Wordless Wednesday 11-18

So, I suppose I have to explain this week. The photos above are the first of my dancing snowflakes. I am making them for my trees by the pond. I saw the video below at RESURRECTION FERN. You can find her post about it HERE.
Here is the video she made which I adore. You want to make some too, don't you? Let me see yours if you do. I just love them!

My Cheer PRINCESSES

Cali had her first cheer competition this past weekend. Cassi also competed individually.

It was a family affair as always. We stayed with Holly and Barry. (Rocky and Wren were out of town) Holly was so sweet to take care of us the hectic morning of the competition. It was actually amazingly calm as compared to past competition mornings. So Holly, thank you. You know we love you sooo much!
Holly made everyone breakfast while the rest of us worked diligently on making competition necklaces. I'm not really sure that is what they are called but what ever we should call them, we couldn't have gone without them. Cali has been looking forward to them for a LONG time.


We worked on hair together too. Anastasia (I wish I had a picture for you- she is Barry's girlfriend) came to help with Cali and Cassi's hair. In case you didn't know, I am hair challenged but, I can wield a mean blow dryer though! :)



We even had time for a little pre-show improvisation.

These competitions are old-hat for Cassi but for Cali and the other little girls, it was a long day.


Still, you can tell, some of these girls will be cheering for a long time! :) They were in awe of some of the big kids! Truth be known, I am always in awe too.

Cassi and Cali's floor times were spread out a bit so in the middle we took a break to go get lunch. Food and treats make everyone feel better, right? Ice cream works wonders I tell you!



I took so many pictures of Cassi and Cali that I am afraid the blog may overload, so I'll give you only a couple more! ;)




It doesn't appear that we got video of Cali's group. If it turns out we did, I will post it but for now, only Cassi. Here she is...She's a ROCK STAR!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11-16

FOR TODAY 2009-11-16

Outside my window... It is dark and cold. 12 below last time I checked! The day went so fast.

I am thinking...about Kelly. And our amongst friends pictures.

I am thankful for...my life. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE! ;)

From the learning rooms...Cali has a new favorite game. We call it more than, less than or equal to. We roll dice.

From the kitchen...I have been craving good veggies! I have got to find a way to get through to my family. That said, I did get Cali to try egg drop soup today! WOW!

I am wearing...jeans and a hoodie. Did I mention how cold it is???

I am creating...I NEED to be creating turkey's for examples for Thursday's Family Fun Night.

I am going...to stay home tomorrow and make turkeys!

I am reading...blogs. I haven't read any in two days. The horror!

I am hoping...for warmer weather.

I am hearing...the crackle of the wood stove.

Around the house...we are still trying to clean up. I may never get to where I want to be. :(

One of my favorite things...the ice snowflake I made today. (pictures coming soon)

A few plans for the rest of the week...Remember...I told you, FAMILY FUN NIGHT on Thursday. Wish me luck!

A photo for sharing...
Doesn't it just look cold?

To read more daybook's take a look here.

amongst friends #2

Christie-AK; Jenny-AL

I am late posting this week. I was out of town and one friend has no picture to offer. I will edit if she gets to it! ;)

The theme was motion. To understand amongst friends, go here. Join us next week if you would like.

Theme for next week- WHITE.

Wordless Wednesday's 11-11

Man, have had some amazing sunsets lately. As I sped Cassi to cheer last night, we were blessed to see this unfold. I gave her the camera and told her to snap as we drove. This is what she came up with.

Homeschool Blogger of the Year

No, I don't homeschool but sometimes I wish I did. And if I ever grow up (and decide to homeschool) I wanna be just like Lisa at 5 Orange Potatoes. Her blog is amazing and wonderful and like a piping hot cup of coffee just when you need it most. It's comforting, exciting, fun and make you feel all warm and cozy inside.

She has been nominated for Best Unchooling Blog of the Year
and I think she deserves it. If you'd like, go check out her blog, go take a look at the nominees and vote. I know she would appreciate it!

*edit- she didn't ask me to write this- and I hope I am not breaking any rules for writing it. I just really like her and her blog.
Cheers!

Cori's FRIEND-ly Birthday Celebration...Finally.

We were unable to actually have a birthday party for Cori with her friends near her birthday. This past weekend we were finally able to make it happen.

We decided on pizza at a restaurant then a movie; A Christmas Carol.

Pizza was great. The girls sat at their end of the table; we did our best to stay out of their conversation. Grandpa and GiGi came to hang with me since Scott had to work.


I think the girls had a good time. They were quite silly.



I didn't make a birthday cake, she requested the infamous gooey-butter cake instead.
After blowing out the candles, which took a while since they couldn't wrap their heads around trick candles, I let them cut their own pieces of cake.


They wanted specific parts evidently. And this is what happens when you let them handle it themselves. :)

Her friends know her so well!


I absolutely love the fact that they are still down to earth enough to give homemade gifts. I truly LOVE it!

As we were loading up they found themselves chasing each other with the silly wormy things I'd given them. I thought they were pretty cute out there. They were so happy; giggling and laughing. It was contagious!
We didn't play there long; it was really cold and we weren't dressed for it.
I knew it was really cold when even Grandpa said something about it. Looking at all the red noses made it pretty obvious too.

The movie was all right, nothing spectacular. But being there with friends was awesome!

A couple of the girls had an evening commitment so they left straight from the movie. The rest of them came over to play games and do a little crafting. I think I took the last one home around 11:00. Alli stayed over night and hung with us most of Sunday too. Nicely enough, I think most of these girls are finally comfortable enough in our house to make themselves at home. I am glad. It makes everything so much easier for me. And it makes me happy for my kids. That we have a house that their friends like to visit!

It was fun. I think Cori was happy to finally have a group of kids over and celebrate. Now she is looking forward to a sledding party, just for fun, which I've promised her and Cassi both sometime over Christmas break, weather willing. :)