Thanksgiving week...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

We didn't do too terribly much over the week long holiday.  I had just completed 3 months of subbing in Pre-K in Gianna's former and current schools so I was good and worn out. We did a lot of hanging out at home and resting and playing.

Here are a few minor highlights:

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We dropped off our packed shoebox to Operation Christmas Child.  Even though our school does it, we've made it a tradition to bring it the day they are loading up the trucks for delivery to headquarters.  I love how the volunteers always tell Gianna what a difference she's making in a very specific way. There were 36,000 boxes sent from our area.  So impressive!

Cool view of a sunset while descending the stairs at the civic center.... 

Went to see the new Peanuts movie which was really enjoyable with such a good message...

Attended my 30th high school reunion.  You read that correctly.  I'm completely gobsmacked that it's  even  possible that I'm over thirty, much less 30 years out of high school.  Bizarre.  It was nice seeing so many familiar faces. (I have lots to say about the experience, but we'll save that for another time.)

And in my absence, my daughter learned how to ride her bike without training wheels with the help of our wonderful (former) neighbors.  Thank God for them.  

Coppelia 2015

Gianna was able to participate in her very first "real" ballet this weekend and it was truly spectacular.

Coppelia is a story ballet much like The Nutcracker (actually has the same author) and is very much of a comedy.  There was a professional male lead brought in but all other dances were from Lake Charles Dance Academy.  Gianna has danced with them since she was three which happened to also be their very first year.  She played the part of one of the 11 Little Jesters and was on stage for only a small part of the 2 hour ballet.  She might not have been the most skilled dancer in the lot, but I will say entirely lit up the stage and her smile was enormous.  So proud of her battling her stage fright and becoming more comfortable in front of people.  

The months of Sunday practices surely payed off....

Ready to go....

There was a lot of 'hurry up and wait'....

She was the only one without an electronic devise. Unfortunately for her, her mom was very unapologetic.  She did do a little reading, but she did manage to get some screen time from some generous ballerinas.

And here is Gianna the night of the performance...

A few shots from the dress rehearsals...

What a wonderful memory!

First Reconciliation

(stock photo)

Gianna is in second grade which is a big year for Catholic children as they are typically prepared for two monumental sacraments.  Most people are aware of the reception of First Holy Communion, but the sacrament preceding that more celebrated sacrament is that of First Reconciliation (also known as First Confession or First Penance).

Gianna has been anticipating this one with more dread than excitement. Telling her sins to a a priest was NOT on her list of things she is interesting in doing. (Which is probably true for most people.)  She had a fair amount of anxiety about it and was certain that the priest would yell at her when he'd found out what she'd done.  Her teacher was extremely patient and kind in the process and helped guide her in such a loving way.  

The prayer service preceding the sacrament including both the 2nd graders from our Catholic school as well as from the PREP program from the public schools.  It was also the night of our big dress rehearsal for the ballet Coppelia which she was to dance in this week. So, instead of heading to her first confession with full-on stage makeup, we put her hair in a ballet bun and opted to rush after we were done.

We had a quick meal prior to both at Coyote Blues and then made our way to the Church then the Civic Center.  It was a busy week, but worth it for a shiny clean soul.

Tickling the Ivories

Gianna had her first piano recital this week.  She's SO musically inclined....and she SO hates practicing. I'm not sure how long we'll be able to ride this train, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. (But  to be truthful, I hate the practice more than she does.)

Eggcelent Adventures

Some mom friends are beyond amazing.

Case in point....my friend Candi.

I didn't get a good picture of her because she's either loving on babies or spearheading creative activities. Holy Cannoli - the things she organizes are so much fun and so appreciated by the kids and the moms. This is what has become an annual Easter Party and Egg Hunt.

The kids hunted for over 150 eggs.  They were the confetti eggs, so once they collected them, they smashed them on each other.  So cute.

Can you see that front tooth is looking a little wonky?  Won't be long now....

 And then there was a Tug-O-War Game...

And there was the bunny nose race.  Each kid got a dollop of vaseline on their nose and a plate of cotton balls and an empty cup.  They had to get the cotton to stick on their nose and deposit it in the cup with the use of their hands. So FUNNY! 

And then there were the 3 Legged Races.

So tricky teaching that concept for the 1st time.

They cracked themselves up.

What a fun afternoon.  

Thank you, Candi, for your hospitality, creativity and for being our very own Cruise Director!

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A Sweet Easter Visit

 My friend Liz and her growing family popped in The Chuck for a quick visit before heading back to Texas.  Her best friend growing up,, Emily, hosted a little picnic playdate at her mom's place so all the kids could get together. 

Maggie was a bit shy at first....

 And then there's THIS little munchkin who seems to have the world by the tail.

Emily is Maggie's godmother.  They don't get to see each other near enough because of the distance.  I'm glad that had this sweet moment.

 How cute is this little gang?

 Here's to a successful visit! 

  Looking forward to the newest Baby Delaney coming soon.

(I still can't believe you don't know the gender!!)