Dance Recital 2010

Last night we finished the 2010 Dance season. Both nights of recital were wonderful. Kaylee was in the opening and closing numbers. I was only able to watch 3 out of Kaylee's 9 dances because most of Kaylee's costume changes needed to be done in under 10 minutes. (Approx. 3 songs). Fortunately, I did get to watch all of her dances during the costume check & dress rehearsals and once the DVD comes in she & I will watch it together.



("What A Feeling" - Classical Jazz)

I am amazed at Kaylee's growth as a dancer since last year. She really impresses me. She keeps trying new things (this year was Modern & Tap). And she keeps stretching herself in other areas. (This year in Acro she did a tumbling pass with 4 backhandsprings in a row.)


(Lucy from Peanuts- Adult Tap)

But most of all I continue to love her attitude. There was a glitch in the dressing room situtation which caused her to need to move into the smallest dressing room and share it with 6 other girls. She never complained even though it made for a very tight squeeze. Later the stage manager thanked her for her attitude. She was also always ready for her numbers. Right before the second half last night I was looking for her to see if she needed more water. One of the backstage workers said, "She's on stage ready to start. We never have to worry about Kaylee, she is always ready to go."


(Some of the girls from Dance Line ready to go)

I am also thankful for all the friends that always come out and support Kaylee every year. I know our recital means a long drive and a late night. We appreciate the love and support, and we hope that you enjoy the show!


(Kaylee & Kory)



(Nate, Kaylee & Ian)



(Jonathan, Megan, Emily W. Kaylee, Abbi, Morgan, Madi, Danielle, Emily R. & Gabby)

Summer classes start in 2 weeks. Kaylee's glad for a small break, but I know that once summer classes start she'll be glad to be back at it again. She's living the closing number of the recital. "What A Feeling" from the movie flash dance. "Take your passion and make it happen!"


(Still dancing, even while eating pizza at the After-Party)

Father's Day 2010

Father's Day is almost over. whew! It's been a mostly fun day. We attended Church, took a trip to the ER, grilled out with friends, spent the evening lots more friends at the park and ended it with Erma's frozen custard.

Kaylee gave Derek a neat photo frame.



Nate gave Derek a creme brulee set.



Max gave Derek a trip to the ER.



Just as church was ending, Max fell off a chair, and hit the back of his head on the corner of a cabinet. I was the teacher, thank goodness, so I was right there to pick him up to comfort him. But the I took one look at the back of his head and realized we'd be making a trip to the ER. St. John Macomb got us in immediately. 5 staples later we were on our way. Max was a trooper through the whole thing. The Dr. & Nurse couldn't believe how calm he was getting the staples (he did cry but he didn't struggle). We promised him blue gum and a blue slurpee for being so brave.

Next year I'm picking out Max's gift for Derek.

Towels & Gender Confusion

After his shower this morning Max said, "I want the blue towel!"
So I said: "O.k. I'll have the pink one."
Then he said "why do you want the pink one?"
So I said: "Because I'm a girl." Then and I said; "Lucky for you I'm a girl because if I was a boy I wouldn't be your Mom!"
To that he replied: "Or you'd be a funny looking boy-girl."

Gee, thanks, I think.

Ladies Craft Weekend Invitation to You!

I'm starting to plan a Ladies Craft Weekend at my house July 30-August 1. Derek is taking the kids camping so I will have the house to myself for the weekend. I plan to try to get caught up on the kids scrapbooks. A couple ladies are already planning on joining me for the weekend and I figure, the more the merrier.

So if you need a weekend or a day or even just a few hours to yourself consider joining us. You can bring whatever crafts you'd like or if you don't like crafts you are welcome to just come hang out.

As the weekend gets closer I'll figure out more details. Please drop me a line if you are interested and I'll make sure to let you know once we'd got more information.

"You Are" by Kaylee

My lovely daughter just gave me this original poem to read. I think its amazing. She gave me permission to share it with all of you.

Father, you are beautiful.
I see you in my daisy patch.
Your face is in my bouquet of smiles.

God, you are magnificent.
I feel your power in the storm.
Majesty is in your purple electric heavens.

Lord, you are forever King.
I hear your commands and know where they belong.
Life is just a prequel to my true beginning... or end.

Christ, you are sacrifice.
I smell your painful, saving scent.
You gave your last breath so I could speak your words to the end of the earth.

My Jesus, you are risen!
I taste freedom in your life!
You tore the veil, now forever you are with me, dancing in my heart and singing in my mind.

Another glimpse into Homeschooling

Kaylee just sent me a text:

"I know how to say 'there is an empty box of fruit snacks on my head' in Spanish!"

"hay una caja vacia de bocadillos de fruta en la cabeza".

I responded:

"That might be useful someday."

She responded:

"It's useful right now. Max just put an empty box of fruit snacks on Dad's head."