High School Musical - The Ice Tour

Kaitlin and I went to see this on Saturday. She was starting to get stomach flu and didn't seem to be enjoying it or moving well. She said she liked it a lot, but I knew something was wrong and couldn't figure out what it was-until later. She wouldn't tell me she felt sick because she thought I would tell her she couldn't go. I thought it was great. In some ways, you never grow up! The lady next to me said, "It's fun to have something kid friendly that I can enjoy too." They did the first two videos and had lots of dancing, turns, jumps, even lifts. I would recommend it. I was skeptical about it being that good, but it was.

Kaitlin got sick on the way home. I probably wouldn't have kept her home because I would not have realized how sick she felt until that point anyway. She really was looking forward to seeing it with me alone.

Carmen was doing a twirling thing in the bath and wanted me to go get aunt Alix to see it (she was staying with us for awhile before she went to Peru). I said I couldn't and she said "because she's in Peru?" I said yes and she said (like why hadn't I thought of this - it's so obvious). "Well, we will have to go get her tomorrow." It cracked me up!

Something I have noticed is that Kaitlin is now caring about and protecting my feelings. She tries to say things that won't hurt me in ways that are careful. This is something new in the whole growing up process--awareness of another's feelings. I am impressed. Before, she seemed unaware of my feelings. It is interesting to see it happening.

Aren't They Sweet

My sweet little Kaitlin has been sick with a fever for seven days now. We finally got her on antibiotics on Saturday and she hasn't felt good until this evening. I got some food into her today also. She has not wanted to eat.

She has a boy that she "likes" who likes her at school. I cannot believe this goes on in first grade! She is still a super good reader and is pretty good at math. She would like to be better. Her favorite thing while she was sick (when she felt good enough) was to make recipes on Webkinz.

Carmen is doing well and really likes to be scratched under her arms (armpit). Who likes that? It cracks me up every time she does it. She loves preschool and knows all upper and lower case letters as well as the letter sounds. She also knows how to spell her name now.

Losing Teeth

Kaitlin was late in losing her first tooth but she has made up time fast. She now has three missing teeth in the front. She is fascinated by her teeth. It is so funny -- like a little scientist -- asking what about this and that, etc.

Relay for Life Speech

I was asked to be the guest speaker for the Relay for Life Kickoff. It was a lot of fun. Kaitlin was able to add one or two lines and she really liked that. I got a standing ovation but I think that was more for our "story" of having a 3 year old with cancer and then me having it within a few years than for the quality of my speaking!

Photos promised earlier and "Kids say the Funniest Things"! Moment

I was taking Kaitlin and our neighbor boys to school this morning. Because of the snow, one bus was late and was making all the cars that were dropping off kids back up. We finally got in sight of the school and I asked them if they wanted to walk. I said they would probably get there faster and Kaitlin said, "Yes, and besides I was reading the Cheerios box this morning and it said that you should park your car further away from work and walk to lower your cholesterol and I'm going to lower mine!" I seriously laughed all the way home.

On another note, I am a speaker at the Relay for Life launch tomorrow night! AAAhhh, I am excited AND scared!!!


This is at the church Christmas Party. We had Mr. AND Mrs. Santa Clause this year.

Here are the girls on Christmas Day. Kaitlin is holding her new Webkinz Eagle. I have to say, though, that Miguel and Dori came through again this year with some of the favorite presents. They got Kaitlin a new game called "Scene It" with a Disney theme that the family has played over and over and Carmen got a Leapfrog First Computer that really gets played with a lot. I do not know how they do it! Good job, Miguel and Dori!

Here is a picture of Carmen with a large puzzle that she is really good at and loves to do.

Christmas Spirit

I have to say I had a lot of the Christmas Spirit this year. We had some friends over for Christmas and it was great. There was a lot of work but worth it. I can't find my camera but the girls were really cute Christmas morning. They got excited about so many things.

I did not get a picture of my house all lit up for Christmas and because the day after was 53 degrees Fahrenheit, I have taken it all down. I didn't want to do it with cold fingers! I was happy to have an unusually warm day after Christmas, though. The problem is that it looks so bleak around here in the winter when there is no snow to make it beautiful.

On a side note, Archie and I celebrated our tenth anniversary this year. I cannot believe it has passed so quickly. People who knew us apart couldn't see us as compatible until they saw us together, then they said we just "fit". This is true. I am so blessed to be married to my best friend. Life just works out sometimes.

Cuteness Personified

Carmen was making little notes (she can't write so she told me) that said, "I love Carmen and Kaitlin and Mommy and Daddy and Alix and Kennedi and Everybody!" She made this cute face that I wish I had caught on film and then hugged me. Sticky Sweet!

Kaitlin this morning was teaching Carmen one of those school age chants with hand/arm motions. It was ADORABLE.