looked like. Our Amazing View from our private party room. My Red Flame and me.
Such a fun evening. We debated on taking the girls, but decided we had way too much fun without them. Next time girls!

Another First

Sofia loves preschool. So one morning not so long ago, when I got a call saying Sof did not want to go and was even faking being sick (saying she had a cough-and was going to throw up) I knew something was up. We got to the bottom of it and the reason? Her first bullying by a boy at school.

Now I know I should have just laughed it off, but when I heard that this kid Preston (which I still can't say without a small form of disdain) had hit my kid, well. I was not the most chariable I could have been and was going to march right down to the school myself and give said bully- and his parent a piece of my mind. Luckily it was not me that took Sof to school and Sof was told to go and tell Mrs. Chavez what had happened.

I LOVE the response Mrs. Chavez gave to Sofia. She told her that it was her job to keep the kids (including Sofia) safe while they were at school. And if she ever felt unsafe to come and talk to her right away. Well, almost immediately (alomst) my hard core feelings crumbled a bit and I was very grateful for a teacher who taught Sofia that when Mom is not around, there are always other people who have her back.

Preston may want to steer clear of me (and Sofia for that matter) for awhile though....Done like a true Pederson-since said bullying? Sof has polished up on her defense skills. And yes, I am kidding...sort-of.

Thankful.

It is days like today that, when there seems to be only one thing that I can hope to hold onto and not fall completely apart-is when im thankful that there is this little one.

Bedroom-wallpaper free

This picture doesnt really have much to do with the re-do. I just thought she looked so CUTE! Hello?! Look at those gorgeous brown eyes! And it WAS taken before- just look at the background- WALLPAPER!

Here are the before and after of the bedroom. I was afraid I would hate the color since Artyom and I RARELY (if ever) agree on colors for the walls. So far with both rooms, he literally walks up to the wall of paint color samples and just grabs one. It drives me nuts!! Dont you want to look at a few, compare, try it out for a minute before we just up and buy it?! Nope. Just like shopping. He despises it. So I was worried that the color he picked- "Rosemary" was going to be WAY to dark and it was nothing like the "Lemon Verbena" color that I liked.

At the end of the day, he painted and I smiled. I think it turned out pretty darn good. What do you think? So here we see the wallpaper I was suffering under. Sorry if anyone out there likes it...its just NOT us. Artyom seriously had his work cut out for him in this room. This wallpaper was AWFUL to take off. It took forever. Such a big difference with the girls room. He had it down in 1 day. Rockstar.

And the after...Say it with me....AHHHHH!

Better yes?! We think so...

Ta-Da!

Yes! Finally they are here. The unveiling of the kids nook that I fought so hard for. The girls love it. And yes, I know it is not decorated all cutie-patootie yet, but I wanted to get the pics posted before y'all began to wonder if it even existed! Thats what we were dealing with...Heres what the Red Flame created

Thank you Artyom! We all love the new Kids nook. I promise Sofia and Ella, I will get it even more beautified for you soon- after all, its your new "home!"