Halloween 2010

Today we hosted our playgroup Halloween party.
It was loud. It was fun.
It was loud & fun.

Before all the kiddos arrived I snapped a few pics of the girls in their gear. This
Halloween like most weeks lately are Full! So I am not even sure of the girl's Halloween shedules-
and/or if we'll get to actually trick or treat.


The girls were fairly cooperative.

She's the cat's meow...

All Ayla talked about was being a black kitty for Halloween.
We found this sweet cat-erina (cat/ballerina) and couldn't pass it up.

A couple of my favorite people.

Isn't she doggon' cute?

I think so. I thought they would be the same thing for Halloween, but when I mentioned Leah being a kitty too.
She wasn't thrilled about the idea. Hmm. Dog it is!
Can't wait to see what you're kiddos (or you) are dressing up as!

Pumpkin Painting

Today we had our friend Meredith over to paint some pumpkins. It was a gloomy, rainy day and we needed an outlet. I think the girl's all enjoyed it and it gave us Mommy's a chance to talk too!

I was looking at the creations sitting on my table after completion. Sorry no pic. But I noticed how the girls painted really fit their personalities. Ayla's paint all stayed in its spots, not mixed or touching. She painted the whole pumpkin. Ayla likes order and is very cautious on how she does things.

Mere's palette of paint was smooshed and mixed. She painted her hands, the placemat, and my table once she was bored of her pumpkin. But, was very into the colors and wanted more. Meredith is very fun and creative. And is busy!

Leah kept her paint palette unmixed but painted not only her pumpkin but her face. She wasn't concerned to finish her project but loved doing what the big girl's did! Leah is busy just like Mere, but thrives on order like her sis. She is messy and silly just like her creation.

I love all 3 of these girls and their fun personalities!

Catch Up

Today is catch up day.
I'll get around to milestones some other time.
Today let's talk about some of the things that have taken up our time...

My nephew Parker turned 4!
We had a great party at the park. Girls loved the cake and playing.

Isn't he cute?

Leah tried to get a little too close to Miss Maren, her 2nd cousin.

Ayla sliding and enjoying a sucker, probably not a great idea now that I look at the picture. Choking hazard, check.

Ayla started up her library classes again this year. She has asked me about them all summer. Very excited! They read, do craft, and sing. Leah even participated a little. Just this time last year I carried her in her pumpkin seat. Probably easier! ha

Dance classes are going well for Ayla. She really enjoys them. This is her doing her favorite "Im a little Teapot" dance. Hopefully, she'll continue to love dance through her years like her mama. Ps. a certain little girl will be 3 1/2 soon. Crazy.

Phew...

I have been one busy lady. With dance, advertising & signing up for my hip hop class (still openings!), family, etc... I feel super worn out. At times I feel like I have accomplished alot and hopefully not for nothing.

I look forward to being back on a schedule with dance so that I can eat dinners with my family and empty my camera card before I forgot we even did 'this or that'. The girls are going through a lot of fun stages & changes. Leah seems more mature, especially with her verbal abilities. Her temper is easier to handle and she loves to learn! Ayla is gaining knowledge that I pushed on her so much a while back- I didn't even know she was paying attention. She'll count things and notice alot more about our surroundings. So very curious!

Leah turned 18mo over a week ago and I need to get that post up soon. Maybe tonight.... after 2 dance practices and a hot shower we'll see? :)

Ch-Ch-Changes...

So, I, the self proclaimed one to never join Facebook.... joined Facebook. Ha. I am starting up some youth hip-hop classes at the studio in town and needed a fast way to get the word out. Thus, FB. I gotta be honest. I don't get it quite yet. I am a computer geek, but dont understand the hype and workings and why some change their status very few hours. (sorry if you are one of "those" ha)

But I have exchanged messages with some friends from college I hadn't spoke with in a while. And hopefully it will get me some good advertisment for my class. And speaking of my class..



Youth hip hop classes at Step-n-Style starting November 10th. I will be teaching 5 wk sessions with breaks between sessions. I'll offer a 7-11 yr old class 630-715pm and 12 & up class 715-8pm every Wednesday. Each session will feature a new, fun routine for dancers. Dancers will also learn basic moves, combonations and a few tricks. Session fee $45



Spread the word. Its gonna be alot of fun!



Dance season is already in full swing me though. We have our first competition the end of this month. Phew. Hopefully, we'll be ready. I mean.. we're totally gonna be ready! ha This is my fave competition of the year bc its a sound & light show. Girls compete on a stage instead of gym floor. Spectators get in free so if anyone wants to come support, you are welcome!



Im also planning my first trip to Vegas with my mom for her birthday. We are going with a few of her friends for a long weekend. I think it will be neat to see shows and eat and relax, but leaving my girls puts knots in my stomach. We are trying out a new sitter. I think once the girls spend some more time with her I will feel better. She is going to help me out when I pick up the studio classes plus some Mommy time.

Lark Ranch

It was our first visit. We didn't know what to expect. But it was beyond what I could have imagined. It was so much fun! There was so much to do...

As we waited to go in Koen & the girls played with pumpkins and tractors. I honestly think they could have stayed in that spot for a long time and been satisfied customers. But we swept them up for dinner instead.

After dinner we hit the barrel cars & petting zoo. Then more tractors... more pumpkins. The weather was perfect and just got chilly before the hay ride.

Our family on the hay ride. Sun just set and when we stopped in the pumpkin patch it was too dark to pick (for us that is). They just left a load of people in the patch to fin for themselves! It was dark! Not us.

So glad we had friends to go with. It was SO much fun!

PS We were warned we would spend alot of money... but I think we spent 24 dollars total for all our activities and food for family of 4!

Playday with friends

We had a playday with some friends it was awesome for a couple reasons...

Their mommy is busy at school teaching wee ones so we don't get to see them often. Ayla enjoyed feeding Miss Kate a bottle. She did this without prompting. I thought it was so sweet and shows how great of a sister she is! One night she asked if we could pray for a baby brother. Oh man. Not sure that we are ready to go down that road, but we prayed for it anyway.

We also played outside for a little bit. It has been such great weather. We scribbled with chaulk and swang a little.

Did I mention Leah turned 18 months on Friday? Here she is swinging without shoes.... I'll be posting on her big milestones soon.

It was a great playday. With great friends...

Mini, Mile 7, & Finish Line

Jeff has been training for a mini marathon.

At times it seemed like it woud never get here.

But it did...

10.10.10

We were all there.

Ayla

Leah

Who were both on their best behavior since we woke up before the crack of dawn.

We stopped at Mile Marker 7

Thankfully, Papaw came to join the fun.

Check out that finishing time.

My hubs is a stud.

He placed 127th place out of over 2600 people!!!

Daddy and his girls post race.
Waiting for Mimi to finish....

It was a beautiful day.

We hung out & waited for Mimi to finish, ate apples, and came home for a long nap. I was so proud of my mom & Jeff.

Season of Change

I have been in a bit of a funk lately, a rut possibly. Whatever it is or was- left me a bit discontent and more negative than Id like to live my life. Its kinda tough. On all of us.

A lot has helped. The change of season. Staying busy. Laughing at my kids. My small group.

Lately, my kids have said or did the funniest things. An example? Ayla watched me get dressed and looked a bit concerned. I asked her what was wrong. She asked me why I had "scratches" on my belly. Serious? Ugh. I explained the joys of stretch marks and she still looked concerned.... she was sad that she scratched me when she was inside my belly. Oh man.

Dance season has officially begun with my first competition (my fave one of the year) less than a month away. We are no where near ready, but I am sure by the time it gets here we will be. Crossing my fingers!! Dance is like my job and may become moreso soon. Speaking of jobs, I offcially resigned from the hospital today. I rarely worked and it had me in a tizzy. I held a PRN status (meaning as-needed) since I was pregnant with Leah. Eventually I dropped off radar and to them didn't fulfill my contract (since I never got called). I am a little sad bc I feel like its setting aside nursing once again in my life. I love being a nurse. But, being a Mommy has always came first. I know I will go back- but it seems very far off in the distance.

I have also been staying busy by consigning for the first time. It was a really neat experience and I won't hesitate to do it again. Maybe even next spring. I cleaned, sorted, added inventory, and tagged my clothes. Not very many items. My main objective was to be able to go to the pre-sale before the public. In my opinion the presale is the only way to go. Lots of great items up for grabs but after THAT many women go shopping crazy over toys, books, clothes, coats, costumes, furniture, and what-have-you... there can't be much left for the public sale.

I spent $98 and got 1 book, 1 puzzle, 2 dvds, for Leah a dress, sweater, and pr shoes, for Ayla 3 tees, 2 skirts, a bike helmet, 2 dress, 4 pr pants and maybe more. Obviously, I did ok! ha I just found out that I made 60 (after com and fees) so add that with what I made from yard sale a few weeks ago and I cover all that I bought. Yay.

My friend, Jessie, was able to come with me. We had an awesome girl night. We shopped a little and got there 10 mins before doors open and were probably 200th in line... no exaggeration! haha We both got awesome deals. She more than I, in my opinion. It was a late night. But worth it. Thanks Jess.

Another busy week ahead of us... Dance practices, Jeff's mini marathon this weekend, a conference in Indy, etc. Hope you all had a great week!