It's summer . . .I haven't posted in a long time! We've birthday partied, overnight camped, farm camp, swim lessons (twice), gone to the neighborhood pool, cheer camp . . .and more!
I'm going to post a series of posts about the last months. Mostly pictures.
Before that . . .can I just say, I had to laugh when I got the letter from my alma mater today asking for $55 for a curriculum lab chair on up to $1700 for a conference table. And I wanna know what kind of instructor desks they're putting in that they're asking $1250 for each one! That's nothing like the desk I had at the college I taught at, I'll tell you that much!
Monday, July 31, 2006
So, you think you can dance?
I could make this a post about my love of Benji on SYTYCD. . . but, well, I'm using it to show you some dance recital rehearsal pictures. Don't want to take away anything from Benji (GO BENJI!), but well . . . these little dancers can dance!
Note to readers . . . .don't think you can video and still photograph at the same time! It doesn't work out well.
I always have problems figuring out the right timing for the picture taking. Thinking I'm getting someone to come along next year to help me get the girls ready! Oh, and teach Allie to put on her own tights . . .that alone would help a lot!
Alaina's 2 dances . . . tap and ballet (never thought I'd be listening to little orphan Annie singing "tomorrow" again . . was just glad we had this beautiful gold and cream costume instead of red dresses and wigs!)
Allie had 3 dances . . . the jazz pictures turned out horrible. . . I didn't get a clear one of her in that one (thus that note about videoing and photographing at the same time!) She did a tap routine to "hello Texas" . . .and loved the "cowgirl" costume that went with it. This isn't the clearest picture . .. is hard getting action shots in the lighting they use.The next one is her ballet. . . she is the one in the back row. . . wasn't at a good angle to get shots of just her. .. but look at that form!
Note to readers . . . .don't think you can video and still photograph at the same time! It doesn't work out well.
I always have problems figuring out the right timing for the picture taking. Thinking I'm getting someone to come along next year to help me get the girls ready! Oh, and teach Allie to put on her own tights . . .that alone would help a lot!
Alaina's 2 dances . . . tap and ballet (never thought I'd be listening to little orphan Annie singing "tomorrow" again . . was just glad we had this beautiful gold and cream costume instead of red dresses and wigs!)
Allie had 3 dances . . . the jazz pictures turned out horrible. . . I didn't get a clear one of her in that one (thus that note about videoing and photographing at the same time!) She did a tap routine to "hello Texas" . . .and loved the "cowgirl" costume that went with it. This isn't the clearest picture . .. is hard getting action shots in the lighting they use.The next one is her ballet. . . she is the one in the back row. . . wasn't at a good angle to get shots of just her. .. but look at that form!
Sisters . . .
I took my own dance pictures this year. Wasn't going to pay for those cheesy 1/2 second "smile" photos from the dance studio photographer. They're definitely not in it for the shots that look good! So I get a couple of group shots (Alaina got 2 group shots this year as it was her first year to take ballet and tap as seperate classes, and Allie got 1 photo . . .don't remember which one, we haven't seen the pictures yet) each year, then take photos at home in the garage. Here are a few of the girls together.
The too often seen closed mouth smirk . . .
Doesn't Allie look like the most bored child you've ever seen?
I like this one. . .you can see the hint of a smile on Allie's face. . .maybe this isn't so bad . . .and Alaina's listening intently.
Allison actually looks slightly pleased . . .momentarily .. .
And then my favorite. . . doesn't this just make a statement about sisterhood? (I love the "backwards" cupping of Alaina's hand in both these last 2 shots)
The too often seen closed mouth smirk . . .
Doesn't Allie look like the most bored child you've ever seen?
I like this one. . .you can see the hint of a smile on Allie's face. . .maybe this isn't so bad . . .and Alaina's listening intently.
Allison actually looks slightly pleased . . .momentarily .. .
And then my favorite. . . doesn't this just make a statement about sisterhood? (I love the "backwards" cupping of Alaina's hand in both these last 2 shots)
We interrupt this blog for . . .
a mindless wondering from Heather's brain.
So, in the last few weeks, I've just totally dug "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. Not sure where I heard it. . . I wanted to download this random song about "pages of your life still to be written" at the same time I was looking for some specific Christian songs I'd heard on the radio. Now, not sure if it's ever been on the Christian radio or not . .. . but that was my subtext. I finally figured out what the song was and who sang it when I came across some concert on some channel with Nick Lashay. They were going to commercial break and had this chick singing "the song". Then the song showed up on So You Think You Can Dance. Downloaded the song while I still remembered what it was.
Tonight, the girls were watching a movie. . . Ice Princess . . and at the end of it . . . you got it . . .Unwritten! ROFL I just started to giggle at that. Some song I'd paid no attention to a year (and more) ago, I'd spent several weeks trying to find out what it was . . .then I found out I had it in my house already!
Another downloading side note. . . some of you may remember this post where I mentioned the Backyardigans. They've done it again. Another CD full of music from the show! That got downloaded last week, along with a couple of Eddie Coker CDs. Checking out his schedule.. . and I can see we'll be joining my niece for a showing this fall. We love this guy . . .he makes me say "I am the happy one!" as we all do the "Woo-woo Dance" (yes, our kids actually do this at school . . we know all of Eddie's choreography!). There's 3 of his CDs on iTunes. And, apparently, you can find him on Chuck E. Cheese screens all over the country.
Okay . . .end of the mindless wonderings of Heather!
So, in the last few weeks, I've just totally dug "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. Not sure where I heard it. . . I wanted to download this random song about "pages of your life still to be written" at the same time I was looking for some specific Christian songs I'd heard on the radio. Now, not sure if it's ever been on the Christian radio or not . .. . but that was my subtext. I finally figured out what the song was and who sang it when I came across some concert on some channel with Nick Lashay. They were going to commercial break and had this chick singing "the song". Then the song showed up on So You Think You Can Dance. Downloaded the song while I still remembered what it was.
Tonight, the girls were watching a movie. . . Ice Princess . . and at the end of it . . . you got it . . .Unwritten! ROFL I just started to giggle at that. Some song I'd paid no attention to a year (and more) ago, I'd spent several weeks trying to find out what it was . . .then I found out I had it in my house already!
Another downloading side note. . . some of you may remember this post where I mentioned the Backyardigans. They've done it again. Another CD full of music from the show! That got downloaded last week, along with a couple of Eddie Coker CDs. Checking out his schedule.. . and I can see we'll be joining my niece for a showing this fall. We love this guy . . .he makes me say "I am the happy one!" as we all do the "Woo-woo Dance" (yes, our kids actually do this at school . . we know all of Eddie's choreography!). There's 3 of his CDs on iTunes. And, apparently, you can find him on Chuck E. Cheese screens all over the country.
Okay . . .end of the mindless wonderings of Heather!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
In 90 Days . . .
For the last several weeks, I have been reading this Bible. It amazes me to think that all I have to do is read 12 pages a night and I'd be done in 88 days (it gives you 2 "freebie" days)! For several years, I have wanted to read the Bible in a year, and those one year bibles just don't do it for me! I don't like the way they're organized , or the commentary, or something.
This is the Bible . .. every single word of it, in order and with none of the "extras".
I finish Deuteronomy tomorrow.
A Year Has Gone by . . .
(** will add pictures soon**)
Allie,
In a blink of an eye, we said hello to six, and now we've said goodbye. I can't believe another year with you has passed. So many things have come and gone. I'd totally forgotten that just a year ago, you were asking for pocketfuls of kisses! I do remember the swimming relunctance . . .who could forget that? Ms. P was pleasantly surprised when she saw how well you were taking to the water during your lessons last week. She said "It's like she's a whole different kid." And in a lot of ways, I guess you are.
You've lost 5 teeth since your last birthday (Losing your first one the day before your 6th birthday).
You've read Junie B., Kit books, Little House, and many more . . . all on your own. You grasped the reading thing and you haven't let go.
You've become a HUGE horse fan (you were into them somewhat a year ago, but one summer project later and you're MAD about them!).
You learned (as we all did) about Horseshoe Crabs (because you chose to do them as they had the word "horse" in their name! And, by the way, I've told Ms. P that if Alaina is in looping, I want something easy . . . a dolphin or a seahorse or a clownfish!)
You've danced in your third recital .. . adding Jazz to ballet and tap.
You made some little girl friends (you had almost all boy friends in K).
You became a brownie, and have earned more patches than I would've ever imagined.
You've worked hard on your handwriting.
You learned "everything I needed to learn to go to 2nd grade".
You spoke about your hero, for a second year, at a school assembly.
You've gotten so much better at the room cleaning thing.
You ASK to do chores (I know this won't last long!).
Your temper fits have become less frequent.
You've laughed.
You've cried.
You've started to stand up for yourself.
You still want to help when I don't feel well . . .and you tell me "I wish there was no such thing as headaches!" Now, everytime I have one, you ask when I'm going to get braces! tehehe
You're still as sweet and loving and tender as you've always been. Characteristics I hope never change.
You're fiesty, and yet you so want to please. And in some ways you are so hesitant and unsure. And I wonder. . .wonder how to help you, how to guide you, and yes, I even wonder sometimes if I can mold you. I want to help you be this confident girl who understands how wonderful and smart and talented she is. I try to figure out how to boost you in that area and help you still remain that sweet, loving, tender girl you are.
I remember those last days of pregnancy with you . . .how miserable I was, how hot, and uncomfortable I was. Then those first few days of life for you. You were sweet and tender then too. I loved just holding you. . . and I loved that you wanted to be held. And that you still want to be held. I strive to hold all these things in my heart. . . all that you've done, all that you've been, and look forward to all that you are yet to be.
Allison, my sunshine, I love you. I love being your mom, I love watching you grow. And I loved saying hello to seven.
Loves and hugs and kisses,
Mommy
Allie,
In a blink of an eye, we said hello to six, and now we've said goodbye. I can't believe another year with you has passed. So many things have come and gone. I'd totally forgotten that just a year ago, you were asking for pocketfuls of kisses! I do remember the swimming relunctance . . .who could forget that? Ms. P was pleasantly surprised when she saw how well you were taking to the water during your lessons last week. She said "It's like she's a whole different kid." And in a lot of ways, I guess you are.
You've lost 5 teeth since your last birthday (Losing your first one the day before your 6th birthday).
You've read Junie B., Kit books, Little House, and many more . . . all on your own. You grasped the reading thing and you haven't let go.
You've become a HUGE horse fan (you were into them somewhat a year ago, but one summer project later and you're MAD about them!).
You learned (as we all did) about Horseshoe Crabs (because you chose to do them as they had the word "horse" in their name! And, by the way, I've told Ms. P that if Alaina is in looping, I want something easy . . . a dolphin or a seahorse or a clownfish!)
You've danced in your third recital .. . adding Jazz to ballet and tap.
You made some little girl friends (you had almost all boy friends in K).
You became a brownie, and have earned more patches than I would've ever imagined.
You've worked hard on your handwriting.
You learned "everything I needed to learn to go to 2nd grade".
You spoke about your hero, for a second year, at a school assembly.
You've gotten so much better at the room cleaning thing.
You ASK to do chores (I know this won't last long!).
Your temper fits have become less frequent.
You've laughed.
You've cried.
You've started to stand up for yourself.
You still want to help when I don't feel well . . .and you tell me "I wish there was no such thing as headaches!" Now, everytime I have one, you ask when I'm going to get braces! tehehe
You're still as sweet and loving and tender as you've always been. Characteristics I hope never change.
You're fiesty, and yet you so want to please. And in some ways you are so hesitant and unsure. And I wonder. . .wonder how to help you, how to guide you, and yes, I even wonder sometimes if I can mold you. I want to help you be this confident girl who understands how wonderful and smart and talented she is. I try to figure out how to boost you in that area and help you still remain that sweet, loving, tender girl you are.
I remember those last days of pregnancy with you . . .how miserable I was, how hot, and uncomfortable I was. Then those first few days of life for you. You were sweet and tender then too. I loved just holding you. . . and I loved that you wanted to be held. And that you still want to be held. I strive to hold all these things in my heart. . . all that you've done, all that you've been, and look forward to all that you are yet to be.
Allison, my sunshine, I love you. I love being your mom, I love watching you grow. And I loved saying hello to seven.
Loves and hugs and kisses,
Mommy
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