Unimaginable.

Unbelievable.

Incomprehensible.

Truly a tragedy of the utmost horrific degree.

I tried to turn off the TV. I couldn't listen. I couldn't understand.  All I could was pray.  I prayed all day and night for those affected by the insane tragedy in Connecticut. 

We spent the night as a family- hunkered down, snuggled in, laughing and playing. And all I could think about were the parents of those who wouldn't be coming home last night. And of course the brave courageous staff who did what they could to save lives. 

Remember to thank a teacher today- for all they do and for all they are. 

Blessed are the Little's that found their angel wings...

Christmas in the Junction~ 2012

Every year, Valley Junction hosts a Christmas in the Junction- complete with carriage rides, carolers, and my favorite, wine tasting in every store!  It's the perfect girls night out and we had so much fun again this year!


Getting ready to shop~

Red cardinal tree, made me think of Grams~

So loved this for Rea's room but so did not love the price tag.  Maybe a project for someone I know that's really good with woodworking...hmmm...  :)

What to do when the cashier is busy ringing up my wine and fudge?  Why, take charge of course! Nette helping out behind the counter~

 We had to see Santa~

 Dinner at Cooper's on 5th. Seriously, if you don't have a date night/girl's night out planned, do it now and go straight to Cooper's.  Loved the atmosphere and the food was amazing.

 I know, I know... a food shot. But honestly, best bbq pork nachos I've ever experienced.  Complete with angels singing, unicorns flying and fairy dust. For reals.

Not to be outdone by the most delicious short ribs I've ever laid eyes on.  They called out my name with each bite.

Another wonderful Christmas in the Junction! 

Wordless Wednesday~ Snow Fun (albeit brief due to 50 degree temps in December!!)

All Things Dance.

It was a busy week for the Little. 

She happily started dance class in October and got to show off her hard-earned talents at her recital this past weekend.  She also got to shake her tail feather at the halftime show at the Iowa Energy game Friday night.  Crowds of hundreds staring down at her?  She took it as a challenge and rocked those tiny dance shoes.  That's my girl!

It started with recital rehearsal, where us mama's had strict demands to polish and shine the Little's. And by polish and shine, I mean ADD MAKEUP.  Have you ever tried to add mascara to a toddler's lashes? It reminded me of that one time when I was 10 and tried to give my cat a bath. It didn't end well.

So... forget the makeup. On to the hair.  Hot rollers? Nope.  Ponytail? Barely. Let me run a brush through the snarls?  You're outta your mind.  *sigh* 

At least she put on the costume... while exclaiming, 'Mommy this is too tight.  It's making my tummy sad.'  I may or may not have bribed with fruit snacks. Okay, I bribed.

Once we got through the initial why are we leaving the house when it's supper time, and she saw her friends at rehearsal, all was well- and she was even more excited to get up on stage. Things were looking hopeful for the recital!

Posing:

 At the rehearsal:

At the Iowa Energy game:

And finally the big day. The makeup went on a little smoother, the pony tail went in with no cries and she shimmied that outfit on like she was born to be on the stage. She really did great but the best thing of all, she had a blast!  I see many more dance recitals in our future. :)

The big day:

We are so proud of our Little!

Tis the season!

For SNOW:

Our first snow of the season~

For giving:

We visited Jolly Holiday Lights last night and Rea loved the displays....

For new traditions: 

Rea's Elf 'Elfie':

For remembering: 
My favorite Christmas decoration, a nativity scene given to me from my gramma. Love you Grams!

May everyone have a blessed holiday season!

She's tired of the camera.

Oh goody- we're in the 'toddler tired of the camera' phase. :)

I either get really cheesy grins:

Or the 'absolutely won't look at the camera no matter how much mommy begs':

 Or the 'Fine I'll look at the camera but I swear on my next bag of fruit snacks, I will.not.smile.'

Or the ride away...(while the neighbor watches me say over and over again- Rea look at the camera! Look at mommy! Say cheese!).  Nope.

Toddler livin. It ain't no joke.

Wordless Wednesday~ Protesting the toddler bed