Dancing and Birthday Parties

 Our little dancers, Madison & Breanne had a short stage show this past month. It has been really fun to watch them develop in dance over the year. Madison especially has come to develop a passion for dance, works hard and looks forward to practice every week. Their team performed a very smooth show to "Magic." The words fit Madison like a glove,

Do you believe in magic
in a young girls' heart?
How the music can free her
whenever it starts
oh it's magic...

And Madison sang along the whole performance!

It seems to this momma that I am a level-headed, not over-indulgent parent. However, there are a handful of times that I become a complete pushover! For example, I don't think my parents would have every let me buy an Easy Bake oven...but Breanne just had to have one. And they had a blast "cookin' with a lightbulb" (as Madi sang..she's into writing songs) even though their first endeavor tasted ummmm...alright. It's not the taste but the experience that counts, right?

 Derrick has been hard at work on the past month of Saturdays building with his hands. He has built some amazing shelving in our basement. My canned goods now have a home (not a box) and the camping gear a special spot as well and lots of other goodies too! I am so lucky to be married to such a well-rounded man!

Aliya announced this Monday on her way down the stairs, "It's Sadie's Birthday today." Who knew March 18 was the "Canadian Girl" Doll's birthday? Breanne so graciously agreed to bake Sadie her own Easy Bake Oven Birthday cake (this one tasted better) when she got home from school. Breanne talked Aliya into having Sadie turn 2 because that was the coolest candle we had on hand. They wrapped presents for Sadie and she had her weekly hair appointment with mom. We sang "Happy Birthday" and Aliya blew out the candle because we wouldn't want a two-year-old to get hurt. Everyone keeps telling this momma that someday I'll look back and miss these days.

 Sadie has also been living the life of luxury in her new $4 built from Dollar Store Treasures bed. Beat that...$94 on the American Girl Doll website.

Snow Cream

"Okay, so I need you to have sort of plan for your day today so we don't all go crazy," I announce at breakfast anticipating the snow day ahead of us. Ideas are blurted out one of which includes making "Snow Cream." Great idea. Let the pictures be your own tutorial the next time you get a foot of snow!

The big sisters bundled up to gather the snow.

Dang it, that milk in the bag is a bugger to pour. Let mommy intervene.

Start with 4 cups for clean snow.

"Mom, I promise the snow was white when we brought it in....Oh, the milk made it yellow."

Add 1/2 c. milk, 1 tsp. vanilla & 1/4 c. sugar.

Be sure to take turns stirring.

Breanne takes a taste. Oh, this one is a keeper. In an instant, she adds with permanent marker to the recipe they found on youtube: "Snow Craem." Madison makes a spelling correction.

Recipe

4 cups clean snow

1/2 c. milk

1/4 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla

Dish it up any way you like it...but beware. It melts really fast!

Anything but frozen and lifeless

Winter can seem so dull and lifeless, but spend ten minutes around this house and you'll realize that although everything is frozen and dead outside, our little girls are full of life and energy. This winter has been a pretty busy season.

After the first of the year, Breanne began piano lessons. She is thriving! It appears to be her niche. She delights mom and dad's ears by playing constantly. One afternoon, I walked down the stairs to the sight of her at the piano playing away in her pajama pants and her headphones around the neck blaring upbeat music. "Very interesting," is a phrase often used at our house. Indeed.

Aliya began swim lessons in January and just finished her first session, passing her class. She's being very brave and enjoying the social interaction.

Breanne's entry: "Can an egg float in salty water?"

Madison & Breanne both participated in the Science Fair at school. We're very much the newbies around here and I'm constantly saying, "I don't know, this is my first rodeo..." It was a learning experience and the number one thing we learned was....don't procrastinate until the last night to finish! 

Madison's project: "What are the primary colors of light?"

We made a drive down to Pipestone to help cut and package up beef at Lucas and Kelly's. We were blessed to bring home lots of beef, learned much about the cuts of meat and enjoyed time with family! 

Brae & Bre

Good thing we have a boy cousin who likes to drive the 4-Wheeler and tie up the sleds.

Oh Chloe and Aliya...don't eat yellow snow!

 We were also able to watch both Carter and Braelyn get baptized at their church. 

 On President's Day, Madison was busy stitching up a present for Auntie Kayla who is now the owner of Madison's second pajama pant project. I don't think Madi's starting a business anytime soon...it was a long day of stitching, although a successful one!

We were saddened to hear of the Giffey's friend passing away unexpectedly over a week ago. They made a fast dash up to Ottertail, MN and our home was a stopping place for them on their journey. Even though the time is was short and the reason for the visit so tragic, we were blessed to see all these Tennessee faces and have good times sharing games, laughs, and even stomach bugs...oh well!

At the beginning of February, Madi and Bre had a sleepover with a few friends...the night was full of Rock Band, fort building, dolls, fashion shows (complete with hair and make-up), pizza, popcorn, candy and a movie.