See Jane Run

Now see us go to State Championships!

Wahoo!

:)

Yesterday, my girls took home 2nd place in our Regional competition. In a few short weeks we'll be heading to State. I know the girls are really excited. Still alot of work ahead...

Great Job girls. I am so proud of you.

Thankful Thursday: Count Your Blessings: H

Thank you Lord for Your many blessings.

Heaven. The one place I look most forward to going one day.

Home. A place to rest my head. A place to be warm. A place to come into and just be me. I know I take for granted my home. Sometimes I feel like I "need" something new or something better/bigger/brighter/shinier/cleaner, etc.

Hope.

Husband. I love my hubby. He is my best friend. No matter the day we had, the argument, the joys, or stresses... he is always there. And will always be. I have no doubt in my mind. Without him this house would fall apart. I love you, Jeff.

I can see clearly now...

... the rain is gone.

Whatever it was. Its gone. Miss Leah woke up happy and her eyes were clear. Its been a good morning. Playing, laughing, and she even ate a bit.

We're back in action and ready to get going!

In a funk

We're all in a bit of a funk around here.

Blah.

Poor Miss Leah isn't feeling much better. She's like a mystery viral rollercoaster.... or is she? It started 10 days ago. Runny nose, then fever, then diarrhea. It all cleared, but she still hasn't felt well. Hasn't eaten more than 1 meal a day for 7 days (drinking well). All the sudden last night she was up every 2 hrs with another fever. What is going on? Teething?

Poor girl.

Cabin Fever from last weeks snow + sick, irritable baby + poor body image= Mama in a funk

I need a nap, but can't sleep. I need to laugh, but too busy (doing nothing). Want to leave the house but can't or don't have anywhere to go. I prayed to finally have my periods back and be normal. But, now Im bloated and hungry constantly. Im hungry but nothing sounds good in my cabinet. I just ate a countless number of carrots to convince myself I didn't want to eat cookies.

Blah.

Thankfully, Ayla took a nap today. I have been faithful to my workouts nearly everyday. Just wish I saw more change- guess more carrots for me!

Im sure you all stopped reading this awhile ago. I just needed to lay it all out there. Purging my thoughts.

Someone who isn't in a funk.....

these girls.

We're moving on to Regionals this weekend. This is another busy week doing what we do best. Practice, laugh, change, dance, practice, and hopefully win!

Happy Sunday

This week has been a bit hairy. Too much time spent in the house with a busy toddler and sick baby. Ugh.

Thank goodness the snow that was forcasted blew over... I don't know if I could take another perpetual week locked in the house. I am loving the sun peeking through the clouds and the snow melting. Im very much looking forward to seeing the first signs of spring... green grass and flowers budding.

I didn't take any pics of the girls this week that you haven't seen already. Monday was Leah's 10 month mark. Remember here. She's too funny. A couple things I forgot to mention was her wagging her finger saying "no no no" (on command) and can point to Mama's nose and mouth- not yet distinguishing her own parts. But will on others?

Ayla is ready to burn energy outside. Most days she wakes up and says "what we doin today" with enthusiasm. This week energy was low and cold was high. I hated telling her everyday that we were staying in.

Saturday was our last in season competition. We did well. We have increased our score well each time on the floor. We brought home 3rd out of 4th. Doesn't sound great but there was only 4 points separating us from first place. Not bad. I drove the girls up by myself (3 hrs) and it was a hoot. We laughed til we cried and drank/ate junk. Goodness. Made a late night stop at Kohls and got home around 11pm. Phew. I am tired. But I this group of girls is very special to me.

Today has been busy and we're tired! Jeff and I are both wanting naps. But guess who doesnt? Yep, my almost 3 yr old is trying to phase out naps (Britt you were right). Lately, she really doesn't want to nap. I know she needs rest time... her mood depends on it most days. So I guess I will institute mandatory "rest"time for all our sanity.

Pics to follow. Maybe a video if you're lucky. Happy Sunday!

Thankful Thursday: Count Your Blessings: G

Thank you Lord for your many blessings.

Garden. When its warm I hope to get my hands dirty. And eat healthier...

God's Grace. We are here continuing to sin and He is continuing to forgive. It blows my mind.

Gifts. Im not talking about the gifts you physically buy, wrap, and give. But the gifts the Lord has given us to do, teach, talk, smile, and use. I knew as a little girl I was supposed to be a nurse. I love caring for others, holding their hands, and being a part of the solution to their pain. I knew even more so that I was to be a Mommy first and foremost. My dancers use their gift of dance to make people smile. God has given everyone of us a purpose and heart for something you just have to find it....

GI bug. Right now Leah is just getting over a little gi virus. I know it seems silly that I am thankful for that. What I am thankful for is times get hairy around here I quickly learn I can handle more than I thought, and with more paitence than I knew I had. Thankfully she is pretty much over it.

Leah Hope 10 months

At 10 months Leah is....

cruising well around furniture. Will stand on own for a few seconds, then lower slowly back down to floor. Will also take steps when holding on to our hands- but isn't very steady yet.

eating 3 meals a day. 2 of them consist of mainly table food and she feeds herself.

New words include mimiking "tickle". She'll wiggle her figers and say "tic tic tic"! Also when I come home from practice she'll squeal and say "hi mama". Seriously. Im not crazy. Its mostly mimiking the inflection of "hi" then saying mama. But its so cute!

learning new signs- "please" and "thank you". Not repeating them yet. Currently signing "milk", "eat", and "more". Claps all the time. Waves & blows kisses.

Smiles from ear to ear and wrinkles nose. Its so cute.

Wears size 3 diaper. Growing really fast out of her winter clothes (size 6-12mo) been putting on some of her 12 mo sizes! Which is exciting- but its awful cold out!!!

Nicknamed vaccum cleaner. Will.eat.anything off of the floor. Since we decided on the name Leah for our little one I called her my ladybug. It has stuck with me.

Jabbering all the time. Squeals and shrieks and growls included. Loud ones.

Today the snow must be making me crazy to dress my little ladybug up like a little ladybug. But, I realize there is only a few more times when I will be able to get away with this. She's growing up SO fast! Hope you all are staying warm.

Happy Valentines Day!

We gave the girls thier bags before church this am. It was really cute. Their daddy gave them some pretty flowers. I love having fresh flowers in the house. Every new day is fun watching how our girls interact with each other and Jeff and I.

Thankful Thursday: Count Your Blessings A-Z :F

Thank you Lord for our many blessings.

Flowers. Random acts of love. First sign of spring. Burst of color by the highway. Apologetic friend. Smiles from a vase. I love flowers. I rarely get them, but when I do its awesome. Gerber daisies please. Preferrably in pink. Or yellow roses are nice. Thank you.



Freedom. We live in a free world with very few limitations. Most can fulfill their dreams, own homes and businesses, come and go as they please, etc. It seems like duh to us, but not all who roam this earth roam free.



Flying. Have you ever taken the time to stop and think about how amazing it is that we are "fly". In an airplane, of course. I freaks me out thinking about us really up in the sky in a huge tube of metal eating pretzels. Past December Leah was able to fly for the first time and did so well. Miss Ayla loved it.

Sunday Best

My girls last Sunday before church... had a little extra time. gasp. That never happens on a Sunday morning. But, we did. So this is what I have to show of it....

My Funny Valentine(s)

Today we had a little Valentine party for our playgroup at my house. It was a bit chaotic, but I think the kids loved it. We had 15 kiddos and prob close to 10 Moms. Lots of different personalities and ages.

We decorated cupcakes and cookies. YUM.

Ms. Lanie (you can see Leah in the back- hi Leah!)


Ms. Emily

Ms. Ayla

We attempted to get group shots. Eek.

(Yes. Leah did fall off the couch, right after getting kicked in the face by Koen.
Soon after Koen fell off. Boo.)


The three amigos getting into mischief. Blurry action photos- gotta love them.



This is what I have been craft-in up for my little valentines. I like traditions and want to do things the girls can remember us doing with them forever. I got this idea from Kate G. when she was cool- you know... pre stilletos and mini skirts but post tummy tuck and hands on Mommy. She really turns me off now. But there was a time when I thought she was cool.


Anyways, she had vday bags for treats for each child. I don't think she made them. But I have dreamed of the day Id make some. So here is my version. Each year I hope to fill them with treats, love notes, and special goodies. I hope the girls shriek when I get them out each year :)

Another one Bites the dust....

... another weekend that is.


This weekend came and went just as fast as the others lately. But it was a good one. Despite the fact the Colts lost the big game (BOO).


Friday, I braved the weather warnings and left in the afternoon to meet girls for dinner. This is so rare for me to be without children in tow and just relax. I did get a little (very little) spring shopping for the girls, including some adorable Easter baskets to monogram. :) They look just like PB but half the price. I wish I would have snapped some pics. I miss my friends dearly and love spending time with them.


Saturday, I caught up on some cleaning, freezer meals, super bowl food prep, and started planning decor for the girls bday. Don't laugh. I know I have a couple months but time has been flying and I have to use time while I have it. We are really busy right before the parties so I know I will feel better to have it all done. :) I set the themes for both girl's party. I even started making decor- I said don't laugh. I love planning parties!!

Sunday, phew! I worked in JS2 that is Ay's Sunday School class. Directly after we had a pitch in with our small group. We had about 40 min of down time before it was time for Lanie's bday. (One of Ay's besties) We left there to have family over for the Super Bowl. Meaning... no nap for Ayla and late bedtime- ick. And very little nap for lil Booger- ick. Oh well. We made it and we'll make up for it by chillin and catching up this week.





OH WAIT. I doubt we'll be slowing down enough for that? This week my dancers will kick it back up a notch with less than 2 wks til our next competition. Hopefully, we'll get our stuff figured out and do well again. Otherwise, Im planning a little vday playgroup party here. Im so excited! I love crafts and cookies. Wishing I had a maid, personal assistant, and massause (sp?) right about now. OH! And a motivational speaker ... maybe a motivational speaker who gives massages and cleans and organizes all at the same time. I think I just described the job of a mom? Any of you wanna come over.....


Speaking of moms CONGRATS goes to my good friend Chelsa. I am so happy to know Corbin is here and both are healthy. She has been a such a humble servent to the Lord and He has been faithful. We can't wait to meet baby C :)

Micky D's

I am typically the mom who says... ew look at all the people in the McDonald's lot at pm for dinner. BUT tonight the proceeds go a great cause one that I love to be apart of. So get yourself some Mickey D's.... check it out. http://photographybean.blogspot.com/2010/02/mcdonalds-night.html

Seriously...

Who is in charge of the grocery shopping around here?

Oh, wait... that's me.

Carry on.

Simple Pleasures

Warm towels out of the dryer.

Watching my babies sleep in my arms.

Wrinkly nosed smiles from my Ladybug.

Cuddly hugs from my Ayla.

Fountain Coke with Cherry syrup.

Cookies from the oven.

Sleeping in the spring with the windows open while its raining.

Fitting into my skinny jeans.

Sneaking a smell of my girls heads. I love it.

A clean kitchen (very rare).

Sunny days.

Date night with my husband even if we only talk about our kids.

Freshly mopped floors- especially when I didn't have to mop them! :)

Too Full Friday

Things that I have been thinking of this long cold (busy) week....

Why is Ayla so infactuated with "boobies". Hope this doesn't offend. She learned the word "boobies" one day and it stuck. Ugh. She calls my bra "boobies" and sings a song when attempting to put it on.

Maybe it has something to do with Tinkerbelle.

Now isn't Tinkerbelle a child? Or at least youth? Why must she be so well indowed?

While we're on the subject... why must I lose weight only in my "boobies"? I have plenty in my arms, belly, and thighs. Sigh*

Why is My Leah growing up. One night this week she ate totally off her plate- on her own. I roasted a chicken so she ate shred chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans (whole), and a roll. Sigh* again.

Why is it the one weekend I have free from obligations and plan a girl's night the forcast calls for rain, ice, & snow?

Why does my washing machine sound like its going to take off like a rocket? And yet sometimes I have to run the spin cycle again? Though we have been truely blessed because in the 5 yrs we've been married we've owned 3 homes and each has had a washer and dryer, meaning we've never had to spend the money on our own. A blessing.. but I dream of the day I get to buy the fancy, steam washer and dryer. ahh...

Hope you guys are having a great Friday!

Thankful Thursday: Count Your Blessings A-Z: D & E

Thank you Lord for your many blessings...

Dance. Its more than a hobby. Its something that is in me for good. I am definitely not the best. But its not about being the best. Its about using the talents and passions the Lord gives you for the good. I love all forms of dance... lyrical, hip hop, pom, jazz, contemporary. My love.

Dreams. There are dreams that we keep us thinking all day even after we wake. And there are dreams that stay alive in us all our lives.

Dad. I am a big time Daddy's girl. I always will be. I hope my girls will have that same connection I do with my father. All I know is I love my daddy Alot.

Electricity. Where would we be without it? I tell you, I wouldn't be typing and you wouldn't be reading :)

Easter. Jesus is Alive! My favorite holiday. The celebration of the resurection of Christ!

Adventures in Babyfooding...

Let me tell you it was quite an adventure. We started the event "expecting" our children would just cooperate. Patrick & Ayla started off asleep while we prepped and Leah played. Then P woke up as Leah was going down. Good thing Ayla was in with the plan.

The menu. Baked Apples and Leah's Apple Sweet Squatatoe. The fruits and vegi's roasted. And by the time we they were ready for processing- guess who woke. Yep. Leah. Things started getting interesting...

Babyfooding turned a bit into Babysitting.

Baby wrestling.

Babies playing?

Babies Kissing.

Babies crawling.

And some babies crying....

But Alas, we finished.

When all is said and done LOTS of food was made and ready to freeze. Carissa made sure my kitchen was clean (thanks!). All kids were awake and wanting attention. We smelled of baked apples. I felt good that we did it. Win-Win.

Good Day, Sunshine...

Good Day Sunshinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeee!

Really.

I love when the sun is out.

Essentially, we are hanging inside pretending its really warm outside :)

I can't wait for spring.

(check out all those teeth!!)

Its all I dream about.

Today we snacked and lunched with all our blinds open letting in as much sunshine as possible. The cat was even sunning himself. I just love the sun and what it does to your mood.

Im craving the beach and sun.

Park trips.

Walking.

Pushing strollers.

Sandboxes.

Swingsets.

Not having to bundle up.

The smell of the sweet air.

Ah.

Spring, you can not come quick enough.

PS. I am aware that I missed last Thankful Thursday due to us leaving town for my gpa. I plan on making it up!