Santa has arrived!

He had lots of presents in his sleigh! Now to catch a couple hours of skeep before the fun begins.......

Are you sleeping.....

Santa is on his way!  Apparently Hannah doesn't want to sneak a peak bc this is hiw she fell asleep tonight!

Singing with Santa

Its a new day!  Olivia is liking her hair a lit more since her friends at church gave her lots of compliments.  We brought them to the mall to see Santa.  Hannah asked very seriously was she on the naughty list and he said no but encouraged her to be good.  She also sang jingle bells with him.  She keeps asking for a puppy but can't find anyone to agree to let it live at their house!

Olivia waited patiently to tell Santa she didn't want much just an electric scooter and a new ereader.  Then they watched a little magic trick and hung out for a bit.

Saying Goodbye

Goodbye's are always hard. Today we said goodbye to Olivia's long hair. She decided last night that she wanted to get a real haircut. She found a freckle on her arm and that was the spot.  When we got there her spot was about 3 inches shy of being able to give to locks of love.  So she quickly agreed to go for it.  We asked and measured and put it in a ponytail to show her exactly how short it would be. She was all in!

None of it mattered.  As soon as the sissors snipped the first hair she change her mind and was overwhelmed with regret and anxiety. Tears came and haven't stopped all day.  So sad for her.  I wish of all decisions I let her make on her own it wasn't this one.  Her hair has been her identity.  Yesterday she wanted to be freed and said that's all people know her for.  Today she is worried that noone will like her anymore because its gone.

She said tomorrow she wants to go to church and vent to God.  Oh that warms my soul.  I have felt helpless all day wondering how to make her feel better.  As much as I wish I had an answer for her......I can't even explain how greatful I am that she finds peace in him.  Peace I am unable to give but desperately want her feel today. She is growing up in so many ways. 

Adventure Landing

We don't have trees ast our house.  They are a pain to mow around and the clean up of the leaves i am just not interested in.  So how does this little monkey know how to climb a tree?  That is what I asked her when I found her climbing a tree at her grandmommy and granddaddy's house this weekend! 

90 Years Young

We have been celebrating Nana's 90th birthday.  On Friday we took her a gift and spent some time visiting.  Saturday we took her flowers and a balloon and drove her to her celebration.  Her brothers came along with all her great grandchildren so she had an amazing day.

Another bites the dust.....

It would figure that the day I schedule a picture appointment, Olivia would go and pull a tooth....ugh!   Now we enter the extremely awkward phase of only having your two front teeth.  This being the kid who lists being a nurse in the top two career paths, yet cannot stand the taste or sight of blood even after doing this 7 other times!  It never gets old and is always exciting to anticipate the tooth fairy!

Daddy I need you....

Olivia: daddy can you come here for a minute
Daddy: what do you need Liv
Olivia: I need you daddy
Daddy: (hesitates for a second and I rub his arm repeating her "she needs you daddy") so he jumps up and says I'm on it
Olivia: don't worry, no-one is in trouble and you won't get hurt.  I just need to show you something!

This was a brief conversation from this evening as the girls rode bikes and we sat on the porch together watching them.  For some reason time stood still. As if God wanted that to be ever ingrained in memory.  Such a small request with such a big impact!

Dinosaur days

We spent the day checking out dinosaurs and hanging out together.  It was an amazing day!

Lunch with mom......

Makes everything better!  School has been a little tough.  In exchange for a tear-free morning Hannah got lunch with mom and it's making everything happier.  She said "I am so glad to have you for lunch mommy" :)

Take me out to the ball park

For the 1st time since kindergarten Olivia is not in class with her besrfriend Ruby. We are making more time for them to hang out after school.  Tonight is pizza and a ball game!

Hudson's shower

Off on a girl's weekend with Mimi to celebrate Louise's baby shower for baby Hudson!  Fun time :)

Dance Little Darlings!

Week 1 of dance camp went off with a hit.  This week was fairy tale ballet and you both did great.  Olivia complained all week about how much stretching they made you do and Hannah was just plain worn out every night.  The recital was adorable and I think you are looking forward to the next few weeks.

Pizza and Frozen Yogurt!

When you turn the big 5, picking out your special dinner and dessert is a pretty big deal!  You have been planning this night since your sisters birthday 3 weeks ago!

Good Morning Sunshine....

.....and Happy Birthday!



It is so incredibly hard to believe that you are already 5 years old!  Boy oh boy time flies by so fast.  You are so curious and imagitive.....so full of wonder.  I sometimes wish I could freeze you at this age and keep you forever.  You are are so grown up in so many ways yet you still snuggle up with that crazy monkey and purple blankie at night!  Your little freckly nose and eyes that change color pull people right in and your funny little personality is what make people fall right in love with you. 

Every year for your birthday I let you both pick where you want to go for dinner and what you want for birthday dessert.  This year you picked pizza and frozen yogurt.  Nana has been ill so we went by the rehab center and spent much of the evening hanging out with her and making all the elderly people there smile.  I love that about you and your sister!

You are looking forward to starting Kindergarden and look absolutely adorable in your uniform.  You love going to Sunday School at church and often talk about God.  You love your quiet "Hannah time" and if it gets too hectic you sneak away to your room.  You hate loud noise and have such a big imagination.  You keep to yourself and your feelings get hurt easily.  I sometimes feel like I am still getting to know you!  You have truely changed my life and bring so much joy to the people around you. 

Funny girl

We were eating dinner at a restaurant and Hannah was complaining about her cheese burger. I asked her what about it she didn't like and she replied "the ingrediants"
Outside playing flashlight tag and Hannah got scared of the dark so she ran up to me and said " I'm getting really scared and I am awake nightmaring"

I did it!

Hannah has been wanting to learn to tie her shoes.  She has been practicing and practicing but its been hard to learn.  Or so I thought.......Today she just put the shoes on and tied them and came to show us all what she did!

A day in history!

We had the opportunity to vote last week.  The girls both thought it was a facinating idea.  I heard Olivia in the back of the car telling Hannah "all you do is write someones name on a piece of paper, and drop it in the box at the front of the room!"  In the generation of technology where these kids have not known a day in their life without a computer, cell phone, computerized whiteboards in the classrooms,etc.....it just cracked me up to hear her talk about voting on paper in a box.  I cherish these opportunities to take them along and to give them these life experiences!

Such Pretty Eyes....

We were shopping today when a woman just stopped and starred at Olivia.  If she wasn't in her 70's it probably would have creeped me out but I encouraged Olivia to acknowledge her by saying hello.  She did and all the woman could say was "she has the prettiest eyes" nudging her husband.  Its true and she gets that comment as much as she gets them about her long locks of blond hair.  I would venture to say she has no idea how truly beautiful she really is.  Most girls don't! Her eyes are big and the most unique shade of blue and the ring around the color that is usually black, for her is just a slightly darker shade of blue.  Unique beauty....that's what she is.....inside and out!

Happy Birthday Olivia!

It was a wonderful day.  We went bowling, lunch at her favorite restaurant and swimming for the afternoon.  This week she was also selected as the Star Student of the week.  Parents were asked to write a letter about their child for the teacher to share with the class.  I thought it would be nice to share that with you on her birthday!

My Sweet Olivia,

It is bitter sweet to think about you growing up.  I love to look back at all the fun times we have had over the years.  I have never known you without hair……..you were born with tons!  You have always had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh.  You can go from sweet Olivia to full on comedian in seconds!  That’s how you got your first nickname “Goose” because you were my silly goose.  We called you that until baby sister came along and started to talk.  She has called you “Ya Ya” forever.  Even when she could say Olivia we would make her say it and point to you and ask “who’s that” and she would say “that’s my Ya Ya”.  Such a sweet friendship you have with her.  You have always been so free spirited and are not self-conscience in front of your family at all.  I love your dances and little shows you put on for us!  It is hard for me to put into words how much you have meant to all of those around you.  I decided to ask all of them to write you a little note.  I hope you enjoy hearing how much you are loved!

                Love you Goosey!  Mommy

Olivia,

I remember when you were not yet three years old and mommy told you a new baby was coming to play with you soon.  You were so matter of fact when you told all of us that you were getting a baby sister! Then you told all of us her name was Hannah!  It was as if you already knew her and played with her in Heaven.  The day she was born you went to school.  You waited to be brought to the hospital to see your new sister.  When you laid beside your mommy and the baby was put in your arms you softly kissed her face and said Hi! Hannah! I have been waiting for you! You have been so smart and have grown so beautiful!  I believe the Angels kissed you before you were born! Its been so much fun Playing with you everyday and watching you grow up! I believe also your sister Hannah will always be your best friend!  Love you your MIMI

Congratulations Olivia for being nominated Star of the week!  You deserve it!  You are a star and such a ray of sunshine.   I’ve known you since you were 1.5 years old and you are the same now as you were then  – a sweet girl!  I recall how amazed I was when I heard you talking in complete sentences at such a young age and said to myself “she’s going to be a great communicator” and you are!  I love to see you when you  visit our office because you always have a smile on your face (unless you’re not feeling well of course).  You go around the office talking to everyone and have even helped your mom complete small projects.  How many six-year olds can say that!  Olivia, you have such a kind, caring heart.  You have a heart for animals as well as the elderly.  I know you love your Nana but you also care for other seniors like my mom, Mrs. Fillmore.  She calls you one of her little angels and loves receiving cards from you. 

Olivia, you are truly a Star and will always be in my eyes.  Keep up the great work! 

Love always, Ms. Angie

Dear Olivia

 I really enjoy you coming to hang out with us at work.  I really like writing little notes to each other and playing games.  When I heard you were “Star of the Week” I was ever so proud of my shining star!

Happy Birthday to a super sweet girl. 

Love you bunches!   Ms. Tracy

Olivia,

I am not sure if it is your beautiful hair or the radiance of your presence but you are the sun.  Warm, beautiful and bright.  I look forward to the sun in the mornings like I look forward to our friendship everlasting.

Love you!  Krystal

Hi Olivia
Do you remember the day that Emily and Brannon got married? You were the flower girl and you did such a great job. One of our favorite pictures from that day is of you and Emily. You've come a long way since then and seem so grown up. Now you're a class star. Congratulations!
LoveGranmommy and Grandaddy

Dear Olivia,

You are an amazing sister and friend.  I love you and nothing is going to change that.  Great job for getting picked star student!! You are truly a star!  You have also been doing great in school.  I am so proud.  Keep up the good work!  Love August

My Dear Olivia,

Oh how the time has flown by and now you are working your way through grade school.  The constant dedication that you show your studies is something that I always lacked in all my years in school.  Yes, I am jealous, but it’s times like this that when you’re recognized for all your hard work it means so much.  Keep up the hard work, but don’t lose sight that you don’t do it just for the recognition, but you do it for yourself because you know it’s the right thing to do.  Enjoy being the star of the week, and let the light shine down!                                                                                                 Love you bunches, Daddy 

My best friend Olivia Nance:

 Olivia is my best friend. We play together almost everyday and eat together every weekend. Our moms like to go to Starbucks on the weekends and take us with them sometime so we can get coffee and hang out with them. Olivia and I love listening to music and making up our own dances. Some times we don't always get along but we get over it and move on because other wise it makes for a along day together when we get mad at each other. I am older then Olivia, but we are close in age so I love her like my sister.

Danica Boyer

Dear Olivia,

I enjoy coming over to your house on the weekends and enjoy watching you and the girls play together. I also appreciate you helping Dani out in the morning with her spelling words she is doing so much better with you helping her and testing her before her spelling test on Fridays. Thank you for being such a great friend to Dani it means a lot to me even when she is grouching you don't let that get to you.

 Love Ms. Melissa

I remember when Olivia had a loose tooth. Her tooth was so loose she could turn it sideways. I remember giggling with her as she asked me, "Isnt this gross?" So I decided to offer a solution to her looose tooth. I offered to give her five dollars if she would let me pull it. She wasnt hip to the idea at all. So i decided to try and get her to pull it herself. So begrudgendly she allowed me to tie a piece of dental floss around her tooth so she could pull on it. I wsnted to tie it to a door handle and shut the door but she said no. Well the tooth started to  bleed a little and the string had to come off. So Mimi gave her a paper towel for the blood. When I asked to see the blood POP there was the tooth right in the napkin and Olivia stretched out her hand and said where is my five dollars. We had a good laugh together.

Love Uncle June June

One last look...

Feast your eyes on this!  Soak it all in.  I have been staring at this face all day trying to etch it in my memory. 
This is your last chance to see this 7year old face!

Camped out...

Can you see my sleeping beauty? This was her Friday night.  We went back to the doctor for the 2nd time last week this time to find an ear infection.  Little did we know she also had a tummy bug brewing in there.  She woke up about 12midnight throwing up.  When we realized it was going to be an all night event we quickly moved to the bathroom.  Just as my mom did for me when I was little, I brought in blankets and pillows and cool rags for her forehead.  A nice cold 7up for her to sip on and there we stayed til about 4am.  She was so tired and tried to rest.  Suddenly she would sit up, barely able to open her eyes and she would rub her tummy.  I asked her was she gonna throw up and she would quietly say "yes...but not yet....its not ready yet".  Its hard to see them so sick and helpless.  We said a prayer at her request for God to take the germs away so she could wake up feeling better.  Saturday she was weiry but nothing a long nap couldn't cure. 

Performance Time!

It was 2nd grade performance night.  All the 2nd grade classes put together a cute slide show about Venezuala and then sang us 2 songs and performed a dance.  Olivia was chosen to use the boom sticks to keep the beat.  She did a great job.  I love to see the smile on her face when she is up there.  I can tell that she is concentrating hard but the true joy comes through!

Happy Meal or Sleep?

After an hour and 1/2 at the doctors office getting xrayed for pnemonia and everything else, she thought she was hungry.  I got in line and ordered to cheeseburger happy meals with sprites for little girls.  When Hannah asked me who were the little girls.....I  knew she was out of it.  She passed out before I could even pay!

So many times this crazy monkey shows up in pictures and is posed exactly like Hannah.  I can't help but crack up!

I don't want to get up....

This is exactly how I found my sweet Hannah in the bed.  Even after I turned on the light....she didn't budge.  She has been going to bed at 7:30pm but I think she is really growing and is having a hard time getting out of bed.  Talk about grouchy!  I am excited that spring is around the corner and the days will get longer soon.  Maybe it would be better if Mr.Sun woke up Sleeping Beauty!



See that crazy monkey again....I shake my head when I see him looking like Hannah.

SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!!

3 against Daddy!

Seems like yesterday we were decorating the tree with the windows open and now today......snow.  It has been sleeting and snowing off and on since about 12noon today.  Nothing that amounted to much until about 8 so off we went out to play.  Its been torture for the kids to watch it coming down and not play.  We stayed out for about 30mins throwing snowballs and going for a walk.  Hannah walked down the street like a duck with her head between her legs trying to see her own foot prints lol....love that kid!

Boys

With 2 girls in the house, I imagined there would be many converstaions about boys.  Never did I realize it would all start so young.  You both found your first crush in preschool around 4yrs old.  While it is all cute in the moment, it is rather scary to really think about boys! 

Olivia and Elijah 2008

Hannah and Miles 2011

I often think about what kind of men you will pick to marry. So if I had to put my guess in early here is what I think...

Olivia will get married young and because she is "in love." I imagine it to be to her high school sweet heart. She will have a big church white wedding with lots of flowers. She will love hard and be a great wife and mother. She is very head strong and has such intuition about her but she wears her heart on her sleeve. I hope she finds someone with a gentle sole, someone who will shelter her from the storms of life. Someone honest...because she knows when you're lying!

Hannah on the other hand will take her time settling down. I imagine her "seeing the world" before she gets married and easily seeing her waiting until she is 30 or so. I think she will marry because she finds her solemate and won't settle for less. A small quaint ceremony somewhere peaceful and romantic. I hope she finds someone who calms her, someone who can keep her grounded. Someone smart and easy going...this girl's a quiet force!

Father Daughter Dance

I think it is safe to say after an evening of fun, fun, fun that this is the 1st Annual Father Daughter Dance for the Nance Girls.  Daddy decided to take Olivia to our church's father daughter dance.  He was set to take Hannah on a "Daddy Date Night" tomorrow night.

VERY proud daddy!  When he asked Hannah about going on a date and what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to go to the movies but only if mommy and sister could come along.  Daddy told Hannah that it was supposed to be their special day and she said "its just weird because you are married to someone else!"  Needless to say it was a family trip to the movies!

Mommy and Hannah time!

While daddy and sister went to their dance, it was a night out on the town for Hannah and mommy.  You got all dressed up to and we had dinner with friends and got our nails and toes painted!  Its was a fun night!

The girl loves her monkeys!

Imagination

Mommy: "Hannah, what is ur bunny doing?"
Hannah: "NO that's my bunny because his mother died and they left him in a bag on my porch and I found him and now he lives with me!"
Mommy: (speechless)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday Poppie!