ZUMBA!!

I love Zumba! It makes me so happy. Not just happy when I am dancing, but happy about everything. It brightens my days and nights. When I am dancing I feel power and joy.

My instructor, Desree is the best person. She gives us Zumba ladies so much. (you can see her in the video about half way through. Front and center in the neon green tank.) This is what I love about her. She posted this on Facebook:

"I need to say something about our zumba girls...they are the true essence of Zumba, the heart and soul. They are not professional dancers, none of us, but dance Zumba because in those precious moments they feel love and self acceptance, they feel the truth and value of who they are...amazing, beautiful, strong, fearless! I love what Zumba has given us! Love to you all!!"

Another of our Zumba ladies said this about Desree: "Thank you, Desree, for helping us all make wonderful memories! You have helped me overcome a lot of fears and you've challenged me to be a better person. You are beautiful on the inside and out! You have no idea what a blessing you have been to me. You help me dig deep in my personal life and on the dance floor. I owe you so much!!!"

I feel the exact same way. This has truly changed my life.

This past Wednesday I had the opportunity to Zumba dance for the Flash (basketball team) half time show. Here is a video of the half time show. My friend, Heidi is just right of me in the turquoise shirt. Thanks Heidi for dancing with me. Enjoy!

My favorite part is the end. You can hear my kids cheering. I love that my family came and supported me. And, I didn't embarass them. You guys are the best.

Jasper

Our much loved dog Jasper died yesterday.

The poor thing was hit by a car.

We will miss him terribily.

He loved to wrestle and play tug-a-war

He loved Emma's unicorn pillow pet.

He would try to steal it and nap on it.

But most of all, he loved his kids.

He slept on their beds with them.

He protected them.

Jasper we will miss you so much!

Jasper we love you!

I spy:

Dagwood Sandwiches

Yellow

Red

Tree Climbing kids

Heber Creeper

A great fall day at Vivian Park

October is....

October is Pregnancy and Infant loss awareness month. I have a story. I am not sure if I will tell it here. I am not a writer and I want to make sure to get it just right. To honor. To validate. I may be able to, maybe not.

Kindergarten

Emma started Kindergarten yesterday. She is so lucky to have her best friend in her class. They walked to school together. Thanks to Luann for the awesome pictures. I am also lucky to call her a friend.

I am not one of those Moms that want to keep my kids babies. I love seeing them grow and develop. I am so amazed at the people they have become. I am blessed to know them.

The Girl's Room

In May Sarah told us that there was water under her bed. Of course I thought it was the dog, but on further examination it was clear we had a leak. We took her bed out of the room and discovered a huge mess. Mold was growing up the wall and on the carpet. The water leak had been going on for some time. So we moved the girls out of their room (Emma to share with the boys and Sarah to enjoy the family room). We took the carpet out and scrubbed the floor and walls. The process of remodeling the room began.The brown paneling was lovely, but we decided to texture it and hide it and pretend it never existed. A neighbor had some lavendar paint that she had decided she wasn't going to use, so she gave it to us. (Thank you Edris for the paint) The color matched what we had picked out, it is great. We love it.

The room came with two closets (which is great for two girls). The closet doors were awful, so we decided to go with curtains. After many and many hours looking at all kinds of curtains and drapes, I found the perfect fabric. (Thank you Brandy for the advice to look at HomeFabrics) Now I am not a seamstress, or anthing remotely close. But I know people. I have a fabulous friend (all my friends are fabulous) Sandie who made the curtains for me. Thank you so much!

Even before we started this project, the doorknobs were broken and the door could not be shut. Of course that meant that we got to look for new ones. I had the idea to use crystal doorknobs. Sarah and I had a great time visiting antique stores looking for just the right knob. We finally found it at Treasures Antique Mall here in Sprinville. This is probably my favorite part of the room.

After two months of mudding, sanding, painting, glueing, carpeting, and sewing, the girls were able to move back in. I am very happy with the results. I want the room for myself! They look happy to be back in their own room.

How Time Passes

It is official. I am a mother of a teenager.

Oh, she has acted like a teen for about 2 years now,

but today it is OFFICIAL.

She is my firstborn.

She broke us in to parenting.

She was walking by 10 months.

She was talking (full sentences) by a year.

She wanted a red convertible when she was 3.

She ran away from home when she was 5.

She built a cardboard diarama city in her room and used all the tape in the house.

She fell in love with Harry Potter.

She has decided she is going to Harvard Law School and I know she will.

She is the bravest person I know.

She is an example to all her family.

She loves her Daddy the best.

She is now 13.

I love you Sarah.