December Tidbits

The first 2/3 of the month were packed to the brim with obligations and then once the kids were on break. we were finally able to slow down and enjoy the holidays a bit. Brigitta had her first band concert. 

We found Italian restaurants were most likely to have foods I could eat as I prepared for gall bladder surgery. There was a gaggle of older woman at this one and I overheard one telling a friend she told her kids the second she can't take care of herself, they are to put her in assisted living. She was determined to never be a burden or concern for them as they had their own lives and challenges to navigate. It was a record scratch moment as I've been consumed with worry over my own aging parents and the best way to move forward with their care. 

Our old dance studio was fine with Vans for hip hop class and socks for Lyrical or Ballet. The girls were encouraged to just wear something comfortable they could move in. Each class was separate so only Gita took tap. The new studio has traditional combo classes of Ballet, Tap and Jazz- all of which require the appropriate shoes. The girls are required to wear appropriate dance wear and have their hair up. Honestly I'm excited because I think dressing the part gets you into a head space to perform your best. However, there is a downside. This tidy pile of dance shoes totaled $500! It would have been more but I think the sales associate took pity on my and gave me a 10% discount. 

Anyone casually shopping in the store became a curious onlooker as we fitted all four girls with the shoes they needed. At a certain point you really have to be dedicated to dance because it is a lot: financially, physically and time-wise. 

The name of the new store at the mall made us laugh.

I couldn't help but laugh as Liesel described the trouble with the mouse she had to dissect in Biology.

 Brigitta submitted her drawing for the ugly sweater contest. She did not win.

Reagan gave me a Jersey Mike's gift card for my birthday so I decided to take the girls on a little dinner date!

Every now and again all I want is a really good sandwich and this place hits the spot!

While we ate, the conversation turned to whether Whitney is having a boy or a girl. I love how the girls react to the question. Liesel really thinks about it. When I tell the girls to listen to their gut, Gita yells at her belly, "What is it?!?!"

We always love having the sisters around!

Katrina's gift to the girls came early- custom eggs she took months to research, hand draw and then paint one color at a time in layers. They are so delicate and so incredibly beautiful! She even incorporated their personal symbol into each of them.

Sydney:

Brigitta:

Ireland:

Liesel:

Brent and I got all gussied up for his company's work party. We chatted with some colleagues I'd never met, some old friends and managed to find some time to ourselves. I was still preparing for surgery so I just nibbled on some of the delectable offerings.

The drink offerings were really fantastic! They had a couple of non-alcoholic beverages and I fell into conversation with one of the bartenders. I asked her if she could tell who are the power players in the room and she said they are usually surrounded by a lot of people- and are never near the bar because people with fetch their drinks for them. 

I love Gita's boundless energy and enthusiasm! When she realized she left out a dad gummy bear for the "wonderful family", she just grabbed one from the other side of the house and tucked him in there. Then putting a gummy bear face down to be the family dog? Genius. I particularly love that she didn't let the failed chocolate chip details that didn't work out ruin the project- she just decided that was a pile of dog poop bc he'd had Taco Bell.  

Who thinks of that kind of thing? Well, my Gita girl, that's who.

This may be one of my all-time favorite videos of the girls dancing. Great song and great moves- I really love how the girls squeal when Brent joins them. I sent it to my parents and they absolutely loved it!

The girls on the stairs in their Christmas pjs

That's December folks!