Diva

Lauren took this picture of Emma. Isn't it neat? She looks like a movie star. All kicked back, being chauffeured. With those glasses! And the lighting is perfect. Definitely a picture to treasure!!

Cowboy

Check out my cowboy!

He's getting so big.

Sometimes, when he forgets I'm watching or I catch a fleeting glance, I see the young man he will become. It's so sad, but also very exciting. I can't wait to see what his future holds.

Colby's 8th Birthday

May 15th

Trail ride @ 1:00

BBQ @ 6:00

Forecast says no rain so far!

Dance Recital

Emma had her first dance recital on Friday. Aunt Lorn Lorn took her home early from school so she could get a nap in. Then she got her up and did her makeup. I rushed home and did her hair and off we went. We got there pretty early and I saved a whole row of seats. I was feeling pretty guilty about saving that many, but sure enough we needed them and more. Above is a picture of Emma with John and Judy. It's the only pic I have of her upclose...not sure why I didn't ask Mike and Jenn to take more. Duh!
This is her first and favorite routine. It's the beginner tumbling class.

Cartwheel.
You can see her grin!
Ending pose.
2nd dance....ballerinas.
Doesn't get much sweeter than this!



Last number is tap.
Not her favorite.
She did a lot of just standing.

Thank you to all who came. I have a very loved and special girl. Thanks for giving up your Friday night for her!

Color

I've been pondering this question for awhile.

Do you think color is important?

I think being introduced to crayons and having the opprotunity to explore with them is important. It builds fine motor skills and is most definitely a stepping stone to writing. But the actual art of coloring...in the lines....back and forth....making it pretty.

Is that important?

I'm pretty sure my kindergarten grade card had a place to mark "Colors Neatly".

Our kindergarten card doesn't anymore, but I think it did when I started teaching.

I'm just not sure how important it actually is.

Emma is better at it than Colby, obviously...he's a boy and doesn't like it.

What is the value in teaching a child that shows no interest to do it nicely?

Seriously?

I know, What if they don't want to read b/c they have no interest? Are you going to make them learn?

Well, yes.

But what job interview are you going to go to where they ask you to color neatly in the lines.

If it appeals to you...it will come naturally....

so....what do you think?

New Couch

A random picture of a very spoiled puppy that I can't get to move down where I want it...

I have recently picked out a new couch. Our old one is falling apart. It's been through 2 baby and toddler stages. Lots of spilled drinks, crumbs, flu, etc. So....I got to pick out a new one. I love this! The only thing I would change would be having a chaise on it also. I could not find one that EVERYTHING I wanted, but wouldn't you know that I found a separate chaise that I love also!

I'm actually very excited about the chaise not being attached b/c I can move my furniture a little more. We all know how much i love to move furniture!
The chaise was crammed in the van, but the couch won't be delivered for 3 to 4 weeks:(....

Then it's on to rug shopping!

Sneak Peek and then some

So we all know my camera is crap and I haven't done anything about it. However, Saturday was Emma's dance dress rehearsal. We had a great time. There were curls, fluff, tulle, sequins, mascara, lights, cameras, and action! It's everything I had dreamed of when I had a little girl. We got there at 8:30...after a quick run to Mrs. Kenney's who saved the day! This is Emma's first dance. It's her tumbling class and also her favorite. They do back bends, cartwheels, etc.

Her second dance is ballet. I love this outfit and also the bun. I wish it was higher on her head so you can see it. Hopefully, the night of her recital she does better with dancing. She'd been up since 6...and we did this dance about 1:00.

I like this picture.
Isn't this precious? Miss Melody is a miracle worker!
Last, she does tap. It's to "You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog." She also likes this one. Who wouldn't with the tail!!

Once again, her performance is Friday, April 30th @ 6:00 @ The Crossing. The doors open at 5:30. Her first song is the 2nd performance, so be on time:) Tickets are $5.00 at the door.

When I got home, I had mountain, and mountains of laundry waiting for me! I conquered it!

This is Duke. He's a lab/husky mix. So far, he has a great personality. He naps and then plays a lot. He likes to bite and is hilarious to watch run on the hardwood. The kids love him!
Can't wait to see what this week holds.

Recipes~

Self-filling Cupcakes

1 pkg of German Chocolate Cake Mix

8 ounces cream cheese

1/3 c sugar

dash salt

6 ounces chocolate chips

Prepare cake mix according to directions. Line cupcake tins and fill cups 1/2 full. Cream softened cream cheese, sugar, and salt. Mix in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoon into center of each filled cupcake. Bake at 350 degrees approx. 15-20 mins.

Fudge Jumbles

2 c. packed brown sugar

1 c. butter, softened

2 eggs

1 teas. vanilla

2 1/2 c. flour

1 teas. baking soda

1/2 teas. salt

3 c. oatmeal

1 pkg. chocolate chips

1 11 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons butter

1 teas. vanilla

1/2 teas. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Great 15 1/2 X 10 1/2 jelly roll pan (I use large rectangle stone). Mix brown sugar, 1 cup butter, eggs, and 1 teas. vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, soda, and 1/2 teas. salt. Stir in oats. Reserve 1/3 of oatmeal mixture. Press remaining oatmeal in pan. Heat chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter in 2 quart saucepan over low heat. Add milk, stirring constantly until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 teas. vanilla and salt. Spread over oatmeal mixture. Drop reserved oatmeal over chocolate mixture. Bake until golden brown for about 25 to 30 mins.