Sad News

We didn't want to call everyone and have to talk about our sad news 80 million times, so yes, we are posting it on the blog.

We are no longer pregnant. We had a miscarriage last Friday.

We are very sad but doing fine.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Love, John and Julie

Hmmm, What's the Difference?

So, it is the last week of school and my little first grader is just not too happy about it. She is excited to be a second grader but just loves school so much she doesn't want it to end. Now I, on the other hand, can't wait for it to be over. I love having her around. She is a great big sister and a fun daughter. She makes me laugh and is very helpful. I'm also excited not to have to have anyone be anywhere by 9am in the morning! Wow - another year has come and gone. It's crazy to look back at the last seven years and all the changes we have been through. John and I talk about our selfish days, when it was just us two and we could do what ever we wanted with our time and money. I wouldn't change a thing but boy how life changes. Yeah - two more days and Jacee gets to stay home!!!!

We're having a Baby

Yep, It's true. We're having a baby. Due in January. Right now it's the size of a raisin.

(We've been calling it Rice Baby, so now it has

graduated to raisin baby.)

Left to her Own Devices

So, I have been feeling pretty crumby lately. Sick and tired and tired and sick. So...sometimes Maddie might be left to her own devices. Don't get me wrong. I feed them and make sure they start the day with clothes on and in general try to keep them safe. So, here is what Maddie came up with after I got them dinner ready (tacos) and I went to lie on the couch just for a minute.

I came back in the kitchen to find that she had made a "taco cake". Look at all those fun layers! Never been one to wish life away - but boy I can't wait for January to be here!

I Almost Can't Believe It

The lights dim, the anticipation for the music to start is evident on the dancer's faces as they await the music to start. They listen for their cue. The lights come up, and onto the stage they go.

I have performed in many, many concerts and I have directed so many children it is almost too numerous to count. But this time - it was my daughter.

Six years ago my husband and I decided to take a long-awaited break from directing our own teams to raise our children. We always said when Jacee was old enough, we would start a team again so she could dance. Well...she kept reminding me she was old enough - so we did it.

Our first year of the Saratoga Ballroom Company was a huge success. We had 30 dancers and they did a fabulous job. We did three shows in four days - whew! I think the kids all had a great time and I'm so glad we did it - even with all the costume drama and sewing on feathers last minute - we made it!

Jacee had fun with two cousins from my side - Kimble and Carter.

And one cousin from John's side - Tayler.

You can probably imagine the fun we had when 15 boys had swords to play with! Good times!

Thanks everyone for all your hard work.

And there is nothing like watching your own child dance - even if it is through a mist of tears.

Things I Want to Remember

Maddie - I'm a Big Girl Plincess

Jack - We can't disappoint Jacee

Jacee - Can we read Harry Potter?

Jack - I'm sorry for hurting you Jacee

Maddie - I can't walk - my legs are bloken

Maddie - Is this for me?

Jacee - Rice Baby

Jacee - telling me all about the boys at school

Jack - I'm going to blow you some slippery kisses

Jack - I'm a baby beaver and you're the mommy beaver. Mom - if we ever catch a beaver can we keep him for a pet?

Jacee - you look cute.

Jacee - mom, I think kids get some of the same talents as their parents (dancing), were you a good singer when you were little (no) maybe kids get one extra talent than their parents...

Maddie - Can I bring my stuff?

Jack & Maddie (thank to Isaac) What the heck?

Jacee - I think I'll be a star one day.

Jack- Wanna sea the underwear eating crocodile?

Jack - I need someone to play trains with me - will you play trains with me?

Maddie - Can you snuggle me?

Jack - Can you snuggle me?

Jacee - Can you snuggle me?