Gone Country {Dance Recital 2011}

Emma just wrapped up her first year of dance with a recital (two actually:). I can't believe that my precious, black-headed, 8lb. 2oz. baby girl has grown into such a free-spirited, excitable, little "big girl"...in such a SHORT TIME! I've learned a lot about love since 09.18.07...this weekend I learned a little more. Watching my little girl on that stage, dancing her heart out, stealing the show, and LOVING every second of it made me so proud and excited for her. I know you'll be shocked to learn that I got a little teary-eyed watching her dance. Here are a few pictures from "recital weekend"!

Thursday - Rehearsal

Friday Night Performance

(Flash photography wasn't allowed Friday night so these are from the dressing room.)

Bailey and Emma (aka Raggedy Ann & Andy)

(Disclaimer: I AM NOT one of those crazy "Toddlers & Tiaras" Mamas. They told us that

the more clown-like their makeup looked up close the better they would show up in the video.

They said the lighting would bleach them out if they didn't have on makeup. I aim to please! :)

I forgot to get a pic of E in her third costume...but I

didn't forget to get one of this worn out dance star!

Saturday Performance & Award Ceremony

Raggedy Ann & Andy - Ballet

In all honesty I was "less than thrilled" with the idea of this dance. I mean, really, who

wants their baby girl to dress up as Raggedy ANDY for her first BALLET recital...but let

me tell you it was absolutely precious! I'm not sure what song was used, but I loved it! 

Talladega Race (Route 66) - Jazz

Hillbilly Rock - Tap

After she finished her last dance we had to

wait for "curtain call" and the award ceremony.

Her daddy gave her some flowers...

...so she showed him a few dance moves. :)

Then some of the big girls entertained the wee ones while we waited! :)

Curtain Call

Award Ceremony

It was a great year. Emma learned a lot...and if she couldn't

remember what to do during the recital she made something up.

She danced her heart out, and I am SO PROUD of her!

The Big Apple Adventure {VBS 2011}

We kicked of VBS at BBC on Sunday night. I taught 3rd and 4th grade, and Emma's teachers were Miss DeAnna, Mrs. Jennifer, and Mrs. BriAnna. She had a blast, and she learned more from them than they could imagine. We were strolling through Walmart Wednesday and Emma started talking really loudly. I'm of the opinion that as long as children aren't pitching "Walmart fits" or tearing the store down they can talk, sing, or recite Bible verses as loudly as they wish...and that is exactly what Miss Priss was doing. At the top of her lungs she was reciting Romans 10:17 (So faith comes from what is heard and what is heard comes through the message of Christ).

Here's a look at our week...

Sunday - Kick Off

Monday

(excuse the attire...we came straight from dance:)

Tuesday

I forgot my camera Wednesday...but you get the gist by now! :)

Thursday - Family Night

(No...she didn't have a solo...she just thinks she owns the

place, ha! For the record though, this was before parents and

families got there...only the VBS Crew got to see this action:)

Another One!

Yep! All of this drooling and fussiness has a cause! When I got home from VBS Sunday night Justin told me that he found another tooth. Here it is!

Look hard...can you see it now? That little white line on the

top, right-hand side is a little tooth...and it's sharp as a knife! :)

I decided to break out one of my favorite teething soothers...

the frozen waffle!

I leave you with this picture of my Sleeping Beauty...she woke

up from her nap, came to the couch, and fell fast asleep...AGAIN!

*Yes, those are two different socks. That's what you

get when Miss Independent decides to dress herself. ;)

The Last Few Days

Friday we hung out at home trying to nurse

this sweet boy and his sister back to health.

Today I had a yard sale, so the kids got to have some quality time

with their daddy. When I got home they seemed to be doing pretty well.

Aunt Jana invited us to go swimming. E really wanted to go,

so we packed up the house and headed out. Here's E and

Andrew trying to stay on the float...without much luck! :) 

Luke Man dipped his little legs in the water too!

All that fun makes for a good night's rest!

*Notice the candle in her hand. It is battery operated, and

she has recently begun insisting on sleeping with it, ha!

Yesterday

Aside from the minor setback below, summer is getting off to a fabulous start. I am getting into "stay-at-home-mom mode" and our routines are coming together quite nicely. I've cleaned places and things in my house that I forgot I had. Justin comes home to a home-cooked meal each night and a house that smells like Pine-Sol. What more could a man ask for? ;)

Yesterday...

E has been coughing for a few days, but nothing too serious. Luke started the coughing last night...and we know by now that his coughs don't go away. So...after nap we headed to Dr. Ray's office. It is viral, so no meds...just continued breathing treatments for Luke Man and Claritin OTC for both of my babies. Emma is taking some home remedy cough syrup, but Luke can't take anything for cough because of his age. :(

This was on the little chalk board in the exam room...too funny!

Tonight BriAnna and I carried a meal to Jared and Allison and their

sweet baby girl. This is what I found when I got home an hour later...

10

06.01.01

Ten is the number of years ago this picture was taken.

Ten is the number of years ago we graduated high school.

I don't know what I thought my life would be like ten years from then.

I don't even know if I considered there would be a 'ten years from now'.

I do know that I am happy with where I am...ten years later.

I also know that I hope the next ten years bring as much

happiness, excitement, and joy as the last ten have brought.

Here's to ten more!