Crunchy Peanut Bark

My neighbors include these goodies in their annual cookie tray that we are so thankful to receive every December. They have amazing talent in whatever they choose to do - from decorating, to food prep, to athletics, to smarts - they just ooze amazing. I'm glad they are such wonderful people too!

She gave me the recipe a few years back, but it has taken us this long to pull it out and put it to use. We made a batch last night - and while my photography skills are nowhere near Pinterest quality - the recipe is a keeper! These literally melt in your mouth, and I promise you you will have a hard time not overindulging.

Crunchy Peanut Bark
2 lbs white chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups rice krispies
2 cups dry roasted peanuts
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Mix all ingredients together - minus the white chocolate chips. Place the white chocolate chips in large microwave safe bowl; microwave until melted, stirring occasionally to keep from burning. Stir melted chips into the mix of ingredients. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let cool, then store in airtight container.

Family Coffee Night

Our wedding month is September, so we did not have long that first year before we had to decide how we would handle Holidays and Family. Thankfully, both of our parents are still married, our siblings are still married, and we all like each other. Wanting to spend time together is never an issue, it is just a matter of logistics of hours in a day, especially since we all live within 40 minutes of one another.

We decided from that first Holiday that we would not split the days. We would choose to assign days per family side, and alternate years when the day was not repeatable. Example: Thanksgiving is Thanksgiving and Easter is Easter, and we are not into doing double work for the sake of togetherness. So, every other year we alternate on which side of the family we spend those two holidays. We haven't, and won't, cater or change the rules. I hope to think this works for the family; fair and predictable. We certainly enjoy that aspect.

Regarding the Christmas holiday, I grew up giving gifts on Christmas Eve so that day is with my family, and my husband grew up giving gifts Christmas Morning, so we are with his family on that day. Completely perfect  ~ God had it all laid out for us, easy choice (smile).

The year when we are not together on Thanksgiving, my extended family gathers at one of our houses, or at a local coffee shop. Usually on the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving, and before we all head off to work, school, and responsibilities the next day. It is a very relaxing way to end the long weekend.

Yesterday was no exception. We took over a little corner of the cafe, and spent just short of a few hours together - closing down the store laughing and entertaining ourselves with together-time. It was really fun.

The cousins on both sides of the family are close, even though they do not necessarily see each other "a lot" throughout the year. They just have a special bond that keeps them together ~ never an awkward silence or moments to warm up. They are just "on" the minute they spy each other and run for hugs. Love! Blessed!

I like our traditions - Formal Thanksgiving with one side of the family, informal hang-out time with the other - being us in both places. Very Thankful.

Advent

My husband answered the phone late Wednesday; a phone call from our Church. All I could hear from his den was, "We'd be honored to. Sure. Okay...Yep. Okay. Uh-huh..."

Today we had the honor of lighting the Advent candle and saying the verse and prayer for the first candle of Advent at our church.

After a short introduction of our family by my husband, my girl said a paragraph of words, followed by my husband's paragraph. The microphone was handed next to my son who said the the verse, John 1:9 and lit the candle. My husband said a prayer, and we returned to our seats.

Me? Yes, it was our family deal that I had my "moment" last week when the video was shared of my testimony about how our church changed my life. I was not adding much drama a few posts ago when I said I am not a fan of public speaking. Even the video was pushing my comfort zone.

I know some would say, "Elle J, what was your college major?" and I would reply with a sigh, "Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations."

My college days were filled with speeches and presentations, and while I am certainly more outgoing with my age, ever since having children I find myself much more emotional in public speaking situations. To the point of  getting the wobbly voice and people staring "dear in the headlights" at me questioning, "Why is she so emotional over this topic?" 

I just knew, that given the situation of Advent and the beauty of honoring Christ ~ that I just might get that wobbly voice again. Truly, I know Advent is not worthy of tears and a shaky voice. I know that. It is a celebration and ... FUN!! Right?

The family was gracious to allow Mom a "Pass" ... afterall, "She did do the video."

My family was spot-on perfect. They read clearly, slowly, and with a smile. They were confident and yet soft. It was perfect.

I smiled - and kept watch over the Church carpet to be sure that the ember that flew off the Candle Lighter as my son accidently turned "up" the wick, rather than snuff it out, did not cause a Church Fire during my husband's prayer. I did have a purpose - just nobody else recognized it.

All kidding aside ~ I know God knows my heart and knows my challenges, and appreciates my support of my family and our church. It was a nice ending to the Thanksgiving weekend, and the start of our Christmas weeks.

The Season of Advent - so honored to be a small part of our Church celebration as we recognize Christ has come, He continues to be present in our lives, and we wait for His return.

O Christmas Tree

Our Christmas Tree tradition has been cutting down our own tree at a local Tree Farm. We've been through the rain, the snow, the sun, and the wind countless times before on our annual trek. This year brought clouds and wind that bit to the core. It was freezing.

We managed an hour hunt before we found the one.  I am not so sure if anyone of us were completely sold on the tree ~ after an hour of looking I was somewhat tempted to move onto another farm. But then I was reminded that Christmas Trees always look their best home and decorated. Really, have we every picked out an ugly tree? No.

The kids were a huge help this year; completely able to string the lights and hang the ornaments. They jumped right in and went to work with the end result being beautiful. It is amazing how many ornaments a family can accumulate in a relatively speaking short amount of time.

My job has always been to unwrap the ornaments from their boxes and tissue papers, the kids peering over waiting for the surprise of the next one to hang, and then chatter about the meaning behind that particular ornament.

Our evening ends with our tradition of a Cheese Fondue dinner while watching Polar Express. Sitting picnic style on a Christmas tablecloth on the floor, Fondue extension corded, with the lights off but the lit tree to our left and the movie playing straight ahead - it is a wonderful kick-off to the Season.

Post Thanksgiving

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving meal surrounded by family laughter! My how the house has changed with three teen girls and two tween boys. They were nonstop chatter and active, and it was so enjoyable.

My sister-in-laws family brought a "Table Topics" box to share around the table after the meal. We sat passing the box around, listening to the answers of each person on questions like, "If you could have any view from your window, what would it be?" and "Would you rather always lose, or never play?".  


By nature, our family can tend to go "off topic" rather quickly. In this game, our off topics led to much comedy by some who would rather be more concise and keep the game moving. We kept the laughter going, enjoying our responses and kiddings.

As always, Grandma and Grandpa's meal was gorgeous and yumm!!  My sister-in-laws sweet potatoes are always one of my faves and the pies made by my son were amazing.

We look like family, huh? But that sweet chick is my niece, not my girl. The way in which we were seated at the table did not accommodate a family picture - so my blond niece sat in for our girl. They look similar.

The girls - always together enjoying middle school and junior high talk, listening to music, giggling away.

The boys - always together enjoying a guy-break from their sisters.

I am so thankful for marrying a wonderful husband, and being blessed and welcomed into his fun family bunch.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The lights are off in our house. The dogs are in bed, and my loved ones are tucked in too. Our house is warm and smells of Thanksgiving Pie which my son and I baked this afternoon. Tomorrow we will travel to my in-laws house for a warm and cozy Thanksgiving with my sister-in-law and her family.

There will be the last minute prep in the kitchen; Grandpa cutting the turkey, Grandma making her homemade gravy, whipping the mashed potatoes, and setting the food on the table. The kids will be hanging about too, adding to the volume of the house with cheer.

The cousins on my husband's side will be together ~ all five born in a three year spread. The kids table is no longer, as Grandma likes to squeeze everyone around their extended dinning room table. We get the pleasure of hearing about the kids' view on life and happenings, while they hear our stories of memories.

From there, the kids will venture off to a different part of the house to hang together listening to music, telling stories, being creative. The adults will go one of two ways; we will either continue the conversations around the dinner table with dessert, or we will retreat downstairs under the dimmed lights and ambiance of the fire.

And tomorrow while we are snug in my in-laws house, enjoying the company of family, I will be so thankful for so much. In relation to family, I am most thankful that we all enjoy sitting together over a meal, without divorce, nor heavy illness, we accept our differences and our similarities, we can laugh at ourselves and one another in a loving way, we care, we share, and we love.

Togetherness ~ that is what Thanksgiving means to me. Together to share in our blessings, to encourage and support one another as we embark on a New Year of gratitude.

Thank you, Lord, for all that you provide. 
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! May you find a bounty of love, joy, peace, and thankfulness this Thanksgiving weekend.

How could I not?

The day we picked up our CCI puppy to raise for the next 18 months, I looked her in the eyes and said Goodbye. I tried desperately not to get attached like a pet. Notice my word choice; tried.

I did pretty good the first five days as she learned to settle into her crate, barking consistently for an hour at a time in the middle of the night, while sleeping during the day under our kitchen table for hours at a time. It wasn't hard not to accept that she was going back. I hardly knew her ~ and I was already exhausted. 

She has been with us for three months of her five months of age. Now we know her. We have taught her everything, and we take full responsibility for any goof ups in training. It is much different raising a Service Dog than a Pet Dog. The list of rules are never ending, and while both Haddie and I are trying hard to follow them to the letter ... there are days when we just can. not. get. in. synch. 

On those days I remind myself that it is just one day out of about 450 days remaining, and I give us both some grace. I think Haddie will continue to grow up and learn, and I will continue to learn to grow. 

What have I learned the most about this puppy raising a future Super Hero? It is a lot of work, but I wouldn't change it for the world. 

I wouldn't change learning about the personality of this puppy that will change a life for her forever family. I wouldn't change learning what it would feel like to have a dog as a skilled companion always by your side. I wouldn't change the number of walks I have taken in my beautiful city and neighborhood just because I have Haddie. I wouldn't change my heightened awareness of my environment when Haddie is out with me; the cleanliness or lack thereof of floors, noises in a shopping mall that we tune out regularly, the smell of wind, raindrops on jackets and puppy vests. I wouldn't change the uncomfortable feeling of everyone staring at us; always feeling judged, and flipping that around to what it might feel like for others with a disability. I wouldn't change the chance to educate others on Service Dogs and our desire to help people with disabilities. I wouldn't even change the not so glamorous side - grooming and cleanups. 

And then I think of Haddie's Graduation day - when she is paired with someone who desperately needs her for independence. To open doors, turn on lights, grab the ringing cell phone. To lay on the floor during a therapy counseling session, or visit the court house for victims to feel confident to speak up while having her by their side. To roll on the floor with a loving child that needs a calm, forever companion. No matter the placement of Haddie - she will make a positive difference. 

When one of those proud moments happen, I can say I knew her - I raised her - I made a difference too. 

Selflessness. I have learned to think out of my own little world in a big way, real fast. In a way only a few community service projects can be equaled to. I will raise this puppy, teach it life skills and etiquette, and then return her back to California for a new life of adventure for the one God calls to be her forever family. A big piece of my heart will stay with Haddie. No matter how much I tried not to get attached. 

Some say, "I could never be a Puppy Raiser." 

I say, "How could I not?"

Can't make it up ...

Don't let the sunshine fool you. It is freeeeezing in our area. I don't think it got higher than the twenties today. My son's famous quote since turning 11 last month has been, "I can't stand being bored." And rather than taking some palm handled technology as an answer (partly because he knows that would not fly in our house), he has opted to find his own creative, physical labor outlet.

Car washing.
Laundry.
Room cleaning.
Bathroom cleaning.
Leaf raking, piling, dumping.
Cooking.
Graphic Designing.

Everything to completion. I can not really take credit for his maturity and interest in "not being bored". We call that part of my son from my hubby's side of the family. I admittingly don't have it to their level.

We returned home from church around 12:15p, I am writing this at 4:15p as the sun is disappearing, and my son has been outside with the leaves since 12:20p. Every minute being raking, piling, and dumping. And as if our yard has not been cluttered enough with beautiful leaves, the house across the street is no longer lived in, and we found our son raking that yard too. Apparently he is forward thinking and realizes that if nobody steps forward to rack that property, the leaves will sit until they denigrate or blow to other yards.

He apparently loves to work. He is negotiating with my hubby that he wants to stay out longer (smile).

Ask him personally for those that know him. I can't make this stuff up.

Here is the lil' monster that jumped in his first leaf pile ...

Thank you, Son, for working so hard for all of us to enjoy. We notice!!  

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

I know today marks a very special day in our lives. For the past consecutive years since my college graduation year, we have been spending this day together on our Annual Shopping Date. And while we both know the circumstances that keep us apart this year is disappointing, we will hold onto our future date on the calendar that we will continue to look forward to. There will be more Christmas in the air by then; so it will just add to the excitement of us (happy sigh).

However, I don't want this year's Saturday to go unnoticed. I want you to know how much I enjoy our time together, every day we are together in a year, but especially the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Memory lane, shall we? 

You have a habit of always being so generous on our shopping trips; purchasing a little something special for me that you encouraged me to pick out. On the years where I felt like I "really don't need anything" you would always nudge me in the right direction. You just wanted to spoil me once again - just for fun. And it was always fun. A blessing.

The year I still get embarrassed about, however, is the year when you purchased more than a fair quantity of really super cute winter work clothes for my "big" Fortune 500 job. It had just been announced that I was receiving an important shift in job responsibilities, and you just wanted to shower me with an upgrade in work fashion. 

Then ... four weeks later on Christmas Eve, I announced that we were expecting our first baby in nine months. You were thrilled and I still remember thinking - Eeek, I will hardly get a chance to wear out all those new clothes you showered me with!!

The years shifted when we brought my sweet bundles of joy along with us. Sweet Chickie in her stroller, all blond and adorably cute, enjoying dress up in the fancy bathroom changing table, and when she began to babble the following year. Then she graduated to Daddy Dates while our next bundle of love joined us solo. I still remember taking him out of the stroller during our lunch time, his legs all curled up tight under his buns as I passed him over the table for you to hold. Hmmm, sweet memories. 

The Littles grew to Biggers and we continued our shopping date with just the two of us. No longer looking for work clothes or talking work topics - it was now all about parenting and grandparenting and lots, and lots, and lots of laughter as we shared our oopps and ahhhs. 

Some may say we are stuck in a rut or stuck in traditions. But I know we are both okay with that - even down to the same location for lunch, with the same salad order every.single.year. Ha! I sure hope they don't go out of business or change up their menu too drastically. I count on that yumminess and multiple hour lunch talking and talking. To me, it is the best kickoff to our adventure together. 

Strolling and "shopping".  We tend to have done less and less of shopping and more and more of talking. I love how we just stand. Right there. Wherever. Completely oblivious to the shoppers with huge bags bouncing around us, squeezing to our right and left to pass. We are not rude. Just totally self-absorbed in our togetherness. I think that's okay (wink). 

We do think of others. You help me pick out the kiddos Christmas Pajamas that I gift them on St. Lucia night, and extended family gift ideas are brainstormed, and whatever that Season's One-Thing that is missing from our house decor - we will search high and low to obtain on that day. 

All amazing memories that I could continue to write, but the main reason why the Saturday before Thanksgiving is so important to me ... is spending time with you. For your love, your laughter, your "I get you" attention to detail about my life, about just being girls and having fun together. I love you so much. You are my mentor, my best girlfriend, my advocate, my comedian. You are mine. 

I love you!!!

Prayers for your Saturday - may you rest knowing that I am smiling at our memories together, knowing that we will enjoy a fabulous Annual Shopping Date very soon. I am so proud of you. 

xoxo

One for the memory books

My sweet friend who has battled cancer this year with radiation and multiple rounds of chemo, who completed her treatments early October, celebrated last night. A little ad-lib perhaps.

For bloggers who know what it means to meet dear fellow bloggers online and form a friendship - my sweet friend had the same experience but via Facebook. I don't know all the particulars, but in a short story version, she met an Irish woman a few years back and they became fast friends. The Irish Woman flew to America on Monday for the purpose of meeting my sweet friend and her family. She is their house guest for a week.

The Irish Woman is a professional singer in her home country, and my sweet friend wanted to show case her talents while in the States. She booked her Irish friend to sing at a Karaoke Bar last night and invited all local friends to join the party.

I was not able to attend, however, my husband did. He got videos and a few snapshots. The lighting was super dark, so the quality is not the greatest, but her voice was clearly heard and she has some amazing talent.

While this Irish star was the main focus of the evening, the highlight really came towards the end of the evening when my sweet friend decided to jump on stage and perform a karaoke song. Tears, chills, stand ovation were the results from her friends in attendance (and from me too when watching it on video). Her song?


"I Will Survive!" by Gloria Gaynor. Oh my - perfect song and she sang it with so much heart and soul!!

She brought the house down!!

I will honor my friend's request of keeping the videos private. While I think she has nothing to be worried about in sharing her performance, it was a rather personal moment for those attending and for that, I truly respect.

So thankful my husband was in attendance for our memory books - and for supporting our sweet friend who is a true fighter and amazing person!!

Go, S!!! You are an inspiration!! The memory of you singing has kept a smile on my face all day and I know good things are ahead for you. I am thankful you are in my life. 

A new kind of conference

My daughter is in her second year of Middle School, and in our district, it is also her last year of Middle School. Based on overpopulation and lacking budget, our district has been highly creative. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, but in reality and facts we are leading academically and for that it is worth staying.

The Middle School is also unique in that it groups the kids by Teams. So while the kids still transition through four core classes, receive one elective and physical education, each Team of kids have the same teachers. If your friend is on another Team, there is no common teacher between the two and you will only see them during Courtyard Time at the beginning of the day and during lunch.

All previously years, and our first year at this school last year, we sat in a room with the four core teachers for my girl's Team. We rotated through the teachers (each in a corner of the room) and received feedback about our student and specifics about her grade. It was personal and nice - considering this is Middle School and not so sure that my parent's received any teacher feedback from Middle School forward.

This year, however, they decided to switch things up a little. Partly because of the logistics of rotating the parents through the Team teachers (yes, that part was a nightmare), and partly because our district is huge on student accountability and ownership of their learning and actions.

Last night the students led their Parent Conference. Again, four kids to a room at a time, taking up each corner of the room, the student shared a substantial packet of pre-written documentation about each of their classes. They highlighted one positive example that they got to choose from each of their core classes.

For example, my girl aced a recent math quiz and shared that with us. It was impressive to actually see the test and be amazed right along with her. That could be a post all by itself. Her math skills have surpassed my hubby's and mine at that age (and mine still).  So happy for her to be getting this higher level of math curriculum truly by her own merits.

In addition to the portfolio the students went through a series of questions they had to answer about their academic goals for the year, and their Community Contributor goals. That was enlightening and well planned. I think this completely put the ownership of academic learning and being a "thoughtful" person on the students.

It was definitely a different feeling to be at the school in the evening, having a Parent Conference at a table, with just my girl, my hubby, and my son. It felt like someone was missing ... the teacher.

Because this was a first for our district, we were asked to fill out a feedback form about the new format. I think that was the most difficult part of the evening. I gave my honest feedback in more detail than this post, but in summary ... I am on the fence.

Enlightening? Yes.
Well planned? Yes.
Beneficial for my student? Yes.

The element of Teacher feedback was missing, and I am on the fence on whether this is truly information that parents need to hear. Teachers at the Middle School Level have at least 120 kids they are responsible for during a given day. Do I really care what their impression or thought is about my student? Would it be a fair assessment? Do the grades really speak for themselves regarding student knowledge? Is that enough? Is it more important that my student evaluates her level of learning? If my child were sinking, wouldn't I be having a personal meeting with the teacher(s) prior to this designated night? What really is the purpose of Parent Teacher Conferences?

A new kind of conference ... on the fence.

Guest Blogger - sort of

My son stayed home from school today fighting a slight fever and sore throat, missing his favorite substitute teacher and his classmates. The worst of his day was the start, but he progressively felt better as his day went by.

Since I only work one day a week, I do all that I can not to miss my Piano Mondays. My son knew this, is old enough, and was supportive in finding independent activities during my hours of lessons. My lessons are in blocks throughout my day, so there was still plenty of time to hang out together, and check in.

One of his favorite things to do is look at the streams of home photographs and videos that are stored in my husband's computer, and den. Having a professional photographer for a dad is kinda neat ~ there are hundreds upon thousands of photographs ~ everything from a hummingbird, to igloos, to swim parties, and flowers, and just about every life moment documented. In addition, we have the hundreds of amateur photographs that the kids and I also snap with our cameras.

I gave the idea to my son today that while I was teaching my home school students, that he could pick out a photo for my blog and that I would write about it. He chose these.

It was a warm summer day in 2008, my daughter was on a date with her cousins and my mom to see the American Girl Movie Kit Kittredge. My son went on a date with me. We went to look at cars at car dealerships. Just for fun.

He was going on 8 years of age that October, the pictures were taken in early July. I like his expression in the first photo; very serious, and no doubt dreaming about what it would be like to really drive. He looks a tad confused and concerned, but he will do great. He learns things quickly by doing; I know he will enjoy learning this life skill too.

Of course the second photograph showcases the humorous side to my seven year old boy. He has not changed. He still likes to perform in front of a camera. At the time, both kids had fallen in love with the Honda Element. Orange was my son's color. He was totally excited over this car on that day.

I remember ending our date on the patio of an ice cream shop. Trying to soak up our ice cream cones before they melted. That day was a special memory.

Thanks, Son, for being so independent today so Momma could continued to work. I enjoyed our hours together, talking and chillin'. I especially liked the surprise photos you chose for my blog. You have grown so fast, but have kept your enthusiasm and love for life, even over the simple things. I love you! 

I am no ...

actress.

I was asked to give a short testimony on how my life has changed through being a member of our Church. The good news was that it was video taped and I got multiple tries to get it right. The hard part will be seeing myself on the big screen next Sunday during our Church's Brunch and kick off to our Capital Improvement Campaign.

I like to consider myself a writer (I'm sure not all of you would agree), and so when I was asked by one of our Pastors to fill in the blank on how my life has changed ... I thought it was going to be published in some fashion via writing.

It was not until Friday when I received a message regarding the video. I stewed for 24 hours, and then was sent another email. I went against everything I believe in about email - I always respond to email. But not this time. This one I was trying to hide from. But they "caught me" and sent me another email.

Yes, of course I had to put on my big girl pants and follow through. Even though inside I was trying to find the perfect excuse why it just wouldn't work. Sometimes I regret sharing at the  dinner table. My son's reply, "Mom! I had to talk in front of 1,000 people at the Veteran's Day Assembly and sometimes I didn't even feel like doing it! I wanted to back out. But I didn't. I will be in the room with you if you want me to. I will be there to give you the thumbs up sign."


So we took two cars today and my hubby and daughter took the CCI dog home while my son and I went up to the media room off the loft of the balcony. I was the first to go; so I got to sit under the bright lights as the videographer tested the lighting and got things set up.

I wasn't nervous; I was just more frustrated that I have zero ounce of acting inside of me. Natural? I have to talk natural on something I wrote? I don't do well with memorized lines and natural, and I am certainly not a good ad-libber. My kiddos definitely got their awesome skills from my hubby, and for that I am truly grateful. What a needed skill that I am missing.

In the end my son gave me the thumbs up sign and said I did great. Not to worry, that by the time people clue into the video that my sentences would be finished and they won't remember. I am holding onto that. I hope he is right.

Climbing out of my comfort zone to accomplish a task, and to be a small example to my kids is not always the best party, but is needed. I am no actress ... but I did the best I could.

Pizza and Pointe

On this blustery Fall Veteran's Day we are remembering all those who served our great country in the past and present. Thankful for our freedom because of their sacrifice.

Also on this blustery Fall day we are also enjoying time with friends and family. We started the day at our dear friends house. She is a close friend ~ the kind where you always pick up where you left off, where you "get" what the other is saying, you laugh, and become concerned over the little and big things of life together.

My friend is absolutely so much fun. She cares for my kids like family; and that is a treasure. My children notice. They love hanging with my their friend.

Today she wanted to learn some of my son's chef tricks. Specifically how to make pizza dough. My son made two bowls of dough at home, let them rise, so they were ready to show our friend how to roll it out and prep it for baking. At her house, my son taught her the steps in making the dough, got it prepared to the rising stage, and she will turn it into another pizza for her family.

My daughter and I sat at the kitchen bar stools observing, in awe, as the two worked as a team making dough. Our friend is Martha Stewart-like, crafty, artsy, and a great cook. So, she taught my son some cooking tricks, and my son taught her some tricks. It was really enjoyable.

We are both enjoying pizza tonight. Her High School son was out while we were there, but was bringing home two additional boys for a pizza dinner. As I type, my son is turning one of the dough's into our pizza. He will be using the barbecue to cook the pizza. Our favorite.

Thank you, my Dear Sweet Friend, for an excellent cooking day at your house. It was so much fun and will be a great lifetime memory for us.

The other portion of my day was spent on a date with my daughter. She received the blessing from her teachers to get Pointe Shoes. Yea!!

She has been waiting since the beginning of her Kindergarten dance enrollment to get on Pointe (only a hint of joking). Finally, she is old enough and body-ready, and determined to work hard at making Pointe work for her. It was such a good afternoon together.

I have never touched a Pointe Shoe so it was a real eye-opener for both of us. It truly is just a hard wooden shoe. Nothing fancy in the middle like I was expecting; like perhaps some cushion or snug fit feeling where your toes are inserted. I don't know; I guess I never realized that the girls were really on their toes. I know that sounds funny, but until you are up close and personal with a Pointe Shoe, I guess it is hard to fathom (for me) that it really is toes on a block of wood. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

To get started, her dance studio requires the girls to be free of any cushion or aid in wearing the shoe more comfortably. They want the real deal as the girls grow and learn what it feels like, and what is required, to make Pointe Shoes work. Hard core, but necessary.

Rightly so, my girl was beaming today. I love her enthusiasm and passion.

Tonight is all about pizza and family movie snuggled with the fireplace on, perhaps with a puppy or two mingling about, as the leaves twirl wildly outside our window.

Pizza just finished .... YUM! Dinner's ready!