Dance recital rehearsal

Ella’s been taking dance for nearly a whole school year now.

At times, she’s wanted to quit. It was a long commitment for a 5-year-old. But she has stuck with it and we are nearing the big fancy recital at the end.

She was instructed to wear full makeup for it. She was so “freaked out”! We were too, to tell you the truth. 5-year-olds just don’t look right with makeup on.

I think she felt just fine once she was in class though.

She’s the tallest in her class. How is this possible? She always seems a little older than she is.

And always wanting to be in on the fun … this girl twirled all night in our own tutu.

New table

We’ll we’re finally replacing one gunk-filled item over here.

Yes, we are the proud owners of this new table from Pier 1.

It’s actually circular without the leaf, so it fits our family of four just perfect.

And 4 of these yet to be delivered chairs from Target …

And two of these …

And some of these chair cushions from Crate and Barrel…

I love it all. So happy about it. But I sure think we should update the dining  light fixture now that we’re getting a new table …

Checkup

Poor girls. They had to get poked and prodded today for their annual checkup for their spherocytois (a genetic blood disorder).

There were tears and even some screaming. Dang, that sucks. Wish Steve could have gone with us.

Luckily the nurses are so extremely nice and they have a wonderful playroom and even let the kids get into a treasure chest before they leave.

They also give us some hand-sewn gifts from a lady who just makes things for all the kid patients there. And that lady is taking care of her own husband who has pancreatic cancer.

I explained to Ella about how people with cancer take medicine that makes them lose their hair. I wanted her know so she didn’t accidentally ask about it and hurt some child’s feelings. The hematology center we go to is also a pediatric cancer center. So, yeah, I don’t feel too sorry for us. And Ella told me, “mom, if you say something would hurt somebody’s feeling I would never want to say that.” She’s such a sweetie.

I’m back

I took a little break from posting as I was in San Francisco visiting my sister. It was a really good time.

There were some bad times too. I mean as far as trips go, we had some pretty bad luck. My friend hurt her food. Bad. Was so sorry for her and I knew she felt so sorry for us for changing the trip. But really we still had a good time. It was so nice to wake up and have coffee with my sister and friend of over 20 years every morning.

Also, I received the news that a friend passed away, unexpectedly, at the age of 42. So, so sad. That really weighed on me and still it makes me tear up. Wish I could have gone to the memorial. It was in L.A. this past weekend.

The trip was really good. It was really good to have a break and be selfish everyday and leave all the housework of being a mom of two for a little while. And now that I’m back I am enjoying them even more. I swear they have changed a little too. I think every mom should get a getaway.

I will try to write more on trip later. I’m bad about trips though … so much to say, I get overwhelmed. Maybe some photos!