dance recital...

yesterday was the dance recital for my girls...there was only one performance this year (there have been 2 most years...here's last year), so it was a lot less stressful...this is the big payoff, after working so hard all season long! the girls were super excited...they practiced all weekend long, leading up to the performance last night!

their first number was a tap routine...i got em dressed & ready to perform, then handed em off to the older girls (they stay backstage for the entire show)...aren't these outfits the cutest?!

their tap class is small...only 4 girls...their routine was super adorable!

Corinn made a tiny mistake during the tap routine last night at the actual recital & forgot which part they were doing...i also took a video at the dress rehearsal - she did it perfectly then ;0)



their 2nd routine was for their acro class...a much bigger crew!

they changed & got ready for this routine backstage...it's such a well-oiled machine back there...i've gotta give kudos to the director & her organization skills!

this video is from the recital - so it's a little out of focus...Gabby is up front (towards the right) & Corinn is in the back middle...they are included in the girls that lift their one leg while in a bridge...then Gabby is the first to tumble down the mat in the front row of girls...Corinn is the last



every year, Curtis says that next year he's going to join in the parent/child dance...but each year, money (it costs $20/person to join...so $60 for one of us & both girls) & scheduling (lots of Saturday practices) keep us from participating...this year, he was really kicking himself for not being included tho - cause the routine was to a Michael Jackson medley! ;0)



we gave the girls their flowers afterward & caught a pic of them on stage...they did such a wonderful job!

the whole recital was a ton of fun! the girls & teachers put so much hard work into these performances - it's awesome to see them get to enjoy the final result!

random Friday...

like i mentioned on Tuesday, this week was parent observation week at dance...Monday night was Tap & Wednesday night was Acrobatics...

if u remember, last year there were only 4 girls in Acro 1...then one of the girls broke her arm & couldn't finish out the season...that left 3 girls to preform in the recital! which was fine - the girls had a really cute number & totally enjoyed the season...but u can do so many more fun routines/numbers/stunts with more girls!

this year?
they're up to 13!!!

they started with 8...but just this week, 5 more joined!

this is, by far, my girls' very favorite dance class! i've told u how much they love flipping, doing stunts & standing on their heads at home!

well, all that practice has paid off...both girls do really well in class! Gabby is so good with her form & technique, that the instructor uses her when she needs to show the class the "proper" way to do something ;0)

the studio director actually contacted me yesterday...she said that Gabby's instructor had spoke with her & felt that Gabrielle was ready to move up to Acro 2...& since the Acro 1 class has grown so much recently, she could move up now (mid-season) if we were interested

unfortunately, Gab is super shy! she doesn't know any of the older girls in Acro 2 & is afraid that she won't know how to do everything they do...i explained to her that of course she wouldn't know how to do everything at 1st...but that the instructor knows that, & that it's totally normal to feel nervous! i told her that i'm confident she'd quickly catch on & would love it! but she didn't want to hear it...she's content being in Acro 1 & wants to finish out the season there...she told me that next year she'll move up

i really wish i could talk her into it...that she'd be more confident in herself & would give it a try...but i'm also happy that she enjoys what she's doing so much! & i don't want to push her into something she's not comfortable with...next year, we'll give Acro 2 a try ;0)

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Wednesday, i got a call from the school nurse...Gabby had been complaining of a sore throat & was now running a fever...i left work to go pick her up - but by the time i got to the school, her fever was gone

since the school nurse informed me that there had been 1 confirmed case of Strep Throat in Gab's class recently, i went ahead & took her to the doctor...her Strep test came back negative & the doc said her throat "doesn't look all that exciting" - no swollen glands, no congestion in her lungs...his diagnosis was a virus - keep it up with the Motrin & Chloraseptic

she was fine the rest of the day...carried on as normal, even went to Acro practice...but then got another fever right before bed...she woke up feeling just fine yesterday & probably could have gone to school, but i brought her with me to work instead...she hung out in an empty office, watching movies & napping all day & has felt great ever since (& even went to school today)

but of course, she couldn't be the only kiddo to get it...the school nurse called me again yesterday around 2pm to say Jaden was now running a fever...when we got home after picking him up from school, i gave him some Tylenol & he went straight to bed...he actually asked if he could take a nap, which told me he was most definitely not feeling well! (Jaden doesn't sleep...no naps, & rarely at night) he slept for about 2hrs, then woke up feeling peachy keen

all 3 kiddos ate a great dinner & played Wii for about an hour...everyone did homework & the evening went on as normal...his fever didn't pop back up until he woke up this morning...he stayed home with Curtis today & they just met me for lunch...he's been fever free since his last dose of Tylenol at 7am this morning - i'm praying that's the last of those sickies!

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a friend recently posted a blog about the Pictures of Hope for Haiti that her children were making & planning to send with a friend that's making a trip to Port-au-Prince soon with Mission of Hope

i immediately thought about my kiddos...one of the most frequent discussions we have surrounding the earthquakes in Haiti are about the children...my kiddos want to know more & more about what will happen with the kiddos of Haiti, how things are going there, what actions the rest of the world is taking to help out

so we got busy...

it's so hard to think about children losing not only their homes & possessions, but possibly their entire family! our hearts ache with the thought of a child going through something so terribly devastating!

my girls poured their little hearts into this project (we did this while Jaden was sick in bed yesterday)...our only goal with these cards/pictures was to bring a smile to a hurting child's face...

we prayed over the cards & asked that God to use them to comfort whoever receives them...

a little bit of hope...sharing God's love...

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just a little reminder...

don't forget to donate to my Relay For Life team...or let me know if u're interested in joining/walking with us in May

thx for ur support!

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we're supposed to get some snow starting tonight...Winter Weather Advisory until 11pm tomorrow...accumulations of 3-5 inches...& it's already on its way...

(green is rain, blue is snow)

seriously?!
rn't we done with winter yet?!

i'm telling u what...that groundhog better NOT see his shadow next week! & if he does...he better run & hide!

i've got 3 cake orders this weekend...all pretty elaborate & detailed...& i really don't want to deliver them in the snow...thankfully, i've got 4-wheel drive - but i'd still rather not have to use it!

i hope u all have a great weekend...i'll see u back here on Monday with some cake pics...try & stay warm until then!!!

parent observation night - tap...

we've reached mid-season of dance...this week is parent observation week & last night, i got to sit in on the girls' tap class (while Jaden played Sonic on my iTouch & was a complete angel in the waiting area!!!)

their tap class is small...just 4 little ladies...believe it or not, the oldest is the smallest - the petite thing in blue is a whole year older than Gabby! Corinn is the youngest, then Gabby...then the girl in purple & finally the wee one

they all do really well together...

Gabby was a little out of practice - it had been 2 years since her last tap class...but she picked it back up rather quickly

Corinn took her 1st year of tap just last year & is able to keep up with the older girls just fine!

they haven't begun learning this year's recital routine yet - just still working on the basics...but i love the music they practice to! who wouldn't have fun tapping away to MJ & Prince?!?!

things i'm lovin'...

i'm lovin' this Roman...

they had Ancient Civilization Day at school recently...i wrapped & pinned the toga...he made the "leaf crown"...the look was perfect

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i'm lovin' this pile of hats & scarves...

this side, cause i get to pass em along to current cancer patients that might need em in the cold weather this year...

& this side, cause i can now wear my scarves around my neck...& not around my head! ;0)

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i'm lovin' my newly acquired sewing machine...

a friend wasn't getting much use out of it, so hooked me up with a deal a little while back...i was hoping to be able to work up some homemade holiday gifts this year, but time simply got away from me...my new goal is to learn enough to create some pretty summer dresses & tops for the girls to wear next summer!

oh, & i'm going to get to learn with a partner! we got Gabby a little pink sewing machine for her birthday 2 years ago & she has yet to use it...sad, i know - & mostly my fault for not encouraging her or helping her learn how (but hey, we also got her a picnic basket with a little porcelain tea set that year & the girls use that all the time...so there! ~lol~)...i now have her little sewing machine sitting next to mine...we're hoping to start learning together soon, once all the holiday hustle & bustle has slowed down

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i'm lovin' that Curt is teaching the girls to break dance...

& i'm lovin' the "gear" that they choose to wear when they're getting lessons even more!

being a child of the 80s, Curt has a deep love for breaking...he started showing the girls a few moves & they were hooked! over the last month or so, they've begged him to stop what he's doing & break dance with them several times a week...it's so much fun to watch!

ps. Jaden joins in & has a little fun dancing too...but he's much more interested in teaching everyone some of his own moves, than someone schooling him ;0)

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i'm lovin' all the wedding cake consults i've been having lately...

(this is a pic of a dozen sample cupcakes that i give to the happy couple when we have our free wedding cake consult & sampling)

wedding cake consults this fall/winter mean wedding cake bookings scattered all throughout next year...i'm so blessed!

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i'm lovin' play-doh...

& the creative minds that are constantly designing, cooking & building with it

(Jaden is making a "science experiment")

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i'm lovin' being a mama - especially at this time of year...to be able to enjoy the holidays with my kiddos - view our experiences thru their eyes...& make all those special memories together...it's all so priceless!

i've been touched by so many of u inspiring Mamas out there lately...i'm trying to learn to say yes more...to not get distracted, & find the joy...to take the crazy out of Christmas, & slow down to enjoy this awesome gift that i've been given...the honor to be called Mama - hand holder. dream soother. love giver.

cause it all passes by just too damn quickly!

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i'm lovin' that Curtis & i can no longer have secret conversations while the kiddos are around...u know, spell words here & there so that the punks can't figure out what we're saying?

nope, that doesn't work in our house any more!

before, Jaden could care less about our convos...he'd show no interest in keeping up & attempting to listen to the letters & figure out the words...but now, Gabby is all ears open - which in turn, has peaked Jaden's interest...they're both quick to try & decipher the codes lately - almost a contest between the 2

the other day, i was talking to Curtis about a co-worker & something crappy that had happened at work...i spelled j-e-r-k, not even noticing that little ears were perked...all of a sudden, Gab says "who was a jerk?"

even tho it means we have to actually go in another room & have private conversations now, i'm lovin' that our kiddos are excited about reading & spelling!

but yep, it's definitely time to teach Curtis pig latin!
~lol~

hey, that's what my parents did to talk in code while we were around! well, at least until we learned the "language" too ;0)

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i'm lovin' Jaden's art work (aren't i always?!)...but especially when he has to illustrate his spelling words for homework...i love the way this kid's mind works!
(remember, u can't click on the pics to enlarge)

i'll give u 3 guesses as to which day of the week he's referring to here...

~lmao~

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i'm lovin' our newly "adopted" kitty...

she started hanging out shortly after we moved in...then was joined by a friend briefly - but that calico stray hasn't been back since the night we 1st fed them 2 together...i wonder if our black kitty shooed the other one away - claiming us for her own?

well, that was almost a month ago...ever since then, she's been a part of our family - sleeping under our porch, greeting us every morning for some lovin' before we pull off, welcoming us home every evening, anxious for dinner (which btw, is cat food now - no more tuna)...she loves me the best ;0) she will climb up on my lap & purr soooo loud while i rub her!

the kiddos named her "Night" since she's all black...the running joke when it's time to go inside & say goodnight to the cat at the end of the day - we all say "night night, Night" ~lol~

& u know how i know she's gonna stick around & claim us as her owners?
look what she brought up to our front door the other evening...

yep, laid it right on the mat

she was sitting on the front porch Monday, waiting for us to come home as usual...as we pull in, i see her walk over to the side of the house, paw at something & then pick it up & bring it to the front mat - just lay it down & step back...like "here, this is for u"

we're gonna look into scooping her up (which ought to be fun - she trusts us, but is still spooked pretty easily), taking her in to get shots/fixed/cleaned up, getting her a collar, etc...might as well make it official, huh?

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i'm lovin' this Santa...

he came to the Cub Scouts pack meeting this week...& he was by far, the very BEST Santa i've seen yet!!!

not only did he look the part, but he was the most friendly Santa ever! he sat with each of the kiddos for a few minutes - really hearing their wishes & interacting with them...he'd HO HO HO & laugh that deep Santa laugh every now & then - totally staying in character!

he really made them feel special & took the time to show them each individual attention - it was super sweet to witness!!!

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& lastly...i'm lovin' all of u guys!

i know i'm ur run of the mill "mommy blogger" & sometimes i wonder y anyone would want to read my daily thoughts & take on motherhood...i imagine that most days, i bore the majority of u to tears! but i appreciate u coming back...i seriously do!

this is a journaling thing for me really - a way to look back & see how not only the kiddos have grown, but me too...& i'm thankful that u keep coming back to go along for the ride!

xoxoxox,
sharon

wordless Wednesday...jamming with the BEPs...

weekend recap...

Saturday morning, we woke up, had breakfast & turned the stereo on...there's nothing like dancing 2 Hannah Montana, Kidz Bop & the Dirty Dancing soundtrack 2 start off ur weekend! ;0)

it was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL weekend too! i'm talking 70 degree temps, ya'll!!! i had cakes 2 work on here & there, but if i wasn't doing that, i was outside with the kiddos!

see em waaaaay over there? under the tree by the fence, marking the end of our yard?

there they r...they're really enjoying exploring all areas of the property now...i love it!

they laid out a blanket & took time 2 do some cloud watching...then the girls showed me what they've been working on in Acro...mostly bridges & cartwheels...but i couldn't help but think that they're moves started looking like they were break dancing when captured in still by my camera ~lol~

especially when Gabrielle started busting out the 1-handed cartwheels...& in cowgirl boots!!!

they're a riot!

Sunday, we took a trip down 2 the river...we wanted 2 gather some big river rock 2 use round our new fire pit

as soon as we got out of the truck, Gabby came across a treasure rock...

really, daddy ended up doing most of the big rock hunting...the kiddos couldn't wait 2 throw rocks! but they did take a sec when we 1st got there 2 stop & check out the still water...

the river looks so different in the fall...still & peaceful...u could see the fish swimming around - daddy regretted not bringing the poles ;0)

he immediately got busy hunting 4 rocks while the kiddos & i hung out on the bridge...see him way over there on the bank?

believe me, i didn't mind watching him work! ;0)

every1 eventually joined in on the hunt...it became a contest 2 see who could find the biggest/coolest/most unique river rock

on the way home, Jaden had 2 sit in the middle with the girls so that we could lay down the back seat & haul all those rocks...he didn't seem 2 mind tho ;0)

at home, daddy got busy placing the rocks round the pit & getting it ready 4 our next campfire

while the kiddos took advantage of an empty driveway & pulled out their skates

we enjoyed the last of our warm weekend as the sun went down...that is til these guys flew over & pooped on Jaden's shirt!!! ~lol~

(well, they're constantly flying over this time of year...the pics really don't do the flocks any justice - u really have 2 see it 2 believe it!)

it had us all rolling laughing...definitely a funny moment that i'm sure we'll talk about 4 years 2 come! but it still moved the party inside 4 the evening

wanna know the best part of this weekend?

we ate every. single. meal. 2gether. at. the. dining. room. table.
that's right - every single meal!

we make it a habit 2 have dinner 2gether as a fam whenever possible...but it dawned on me Sunday evening that we had been able 2 eat 2gether 4 all 3 meals both days...& that felt really nice!

ok, ok...Saturday lunch was just me & the kiddos cause Curtis was helping my brother-in-law put insulation in their house, but still!!!

i hope u had a nice weekend too! this getting dark early stuff is still bothering the heck outta me, but i'm adjusting slowly...i can't believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner...& Gabby's birthday is the day after that! soon fall will b over with all 2gether & it'll be Christmas time...ahhh - i can't even think about that 4 real! i'm soooo not ready! r u?