School Already??

This is the third year that I've taken pictures of Deedles in front of our weeping Mullberry tree--2nd grade?? How is this little girl growing up so fast?





I guess she is still kind of little--I mean, she still is growing in those two front teeth, she still played princess paper dolls ALL WEEKEND with Ruby, and (my personal favorite) she still wanted me to take her in to school today-- I even got kisses and a hug in front of the other kids!!! And that's something I know isn't going to last forever.




Eden has been counting down the days for school to start--this girl thrives on a routine. Today she got a juice box, fruit leather and Doritos to go along with her turkey sandwich (all special requests) and I hope she enjoys them while supplies last; it won't be long until those lunches dwindle down to the same old PB & J with a side of some dryish baby carrots!

If you would have asked me 2 weeks ago, I would have said that I can't wait for her to go back (she was so bored) but now I really miss having her around during the day (I'm not missing the MeSsEs EvErYwHeRe quite as much!).






Eden got home safe and sound and happy as a clam! She was excited to do her homework (drawing this picture of her summer vacation--our trip to Yellowtone and seeing bears and wolves at the discovery museum there). Eden LOVED it, apparrantly I thought it was just "OK".
Another catch-up post coming soon about that trip.

Ruby, Jay and I had gotten her balloons, a sprinkle donut, Ariel fruit snacks, candy bracelet, and a homework pencil case all ready for her on the table when she walked in. Then we rounded out the night with her favorite dinner spaghetti with meatballs. We love you so much Eden! We know this school year will be fabulous for you!

So We Think We Can Dance

Part One





Do you have a few minutes? good. You're going to need them.

One of our family's VERY favorite activities is dancing together. Although I'm a perfect critic while watching the BEST show on tv, my dancing is sub-par at best. Let's just say that if you happen to have a hidden camera going during one of our family jam sessions you could make a lot of money from blackmailing us---oh, its pretty bad alright. But, its really fun and downright hilarious. It all started when Eden was a baby and Joel put on Elvis' You Aint Nothin But a Hound Dog and she would kick, smile and giggle while he danced. From there its gone through all sorts of music; recently Eden and Ruby have found a love for old Michael Jackson. Right now THIS is what you might catch us cuttin' a rug to on a Saturday Morning before we start cleaning. (go on, listen to it--its so catchy!)




Part Two--my review

You think this pose looks dramatic?


well, it should. Their feet were great, their lines superb, their connection with the audience was sensational! I wish Ruby would have given me a little more, but what she lacked in technique, she made up for in personality. Eden, you made that lift look EFFORTLESS! You know what I hear chuggin down the tracks???

Now, I'm not usually a fan of all the ballroom dances, but this one was FANTASTIC!!!! Probably my favorite of its kind--ever! Its also the dance that Ruby and Eden saw that made them want to try it out for themselves.


Okay, these aint the best shots--lets just finish up with my last few favorites of the season. (Jena and Ashley, this is especially for you since you missed the whole darn thing!) In no particular order these were the best (all contemporary, go figure!)

The Addiction dance--(Kapono and Kayla)--it just hurts to watch

The Heart on a Chain dance with Jeanine and Jason

Mia Michaels girls finale dance-- with Kayla and Jeanine

the Vampire dance-- Kapono and Kayla (with the exception of the reach at the end--actually, it really ISN'T one of the best, but it was good)


to sum it up . . . family jam-outs, Spaceman, hot tamale train, Twilight, new-found-free-time on Wed/Thurs nights, and lots O' links. enjoy!

Hair's the thing . . .

Dear faithful swogg blogg readers (yes, I'm talking to you two!),

It has been a little while, but you HAVE to understand how busy I've been. You see, I simply must have my children's hair done perfectly before I can do ANYTHING else.







Besides the obvious hours I spend on grooming the girls' hair, there's Jay. I chop, steam, juice and flambe his every (organic-whole grain ) meal. Then there's wardrobe coordination and impeccable hygiene . . .

(click to enlarge details on Jay's face--grass maybe? who knows)

so unfortunately I had to put the blog on hold in order to accommodate my rigorously scheduled, organized, tidy, controlled summer lifestyle. I'll try to be better.

with hope for a better blog,

Rachel