Half-way through our July break!

I cannot believe we are already halfway through our July break from taekwondo. I feel like we just left! I know I'll be glad to get back to our "regular" routine, but I still have a few things I need to do before then. I suppose I need to get started. lol

Rehearsals are going smoothly. We actually start getting into the crazy schedule this week. And Jesse has been called in for a few extra rehearsals because her counterpart in the other cast will be out. Chloe was a little disappointed to find out she would not be at rehearsal on her birthday.

Chloe has decided she wants to go roller skating with some friends for her birthday. And she is going to make sugar cookies with icing. She is very excited about her birthday, but not so much about becoming a teenager. Not sure why.

John had an interview a couple of weeks ago; and Friday a couple of his references called to tell him they received calls. I just know this is where he is meant to be. I know it will work out, though it is not going as quick as he would like it.

This past weekend, we spent a good bit of time working around the house. I can't think of a space that has not been effected by some sort of reorganization. John even came up with a solution to our shoe problem at taekwondo. Sunday, we bought the supplies and I can't wait to see it complete!

I do have a story to share:

About a month ago, John bought himself some peach jelly beans. Well, Chloe had some Harry Potter jelly beans and she had not eaten the vomit one yet. Guess what it looked like. The peach ones. Guess where she put it! Yep, in his bag of peach ones. Of course she told him this. He didn't believe her at first, but whenever he would eat a jelly bean he called her into the room. He started boasting he could tell which ones were peach. Well, last night his luck ran out. He made the most awful noise (I was organizing in our bedroom). I heard him run to the kitchen trash can, then the sink, then he ran to our bathroom. Chloe had been patiently waiting. :-)

A mini-vacation and starting the school year

John has been home for a couple of weeks now. He decided at the last minute we would take a short (two-day) vacation to the beach the week he left work. It was a nice break from thinking about our school starting back the following week.

We had a great trip. John arranged everything, right down to an agenda. We usually just wind up doing nothing; this trip was filled with "firsts". We rode a banana boat for the time! We rode the Sky Wheel for the first time. And we ate Tai food for the first time. Of course there are the things we always do that had to be done: buying sweets at Wee R Sweet, walking along the beach, going to Donut Man, and shopping.

The following Monday, against the girls' wishes, we started back to school. I still find it difficult to believe Jesse is in 10th grade and will be able to get her driver's permit this summer. Chloe is in eighth grade and just as focused as ever. I think this year will be a good for both of them. We struggled at first with John being home, but I think we are finding a groove that works for all of us. He is kind of spoiling us. Yesterday, he prepared a picnic for us in the classroom. We had fried chicken, peas and mashed potatoes. I could get used to that! The girls and I worked on school and lunch was prepared at the same time. Awesome!

The girls are doing a play this summer, Shrek the Musical. And since you read the name of the show you know the girl's parts, while still principles, are smaller parts than what they have been getting lately. Singing is not one of their greatest talents. Rehearsals have started, but we are not at the crazy part where we are there all the time. At least not yet. But as always they are LOVING it.

Last night was our last taekwondo class until August. I am still amazed by the fact all the students have stayed since I have taken over the school. I was talking to a mom, whose daughter took taekwondo years ago, and she said I was running the classes then too; so there wasn't much change when I took over. I have heard that from current parents also. I am just glad they trust me enough to continue teaching their children and in some cases, themselves.

It has been awhile

We've have been through quite a bit since my last post. However, I'm not ready yet to disclose to the world all the dirty details of our lives. We have to learn to deal with things first.

That being said, we'll move on.

This weekend was quite full for us. Saturday I had a Tupperware party. The first I've ever thrown, but I can tell you they have changed a lot since my Mom sold Tupperware. Now, you cook! We had eight adult women, two kids under 10, one tween and three teens! The dogs were happy...they were getting all kinds of attention. I think Hank was too excited (and hot); he tossed his cookies once on the floor right between Stephanie's feet and none of us noticed. Poor baby! He hasn't done that in awhile.

Sunday was another family reunion. It was good, but again people just like to eat then leave. I remember when I was little (younger than Chloe) it would be an entire day's event! You would eat. Talk. Eat again. No one wants to stop and smell the roses anymore...not even for family. I feel like I don't know most of them. Well, honestly, I don't. I think it is very sad.

This week should be a bit calmer. Last week was crazy. I didn't know John had asked off for last week (it wasn't on my calendar), so when he told me the middle of the week before I just looked at him. We have missed so many days for school. I told the girls we may have to make up a few weekend days. We are going to have to get used to doing our school work when John is actually home. Not sure how we'll manage that task, but we need to work on it.

Our schedule this week has been thrown off by other people. Master Mike decided to have taekwondo graduation on Wednesday (rather than Thursday) at the other location. And Thursday night we are having an instructor's training class. Yes, we'll be gone three nights this week for taekwondo.

Then the theatre contacted me about our homeschool group's viewing of the play this week. The theatre had other schools cancel and change their times, so our group was all that was remaining, less than twenty people. They wanted us to come another day. Fine. We changed days, but my cousin and her boys couldn't come that day. The boys were so excited about seeing the girls again, third time this week, that we are planning on still seeing them on Thursday though we have not worked it out yet as to who is going where.

We enrolled Jesse in Level 2 of her animation class last night. She'll start in January. Her final grade for Level 1 was an A. We were so proud. She learned so much and she was looking forward to being in class with a few of her former classmates in the spring. I'm glad we could work it out for her.

Now, I have papers to grade.

Another week gone

Wednesday the girls and I ventured back to Lowe's. How I do love Lowe's this time of year with all the flowers! That afternoon we planted the flowers we bought, planted some seeds (which are now sprouting and need to be replanted). Thursday was more work outside. John wanted some "color" next to the garage, so we bought some marigolds then planted them.

Friday was a mild day for us. We met some friends at Rita's for free Italian Ice. Rita's was celebrating the first day of spring with free Italian Ice. Woohoo! The girls baked a homemade cake for Grandpa's birthday. The funny part came while they were decorating it. They were taking turns with the words. Chloe wrote "happy". Jesse wrote "birthday". They then decided to share "Grandpa"; Chloe wrote "Grand" then Jesse wrote "ay". LOL  She scrapped it off then wrote "pa", but we had a great laugh. And Grandpa enjoyed the story on Saturday.

Today, we went to CCT to see "Hairspray". We all loved it! We know so many talented people who were in this show:

Kaitlyn was fantastic as the female lead, "Tracy" One of our favorite people!
Taylor, with his guitar, was awesome as, "Link". I adore this young man; he is sweet, polite and multitalented (acting, singing, and playing the guitar).
Noah B., as "Edna", and as I predicted he rocked being a woman. I also found out it was his mom who suggested he try out for "Edna". It was his dad who was disturbed by his son walking around the house for three weeks in high heels. LOL
Riley, as Mr. Edna (I can't recall their last name); he had me laughing so.
Grace, as Tracy's best friend, had her best role yet and did so well.
Olivia, and her fantastic gymnastics.
Josh, who needs to stop growing because it wasn't until near the end that I realized it was him.
Noah D., who has finally found himself on-stage (rather doing the sound board) and is totally rocking the parts he has had in the last couple of shows.
Anthony, "Corny Collins", who we will miss so much next year as he ventures to Tulane to be a Musical Theater student.

I know I forgot someone but there to you. I will say that was one more, I don't know her, but her soulful voice would bring tears to anyone...I'm an easy mark. ;-)

I am so tired!

Tonight we went to the children's theatre to see Bunnicula.  We all enjoyed it. We were lucky enough to see Paul and Jerry in the show together. While that meant we missed seeing a couple of people we adore in the show. It is a rare treat to see Jerry on stage, and Jerry and Paul together were hysterical!

Friday was another art class. One of my personal favorites: Norman Rockwell. I learned quite a few things about him I did not know. I think the girls enjoyed the project, making a magazine cover. And of course hanging out with their buddies is always best.

The Recreation center closed early Wednesday night so the other school could not have their graduation. Master Mike asked those students to come to our graduation Thursday night. We had a room full for graduation; it was one of the best we've had lately, even without any black belts mid-terming or graduating.

Because graduation was canceled Wednesday night, I was home in time to take Jesse to her photo shoot in Camden. It was the first time she was in her costume. She had fun being evil, but I couldn't find any of the pictures with her on-line. Another mom sent me pictures from her smart phone, but, honestly, I am not going to share them. They were really grainy and dark. We know now my Mom and three of my aunts (and their husbands) are coming to the show. I know one librarian is coming and our hair dresser wants to attend (not sure she'll make it). The girls are totally excited about having so many people come to see them in a show.

We've been everywhere!

We went to Edgefield a couple of weeks ago to take Oma (John's Mom) out for lunch. We had a good time and way too many giggles. Grandma Morgan can be quite amusing! Of course what set her off the most was trying to climb into John's new truck.

Last week was a busy week with school. Both girls had geography presentations due on Friday, and they both did very well. They actually had to turn in a lapbook on a country of their choice and give an oral presentation to John and myself. Like I said, they both did very well.

Thursday we went back to CCT for "How I became a pirate". We actually met my cousin and her two boys. They all had so much fun; the play was wonderful! We all had lunch together afterward. The girls will confirm we had a three-hour lunch. Phoebe and I talked for quite awhile after we ate. We were waiting for the restaurant staff to kick us out, but they were very kind. They always are, which is why it is one of my favorite places to eat.

This past Sunday was the Autry family reunion. They are my mother's, mother's side of the family. I was not happy when we arrived and I realized I had left my camera at home. Dang it! My cousin, Phoebe again, and my cousin-in-law, Dawn, are going to send me some pictures when they get a moment. I'm looking forward to one in particular of Dawn's son and myself. He is adorable! We haven't seen him in quite awhile and he has grown so much!

Monday, we took Chloe to turn in her artwork to the State Fair. The whole way over she said she wanted me to do the talking for her. When we walked through the doors low and behold it was Ms. Betsy from CCT (we always do gift wrapping in December with her). I didn't have to say anything more...Chloe was off and running! lol

Yesterday the girls had their annual well visit with their doctor. Jesse is going to have to have a little test done and Chloe's cholesterol was way too high. And Chloe has fallen off the weight chart again and she is barely clinging to the height chart. So, she'll go back in four months to check her height, weight and cholesterol again. Personally, I think she is just wonderful where she is, chart or no chart.

A full day, again

Today was another school day here. I know it is Sunday, but I am still trying to get in our days by the end of May. I think we are going to make it, but we have to be diligent.

The girls had another rehearsal this afternoon. One more down and three rehearsals and four shows then we are done! Whew! lol  Today was my first day working stage right. Why is it all the kids come in from stage right?! I was doing my job keeping everyone's feet back and trying my best to keep them all quiet, when one small girl asked, "Who are you?", so sweetly. I replied, "I'm Mrs. Marsha and I'm here to tell you what not to do. And what to do. But mostly what not to do, because I don't know what you are suppose to do." Well, the older girl next to me thought it was quite funny and started laughing. The little girl smiled then continued to wait to go on stage.

I think overall it was a good rehearsal. We started with some grief. An event yesterday did not clean up after themselves, so we had to clear off the stage and clean up before we could even begin rehearsal. I'm not sure what time we actually started, but we didn't get to finish the entire play today. We had to drop the last scene. Hopefully, tomorrow we'll run the entire show and everyone will know where they are suppose to be and when they are suppose to be there. lol

Never a dull moment

Today was one of those days where everything seems to go right. They are rare, but so worth the wait.

This morning the girls had to rise early. We actually did school work today. Normally, we have school one weekend a month (when John works). Poor girls they had to get it all done before lunch today. But they worked hard and finished everything I asked them to do.

Lunch was quick, and nothing to brag about. Unless you count the ripe avocados because they were awesome on my wrap! The girls both had ramen. (Not even close to my favorite...I don't even like the smell.)  Anyway. I think what made it better was the mail. They both received a letter from a Sanchez. They were very quiet on the car ride, looking at their letters.

The reason the girls had to work so hard then eat a mediocre lunch was because Chloe was going to a friend's house at noon. Last year during "Music Man", Chloe made friends with a girl named Gabby. Well, Gabby got sick before the show even started. She wound up in the hospital and never made it back to the theater. Chloe was heartbroken. But! They met up again during this show and now they are making sure they can continue contact. They have already exchanged emails and now phone numbers. I don't think they will go another year without talking again. lol

Jesse and I spent the time at Goodalle State park. It was beautiful! So quiet and peaceful. There were quite a few people there (at least 6 cars, which is a lot for this park). Many people were having picnics, some just letting the kids run and others were walking their dogs. Jesse swung while I just relaxed in my camping chair. It was perfect.

We picked up Chloe, then headed over to the auditorium at Camden High School. That place is gorgeous! Today was a three-hour rehearsal so I actually got to go home. The rest of the week you will find me in the right wing trying to coax 114 children to stay behind the line and stop them from talking. Wish me luck!

We went through a drive-thru coming home. It has rained all week (it seems) so John wanted the girls to be able to get outside with their pellet gun and bow tonight. They had a great time. I was inside working on a project listening to both dogs whine, because they could not go out too. Poor puppies. Not! This afternoon I forgot I had let Hank out. He was out for over an hour. I suppose he got bored because when I called him in he had "dirt" all over him. I tried to wipe him off with a moist paper towel to discover it was not dirt. Oh, no! It was poop! Really, Hank?! So to the bath he went. Crazy dog!

Somehow our funny bone is often tickled at night

Last night was no exception.

We had retired to our rooms. The girls were trying to fall asleep and John and I were watching TV and reading, respectively.  Suddenly, a loud bang came from the front porch. John and I both got up. I tried looking outside, while keeping Hank inside (he still believes an open door is an open invitation to go outside...we're working on that one still). Finally, I got out the front door looked left to wide-eyed frightened cats then noticed at my foot a weird wet "cat". I looked down and there, a mere, 8-inches from my foot was a small opossum. Yep, a opossum on the porch! I came back in immediately informing every one of my find (by now the whole house was awake). John got a long stick and pushed it off the porch. I found it more amazing none of our cats hissed or anything. The only noise had come from the opossum tipping over an empty container. Of course, that was enough noise to set both dogs to barking wildly.

Tonight is our only night off from rehearsals until after the show. Chloe is going to help a friend run lines over the phone and I don't know what the rest of us will do. I am looking forward to one night at home.

Sunny today and snow tomorrow?!

Today was absolutely gorgeous! So glad John was home today; therefore, no school. We took a short trip to the zoo. Short because all the food places (except pizza) were closed today. I'm not sure who decided that, but we saw quite a few families leaving at lunch because of it. The weather was perfect. And we had fun while we were there.

Chloe got up this morning, put on her coat and shoes then went right out to swing. lol  Jesse is harder to wake up, so she didn't swing until we got home from the zoo. I think they spent about an hour swinging this afternoon. Crazy! But I'm glad they are enjoying them.

Chloe had rehearsal tonight. I really don't think they will have rehearsal tomorrow and maybe not even on Wednesday, if it stays as cold as the meteorologists are saying. Opening night is Friday and I'm really hoping everyone knows their parts. Costumes haven't been handed out yet either. My fear is Thursday night is going to be L.O.N.G. Oh! If you haven't ordered tickets yet, then you are out of luck. I heard tonight the show is a sellout.

Lesson learned: Sometimes I have to be reminded that my thoughts are different from others. Tonight was one of those nights, but not knowing this person I kept my thoughts to myself. While she was judging, I thought okay I'm not going to judge her based on this one point. Then there was another point. And more points. And then more. By the end of the night, I decided she is not the type of person I would associate with personally. I don't agree with many of my friends on many topics, but we don't judge each other. We accept each other. That is the key.

A sick day??

Okay, we flub it a little. Chloe was suppose to go to rehearsal today. Instead, I called her in "sick" and we went to see my parents. We were originally going to go visit last weekend; however, Dad was still feeling bad from a shot he had the Monday before. I felt a little better today, so I think it was a good call.

Today was also the day my parents got to meet Hank, and our first long car ride with him. He did really well. He even licked my Dad twice, something my Dad usually doesn't let a dog do. I finally asked Dad what he thought. "Do you think I can make a dog out of him?" He shrugged his shoulders, but I think he believes there's a chance. LOL He was a good boy...most of the day. ;)

And of course, the first thing the girls had to do when we arrived home was to run to the backyard and swing for a few minutes. They are loving it and looking forward to spending some time swinging...before it snows. LOL

A Swing!

Yes, we are John is insane. Yes, when it was 27 degrees outside this morning, John and I were outside putting together a swing for the girls. Did it go smoothly? Yes and no. We bickered over the best way to start, so starting took awhile. But once we got going it went fairly well. We got the A-frames in the ground and the large beam on (not secured) before I had to go inside to get ready to take Chloe to rehearsal.

While Chloe and I were gone, I received a text with a picture of a completed swing. And a note from Jesse saying she had already tried out her swing. Chloe ran straight to the backyard when we got home to get a few minutes of swinging before dark.

John told me during dinner that he swung too and tomorrow, or Monday, I need to swing too. At least we will no longer have to be on the look out for a nearby playground with a swing.

A day to remember...yesterday

Yesterday was just one of those days. Seems like there is at least one in every week. We left out early to run a couple of errands. Yes, we always seem to have an errand, or two, to run. However, our errands out did not coincide with lunch, so we missed having lunch with John.

Dinner did not go as I had wanted. Okay, it went as I originally planned; however, the original plan was for Wednesday (and rehearsal), not Thursday and taekwodo. Yes, it does make a difference. It makes a difference to my hernia when I eat and how soon after I exercise. Anyway. We had meatloaf. I love meatloaf and yesterday's was awesome, even without the ketchup cooked on top (per Chloe's request, who does not like ketchup).

Twenty minutes before we left for taekwondo, I received my second call, that day, from Master Mike asking if I could teach all three classes. Well, I suppose since I'm not going next week and he is covering my classes then, I could cover his yesterday. I should have known then things would not go well for classes. The first class none of our yellow belts came. I knew one would be out, because he was going to be Chloe's ride to their rehearsal. Then about eight minutes after class was to begin, a brand new student came for class.

This is the student who came and left a week or so ago. He was too funny. I think he listens to his Mom better than his Dad (who brought him first time), or she just knows how to talk to him to get him to do things. She did tell me he is going to be rough. He is disrespectful to her; I assured her that is one thing we focus on. She knew that because her oldest has been there almost as long and Chloe and I. She may start too. Fun! Especially since I lost my other Mom and kids to Master Mike's new school.

The next two classes had most of the students, but everyone was unruly. Not sure what was in the water at the schools, but I think they need to look into it. I did have one moment. One of those moments that help you remember why you are there. Why you love teaching these unruly kids who love to push your buttons and push their limits. Some of the students came in late to the second class, so I had the other two sit and wait. I told them to be quiet a few times, when one asked why I didn't have to be quiet. "Because I'm the instructor. Right, Sahil?"

He responded, "No. Because you are the cool instructor." And flashed a big smile. Love that kid! He is new to us. He came in as a green belt, so he didn't have me as his instructor at the beginning. He has only been there three months. It is nice to know he is liking the class. :)

Today has not been great. We ran our errands, yep, more errands. No, we couldn't have done them yesterday. One was Chloe volunteering at the library. By the time we were on our way home, I had a migraine from Hades. When we came home the girls fixed their lunch and mine. I wound up falling asleep in my chair with my heavy coat and hat still on. I was still freezing. I'm feeling better after the nap. John still wants to build the swing today. He and the girls are in the garage, as I type, finishing up the drilling. I'll go out and help him when he is ready to move it to the backyard and put all the pieces together. Until then, I'm staying inside and trying to stay warm.

And just in case you were wondering, no rehearsal tonight! The only night for the next nine days we'll be home. John is going to have lots of "me time", so he should be in a good mood. lol

Days like this are just fun!

Wow! You never know how a day is going to go when you wake up in the morning. I mean, really!

It started quiet enough. Our usual morning routine. Jesse volunteering, while Chloe and I ran a couple of errands. Lunch at home (much to Chloe's dismay), then some cleaning. Okay, the cleaning was not really cleaning but organizing. Our closet is now reorganized. Woohoo! The plants have all been moved and their old table is now in our bedroom.

We had a visitor today. We don't get them often, but this was my favorite Jehovah Witness. She always cracks me up and we have such a good talk. Today's talk was brief because it was cold and windy out. She never comes in, but always makes sure I have something to read. And yes, I do read all of her pamphlets...in case you were wondering.

Tonight was also another rehearsal for Chloe. Which reminds me, that people are funny. Now, the girls have not done a play in Columbia since last January, so there are quite a few "new" people who have never seen us there before. I was trying to sign-up to volunteer and the nice lady at the table was trying to con me. (First of all, never con a con. It doesn't work.) "Oh," she said, "I heard the Green Room is the funnest job". Yes, "funnest". Um. Yeah, lady, sure it is that is why the third Green Room person is now called "Green Room Bouncer". Tell it to someone else I'm not buying today. :)

I have to tell you a story. I'm being stalked. No, really. When I say the name, some of you will roll your eyes and be in total belief. Alex. Yes, he is stalking me. I'm not kidding. You see it happened three weeks ago. Master Mike has a new class on Mon/Wed nights at another rec center. Alex is now teaching there. Three weeks ago, I was at B&N while Chloe was at rehearsal. He just happen to come in and saw me. He has been there now every week for three weeks after class. Tonight, however, things went a little different.

Rather than sitting in the café, my friend and I went to the kids book section to watch her baby so her oldest could make a few phone calls. I was hoping this way I could avoid Alex. Well, it worked...up until we left. I'll skip some of the slap stick comedy once I saw Alex. What happened in the end was we were all running toward the door, when I saw Alex inside the mall on the other side of the glass wall we were all running down. I laughed so hard I almost cried. He turned around to come back to the door to speak. I cannot wait for this show to be over. lol

John was busy tonight too. While we were out, he went to Lowe's to buy the wood for the swings. He is hoping to get it built before the weekend, but I'm not sure how since I won't be here to help hold the wood. However, once he gets something in his head, he usually does it. :)

So much

There always seems to be so much going on with our lives. John bought some items to build the girls a swing. They love swings, but then so do I. He still needs to buy the wood, but I'm not sure when. He was originally talking about building it this weekend, but after seeing the weather he may adjust his timeframe. Then last night, Chloe had rehearsal. Jesse helped watch a friend's baby, so she and I could talk.

Today was busy! I think I finally sat down about 3:20 (except for driving). We went to the commissary, the doctor's office (two different ones for flu shots), the dump, and Target. Of course, tonight was also taekwondo night.

Chloe had a surprise today. Chloe checked the mail today (Mon/Tues are her days) and found a package for herself. She was very surprised. She was even more surprised to see it was from her cousin Lawson. Inside the package she found two, fuzzy PEZ dispensers that she really liked. I have to say I think it made her day. :)

Too much at once

Well, I admit I did not do any cleaning today. I took a look at my calendar for the next few weeks, then decided I should take today to relax. I won't get much time to relax in the upcoming weeks. Chloe will have rehearsal for "The Wizard of Oz" every day for the next week-and-a-half leading up to the four shows. Speaking of this, tickets are now available to purchase on-line. Just go to the Columbia Children's Theatre's website to the YouTheatre section to purchase a ticket. :)

Tonight both girls auditioned for "Alice in Wonderland", at the Kershaw Fine Arts Center. They will find out if they get a part at the end of this month. Rehearsals for that play will begin mid-February. Yes, it is theatre season in the Morgan household.

As if that were not enough, Jesse is preparing to get her fourth degree black belt at the end of February. She'll even get a new pair of pants, with a black stripe. :)  Most of our fourth degrees graduate high school shortly after, so you rarely see anyone other than Master Mike wearing them. I think she is going to enjoy being a little different from everyone else for awhile.

I have to put a note in about Hank. Hank has now decided that the men in the house should stick together. His favorite place to lay down is now John's lap. Tonight Hank jumped onto John's lap, sat down, then stuck his nose really close to John's face. lol  Rosie still likes to go up to Hank and poke him with her nose. It is adorable because he just stands there while she does it. She really likes Hank.

Its been a couple of days. Whew!

Welcome to our world...it gets crazy around here!

Chloe had her second rehearsal for the "Wizard Oz" last night. In and of itself, not so bad; however, last night we also had to make icing for cupcakes we were delivering today. Add both of those things to spending two hours at the library, laundry and Hank patrol and that makes for a long day.

Jesse had some good news yesterday. She found out she is the library's Winter Spotlight Volunteer. She was so excited. And she received a gift card too.

Hank is adjusting well. Rosie likes him; she keeps nudging him with her nose. And today she rested her head on his neck, as they were standing in the living room. It is too funny.

First rehearsal down

Chloe's first rehearsal of "Wizard of Oz" was tonight. I think she had fun, but really didn't enjoy a few boys bad mouthing Harry Potter. She decided her next rehearsal she is taking a Harry Potter book to read, while she waits for part, just to make a point. ;)  I like her spunk.

Jesse and I got to hang out at Barnes & Noble with our friends Grace, Avery and Julia. That Avery is a mess, of course most one-year-olds are. lol  We had a good time enjoying a good snack and some conversation. I think I hogged the conversation though with pictures from our Disney/Lego trip. Of course, they were at Disney at the same time. We knew that would happen one day. Of course, she won't know I feel bad (unless I tell her) because she no longer loves me enough to stalk our blog. Of course, it could have something to do with that little one-year-old too. :)

I think we just (and I mean just two seconds ago) decided on a new school name. Ours, up to this year, has been Morgan Primary. Now, unlike some states our school name is ours and we can change was we want. And since Jesse is no longer in Primary we needed a new name (for book ordering purposes). Morgan Learning Academy will be our new school name. I wonder they will want a new mascot??

Still moving forward

Here has not changed much in the last 24 hours. There was some growling, baring of teeth and snapping but it was mostly to the humans in the house. Someone does not liked to be picked up; however, I'm not convinced he won't run out of the house when the door opens, so being picked up is going to be in his future for awhile. lol

Jesse is finally starting to make me a hat. She made herself one a week, or so, ago and I asked her to make me one too. I'm excited. I am going to post a picture of all the things she has made in the last few months. She has been very busy!

Chloe has been working on her own list of activities. She is looking forward to working some agility activities with the house guest and she is loving going out to run with him too.

We finished our school work today too! And we worked on cleaning the classroom. We figured with our house guest we should clean so he doesn't eat anything he shouldn't. Not sure if he would, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I still need to find a reading book for Chloe to start tomorrow and work on scheduling Jesse's math, but we are ready to start the week. And what a crazy week it will be.

We go back to taekwondo this week, after being off since the week before Thanksgiving. Chloe starts rehearsals for "The Wizard of Oz" at CCT. Jesse will finally get back to volunteering at the library; they were closed the last two Wednesdays because of Christmas and New Year's. I'm sure there are other things on our calendar, but for right now that seems enough for me. :)

Chloe and "Music Man jr."

I have already posted the pictures from "Music Man jr.", but I have not told you the full story of Chloe in the play.

When the cast list originally came out, a part had been created for Chloe, "Hazel". At the time I wondered why a part had been created rather than just giving her a part. She was paired up with a 10yo named Gabi. Gabi was one of the sweetest people. In less than a week, whenever she saw me come into the theater she would hug me then skip off.

It was not too long after rehearsals started that we learned Gabi is diabetic. We found out when the battery on her pump was low so she had to leave early. The remaining rehearsals went well. And, as Candy planned, whenever you saw Gabi you saw Chloe, whether it was on stage or backstage.

The night before opening, Gabi fell ill. I found out after rehearsal her sugar shot up to well over 600. Candy told Chloe to make sure she knew all of Gabi's lines and cues "just in case". It was then Candy told us Gabi's mother had told her early on Gabi was diabetic and that is why she created the part for Chloe, as a "just in case." Well, Thursday Gabi was put in the hospital. Overnight her sugar fell to 19. She was taken off of her pump while they manually tried to level out her sugar. The problem was Gabi had gotten the flu and they could not keep fluids in her.

Opening night Chloe was scared. She was used to having Gabi holding her arm at every turn, and now she was alone (on a stage with 73 other students). No Gabi. I worked backstage that night, so when she came off she stood with Candy and myself. I asked Chloe what she was going to do the following night while I was watching, "I'll be with "Gracie"!" (Gracie was Gabi's character's name.)

Well, opening night came and went, so did Friday and Saturday. Still no Gabi. At Sunday's show I heard Gabi had 17! people coming to see her in the play. Of course, they were not coming because she was still in the hospital. It broke my heart. She had worked so hard and she was missing all of it. Gabi was finally released from the hospital on Monday. Chloe was "Gracie Shinn" for the entire play. But all Chloe wanted to do was to perform the play one more time so Gabi's family could see her as "Gracie Shinn", even without the sets and costumes.