2011 Dance Recital

Here is the video and some pictures of the girls dance recital. The second clip is my cousin Ricci who owns and operates The Movement Dance Center. She is a fantastic teacher.
We couldn't be more proud of the girls. Punkin has gained more confidence since starting dance last June. Peanut started the first of January and considering that she just turned three and has only danced for about 5 months she did a fantastic job. Enjoy!!

Peanut getting her hair done. The required hair style for all dancers was a little to complicated for my fumble fingers so it was necessary to higher it out.

I think it made her look so grown up!

Punkins turn.

I did not pose this, I just looked over and she was chilaxin with her short hair style guide.

Gorgeous!

Punkin was workin it!

 

 

Dance Preview

Tonight is the girls first dance recital. Last week they were invited to perform at the Northridge Drill teams collage. So here is a little peek..............

 

Peanut is the far right and Punkin is the third from the right.

Wholy Cow!

Has it really been a whole month since I last posted? I have been busy, but really, does my blog deserve such neglect? Anyway, I'll give you a quick rundown.

Dallas and I have been busy working, he's been very active in his program, so we've been trying to balance it all. I started teaching again the first of May. I really do enjoy it but have decided that I have to take a day off here and there to keep my sanity. Otherwise, the yard and house get seriously neglected, like my blog. We finally got our new sofa and love seat and I'm totally twitterpated with them. They are so comfortable. The store we bought our furniture from is not on my good list. They delivered our bedroom furniture the next day because they had it there, but our sofa and love seat took almost two months. I want to go back to them and give them my business because they are the little guy but their service sucks! By the way, we are still waiting for the extra nightstand. :[

A couple weeks ago, for our monthly girls night, we went to my cousin Ricci's first studio dance recital. She opened her own studio The Movement Dance Center in October. I took Punkin with me to see if she would be at all interested in starting dance. She loved it! I realize that there are plenty of dance studios around here but we really wanted Ricci to teach her because; 1) she's my cousin 2) she doesn't to competition dance, just recitals. Punkin is hard enough on herself, she's not like me where competition drives her, it just makes her feel more self conscious. I do have quite the drive on Thursdays now. I have to go from work in Roy, to daycare in Plain City, then back down to West Point to her studio and then drive to North Ogden in afternoon traffic. She went for her first lesson this week and it was sooo worth it. She payed such close attention, did everything she was asked, didn't get distracted by the other little girl swinging from the bars like a monkey. All the little girls were sooo cute. The funniest part was Peanut, she stood to the side (most of the time) and copied everything they did. Eventually, one of the other teachers came and got her and asked her to join. I'm very excited for her to have something outside of daycare and home.

I took the girls to get hair cuts Friday. Punkin just got a trim, but Peanut got a chop. Doesn't she look cute?

Happy Day!!

I know a lot of you have seen these on Facebook, but I thought I'd better post them for the benefit of D's grandma. And I really love these videos.

Peanuts Checkup

I realized tonight that I hadn't posted any new developments on Peanuts development. We had her 2 year check up on February 11th and as usual she did great. She finally broke the 20 lb. mark and has hit 22 lbs. That puts her in the 3% on her growth chart. She is 34.75 in. tall, 75%. Her Doctor isn't too worried about her weight anymore because she is still following the growth curve. One thing he's a little concerned about is her lack of speaking. We know she understands, but she doesn't say much, well, nothing we can understand. I had told him at her last visit that I think it's because her big sis answers everything for her. As much as we try to work with both of them on that we are not winning. He then witnessed it first hand when he started asking Peanut where certain body parts are, and the first second of hesitation Punkin answered for her. It's really frustrating. She is talking a lot more just in the last couple of weeks and showing some decent progress so we'll hope for the best. She did have to have two shots in her legs, and with no fat we know that doesn't feel very good, but she still managed a little smile and a "kank you" to the nurse as we left.

A little about life......lately.

It seems that I don't post things very often anymore. Maybe it's because of work, or home, or we really haven't had much to talk about. Until today.
I took a few vacation days and spent some much needed time off doing whatever I felt like. Wednesday I was off for my manager meeting. I have my meeting then I'm off for the rest of the day. So I went to Walmart and the chiropractor. Not really too eventful. Thursday on the other hand, I took the girls to daycare and I spent nearly the whole day cleaning my craft room. This room is for me to use for whatever I want, but in the 4 1/2 years we've lived hear it's been a mess. I still had boxes that were never unpacked. I had to clean it because in a few weeks we are getting new windows and the guy couldn't even get to the window for the crap that was in the way. So Friday was errand day, as usual. Saturday I went to S.L.C. with my sis-in-law to a Tranquility Circle demonstration. It's a stress management type kit, I thought it was really neat and we had a fun day out. Later that evening D and I went out on a date to Chili's and then to the AA Camp where he was to receive his 6 month recognition chip. I'm so proud of him. *Sigh* Afterwards we went to Spoon Me and enjoyed some Acai frozen yogurt and headed to Walmart to get the girls a little gift for Valentines Day. Sunday, we just hung out at home. We did go visit with my parents and took them some homemade Valentines that we all made for them in my newly cleaned craft room.
But the greatest day yet was today. We went on our first trip to S.L.C. on the frontrunner to go to Discovery Gateway. I have to be honest, I wasn't to keen on the idea of taking the train down and completely relying on public transportation. I like the security of my vehicle. But D insisted and once he had Punkin on his side I was outnumbered. I have to admit, it wasn't all that bad. We got right where we needed to be and we all really enjoyed the ride. What was really nice is that we got a group rate of $12 to ride. I only wish the Museum was that inexpensive. I had a coupon for buy one get one and it was still $25. The girls had a great time but I can't say that it will be someplace we visit again. We have the Treehouse Museum here in Ogden and it may be a bit smaller but I think for the price it's a way better deal.
(side note: I'm typing this next section for the third time because blogger says it's saving, but it's not really.)
Anyway, after the kids played for a while, we went to lunch at the food court. After that we went to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for dessert, (mmmm, giant peanut butter cup). Then we hopped into the Clark Planetarium and explored the free exhibits. After that we were headed home. I had hoped that the kids would be tired enough to nap, Fat Chance! They were really good the whole day until we got to the car. Peanut just fell asleep but Punkin started with her usual dramatics. If you have a or had a four year girl, you know what I mean.
All in all, we had a wonderful day. It was worth the time I took off from work and the money spent just to have some fun family time. I can't wait for our next adventure.

Happy Birthday Peanut!

Today is Peanuts 2nd Birthday. I can't believe that two years have gone by so fast. She was the one that completed our family. She was the last piece of the puzzle. This little girl is the spitting image of me, but a little devil like her dad. She has the sweetest personality and makes the funniest faces. She's always happy to see anyone who looks her way. She loves her big sister and mimics her every move. I can see many years of unpredictability and adventure with this one. She has been a little light in my life and another reason for me to get up every morning, both literally and figuratively.
We celebrated her birthday with family on Saturday and had a wonderful time. She had a little ladybug party. It was so nice to have all of my family in the same room enjoying the time spent together. Peanut may never remember that day but I will cherish that Birthday and everyone to come.

Peanuts Obsession

Isn't that picture sweet? Such and angel. You would think just by the look on that face. But, as I sit here and write, Peanut is running around with her pants off. This may not sound like a big deal, but a week ago was when her new obsession started. Last Sunday morning I went into her room to get her up for the day and there she stood in her crib, naked. Later that day after her nap I caught her just before she disrobed her poopy diaper.

Wednesday, she stripped after her nap and fingered painted, if you know what I mean. That evening it was decided that she would forever be wearing a onesie under all of her clothes.

How quickly I forgot the new rule yesterday, and was greeted by Peanut after her nap, half naked and poopy diaper off. I caught her just before her artistic impulse kicked in. So last night she wore footy pajamas with a onesie underneath. I went to get her this morning and there she was, just in her onesie, and one side of the diaper undone. This kid is relentless!

I do realize that this could be a sign that she is ready to potty train, but the logistics just aren't there. She's not communicating enough with me for me to be able to trust that she will tell me when she needs to go. And she also is so tiny I wouldn't be able to fit her into any panties.

There is a small part of me that thinks this child is just in a stage. She's experimenting. Testing our patience. I sure hope we pass.

Happy New Year!! 2010

Happy New Year!!! We had a really nice New Years at home. The munchkins are still a bit to young to try to be out at someones house all night and I honestly just like hanging out at home. I'm too afraid to be out late on what one of our patients called "Amateur Night". We bought the Wii earlier this week in preparation for New Years Eve. We. Had. A. Blast. This was the best purchase ever. Punkin loves every game and does quite well, Peanut was just happy to play with any old remote and cheer us on.

Punkin is very entertaining to watch, especially when she boxes. We were laughing hysterically and she just kept going. I think she KO'd 5 guys by the end of the night.

Peanut was in bed by nine and I ended up falling asleep on the couch watching D and Punkin play. D woke me up just before midnight and him and Punkin were still at it. We three rang in the new year watching the ball drop, toasting with our sparkling cider, and watching the neighbors do fireworks in the snow. It really was a great night that I wouldn't have spent any other way.
Here is to a New Year, with happier beginnings!

Our Merry Christmas

This year has certainly had it's ups and downs. The last couple of months have been on the upside thanks to my husbands new found sobriety and love for our family. I honestly was a little worried about how our Christmas would turn out. D came through as he has been for the last little while. Slowly but surely he is determined to show me what kind of husband he can be.
I had taken Wednesday off of work to spend with the kids and for a little mental health. D had found out earlier in the week that he would be getting off early and asked me to stay out of the house until about 3 pm. Sounds easy enough right? Wrong. I had the girls out since 8:30 am and Peanut with no nap until 3 makes for a not so fun day. We went to the daycare to see Santa, delivered Christmas gifts to my coworkers, hairdresser, and nail lady, had lunch and then hung out at my parents house for a little while. D finally called and let me know when I could come home. I was a little miffed only because we were all tired and I knew I had a lot to do at home since I had been gone all day. So we finally get home and he walks outside to help me with the kids, or so I thought. He told me to go ahead and go inside first. I walked up to our door in the garage and there was a card and a big red bow on the door. I read the card and then went in. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The best Christmas present I've ever gotten from my husband in the ten years we've been married. I was in complete and utter shock and my jaw hit the floor. It was really more than my senses could handle. The smell and sight alone would send anyone into a tizzy. Would you like to know what I had been kicked out of my house for? He cleaned the house! THE WHOLE THING!!! I know what your thinking, a guy cleaned the house, so what, he shoved things in a corner and vacuumed and maybe did the dishes. NOPE! We are talking scrubbed the showers and tub, cleaned off the whole desk, dusted, vacuumed, mopped (even the bathrooms), cleaned up the kids rooms and made all of the beds, washed all of the bathroom rugs, did the dishes and cleaned the entire kitchen. Yes, he even cleaned the basement bathroom that I hate going into, that I never use other than to use the washer and dryer. It's HIS bathroom and it only gets cleaned when he feels like it. I was so thankful and when we got the kids in the house and settled I stood in the kitchen and looked around trying to figure out what to do. I just looked at him and said, "I have nothing to do". Just then Punkin asked me if we could do the Christmas activity book I had bought her weeks ago. I happily said yes. I was able to say yes because D had given me the greatest gift of all, Time. I laid on the floor in the family room next to Punkin doing her activity book with her, without a hint of guilt thinking that I should be doing something around the house. It was the best Christmas present I've gotten in a long time.
So with that said, the rest of our week has been so enjoyable, only because everything was caught up and I was able to enjoy our Christmas weekend to the fullest. Christmas Eve we went to IHOP for breakfast, which the girls thoroughly enjoyed, then out to a couple of stores for last minute items. Then we came home and hung out for a while and then made a nice dinner, went to Willard to see the lights on the Bay, we came home and opened our Christmas Eve PJ's and bathed the girls. Then we made a gingerbread house, sprinkled our magic reindeer food, and put the girls to bed. D and I were up till about midnight playing Santa. We really had the great time that I've been longing for in our family forever.
Christmas day was very exciting for all of us. Punkin and Peanut got so many nice things from us and Santa and Grandma and Grandpa and also their Aunt and Uncle. Punkin received a Leapfrog Tag System from Santa that is really the neatest thing. She has shown so much interest in reading but Punkin and I both lack the patience for her to actually learn. Tag is making it fun for her and I don't have to be so involved. She also got a toy guitar, a littlest petshop daycare, a 12 cd set of stories and nursery rhymes, and some much needed clothes. Peanut got the Leapfrog My Pal Violet from Santa. Now, let me tell you how stinkin cute this little pup is. You can plug it into your computer and upload songs and certain details that pertain to your child including their name. She loves it and I loooove it even more. She also got a snap n style doll, a baby with a stroller, and a huge Mr. Potato Head package. They received some super cute joint gifts too. My ultimate favorite was the little table and chair set that Santa picked up at Ikea along with and Igloo tent. My dear hubby was daring enough to buy me some clothes that I so badly needed and he got some clothes and truck accessories as well. We really had a great Christmas and we are looking forward to so many more like this.
I can't tell you how grateful I am that the year is ending on such a good note for me. It was by far not looking so hot about half way through, but if I had to go through that much bad to get the great things I'm receiving now I'll gladly accept it. I thank God for trials and blessings that I have received this year and hope I can continue to learn from them.
I hope you all had as wonderful a Christmas as I and an even better New Year.

Finally.....I Have Pictures!

I have never been so behind on getting my girls pictures done. I love pictures and I want to remember everything when I'm old and I know having pictures is the way to do it. I have gotten the girls pictures taken religiously since they were born. I'm only a couple months off and the older they get the less they change in such little time. So here are Punkin (4) and Peanut (22 mo.) in all their glory. Peanut was not the most cooperative this time but they turned out cute anyway.

On another note. I also have some way sticking pictures done at their daycare. Our provider's sister took the pictures for this years class and individual picture and they turned out way cute. I only wish I had requested one of them together.

This is also some video of my girls and two of my nieces dancing to our new Alvin and the Chipmunks soundtrack. Too Cute!