Izzy's Dance Recital

The reason this entry is so delayed is because I have been trying to upload video of the main event onto this blog without success. I suggest visiting Paula's blog if you are a friend, or you can go to youtube and look at my videos. They are listed under cindymariematheson. The show was great and I have to say it sure beat the 3 hour long recitals that I used to be a part of (just ask my poor husband that in his undying love for me sat through 2 of the same show my senior year - gotta love that man!). Izzy was very "participatory" and seemed to eat up the fact that she was on display. I am glad she had Millie next to her to help her remember the steps! At the end all the students received a special medal and got to stand on the podium. Isabella again took the time to pose like a supermodel to get her picture taken. I am glad that her first ballet experience has been fun, without pressure, but now that she is almost 4 it is time to put the pressure on (just kidding, but....). I think that is she still loves it after this smemester we will try out a dance school, just have to wait to see where we will be in June!!

Christmas and happy new year!

I know, I know. Everyone has already moved on into the new year, but this is my first chance to post. We started out Christmas Eve with a dr. visit for Isabella. She seemed to be coming down with her 10th cold since October and I just wanted some validation in my thoughts that she might have allergies. Well, we don't know the answer to that yet, but we did find out she had double ear infections. Ellie had double ear infections as well, so needless to say we had not been sleeping much. We skipped church that evening in an effort to stay sane. Isabella perked up a bit and we set out cookies and milk for Santa. She was excited for him to come but did not want to see him because she is afraid of his beard. Both girls went to sleep easily, antibiotics on board. It was a true Christmas Miracle as Noelle slept through the night that night. Both girls were excited to open presents - they got a playhouse like Lindsay's to share, Isabella got a doll with a potty and sink, and Ellie got some little people playsets from Santa. Mommy and Daddy got them some clothes and puzzles. Ellie really got into the paper ripping but truly enjoyed climbing on top of all the presents rather than playing with them. We made it to church that day and enjoyed a calm, uncrowded, beautiful mass. After that it was time to get to work since we were leaving for Ohio the next day. We stayed in Ohio for 1 week and enjoyed seeing all of our family. The girls received way too many gifts from everyone and we could barely fit everything in to make it home. Isabella had a great time with her Grandmas and Grandpas and Ellie began to warm to everyone too. I think she is beginning to remember people from visit to visit now. She definitly prefers the men over the ladies though. She knows how much those Grandmas and Aunts want her approval - she prefers the more low key approach of the 'pas. We celebrated New Years with a sleepover at Uncle Davy's house. I made it to 11:20. Just couldn't do those 40 extra minutes. I climbed into the bed next to Isabella and was glad to just sleep next to my sweet girl to bring in the new year. We have much to do and look forward to this year. My personal resolutions are to find more patience with my children, lose 50 pounds (would it be asking too much to accomplish this by April 1st for my bridesmaid dress?) and to be more productive with my time. Happy 2009!!!