Abigail's Royal Day!

When Adam was deployed in Iraq, he visited Quatar briefly, and bought Abigail a beautiful hand crafted princess gown.  She has never really been able to wear it because it's so special and fancy.  Well she found a way to wear it.  For her birthday, she wanted to have a "ball" party. (really an excuse to wear that dress!)  

We don't usually go all out for birthdays.  In fact, last year for Abigail's 6th birthday, we only had family and only like 3 presents.  She was still happy.  We really don't want our kids to become selfish or indulgent, so we don't want them to become self-absorbed when their birthdays come around.  We definitely want them to know they are special, and we are celebrating THEM being in our lives!  But that doesn't always mean a whole lot of presents.

With that being said, this year was WAAAAAY different.  We had fresh flowers, tiaras, a chocolate (messy) fountain, dancing, and more.  Abigail was ECSTATIC!  This was totally up her ally.  Very proper and fancy.  She had so much fun.  I don't know how we're going to live up to her expectations next year!

I know you want to see all the pictures, but before you do, I want you to know how special Abigail is.  I think she can be wrapped up in one conversation we had on the drive home last night from the party.

"So, Abigail, what was your favorite present tonight?"

"My wii!........ oh, I'm so sorry Daddy, I didn't mean MY wii.  I mean OUR wii!!"

she's amazing.

Her Royal walk down the staircase to greet her guests

The birthday girl!

My beautiful almost-90-year old Grandma

My friend Jennifer made her cake.  It was beautiful AND delicious.  win-win

Abigail's pose at the end of the catwalk fashion show

The beautiful princesses!

My Jude and his Bella

Abigail and her dance team friends

All her friends were so genuinely interested in her cards and gifts, they were so sweet.

A sweet gift from a sweet friend, Anika.

Adam and I

 Annalie being adorable.

Adam dancing with Abigail, really focusing on the counts. I love him!

Locks of love!

Such a sweet girl. Giving her beautiful hair to a person in need. I'm so proud of her.

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Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee

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Yay!

Abigail is far left.

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Wow

I just posted him learning this for the first time. Then literally the next time he tried, he did it! I'm so proud of him!

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Whoohoo!

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Muscle man!

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The book of right on

Lyrical 5 ... I killed my dinner with karate. They loved it.

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Gray

A reminder that god is eternal and I am not. (my Body that is) But now I can say I have some wisdom! The beginning of my crown. :)

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Beautiful Addison

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Follow up

Okay, earlier I talked about working out and your productivity during the day.  I tested it today, and WOWZA. I woke up at 6am this morning (which is a big deal for me), worked out and sweat like crazy, then the kids woke up and it all began. Yogurt with cottage cheese, flax seed and honey for breakfast helped :-) 2 trash bags full of trash, 3 trash bags full of goodwill donations, and 5 vacuum bags full of dirt later I started feeling like maybe the working out in the morning thing really does help.  But, then again, my mind is a powerful thing.  Am I just convincing myself that I will be more productive, so I'm becoming more productive?

I don't care either way, because I got a lot done.  I basically rearranged my whole house.  New furniture in the guest room, girl's room, boy's room, and living room.  (new meaning: new to that room, not new to our house- except the boy's bed)

It's almost 11 and I'm still up, with no nap behind me all day.  Wow.  I feel so great.  So, why is it that all I can think about is sleeping in tomorrow?  Wouldn't I want to repeat today?  ugh.  I'm so messed up.

New bed!

It's a little dark since I took this picture at bedtime. But you still get the gist. It's perfect. :) And I made new friends with the people who sold it to me on Craigslist!

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New bed!

We bought the boys a new bunk bed, so gave Abigail the boys old bed. She says it feels like a magical land. :) Now she has more room to dance!

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Sweat

I realize how unattractive this picture is but I worked so hard I wanted to share it with you! I hope I am more productive today, I have a feeling a nap is in my near future. :/

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motivation

I just read this in an article.  Thought it was super motivating, so wanted to share it.  Maybe tomorrow I"ll actually get my house clean! (after my morning work out, that is...)


We’re all busy, but that’s usually just a lame excuse. After all, plenty of people find time to exercise. And when was the last time you heard someone say they regretted their workout? Probably never, and here’s why: U.K. researchers found that workers were 15 percent more productive on the days they made time to exercise compared to days they skipped their workout. They were also 15 percent more tolerant of their coworkers. Now, consider for a moment what these numbers mean to you: On days you exercise, you can—theoretically at least—accomplish in an eight-hour day what normally would take you nine hours and 12 minutes. Or you’d still work nine hours, but get more done, leaving you feeling less stressed and happier with your job, another perk that the workers reported on the days they exercised.

Dance emotions

What? Just rocking a DeM snuggie. You don't have one? You should work on that...

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Grocery shopping

This is an example of our grocery experience. These bananas will last 2 days. No exaggeration. Ahhh to have a big family...

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No fear

Annalie... Teenage years should be fun.

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Contemporary class

Last night I taught this combo to my advanced girls. I will be using this song for competition next year. I love it.

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Mehdi Baki

Dena'h Gregory-Tricks

Denah Gregory-Nostalgia-HALL OF FAME CHICAGO NATIONALS (TOKYO's Choreogr...

Competition

We just got hone from a very long weekend. Our studio competed in Hays and I have had about a total of 12 hours sleep in 3 days. I'm so tired but wanted to share my feelings.

My feelings:

#1
Pride- I am proud not only of my own beautiful daughter, but proud of my students, my sister who owns the studio and directs two teams, and proud of myself.

#2
Annoyed- because something is trying to make me question my abilities and my heart. I can be upset with others for causing these feelings in me, but ultimately it is ME that is allowing them to penetrate and sting. Also, really annoyed with Encore Competition, its judges, staff, and unfortunately ridiculous rules.

#3
Tired- duh! (winning)

#4
Overwhelmed- by all the decisions and choices that are right in front of me. By not always making everybody happy. By my kids not understanding that I'm overwhelmed.

#5
Tired- good night.

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Second competition!

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Ouch

I just set my alarm to wake me up tomorrow morning for competition. (which I'm super excited about) After setting the time desired and saving it, it said "your alarm is set for 3 hours and 29 minutes from now." Ouch. (not Super excited about that)

Oh the pleasures of procrastination.

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Soccer!

Micah has his first soccer practice today! He's soooooo excited!

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stupid!