Phantom of the Opera

Emily and I went to see Phantom yesterday. I have gotten pretty darn good at taking photos of us holding the camera out. I really like this picture of us and love that the chandelier is in the background.

Emily actually had tickets for next weekend which we did not realize until we got there. Luckily for us, they were able to switch them out for seats for that show and we still had a wonderful view of the stage. I have not seen this show in so long it was almost like seeing it for the first time.

Now I just need to get tickets for Wicked which is coming this summer. I REALLY want to see that one.

Girl Scout Cookies

I have to say that my heart swelled with pride last weekend when I took Ashleigh out to sell Girl Scout cookies. I was amazed that she would go to the door, ring the bell and say the script. The reason this made such an impression on me is that a year ago she would have been too scared. She sure has grown up this past year!!

Goals/resolutions

So yesterday I helped Emily color the stamped image for Grace's birthday invitations. It was fun using the Copic markers mom gave me for birthday and xmas. Unfortunately I don't have a sample to show you but once I get my invitation I will upload a picture.

So while at crop last night they had a sign about what are your scrapping goals. So I got to thinking that I only have a couple of projects I really want to get done this year.

1. Frame for Ashleigh - I am going to stamp all types of things on a photo mat to put in a frame for Ashleigh.
2. Scrap Disney trip - I am planning on doing this once I have the next one done
3. Get caught up on all my journaling

So I figure if I get those three done it will be a productive year. I will of course still do calendars for Mimi and Gramie.

So that is all I got for today. Later.

Happy New Year

Well it is not new year just yet but I wanted to share a couple pictures from our WONDERFUL christmas we had this year. Ashleigh had a HUGE christmas receiving lots of toys and gadgets. I also had a HUGE christmas giving myself a Wii. I have been playing pinball non stop and am having hand cramps ;)

We have had such a blessed year and look forward to what 2010 will bring.

Loree

The new man in my life

Every year, the ladies in my office participate in Secret Santa. This year I was shocked when I open my office door and find this....

a life size cardboard cut out of Edward Cullen from the Twilight movie. Every time I look at it I just crack up!!!

Tea Party

I went to Christmas Tea with some good friends this past Saturday. We had a blast as usual and everything was excellent. I was looking at the pictures and thought I would look at last years again. I was amazed at how different I look and thought I would share.

ICE at the Gaylord Resort

We went to see the ICE display at the Gaylord Resort on Saturday. Everything in the room was ice. They even had a slide made of ice. It was so cool to see the talent the ice shavers exhibited in making this wonderful display.

Parent Teacher Conference

So we had Ashleigh's parent teacher conference this past week. I have not been posting lately due to work but I did want to share. Her teacher said Ashleigh was reading above her level. She jumped a level over the summer which is uncommon. I guess those trips to Borders to spend her savings on a book have really helped her stay interested in reading. We will continue to encourage her since I firmly believe reading is the pathway to success.

Her teacher also mentioned Ashleigh has a healthy self concept (I guess that is their buzz word), self confidence and self esteem. I could have told her that. I would rather that than a terribly shy introvert child like David and I were. She has plenty of friends which I think is good for her.

Her only issue is that Ashleigh does not get her work done timely. She gets distracted and frequently has to finish work up later. I know Ashleigh HATES to write so that slows her down.

All in all I think Ashleigh is doing great in second grade and will continue to thrive!