just dance (part 1)

Lyza had a 2008 Christmas season full of performances. Between 2 Dance Concerts and a Pre-School performance her schedule was jammed packed. Seriously...she is only 3 years old, I can't imagine what her life will be like when she is 15! Yikes....lets not think about that. Anyway, performing on the "Big Dance Stage" is an activity that Lyza LOVES! She always asks me when she gets to go to the Big Dance Stage again. I asked Lyza what her favorite part of dancing on the Big Stage was. She replied, "I love it when mommy and daddy clap SO SO loud."

OOO, Lyza I know what you mean. It is so much fun performing for an audience and seeing /hearing their reaction. You enjoy all of your opportunities to perform on the Big Dance Stage.

Sami, Thomas, Lyza, and Halle

Lyza has the most amazing extended family on both sides of her. She had an audience full of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins cheering her on at both of her Dance Concerts.

Here is a picture of one of our favorite people. Not only is she an incredible Aunt to Lyza but a fantastic dance teacher. We love you "Shaleeshee"

The only real picture I got of Lyza in this costume...I was struggling as a photographer this Christmas Season!!

Three Christmas's into her life and Lyza is still not so sure about this Jolly Man in the Red Suit. She likes the thought of him giving presents and riding in his sleigh with his reindeer...but up close and personal...she is not quite as excited.

One dance concert down and one left to go. Lyza, I am so glad you have the energy and passion in life to love being involved in fun activities. As always you make Mom and Dad so proud. And we will always be cheering the LOUDEST in the AUDIENCE for you EVERY TIME!!

wish you a very merry....

Holiday Season!!!

holiday casserole

2008 Halloween: Lyza a "good princess witch" and Seth a "friendly ghost."

You know how sometimes casseroles are just a combination of a bunch of stuff you had around the kitchen that you thought..."Hey this might go okay together?" Well welcome to my holiday casserole post!

I feel like life is so crazy right now, that I can't keep up with everything. I seem to always be 10 minutes late or if I actually make it somewhere on time...you can bet I have forgotten something and on occasion someone. So here is my holiday casserole post for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Oh and just so you know, at the rate I am going you can expect my Christmas post some time in February!

Thanksgiving at my parents house first and then at Steven's parents house later that night. Seth with Scott and Larissa, and all 3 sisters with all 3 babies.

And P.S...I can't figure out how to upload from photobucket to get my entire collage to show...I seriously have tried it 10 times and either it is medium (very small in the blog) or large as you see it here...half way cut off. Where is my computer geek when I need him. Any suggestions?

piece de resistance

Hey look at me mom...I am in this great big seat contraption thing. This is pretty cool, it comes with a pull out tray and everything.

Hey, what are all you guys doing? Mom, what is that watery looking stuff in that bowl? And why is Lyza signing the "food" sign to me? We only use that sign when we are going to nurse...that is kind of funny, but whatever.

Hey Ly Ly, I am not sure about this? Remember Mom says you can't ever put food near my mouth. Babies can't have food, I don't think Mom is going to like this? Hey Mom, aren't you going to stop Lyza from putting this spoon in my mouth?

Oooo, what was that? Kind of mushy, kind of different? Did I like that I don't know?

Yeah...I liked it!!! Can I have some more please?

shear maddness

What six month old needs a hair cut? Oh wait mine does!!!

Here are the results!!

" i think i will call him scrubby."

Since the day we brought Seth home from the hospital, Lyza has been calling him "my little scrubby." At first we thought it was something she would call him a couple of times and then drop it. Well here we are six months later and "Scrubby" it is.

I always think it is fascinating the nicknames that each child inherits. When Lyza was born everyone started calling her "Ly Ly", that was not the name I thought people would call her. I thought they would just shorten her name to Lyz or something like that. People do sometimes call her Lyz, but 90% of the time she is "Ly Ly."

So another nickname has been born. "Scrubby" will be officially etched onto Seth's "Nickname Birth Certificate." My Ly Ly and my Little Scrubby...I am one lucky lady.

six months of gifts

Seth 6 months old

First Month of Gifts = You were born with all your working parts. I knew your lungs worked the second I heard you scream. You came to us on an "Even Numbered Day." Even before you came to me you knew of my little "quirks" and you agreed to comply...for some reason Mommy just loves even numbers.

Second Month of Gifts = You slept through the night (well at least 6 hours in a row)...that is what I call a GIFT. You gave me your first smile. I worked hard for that smile, but you gave it to me and no one else.

Third Month of Gifts = You decided to take after your sister and give me the gift of a full head of luscious hair. This full head of hair decided to appear pretty much over night in this 3rd month.

Fourth Month of Gifts = You recognized me as your Mommy. You'd cry when I would leave the room and stop crying when I would come back in. That made me feel so important to you.

Fifth Month of Gifts = You rolled over for us this month. This is the gift that keeps on giving...because once you figured out how to give this gift, you just wanted to keep giving it, and giving it, and giving it.

Sixth Month of Gifts = For this month, you decided to be very generous with you gift giving. You gave us the gift of sitting up, holding your own bottle, and the appearance of your first 2 Teeth.

It has been such a great 6 months of receiving gifts from you. I hope you never stop giving of your gifts to others.

Always remember it is better to give then to receive.