Make-up Day

So...I am at the very end of this pregnancy and as anyone who has been pregnant knows, it is no fun at the end. It has been more than a little uncomfortable lately and of course, life doesn't let up so one can rest and relax.

I don't mean to complain, I feel very blessed to be carrying this little girl and I don't take it for granted. However, it takes a lot to make me laugh out loud right now.

Avery managed to accomplish that task last night and I knew if I didn't write it down here I would probably forget it. I was taking Avery to dance class last night and as we were driving there she started asking me about her school make-up day this Friday.

Since the kids missed a week of elementary school and preschool during our snow event a while back, we now have three days to make-up and the first of those three is this Friday. Generally, preschools do not have make-up days but I guess because they lost a week of school they decided to add days to the schedule.

Avery does not normally have preschool on Fridays so this Friday is her first make-up day. I have been explaining this to her this week since it is out of the ordinary.

Avery's question as we drove to dance class: "Mommy, what kind of make-up do I get to wear on Friday?"

Me: "What are you talking about Avery?"

"Do I get to wear your make-up or do I get my own make-up?"

I finally made the connection (pregnancy brain) and started laughing. I then, of course, had to try to explain what "make-up" meant in this scenario.

She was a little disappointed that she didn't actually get to wear make-up but handled it very maturely!

Emma's 6th birthday

Emma's 6th birthday was March 10th and since it fell on a school night we kept things quiet that evening. I made her favorite dinner (lasagna) and she opened gifts and enjoyed some cake and ice cream.

On Saturday, she chose to go have her nails done so Avery, Emma and I ventured over to Snip-its, a new children's hair salon and spa.

The girls got to lounge on their own special chairs while the nail techs got busy on their finger and toenails. It was so funny watching because they did everything like you would normally receive when getting a manicure or pedicure. They soaked their hands and feet, rubbed them down with lotion, filed and painted. Of course the girls picked their own paint colors - fluorescent pink for Avery and a silver sparkle paint for Emma!

That evening Emma got to choose where she wanted to dine out and of course our kid's favorite won out again - Fatz Cafe! So we had an early dinner and then came home for round two of cake and ice cream.

Overall, I think she had a good birthday. Thank you to everyone that sent a gift and called to wish her a happy birthday!

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Every year around Valentine's Day, our library holds a "Daddy/Daughter Dance" fundraiser event. Last year was Emma's first year to attend, and this year Avery was able to attend as well. So Michael had two special dates for the evening!

The girls got so excited to get dressed up and ready for the dance. We make a big deal about it and curl their hair, wear special dresses, buy corsages and apply a little lip gloss.

They generally know quite a few other little girls at the event and have a terrific time dancing the evening away. According to Michael, he didn't get much of a break from the dance floor! As I keep reminding him, in another few years he'll have four special little girls to escort to the dance!

The Tooth Fairy is on her way...

Guess who lost her first tooth!?! Emma has had a baby tooth hanging on (barely) for the past several days now. Although all of us offered to pull it for her, she sternly refused. Miraculously, last night while she was sleeping it fell out by itself and miraculously, she did not swallow it or lose it.

So tonight will be Emma's first visit from the Tooth Fairy. Needless to say, she is very excited!

Valentine's Artwork...for FREE!

I just came across this adorable Valentine's printable and had to share. The blog eighteen25 has so many wonderful crafty ideas and I have had so much fun looking around their site. The have the subway artwork pictured above available for download for free on their site.

I know many people send the file out for printing at their local Costco or Walgreens but I just printed it out on card stock at home and I thought it turned out perfectly. Now I just need to find a new frame to fit it and the perfect spot to display it in our home.

I love decorating for all holidays, so you can't beat this freebie! Take a look at their site if you aren't familiar with it already, I guarantee you will find some neat ideas you can do yourself.

Happy birthday, Michael!

I just want to wish my wonderful husband a very happy birthday!

Emma's Dance Showcase

Last weekend was another busy one. Saturday was Emma's Dance Showcase held at a local elementary school. This was the dance company's first chance to practice their competition dances in front of an audience. It was an all day event that concluded at 5:00 p.m. with a spaghetti dinner.

The picture above is a group picture of the entire Stepping Out dance company. Emma is in the front row, the fourth from the left.

Since she is only competing in one dance, we had a lot of time to kill so we spent most of our time watching the other dances until it was time to get her costume on. She got to wear clip-on diamond earrings and I must say, I haven't seen her that excited about something in a long time! She kept asking for a mirror so she could look at herself. She might be just a little vain!

I told Michael to brace himself for the girls' costumes since they are a little small! The Pre-Tater tap group is dancing to "Splish, Splash (I was taking a bath)" so they have the blue costume underneath and come out on stage wearing the towels over the top.


And here is the entire Pre-Tater tap group as they were getting ready to go out on stage. The girls did such a great job! They don't compete until May so I'm sure their number will look very sharp after a few more months of continued practice.


After the showcase, Emma, Michael and I enjoyed dining on the spaghetti together. It was rather nice having alone time with one child - very rare around here!

Snow Day!

Two snow falls already in 2011 - this is something for the Columbia, SC area! Last night all schools (and many businesses) were closed for today in anticipation of the great snow fall and ice storm.

The kids, of course, were ecstatic when they woke up this morning to 4-5 inches of snow on the ground.

Everyone bundled up with mix and match winter clothing pieces and went outside to play for a little bit. The girls didn't last too long - they just don't have the same jackets, winter boots and waterproof items that we had growing up in the north.

Michael took Ryan sledding this afternoon and they had a good time. Ryan sled using a bin lid - I keep pleading my case for owning a sled for these once a year events!

Michael also helped Emma build a little mini snowman in the front yard.

She was so ready to turn in and change clothes inside once this picture was taken!

We haven't heard anything yet regarding delays or closing tomorrow and are waiting to see what the weather does tonight. All will be right with the world as long as our power stays on!

Lexington Christmas Parade

December 5th was the annual Lexington Christmas Parade. Our kids have been fortunate to have lots of opportunities to appear in the parade for the last few years.

Ryan was in the parade with his Boy Scout Troop. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of him since I stayed with the girls until they took off in the parade. He had already gone through the parade route by the time I got out there to start watching.

Emma's Girl Scout Troop was in the parade as well but she participated with her dance studio, Stepping Out, this year. Originally, it was only Emma that was to participate but they invited Avery to join the group and she was all for it.

Here they are as they started taking off...

And close to the finish of the route...

It was cold out that afternoon but I am always amazed by the number of locals who come out and support the parade regardless of the weather!

Avery's dance open house

Before the Christmas and New Year holidays, Stepping Out held their Open House for family. I attended with Emma the night before Avery's and brought along the camera, unfortunately, the battery was completely dead and I wasn't able to get any pictures.

I made sure everything was charged and ready for Avery's dance night! I just took a couple of pictures but videotaped her dancing. Since parents are not generally allowed in the classroom during instruction, it is always a treat to watch up close and see how they are doing.