Stomp Like A Dino

Not long ago the kids watched a Diego movie about Dinosaurs. In it there is a little chant and action thing they do. Well, it has stuck! They all seem to enjoy it, although it's about run it's course with the girls. Peter, however, seems to think any time you stomp your feet or clap your hands it's time to start up!

The last couple of nights he's especially enjoyed it. And in order to do it over again, he had to communicate. It didn't take long for him to do the signs for "more, please" over and over again every time we'd get to the end.

Anyway, we think it's really cute, and we're really glad that he's using signs, so we tried to get a little movie for you all.... we have a cute movie, but you won't see the signing. Peter was too excited to finish performing so he could watch it! You really should see him when he's not performing - the roar is sooooo much better!

A World Of Dance

That was the theme for dance this year! It was really neat to see all the different costumes and then to see the different styles of dance put to ballet, pointe, tap, hip-hop, acrobates, and jazz. I was really impressed with with I was able to see of it all!

Friday night was dress rehearsal! Talk about crazy for me!

The girls were very excited (we were able to leave the boys at home thanks to our home teaching couple), but from the week's activities, they were also very tired. I was not sure how things would go with Beth (she's hard in new situations even with sleep. Without sleep is just trouble). But, I'd talked with Gabi before hand letting her know that she would probably be doing a lot of it herself (the changing and lining up). Thank goodness she's so independent and had friends there whose mothers were very willing to help out!




There wasn't much gap between the girls' routines (one dance in between the first time, and two the last time with Gabi somewhere in the middle of that also). So that made it fun in the "line them up, walk them down the hall, wait until they are ready to be left alone, and run in to see them dance, then run back out to meet up with them"!













Beth was nervous about me leaving her in the hallway to go see Gabi dance, but she just scowled a little and set her jaw. Once she got through the first dance, she was fine! But another little girl was not. Her mother had left her in the hall (like most mom's do) thinking she'd do better that way. I was the only familiar adult face and she was crying and wouldn't let go of my hand. I almost didn't get to see any of Gabi's first dance that night, but I convinced her to let me run in and see if I could find her mother. The place was too big and dark, so I snapped only a couple of pictures (not even knowing if any came out okay) and raced back to be with her. I had promised I would come back and stay with her myself if I couldn't find her mother right away. It was hard to not see Gabi and take all those pictures, but I knew what I would have wanted someone else to do if it had been Beth. And fortunately, Gabi was very understanding when I told her what happened. (And during the actual performance, I was able to watch all of my girls' dances)



All the kids had so much fun in the "dressing room" while they were waiting for their next dances. All of Beth's class were dressed up as little lions and they started chasing Gabi and her friends around. This, of course, started with Beth and Gabi playing themselves and the others joining in. There was a bunch of roaring and laughter! And the little lions all climbed up on one of the tables to get their picture taken together.



It seemed that the moms in the preschool class were much more interested in "posing" and "cute" pictures. Gabi's class (and the moms there) were much more laid back and just visiting quietly.

Beth and Amber had several pictures taken together, and we made sure to get pictures of Amber for her mother (since her mom's camera was broken). Amber and Beth were friends all year, but Rosie (Amber's mom) and I really only got to know each other back in the end of March. She's deaf and had tried to ask me a question about recital, so I was able to try to pull up some of my sign language. She was very excited that I knew little, and we signing through the preschool class whenever we were both there. I wish I'd had been bold enough to approach her at the beginning of the year because I had seen indications that she might be deaf. But honestly, I was terrified because I hadn't used signing for conversation since college! (Just a few words here and there with the kids). It was fun to see how quickly I was able to brush up on my skills, and learn new signs. It was neat the first Saturday that I came home and realized that I had not had to write anything down on paper to get the full meaning across! It's been great. And she a wonderful person.

Unfortunately she'll be moving at the end of the summer. But, until then, we're going to try to get the girls together some and I'm going to do my best to keep up with the signing! I love it and it was great to have a reason to "dig it out of the closet".

So, recital! The girls were, to say the least, very tired! Grami Cretia, Tia, and Baby Braeden came up late Friday night so they would be there to watch on Saturday. That really meant a lot to the girls. And we recorded their dances for family and friends who were not able to make the trip!

Everything went well for the girls, until Bethie's Lion King dance (her ballet). It had already been over an hour and a half since she'd been on stage with her tap, so she was really run down, tired, and BORED. Since the costume was full feathers, many feathers were shedding from the costumes. Bethie found a couple and was holding them, blowing on them to keep herself entertained. I walked to the backstage door and then ran around to be able see her. The acrobates on stage were just finishing up. The lights went out so they could put away the mats and just before the lights went back on, I heard a cry. It sounded like Beth. "Oh, No!" I thought. And I was no where close enough to find out the problem and get her calmed down.

But, then I didn't hear anything for a minute. The music started. Bethie, being the last in the row, shuffled out (although she might have had a little help, I'm not sure). She was crying. Stood sideways, rubbing her eyes, crying and crying and getting louder and louder. Suddenly someone steps over and picks her up and carries her off. I run out the door and down the hallway to meet them as they come out the door.

As I get her calmed down, I find out that someone (not certain who, though it sounds like one of the adults) took the two feathers out of her hand. So although I'm dumbfounded as to why anyone would take away feathers from the hand of a 4 year old when the whole costume is feathers, I refocus on her, explained quickly to the helper what happened. She didn't comment, but went backstage again. I told Beth if she could calm down she could go out and finish the dance with her friends. She started in all over again because she needed it to start all over again. I had to explain that they couldn't do that. And when she was finally calm enough to go back on, the kids were coming out the door. So, that set her off again. She was screaming as I started to race her off to the changing room. But, because she wanted to watch Gabi's last dance, she calmed down and I was able to send her in to sit with the family. We also told her that we'd let her dress up and do the dance at home and we'd record it for her Gramis. That made her a little happier.



She's still sad about not being able to dance. And I've managed to calm myself down from the (as a friend once put it) "mother bear reaction". It was hard. My daughter was sad, crying, upset. She's 4, but dancing in her life right now. She's a perfectionist, and she's got certain sensitivities that she's been working hard to over come but which make it really hard to transition quickly, or let go of sudden emotion. I do realize that no one there knew this about her. And most likely, being a dark space, they simply saw she had something in her hand and wanted to make sure she would be safe and took it out, not knowing it was only feathers. Or, they might have been knocked out when they were bringing the kids forward to start out onto the stage. In any case, I'm certain that no one was trying to be mean or trying to upset her. But the result was crushing for Bethie. (I'm sure she'll move past it, and I'm sure dance will still be her passion).

Before all that happened, Bethie had her cowgirl/boy dance ("You've Got-A Friend In Me") of which someone had told her class that they were going to "steal the show". So, of course, Bethie needed to know what that meant. And sure enough, Saturday night, they got hoots and cheers in excess as they went on and went off. They were very cute.

Gabi was charming! She had worked so hard on each routine at home; practicing over and over and over again. She practiced "Run, Run, Rudolph" so many times that I think Beth and Jeremy knew the routine too! It was not uncommon to hear any of them, and Jeremy in particular, running around the house with hands on hips singing "Run, Run, Rudolph, Santa's gotta make it to town. Yeah, Yeah." By far Gabi's favorite was her acrobats.

Bob and I thought her Mulan one (the ballet) was the most beautiful. I suppose part of that would have been because the colors were really very good on her. Regardless, she loves to dance and it showed. Her tap was a little "congo" and I caught Gabi singing "the rhythm is gonna get you" throughout the day Saturday and again Sunday. She was a shining star!













Anyway, you'll see five videos in addition to the pictures. The pictures are from Friday night, the videos are from Saturday night. With the one exception of Bethie's one that we had her do here so that Gramis could see it. You can see how hard it was for her because she's a perfectionist and doesn't believe it is okay to forget or mess up. We had to do the dance a couple of times and I had to explain that it was okay if she forgot a part and to just wait until she heard something that reminded her of what to do next. (When they are on stage, they have someone in the wings dancing with them so they can remember it all. That made all the difference for Beth to feel comfortable about dancing in front of people).



Most of the videos start out-of-focus. That had to do with the black background starting and the camera not knowing where or on what to focus. Just keep watching and they will clear up. Sorry that they weren't clear all the way through.

Enjoy. The girls certainly had a wonderful time!

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Laugher & Memories

I never thought there was a true best chocolate chip cookie out there. Chocolate chip was chocolate chip and they were all good...after all, they were cookies. But a few years ago, when I'd make chocolate chip cookies, Bob would ask if they were Betsey's. I never understood what was so exciting about those particular cookies (but I also didn't really eat the cookies much, I generally made them for everyone else). Bob had noticed a difference the first time he'd had Betsey's chocolate chip cookies. He didn't know what was different, just that something was different!

So, I called and got her recipe! Indeed, something was different, and I have since decided that there really is a best chocolate chip cookie out there! This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe I use and I eat at least as many (and most likely more) than everyone else in the family now! I even participate in eating the dough!...okay, story time:

When I was a rather young teen, my aunt and her family came out to visit. I was the family chocolate chip cookie maker (in my immediate family and extended in the area). So, true to my nature, I was making chocolate chip cookies one afternoon when my aunt stopped by. She starting eating the cookie dough!

I was polite for one taste, but, as my nature would have it, I got mad after that (short temper, hot fuse). She and her kids were eating up all the cookie dough! A small taste I could understand, but cookie dough was for making cookies, not for eating! She told me that back home they would make a batch of cookie dough just to eat it! I was horrified! And even more so when my mother said it was fine we could make more cookie dough!

I have since come around. After all, it's fun to let kids have a spoonful of dough after they've helped to make it. (It also keeps them out of my hair long enough for me to get at least one pan made up and in the oven!). And since Bob loves cookie dough so much, I've gotten good about putting aside a few large spoonfuls for him to have as a treat when he arrives home on our cookie baking days! The most amazing thing (shhh don't tell anyone) I actually eat the dough too and a few times we've actually eaten all the dough without cooking any of it! I bet my aunt's laughing now.

Today Peter helped make the cookies. He didn't mind me putting things in and just watching until it was time to grind the oatmeal. He had a blast! By far his favorite part of making cookies! Just watch the video below and you'll see what I mean!

What Goes Down Must Come Up!

A while back, Peter received a Fisher-Price Ball Popper toy. He loves it! So does everyone else. Everyone, that is, except Mom and Dad at the very moments we hear "it's broken again" coming from the kids. Until that moment, even Mom and Dad can enjoy it because it has an amazing way of giving us a little "quiet" time from the kids' noises (although it has a noise all its own).

So, the "it's broken" does not, in fact, mean that it's really broken. But rather, that some kid (Peter, if we're naming names) finds random items that seem small enough to fit, make them fit, and then finds out that the air meant to blow the balls back out isn't strong enough to blow out whatever else he's found to put down the tube! We just disassemble, and put it back together. The kids (again, this means mostly Peter) are beginning to realize that only certain things can "fit" and should be put down the tube.

Tonight, this included a new "toy".... a crumpled piece of junk mail. One of those flier cards. To Peter's wonderful delight, this "toy" was light enough to find it's way out. But, due to the nature of the crumpling, it only worked when the ball came up from behind it! Thought you might enjoy seeing this. It was so much fun the first few times, but I didn't have the camera. So, you'll get the joy of seeing two movie clips. The first because it shows his delight with the air blowing out over his own face! And then the second because you can see how he makes it all work.

Since the camera was out, you'll also hear the "jealous" brother wanting his fair share of the lime-light too! Ahh... the stage where cameras are still enjoyed!

Virtual Visit To Grandma - You May Visit Too

Since this is on a public blog, you are all invited to enjoy in the chaos of my little ones. But this particular post is for Jeani. As her time is continually shortening, it's our opportunity to "visit" since we live too far away to do so properly. Jeani, we love you. And our prayers are always with you.

Okay, so this is a virtual visit since we can't get down to see you, Grandma D! Since the knowledge came that time is shifting, the kids have been finding ways to deal and to accept. They love you, and often Gabi will mention the time we met you in New York to go camping! The others were too small to remember, but Bethie remembers ("a little" - and probably with help) being down there a couple summers back. Gabi had mentioned that she wished she could visit you again, but understands that the schedule right now won't allow. But all the kids were excited to do a virtual visit (we just had to get everyone well enough first - not all there yet, but well enough to virtual visit).

So, if we were to visit, you'd certainly get worn down with all the noise, laughter, and energy crazy kids. They would be running all over. Although you'd probably be able to convince them to gather around for a story too! And although we can't get down there, we wanted to give you a little taste of what it might have been like.



The girls are always dressing up and preforming for everyone. These are dances they put together just for you!



Jeremy would be inviting you to play with his trains. Anyone but Peter is allowed.



And who says you need puppets (or an audience) to have a show? Peter has learned to ignore all cautioning and to do things his own way!



Things around here are always busy. We're making progress on the house... slow, but it's coming. And considering where it was when we bought it, we've come a very long way (or rather, Bob has). The kids are growing way too fast, and we're still trying to find the right routine for them (and us).

We're glad the weather down there has been suitable for "walks" and hope in continues to be. Although we're sick of snow and cold ourselves, we'll happily keep it up here if it means more warm weather for you.

We're also glad that so many people have been able to visit you in person. And anytime you need a little chaos, not your own, feel free to come back and see if you can't capture some of the never ending energy (I wish I could).

Love....Hugs and Kisses (as Gabi would say)!

Mother's Little Helpers, Daddy's Fire Starters

Today was a long day... woke up just after 5am...out the door by 6:40am...drive really slow and careful from the mess yesterday left us... dropped off the car at the shop...took Bob to work...went to the store...then to Juanita's....stayed the day....breaking briefly to pick up Bob and take him to get his car and then back to Juanita's...arrive home to put kids into bed.

We had lots of fun, though, so long is really just in terms of hours. The kids got along great, played well, went crazy, normal kid things. At the end of the evening, we were sitting around enjoying some chocolate sundae pie with Juanita and me sitting on the floor. I was trying to share my overly-generous piece of pie with Peter. He, however, decided that Juanita's was by far better. So he shared that. Got impatient (I guess) and took her fork. She got another, and while he's stabbing pieces and eating them, he decides he needs both forks! So now he's whacking the pie to smooth and flatten it, scooping it up with his fingers and eating it. He also, kind soul that he is, gathers some on the fork and starts feeding Juanita.

By this time I figure out that I'm stuck with this gigantic piece of pie, and since Jeremy's was smaller than the other kids, I invited him to join me. So we were just about done when Peter ran out of Juanita's pie and came looking for more. But he wasn't getting it for himself....no, he generously came and helped himself getting forkfuls to walk across the floor to feed Juanita! :)

Upon arriving home tonight, I was pleasantly surprised to find the house warmer (or at least as warm on a good morning) as it is in the mornings when we get up. So, we were fine and no extra shivering! The boys immediately took charge getting the fire ready (as you can see in the video). Peter knew the stove was cold... he never goes near it when it's hot (at least not since he burned his hand earlier in the winter)! *I, of course, lit the fire myself*

This Is The Way We..

Today was another bread day. For some reason I thought I'd make cinnamon rolls, although Gabi doesn't like them. Instead we made cinnamon bread, which is she loves as toast. The rest of us will eat either. Because the recipe I was using makes a huge amount of dough, I gave each of the kids their very own piece to create whatever they wanted.

Gabi was very eager to be artistic... anything except the norm (volcanoes being her favorite). Beth wanted to eat most of her dough (all my kids seem to think that bread dough is as much a treat as cookie dough) and then ended up making ice cream and planets. Peter watched, then tried to get away (from his chair), although later I realized I hadn't given him a piece and that made him happy when I finally did. Jeremy watched me closely, and then tried to knead his piece like me. He ended up rolling it mostly, but really enjoyed himself. He made a mini-loaf and the girls made odd shaped rolls. Peter, well, he ate his piece and called it good enough!

Peek-A-Boo

Peter figured out how to play peek-a-boo last night. He'd had a rough day (still getting over the cold) and so he'd had a late nap. Thus, when everyone else was asleep, he got up on Daddy's lap to play! And so... Peek-A-Boo!

He's Walking!

He's Walking! Okay, so he's been walking.. but we thought you'd like to see him in action!

Remember the Reindeer?

Remember my reindeer story? Well, here's a clip of Jeremy doing the reindeer dance again. He's changed it a little -- much calmer when this was taken and much quieter. So, just imagine it sped up and louder and I think you'll get the picture.

Right at the end, he decided that he needed to also be a "little reindeer" although there isn't much of that because of the other two getting in the way.

"I'm a Reindeer"

Well it's been one of those nights.. days... who knows. It would seem that Peter's favorite pass time is to try to convince us that 2Am is "get up and go time". He's even started the "let's be really quiet till they think I'm asleep and then I'll just jabber away like I know the sun's come up" routine. Why do kids do that?

I must admit that it's not all Peter. The last two nights I've been up with him, Beth and Jeremy. And to add to that, Gabi was up with a nightmare of "dinosaurs" that first one. It's beyond me how a kid can be so terrified of something in the middle of the night and love it to death in the daylight. Oh well.

At least I can still laugh when I'm tired! The girls recently invented a new game. Take a die, roll it, and then perform that number of dances before the next person's turn. The object: roll a 6, of course. Now I mention this in with my laughs, not because of the girls (they're just too cute when they dance) but rather because of Jeremy. Okay, let me back up a minute. Jeremy has had too much exposure to the girls' dance classes. He went to almost every one last year, and he's only really missed a handful this year. Needless to say, he likes the Tap Dancing.

Now, back to the game. He decided he needed to play too. So he rolls a 5. Pretty good for the little guy. Now he gets to perform, and the girls get to watch! What does he do? Well, he first tries to duplicate the Penguin Dance from last year, notices I'm watching, gets embarrassed, and moves on to the next dance. Now he places both hands, palms turned in, on the top of his head, fingers pointing straight up to the sky. Now imagine, as he does that, something between a run and a deliberate march going round in a circle, all the while saying in a wonderfully loud chant "I'm a reindeer. I'm a reindeer. I'm a reindeer." Not laughing yet? Too bad, it was really funny!

Yes, he can count, so he finished up the other dances too. But I have to admit that the reindeer one was the funniest and my favorite. He, of course, added a train in there too. It just wouldn't be Jeremy without a train.