Ballet

I remember Callie's first ballet class.  The class was offered through a home school group that met at the church we attended.  Callie was three or four, I'm not sure.  She was very excited and looked so cute in her leotard and pink leather shoes.  I was completely annoyed that parents were not allowed inside the room to watch.  I understood (sort of) the reason, but I didn't like it.  However, the door had a teeny tiny window and I could at least sneak a peek.

Now, Callie is almost eleven and she has ballet twice a week and pointe one night a week at the local ballet school.  This year,  Kate has ballet one night a week.  Thankfully, we are able to get these classes organized into just two nights. :)  I'm a bit of a homebody and more than that would stress me out!! 

So this year we went to the dance store one week to buy these little bitty pair of ballet shoes and then a few weeks later to buy a not so little pair of pointe shoes.  For Kate's trip, I forgot the camera.  I could have kicked myself!!  I did have my phone though so we have at least something, although very blurry and I can't figure out how to get them on here.  I remembered the camera when we went for the pointe shoes, but it was pretty crowded and getting a good picture was a little tricky.

After I sit back and stop thinking about all that I need to be doing at home, I love to watch them (the ballet school has no silly rules about parents watching).  I read this week that a clean house is a sign of a wasted life.  I know of at least two people right now who are gasping!   But I rather think there is some truth to that statement.  When my little dancers are grown and gone, I'll have plenty of time for cleaning.

More Gifts

Inspired by Ann to share and keep track, here is a quick list.

5.  A computer that now WORKS!!  The only problem now is getting our pictures figured out.  They are no longer in any order and there are a lot of pictures in there.  Thank you to a wonderful friend who really didn't have time to mess with our silly computer!

6.  Ballet teachers that are kind, generous and a joy to dance for.

7.  Great friends to go camping with and great weather.  We had a great time camping last weekend--even if we did have to sleep in the van one night!

8.  Great friends!!  It's wonderful to know that there are several people who we could call and who would not think twice about coming to our rescue if needed.

Note to Grandparents....I promise to have pictures on here soon!!  Love you!!

One Thousand Gifts

I've been wanting to participate in Ann's lists of thanksgivings for a while, but being that I'm not that computer savy and new to blogging, I couldn't figure out how to get the logo on here.  Thanks to my blogging guru for showing me how. :)

I'll start with the most obvious things.

1.  My husband.  He's the best.  NO ONE else could ever make me as happy as he has.

2.  My oldest daughter, Callie.  She is the answer to many prayers sent up to Heaven.  I need to remember that EVERY single minute!

3.  My youngest daughter, Kate.  She gives "made in China" a whole new meaning. :)  She is also the answer to many prayers.  When Callie was around 5 and still the only one, I said to Cameron one time, "If we ever have another baby, I will never put it down".  I was only sort of kidding.  Callie had not been much of a cuddler (is that a word?) and I was foolishly worried about "spoiling" her.  God knew exactly which family Kate needed!

4.  I guess God's gift of salvation should have been number one.  I've been a Christian so long that sometimes I take it for granted.  I have no traumatic past or conversion story to tell.  However, it is amazing to think about how God has loved and protected me and that he sent his Son to die for someone so full of pride that she didn't think "she" really needed it.

I'll stop there for now.  I can't imagine that it will be hard to come up with 1000 Gifts that the Lord has given to us.  We are truly blessed.  Even when I sometimes forget it.

 

Our First Day of School

This year, our annual First Day of School Fieldtrip was to Stuckey's apple orchard.  It may not sound all that educational, but considering we have done most of the museums in the area multiple times, we are sort of thinking outside the box.  Another reason we chose the apple orchard is because Kate is starting preschool and remember, A is for apple!  We picked lots of apples and we and had a great time with friends.  The next day we made apple pie, baked apples and a few days later, apple butter. 




It was a great way to start the year!

Can't Live With Them, Can't Live Without Them

No, I'm not talking about men! :)  I'm talking about computers! We've been having major issues with ours lately and so I haven't been able to post anything.

We have had quite a couple of weeks here.  Our favorite man is finally home from his month long trip to Seattle.  I don't know how military wives do it!!  We missed him terribly and thank God for bringing him home safely.  We were especially thankful after having to wait an extra day when he missed a connecting flight.

On Monday we had our annual First Day of School Field Trip.  This year we went to a local apple orchard to pick apples.  We have already done the zoo, children's museum, art museum, etc. multiple times so now we are having to get a little creative.  We had a great time and I will post some pictures later.  Callie and I made an apple pie the next day and next week we will turn most of the rest of the apples into apple butter.  Yum!!

On Thursday Granny and Poppy arrived from Mississippi.  We were very excited to see them!  Kate was "bouncing off the walls".  So now we are enjoying our time with them and some much cooler temps.  I love it when the weather gets just a little bit chilly.

Hopefully, our computer will be back to normal soon and I can post some pictures.