More updates

Other fun things have also been going on around here. Lise' finished up ballet class, and she had a great time. She still dances around the house. We'll see what is in store for the summer, but maybe she'll be able to do a little more. The picture you see to the right is the only one I could get of her in the actual dance class, and it was thru a tiny little window on the door.

Now, on Fridays, she goes to another class sponsored by the park system. It's called Rompin' & Stompin', and it's sort of like a PE class. I drop her off for 45 minutes. It's a nice thing for both of us. The first class, parents were allowed to observe. They played Duck-Duck-Goose, red light-green light with balls, played with hula hoops and a few other things I don't recall. One of the favorites is at the end, all the parents come in for the parachute.

See, I wasn't kidding....

All of you know we live in NJ by now, and some of you may have even looked it up on the map to see where we are actually located. I know I've told everyone how close we are to NYC. We're really a bedroom community because there are so many residents that commute to Manhattan every day.

Last week the girls and I headed to Mt. Mitchell park just up the street. It was a particularly clear day, and you could see the city really well.

Here's my proof. Click on the photo to really appreciate it.

Kids say the darndest things

As I mentioned in my last post, the trees have been at their prime for spring blooms around here. Our favorites have been the cherry trees and their pale pink blossoms. All good things must come to and end, and right now, the trees are shedding their blossoms to make room for the new leaves. The wind is blowing slightly today, so when they fall, it looks like snow.

So, this morning, I took Abri to the doc for a checkup, and the parking lot was covered. Lise' couldn't believe how pretty it was, and when she jumped out the car, this is what she said.

"Mommy, look at how pretty all the tree crumbs are!"

Isn't that the cutest. Had to share.

Spring is here!

It actually started a few weeks ago, but one day it would be 70 degrees and the next it would be cold enough for a turtleneck. I'm happy to say that our winter coats have been put away.

The trees up here have been absolutely beautiful. Unfortuantely, I don't have any pretty blooming ones in my yard, so there's no pictures to share. I'll see what I can do about that next year.

I know, there's no excuse!

I'm guessing the absence of any blogging by me recently can be compared to the writers strike for network television. Well people, calm down, I'm still here, I haven't forgotten about it, I've just been busy, tired, or a combination of the two. I enjoy writing the blog just as much as you enjoy seeing it, so just check back, I'll get there when I get there.

I have many things to share with you, but because yesterday was my first successful day to have Abri sleep ALONE in her bed for a 3 hr nap, I'm going to try to get her to do it again. Prior to this, she's been down for a nap, but she usually only stays in her bed for 45 min or so, and then she wakes up. This news is HUGE to me, so I'm not messing with a good thing.

Pictures will follow soon as well. I have nice number taken, it just takes time to get them posted.

The exciting news of the day is that Lise' and I saw what I think was a groundhog today. We've all heard of Punxsutawney Phil, but have you actually ever seen one in the wild? We were driving down a street, and there is was in some one's front yard. It was the strangest looking thing.

Yes, I've fallen into the Pink Kool-Aid

Those of you who worked with me in Dallas in hotels know that the "pink ladies" descend on Dallas each and every July for the annual Mary Kay convention. With a little trepidation, I too may be joining them. I know, I know. We all laugh and gawk, but it is what it is. I could say I was tied down and forced to join, I could say I had one too many mimosas, or I could say I was brainwashed. Whatever it is, it is. You can visit my website to see for yourself.

I'm still in the fog and have absolutely no idea how I arrived here, but I'm just going to give it a go. Please don't run from me when you see me coming. I won't be carrying a loaded MK gun or anything. I may ask if you'd like to try something I have in my magic bag. The fact of the matter is that I like what I use. I've seen a difference in my skin, so I'm just going to share my finds with you. If you don't like, there's no hurt feelings. Just be nice about it...I get enough of the New Jersey attitude around here as it is.

And, be prepared. When I do get back to Louisiana, there will be a Mary Kay party. I've been a good friend and gone to all of your parties, so please come let me practice on you.

In the event you want to try something or buy something, the miles between us doesn't stop me from getting things to you. I'm happy to become the post man's best friend. I'll post my link in my favorite sights to the right, be sure to visit.

This is what I've been waiting for!

70 Degrees arrived today. It was absolutely beautiful! The wind wasn't whipping, the sun was shining, and the birds were chirping.

I had been watching the weather all week, and the predictions were there, so I had been waiting, like a child for Santa.

What did we do to celebrate? I took the girls to Sandy Hook NRP. It's just down the street, and the start of the Jersey Coast. It's still not the Gulf, or Hawaii, but when you've been looking at the alternative all winter, it's picturesque. The pictures speak for themselves.

I didn't forget

I know you like the new sites and all, but what you really want is info on us, right? Last week, Lise' started ballet lessons through the local park system. She's been excited for weeks, and when the day finally came, I think she was overcome by the experience. She had no trouble saying goodbye to me at the door, but once in, she participated minimally. I would peek through the tiny window on the door periodically, and she was up against the wall taking it all in. When she came out, she was wide-eyed but smiling. Once we were home, she couldn't wait to show me what all she learned. All week, she practiced in front of anyone who would watch. We talked about the next week and how much fun it would be to try some new things. So, yesterday was the big day. She wore her favorite pink costume and didn't hesitate to line up with the rest of the girls to go in. I could hear the music through the door, and I cannot tell you how much fun it was to peek in and see her dancing too. I wish I could video that. The best I can do is the video of when we get home after the first lesson. More videos to come.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Grandma........Happy Birthday to you!!! We're shouting, can you hear us?? Lise' wants you to save some cake for her.

And, Happy April to the rest of you. April showers better bring May flowers. It's been raining an awful lot here. I'm happy to say that the bulbs have popped out the ground, and we currently have 7 daffodils and 5 or 6 hyacinths in full bloom out front. There are lots more that have yet to reveal their true colors, so when things are looking slightly nice, I'll post a pic.

And, along the lines of April being the GREEN month, I found a great new site today. It's www.delight.com, and I'll put it in my favs list on the right. But, for any of you "trying to be greener" type people out there, check it out. They are promoting new items everyday. For those of you who aren't going that way, check it out anyway, you'll be green without knowing it. And, I'm not sure how long the promo will work, but if you order anything, there's a 30% off if you use promo code DCDELIGHT. Happy browsing.

Can't keep them out of the water

Yesterday was the warmest weather we've had lately 60 degrees), so the girls begged to be outside in the drizzle.

Being outside reminded me to show you the latest IMPROVEMENT to the house. Isn't it dazzling! Here's the before and after. Later that night, Abri spilled some juice in the den, and around here, we expect our kids to clean up their own mess. Yes, that is her tongue.