May 2018

May Day is usually my favorite day of the year. But, this year it was rainy and gloomy most of the day. So, we're going to pretend that May 2nd is actually MAY DAY! Alexa had duet with Kenzie and since Kris is on vacation, Amy Jo stepped in and assisted them. Alexa has a terrible cold, so she went straight to lay in her bed when she got home. Poor baby. I was able to get a work out in and a run and then relaxed and read my book while Alexa rested. Lilli read to me when she got home from her 'fun book'. Adam had dance practice.

6 months after their birthday's we were finally able to coordinate Jolene and Tammy's gift - a wood sign making class. I can't believe it took us this long to find a class that worked for all of us to be there. But, we did - finally! And it was so worth the wait. We had a blast. The class was at the Bourbon Butcher. We actually drilled the wood together, stained it and painted with stencils. It was so much fun. We had a few drinks and some apps in between and all of our signs turned out so neat. Each one was so unique and different. Adam was in charge of the girls. He picked them up from dance, fed them dinner and then they went to the McCabe's to hang out. The girls and Emily made up a dance routine to one of the Greatest Showman songs.

A big day for us! The girls have been counting down the days until their trampoline arrived from Amazon. And today is the day. I saw through our security cameras that it arrived late morning and we have someone scheduled to come set it up around 5. It was finished getting set up right when Lilli got home from dance. Her and I jumped on it for a good half hour and then it started to rain. we wished the rain away so Alexa could jump when she got home, but it continued to rain anways. Poor Alexa. She waited ALL DAY for this. She jumped a good 5 mins or so in the rain and then we all ran in, soaked. Thankfully the weekend weather looks perfect so she'll be able to jump as much as she wants.

Friday night we had the Beissel's over for pizza dinner and to talk about New York. Our trip is coming up fast! We have debating wheather or not we want to go to a broadway show. We do, of course, but don't want to spend the money, so I guess that's the debate. We may have found another option with a fun bubble show, but we'll see. After pizza, we went to the garage to set up for Cinco de Mayo. The neighbors came over and it ended up being a much later night than we had wanted. But, it was nice to get to know our new neighbors a little more.

We were up early for dance Saturday morning and then putting last minute touches on our Cinco de Mayo party. Adam finished up some cooking, I ran a few errands and went for a run. Then, at 2pm our guests arrived. It was such a beautiful day. We were able to sit in the sun and the kids played in the backyard, jumped on the trampoline and wandered through the back woods. They found an old abandoned farm and collected some old rusty treasures. We had the most delicious food (fajitas, tostadas, and fish tacos, guac and chips) and drinks (Jolene brought an amazing margarita recipe). Jeff handmade a pinata - a pig, for the kiddos and filled it with fun candy and bubbles and other trinkets for the summer. It was a blast. We have the BEST group of friends.

Sunday morning we got up and cleaned the garage. Not going to lie, Adam did most of it. I took a short moment and enjoyed a cup of coffee on my porch. We grabbed a quick lunch at Wendy's as a family before everyone came back. The girls brought their dream duffel's and dance costumes and we had a fun little photo shoot on the trail in the back yard. The pictures turned out just beautiful. We can't wait to surprise the girls with them - thinking we might make them into books. Then, we quickly ran back up to the house to surprise our friend Chuck for his birthday. We told him Emily forgot her shoes from the day before, so he brought her over after her dance practice to pick them up. Tammy ran over quick while he was picking her up. Adam was outside grilling leftover food and opened the garage door, where we were all standing and screamed Happy Birthday. We totally got him. He was completely surprised, and may of even had a little tear in his eye. The crew was back for Cinco de Seis and Feliz Cumplianos to Chuck and finished off the leftovers. The perfect ending to the best weekend.

I made 4 trips to downtown Farmington on Monday. 3 to the dance studio (1 to drop off Lilli, 1 to drop off Alexa and 1 to bring Alexa her dance bag (she accidentally grabbed Lilli's)) and then to the library with Lilli. There are evenings where I feel like I spend more time in my car than anywhere else. Adam picked up groceries on his way home and then ate his dinner solo on our front porch while Lilli and I were at the library. Lilli jumped on the trampoline with our neighbor, Riley, while I made her dinner. Before I knew it, it was 8 o'clock. I sent Lilli up for a shower and Adam and I took a walk around the neighborhood trails. It was such a beautiful night. Soon, Alexa was home and we snuggled in to watch the 2nd half of American Idol.

Tuesday was a gloomy day. We didn't get as much rain as I thought we were supposed to, but it was enough to keep us from being outside. Adam had dad's dance practice. Alexa and I watched Trading Spaces and Lilli read to me when she got home from dance.

With no church Wednesday evenings anymore, it was a pretty quiet night for the girls, which is just what they wanted and needed. It had been kinda gloomy and rainy most of the day but as soon as late afternoon/evening came, the sun came out, and it was pretty nice. Adam was able to go for a run and Lilli and I went for a bike ride. When we got home, Adam and I went out on another bike ride and found some new trails. The beauty is just never ending around our new neighborhood. It was a gorgeous night and everything is in bloom and turning green.

The girls both had their long nights of dance Thursday. I did a lower body workout and an ab workout and then ran a mile outside. Adam also went for a run. Then he had dad's practice while I did the laundry and snuggled in the den to read my book. He picked up Weng's on his way home and we had dinner together. Then I went back to reading while he cleaned up out in the garage. Lilli showered when she got home from dance and then played darts out in the garage with Adam until Alexa got home.

Friday we got the girls out of school early. I picked up Alexa at 12:30 and brought her home to get her hair and make up done for her last duet of the year with Kenzie. My first go-round of her hair didn't quite work out too well. The bobby pins were too tight and she was getting major headache, so I took it all out and started over. Make up went faily smooth - eyelashes are always a struggle since her own eyelashes are actually longer than her fake ones, but otherwise all went very well. Adam came home to change and then picked Lilli up around 1:30. We ran to Target quick to pick up a picture frame and print a picture of the girls and Ms. Kris, their coach. We got her a little gift for being such an awesome coach. A Hobby Lobby gift card, an inspirational journal and the picture and frame. The girls kicked off the weekend competition for Synergy and danced a little after 4pm. The did SO great. They scored 4.5 Stars and 3rd Place Overall. When we went back to the dressing room to congratulate them, their heads were hung low and they were not enthused at all. They were SO SAD this was their last time performing this dance together. It was very bittersweet. We went out for dinner with the Beissel's, Sharps and Budde's at a place downtown Hopkins.

Saturday morning I woke up at 6, wide awake and ready for the day. I went for a run, did an ab workout and then got myself ready. This was all about Lilli and I was so excited. Her dances for this competition were spread out about 40-45 mins apart, so there was no rush at all. We arrived there at 10am for her first dance, hip hop. The day was long, but it was so nice to have solo time with Lilli. I was able to give her my full attention which was so special. She did such an amazing job, too. She had tons of energy and sass! It's fun to see her develop and showcase her own little personality on stage. Her Hip Hop Dance (Moves Like Magic) scored 4.5 Stars and took 3rd Place Overall. Musical Theatre (Willie Wonka Jr.) scored 4.5 Stars & 10th Place Overall as well as received the Straight Out Of Broadway Award. Jazz (New York London Paris Milan) scored 5 Stars & 2nd Place Overall as well as a Choreography Award. Tap scored 4.5 Stars & 8th Place Overall. Lyrical scored 4.5 Stars & 9th Place Overall.

We went to dinner with the Beisse's and Sharp's at Culvers. It was early to bed for an early morning Sunday.

I got up at 4:30am Sunday to get myself ready. 1/2 way through I started slowly waking Alexa up. This day was all about her. And it just so happened to be Mother's Day, too. I wouldn't want to spend my special day any other way than watching my girls do what they love - dance. Getting her ready went as smooth as can be. One small glitch that she handled with the utmost amount of bravery and grace. She is a rock star beyond the wildest of measures. We arrived at the Hopkins High school around 7am and got ready and set up for the day. Alexa knocked one dance after the other out of the park and was done by 9am. Her dances were a little more back to back, but there was never any urge to rush. She killed it on stage. All her dances scored 4.5 Stars. The dad's grilled for all dancers and moms for mother's day. They set up a little spot in the back parking lot and we had hot dogs, brats, chips and cookies. It was so lovely. The weather was gorgeous - got a little sun even. Then it was back inside for one more dance - jazz production (We Built This City) and another awards show. They scored 4.5 stars and 2nd Place Overall. It was such an exciting day and I loved every second of it with my girls. There was one moment (many moments actually, but this one really stood out) that just melted my heart. Since Lilli only had one dance and it was later in the day, I did her hair and make up at the competition. Alexa always does the bobby pinning (for herself and Lilli) because she has this crazy technique that keeps the bottom of the hairstyle in really tight. Since we weren't at home and in our normal space, Lilli started to panic a little because Alexa wasn't there at the time to pin her hair. It would have been fine and we would have found her, but Alexa happened to walk through the dressing room at the right time and was able to calm her sister and get her hair pinned. It was just a little moment that showed how much Lilli relies on her big sister and really cared about her being there for her. And how Alexa is always seflessly there for her. And their parting exchange about brought me to tears.

Alexa: How does this feel Lilli, need any more pins?

Lilli : No, it feels really tight. Thanks, Alexa.

Alexa: No problem, Cruz. Love you.

Lilli: Love you, too.

And then Alexa was off and Lilli was ready.

Raising these two girls has been one of the easiest most natural things I've ever done. Most people say that motherhood is so hard. And trust me, there are moments. But, Alexa and Lilli have been so easy one us. I don't know if we can take the credit as good parents, or we just got lucky with exceptional kids..but, man are we lucky!

We went to Cane's for dinner on our way home as a family. We also stopped at Home Depot to pick out my Mother's Day present from the girls - 2 big white wooden rocking chairs for my front porch. The will accompany the beautiful pot of flowers that the girls surprised me with that morning. And the most beautiful and thoughtful handmade, handwritten cards. Adam and I took the dogs for a walk while the girls showered. I made popcorn and we all snuggled into our bed for American Idol. Lilli fell asleep in my arms and it was pretty much the most epic ending to the most amazing Mother's Day.

The girls had Monday night off of dance because it was the night after a long competition weekend. Alexa still had to assist her little Sparkle Kids at a make up class from a previous Saturday snow storm. Lilli's friend Sydney came over after school to play. They had a snack, played games and played with the dogs. It started raining so they couldn't go outside. We brought Alexa to assist and then I took Lilli and Syd to the library. We stopped for ice-cream at DQ on the way home.

Alexa had her spring choir concert Tuesday night. We snuck Lilli out of dance a little early so she could come watch. Alexa did amazing. She was even in a small ensamble in the first song, which she didn't tell us about, so it was quite the surprise. We took her out for McDonald's icecream afterwards.

Alexa assisted Isabelle's dance class Wednesday night. Only a half hour. Adam and Craig went to Home Depot and picked up my rocking chairs for the front porch that the girls got me for Mother's Day. I love them!

I enjoyed a few minutes out on my porch in the morning with my rocking chair and coffee. The sun was perfectly shining. Lilli joined me for a little bit. She played with the puppies in the front yard. Dance recital tickets went on sale promptly at 8am. I purchased 9 for the Saturday show and 2 for Sunday. The girls are so lucky to have so many family and friends coming to watch them perform.

We have gotten by all week without getting groceries. We've maganged 3 cold lunches for Lilli and even dinners for the girls when they've needed to eat at dance. Tonight, tho, we bottomed out and needed to go to Subway. I grabbed a couple subs and an extra for Lilli's lunch the next day. After the girls were both picked up for dance, I did a leg workout and then Adam came home and took my on a date to Menard's to get some filters for our AC and to The Crooked Pint for a drink and a burger. I love him so much. Little dates nights with him are my favorite. The rest of the night I spent driving carpools home from dance. First Lilli and Sophia and then Alexa and her pointe crew. The beg for DQ every night, but I went the cheap route and grabbed some ice cream treats at the dollar store. Lilli and Adam were playing darts in the garage when we got home. I stepped in and played with Lilli for a little bit. The stinker beat me. She loves to play darts and is actually quite good at it.

Adam took Friday off and worked on the yard all day. He mowed, fixed some sprinkler heads, etc. I helped when I got home, pulled weeds in the front yard and set up the bird feeders. Alexa went with her friends to take pics for the 8th grade semi-formal. We went to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. My parents came at around 8-8:30 just as it started to rain.

The girls had a busy dance morning on Saturday. And on my first trip out of the garage to take them, I backed into my parents car. Not a good start to the morning. Ugh! Then it was back and forth to the studio, getting an estimate on the car repair and taking Alexa to her friends dance show at the HS. Adam went to Bryson's to help put in their kitchen flooring. Lilli and I took my parent's to Pahl's Market to look at the flowers and outdoor decor. After Alexa got home from the show we went to Cane's for lunch and a couple stops at Saver's and Good Will. It was so so chilly that we weren't able to spend too much time outside. Alexa took us back into the woods behind our house where an old burn pit once was. My mom found a few treasures. When Adam got home we went to dinner at Carbone's and then came home and watched some of the royal wedding.

My parents left early Sunday. Adam and I got groceries and then took the girls to their leadership class at Synergy. We came back and took a long walk with the dogs and then back to pick them up. I sat out in the sun for awhile and finished my book and then we got things ready to grill. The Budde's came over for dinner. The kiddos played Gaga Ball and 4-Square.

When we were in Iowa for the girls' dance comp we went to a Mexican place right downtown for dinner. Adam and Jolene ordered margaritas and they were one of the best we've tasted. They were really light and smooth. Adam finally called the place and asked for the recipe and we recreated them Sunday night when the Budde's came over for dinner. Except we put used real limes instead of the lime juice. And Woah, was it ever tart. So we kept adding more ___ and water. And before we knew it Jolene and I were flat out drunk. Skipped the buzz and went straight to talking a mile a minute and getting the giggle fits. Off of ONE drink. And boy did I feel it on Monday. I was pretty much a wreck all day and when I got home I couldn't pull my body from the couch. It was awful and kinda funny at the same time. I don't get drunk. I hate having too much of a buzz and the worst is the aftermath of those things. So I avoid it at all costs. But, somehow Jolene and I managed to go from zero to drunk in about a minute. And I suffered.

It's my crazy busy carpool week this week. I dropped the girls and the Sharp's off at the studio and then back shortly after to pick up Alexa. Adam and I tag teamed dinner and made BLT's. Adam, Alexa and I rode our bikes to the Sharp's to check out the progress of their kitchen and then it was time to drop Adam off for dad's dance and pick Lilli up. I'm anxious for our busy week nights to come to an end.

I picked Lilli and Ellie up after school, brought them home to change and grab a snack and then off to dance. I sat and visited with Michelle until they were done and then brought Ellie home, picked Adam up and then we went straight to the school for Lilli's multi-age family picnic/farewell to Ms. Horn. We could only stay a short time and then had to get Alexa back to the studio to assit for Izzy. Jolene brought Lilli to extra ballet so she could stay at the picnic longer and then brought her home at 7:30. The girls showered and then we snuggled in to watch the finale of American Idol. Adam started his new bean bag league in Minneapolis.

The girls were off to dance and Adam and I sat on the porch for a bit, had dinner together - Adam made omlets and sausage. Adam had dad's practice at 6:30. I worked out. It started pouring rain, but I sat out on the front porch anyways (until the wind picked up and I started getting wet) and read my book anyways. We had a nice heavy rain come through and then again at 4am. Lots of lightning and heavy heavy rain.

Alexa had an ortho appointment/retainer check right after school. Despite me not thinking she wore her retainers enough, they said everything looked great and she only has to wear them to bed now. They've been bothering her a little since her molars are growing in and they didn't fit properly, so they cut them for her. They also said that she must grind her teeth at night because they are showing some wear. She goes back in 6 months and they recomend getting a new top retainer at that time. Overall, a quick visit. I can't believe she's through her braces stage already. Now, we're planning for Lilli's turn.

I've been promising Lilli tater tot hotdish for the past 2 weeks and finally came through Friday night. Adam and I multitasked in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning cupboards, the pantry, etc. After dinner we took the girls and pups on a long walk through the neighborhood then watched a movie in the basement.

Saturday was HOT like really hot. Excessive heat advisories haunted us the whole weekend, actually. We did some more cleaning and then went to the outlet mall in Eagan to shop for some summer stuff and some things for our trip. We ran into Eva Igo at Pac Sun. She got 2nd place on World of Dance. The girls were completely star struck. Alexa was in sweet dancer heaven and Lilli walked right up to her and asked for a picture. She's such a doll.

We hit up the Burnsville mall, too. We found some great deals and feel more prepared for summer. We stopped at Wendy's for dinner on our way home. And watched another movie in our cool basement.

Sunday was another cleaning day. We worked hard on our storage room, the laundry room, Alexa tackled the craft closet and Lilli and I organized the game closet. It felt really good to get those things done. We grilled that night for dinner, steak kabobs, burgers and brats. Adam also played a few bean bag games at Bogart's in Apple Valley in the afternoon. And Lilli had her friend Estella over to play.

Monday was my 36th birthday. I was able to sleep in (and not have to work - yay Memorial Day). I got snuggled from Adam and the girls and then they surprised me with a beautiful mosaic tiled table for my front porch. The girls wore be the sweetest notes and they even went to a park and cut some lilacs for me. They had a cup of coffee ready for me and everthing. Too bad it was a million degrees outside and I could only enjoy sitting out on my porch for about 3.5 seconds before I couldn't breathe. I spent several minutes just staring at my porch from our front window. We got ready and went to Chipotle for lunch. The girls are troopers and happily ate there with me. It's my favorite. We ran our errands, got groceries for the week and surprised my birthday buddy, Aubrey, with a balloon and Starbucks GC. We got home and went outside. The girls jumped on the trampoline with the sprinkler and I laid in the sun. Adam played bat and ball with the girls a bit and talked with the neighbors. Then I was completely surprised by our amazing friends with a fun pool party at the McCabe's. It was so hot so the perfect day to be in the pool. The guys grilled brats and hot dogs. It was awesome - we have the bestest friends ever. We went for a quick family walk around the loop when we got home. I loved it. Just how I wanted to end my birthday.

Back to reality on Tuesday. It's always hard to go back to work/school/dance after a long weekend. It rained a little mid-afternoon. I bought my birthday lunch at work - Pizza Ranch. Adam and I took a long walk after the girls went to dance. We got caught in the rain, kinda fun. It rained the rest of the night. Alexa came home for a quick dinner and watched most of The Bachelorette with me before she had to go back to dance for teacher/assistants practice. Both girls were home by 9. We showered and then started watching the premire of America's Got Talent. We could have stayed up watching much longer, but I had to call it quits and get the girls to bed before 10.

Our quiet Wednesday turned out to be anything but. The girls had regular jazz production from 4:30-5:15...then came back for dinner and watched World of Dance and then Lilli went back for an extra extra ballet class and Alexa went back even later for teacher/assistant practice. Adam was at bags until late. I did my work out and took the puppies for a walk. Lilli was having trouble falling asleep (she said her bed squeaked) so she slept with Alexa.

Lilli had her multi-age picnic at school. The 3/4 multiage got together with 1/2 multiage and walked to a nearby park for a picnic lunch and to play at the park. I got the girls' dinners made and off to dance. Cruzie and I played 2-square while she waited for her ride and Alexa and sat on the porch with the puppies while she waited for hers. I did a workout and waited for Adam to get home. We made BLT's together and then took the dogs for a long walk. We had a drink on the porch when we got back and then it was time to pick up the kiddos. They showered and we stayed up way too late watching the rest of America's Got Talent. One of the last acts was kind of scary, which Adam played into with the girls. So, Lilli slept with Alexa again.