February is on it's way out. It was a fast -- and slow-- month. The bad weather days really made it drag for me, but we've had some decent, and even GOOD weather also, and that makes it seem as though the month has flown. :)

C and I went to Cleveland last weekend for the first big Dance competition of the year. There are no solos done at this one, just duo/trio, groups, lines, productions. C and her duo partner won 1st place in the Junior Ballet duo/trio category and were awarded for having the highest score in the Junior division. They actually had the 2nd highest score in the whole competition -- even among the teen and senior divisions!! The two groups C dances in -- one is a Ballet group, and the other was registered in "Open" because there are more than two "tricks" in the choreography -- took 1st and 2nd place respectively in their categories. Both dances fell into the teen division with the averaging of the dancers' ages. All in all it was a good weekend. We had fun even though it's a very busy and exhausting trip.

B1 is at the state wrestling tournament today, cheering on classmates. Apparently some are doing pretty well.

B2 is being more mindful of his schoolwork which makes me very happy.

I have gotten myself addicted to Facebook. Yikes. :)

IS 40 the new 30?

Jennifer Aniston and I have something (probably just ONE thing) in common. We're both now 40. She turned the big 4-0 sometime last week. Today is my birthday. Woohoo!

Actually, I don't really have any problem with it. I mean, it's just a number, though a larger number than I have ever been before. Age is really all about attitude, isn't it?

But here's the thing: Yes, Jennifer Aniston looks amazing. So do a bunch of other celebrities who turn 40 this year. They look great; they feel great. They are in their prime. Good for them.

Yes, they work. But do they work all day, only to later schlep their children from one place to another, not getting home until 9 or after nearly every evening of every week of every year? When they arrive at their homes, do they have to dust, vaccum, wipe, wash, sweep, polish, and shine? Do they have to go to bed without working out yet again because they are just too darn tired to fit it in today's schedule -- or, worse yet -- it's already tomorrow so there's no possible way of exercising today, er, yesterday.

I'm just sayin'. . .

Now, am I happy to be 40? You bet! I'm still alive -- I have a wonderful family and great friends. Do I look as amazing as Jennifer Aniston? No way. Let's face it though, I never really did. So on this day of turning 40, I truly say "woohoo!".

To all my friends who are forty, who are past forty, or who will ONE DAY be forty, 40 might not be the new 30, but it's just fine. :)

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The title is me, rolling my eyes.

Let me preface this post by saying that I love my cat. I really do love her. Sure, she's a little skittish; she only has lovey lap time about twice a day. She frequently turns the love sessions into a biting/playing fest. But I love her.

Today, however, we went for her annual check up at the vet's office.

All was well; she got her Rabies and feline leukemia vaccines. Her skin/coat/eyes/teeth looked good. Great. Do you have any concerns?

Well, there's this thing where she pees on sweatshirts or whatever the kids take off and throw down.

Has it been all the time or just recently? Has it gotten worse?

Well, she didn't do it when we first got her home. Yes, it's become more frequent.

Ahhh, then it could be cystitis. That's usually the case with a young cat. Let's spin her urine and look for crystals. I'll do an ultrasound of her bladder. We'll see what's up.

Yes, Mrs. K, Gabby seems to have cystitis. We'll give her an anti-inflammatory injection and then start her on a special food, which will be a lifelong diet.

I love my cat.

Whew!

We made it through January! And the first week of February, which wasn't much better. Now, it's a lovely 55 degrees, the snow is gone for awhile, and I can enjoy this brief peek into Spring.

C and I had our first dance trip and it was a good one. Our studio had a lot of success! We can't wait for our Cleveland trip in a couple of weeks. Of course, I say that now but ask me when it's Thursday and we're leaving Friday afternoon and I am not packed and haven't been to the grocery store and. . .

B1 had a successful weekend while C and I were away. He placed 3rd in the County Math Field day and advances to the regional competition next month! It's very exciting. This is the best he's done since he started competing in Math Field day in 4th grade!

B2 continues his Soccer drills on Sunday afternoons/evenings. He complains a little, but it's good for him. :)

We have sent a video audition of C for considerations for American Ballet Theatre's Young Dancers Program. A photo in 1st arabesque was required. Here is the one we sent:

January Blahs

We've nearly made it through January! I hate to wish away time, but this month is one that I can usually do without. It's cold. It snows. It's dreary. Ugh.

Our winter weather this year has really gotten me down. But, there have been some pretty snows and I like those. And it's getting lighter earlier and staying lighter later into the evening. A sure sign that we're working our way out of the doldrums! Yay!

I had planned a whole Rudolph weekend of sorts, but only got through half of it. My friends K, J, M, D, C and I spent the whole day making candy. We made orange, tangerine, lime, grape, strawberry, cherry, watermelon, blackberry, raspberry, lemon, pink lemonade, spearmint, wintergreen, and cinnamon hard tack candy. Yum! I laughed at us when it came time to make the cinnamon. We saved it for last since it's the most potent. As we poured each batch out (made 4 turns), we opened the door so the vapors could escape. M and I would actually go outside to escape the overpowering smell, walking to the front door to get back inside the house. The kids looked at us like we were nuts.

I've decided the other project can wait for February Rudolph day. :)

C and I will be out of town this coming weekend for the first dance competition and workshop of the year. I have a bazillion things to do to get ready, but I'm looking forward to the trip.

Okay -- just a couple more!

I have just a few more Christmas decoration pictures to share -- I promise this will be it for 2008's Christmas. Look out come December 2009, though!

the tree in the Living room

Gee, I miss Christmas already. I haven't taken anything down yet (not until after Ephiphany, so this weekend) and I miss it. :(

And since there aren't enough pictures in today's post, here's B2 with his State History Covered Bridge project:

Have a great day!

Hooray for 2009!

It's here! 2009 is here! So far it's been good. We partied at the home of our friends, R and D. Lots of kids and adults there, playing Totally 80s Trivial Pursuit, singing on Wii Sing, changing channels between Dick Clark, Elf, and some motorcycle record setting thing. I was a little lost on that one. It was great fun! Most of us got back together later on January 1 to share the New Year's Day meal of pork loin and sauerkraut.(and a bunch of other food) It was a wonderful start to the year.

B1 drove for about 1/2 an hour last week, but hasn't practiced any more. The weather has been pretty good, but he really has a whole year to get his required hours in so we're not pushing it. He hasn't been screaming about the need for speed so that's all fine. :)

B2 and his grandfather have been working on a covered bridge made of balsa for a state history project. It's due Tuesday. It looks very nice so far. They are painting tomorrow, and then it will be ready to turn in.

C has gotten back into the swing of things at the dance studio. The girls rehearsed last night and then had their Secret Friend Christmas party afterward. They ate and danced and partied until midnight. C and several others had rehearsal today too. Game on!

I am not ready for the kids to head back to school. I enjoy having them here at home, even when I am heading to work most days. I LIKE them being home. I also despise getting up at 5:30, which is how our day starts when school is in session. I am definitely NOT looking forward to that come Monday. I don't think I know one child who does want to go back yet. It's a universal feeling!

Happy New Year!