progress

I am proud to say that, although not at the level that I dream of and have written about, I am making progress with my exercise regimen. I have been consistent over the last several weeks and have actually started enjoying the workouts! I have even gone on my own when my friend Monica can't join me. Now that's progress! Now if I could just master the housekeeping part . . .

I know it's crazy, but why can't I stay motivated when I know how much better I feel when I am consistently working out? I hate how I feel and how I look when I'm out of shape . Why isn't that motivation enough? One word--lazy. I've fought the tendency my whole life. But I'm feeling good about the gym right now, so if anyone wants to be consistent with me, come along!!

almost famous

The lip sync competition was written up in the local Sanger newspaper featuring Claire's picture. There's nothing like seeing your name--and picture--in print, even if it is in a small paper!

Here's the link to the article.

proud parents

Is that bad to say? Is proud bad when you've got great kids? I don't think so. We are just happy they're all doing well at what they enjoy and that they're happy.

Ellie began Kindergarten without the advantage of preschool, so she had a bit of a slow start. But she has made huge improvements and just received the Master Reader award for her class. Way to go Ellie! We're so proud of your hard work in school and at home!


Claire and Coleman performed in their school talent show a few weeks ago. Everyone expects this of Claire, but Coleman made his stage debut with his performance of Weird Al's "Couch Potato" which is the parody of Emenem's "Lose Yourself." He has the whole song memorized--it's quite amazing. He was a bit nervous and practically wrung the life out of that poor microphone, but he did a great job. Awesome Coleman!


Claire did a great job, of course, singing "Maybe" from Annie. She's been working on this with her voice teacher and remembered all the things she'd been taught. She looked adorable as well.


Now for the really exciting news. Remember this costume? Well, last night was the District finals for the lip sync competition. Here's Claire backstage before her performance of "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics.


And here she is showing off her 1st prize trophy! She won first for the solo competitors! She was very surprised because there were lots of very good acts. The boy with her is Nicolas who was first from their school and came in second in the district. She was one very excited girl last night! Great job Claire! We are so proud of you!


Sorry for the quality on all these indoor pictures. I can't seem to get the adjustments right. I am in desperate need of a Nikon class in Fresno--anyone, anyone?

a beautiful day

On Presidents Day we took a little hike up at Pine Flat Lake. It's always a good hike for the kids and adults alike. We took the Gages and Stef with us to enjoy the gorgeous day. After so much rain we just had to take advantage of the weather!

Coleman and his skull treasure

Krista and Jet--she got more exercise than I did :)

"The family and the cows regarded each other" (my version of "Babe")

Ellie and Heidi by the lake