April 2019

It's back to school after a wonderful week off for sprink break. We didn't go anywhere warm, but the girls' stay-cation was actually pretty nice. They got to hang out with their friends a ton and do a lot of cool things right here in MN!

Both girls had a great day back to school and were happy to go to dance. Adam had a NCAA training and I was home to do my workout, laundry, dinner and clean up. The girls were both super happy when they got home from dance. I braided Alexa's hair and then off to bed.

Today is the last day of the 3rd quarter for Alexa. Gosh, this school year is flying by! And now that it's spring, it will go even faster! Adam left early for work. They had a big dedication at North Commons for their new gym and park facility from a grant the got from the NCAA Legacy. It turned out amazing. That neighborhood sure deserves this awesome rec center! Cruzie went to the Sharp's in the morning. I'm busy spring cleaning at our office. It feels so good to purge. I made homemade mac and cheese for dinner and sent the girls off to dance. They both have come home with their ballet costumes this week. They're so beautiful.

We had "one of those days" on Wednesday. I picked Lilli up from school and the first thing out of her mouth was..."Mom, I think I broke my arm". Ugh!! After assessing her on my own, it looked swollen. I took her to the clinic and then sent Adam to take Alexa to duet practice. Lilli was triaged at the clinic and then sent right to Twin Cities Orthopedics in Burnsville. I needed to be at church to teach class by 6, because Jolene is gone, so I brought Lilli to the studio to Adam so he could take her to get x-rays and I stayed with Alexa. Alexa's practice went well, and Lilli's appt went well. Not broken but severely bruised. She's in pain, but can take it easy and take Advil for pain/swelling. I picked up the Budde kids for church, Taylor helped me out while Jolene was gone. And Adam brought Lilli a little late. Adam attempted a new recipe for dinner that I laid out for him. He was a little stressed when we got home because it didn't go as well as he'd hoped. But, we calmed down - had a great dinner and snuggled with the kids to watch World of Dance before bed.

The morning felt a little crazy. Adam left early to work apparel at the NCAA Basketball games. I drove the middle school carpool and then brought Lilli to the Sharps. I tried to leave early today to get to the office before Janik from Germany arrived. He's visiting from the REMS factory for the week. Lilli's arm is doing better, thank goodness. She wrapped it for the day and while at dance, which helped. They both had a great night at dance. I did my workout and threw the ball for Javie for over an hour. She's obsessed. And needs to be outside!

The girls and I had a girls night Friday night. Adam was working NCAA. We went to dinner at Cane's, picked up some snacks and things at Target and then home to go through their dance stuff to get ready for pictures the next morning. We snuggled up and watched a couple episodes of Gilmore Girls in our bed.

I got Lilli up early to do her bun for ballet pictures and Alexa and her got dressed and ready on their own, while Adam and I left and drove up to work NCAA clothing sales at the Hilton hotel downtown. Michelle picked the girls up for pictures..everything went great. Stacey brought Lilli to her house for lunch and to hang out. And Michelle brought Alexa to the Sharps after hip hop! The girls had a great day with their friends. Adam and I had a long day of sales but it was fun meeting so many cool fans. The Hilton was a carry over hotel for Texas Tech and Virginia. We saw many coaches and met a few of the players moms. We were there for both shifts 8am-7pm. Afterwards we met up with Craig, Chuck and Michelle and Beissel's Bar for pizza and drinks.

Adam worked NCAA again - both shifts. I took Lilli to Celts in the morning for a fun breakfast with her dance group. Then they had leadership until 11:45. We grabbed a quick lunch at Wendy's and the drove up to MOA to shop for semi-formal dresses for Alexa. We met up with her friend Miranda and her mom, Molly. The girls had a blast trying dresses on and they both found something beautiful. We picked up their shoes at DSW and will find some jewelry later. We stopped at Target for a few things on our way home and then snuggled in for some more Gilmore Girls and nachos for dinner. Adam got home and we watched American Idol. He also surprised the girls with Texas Tech & Virgina (final 2) sweatshirts.

Lilli went to the Sharps again in the morning. Adam worked NCAA - his last day! He's getting exhausted but excited for the championship! Stacey and Bryson worked the game so I picked Ellie up from school with Lilli and brought her to our house for dinner and got all the kids to dance. I had a quick drink at Bourbon Butcher with Tom, Steve and Janik and then came home to watch the championship game with Adam. They went into over time - such a close game. The girls wanted to stay up to watch - Virginia came out with the W over Texas Tech!

We had an intro to middle school meeting tonight at Dodge for Lilli. It was just an informational meeting for the parents. Since Alexa is so fresh in the school right now, the meeting seemed a little pointless to us, but I'm glad we went. Lilli is excited and wanted to know everything we learned. I can't believe my baby will be a middle schooler. I also got the confirmation that I was chosen to chaperone the Camp Pepin trip with Lilli in May! Yeesss!!

Janik left today back to Germany. We got a massive snowstorm - 6+ inches of snow. All after school activities were cancelled - dance, church, etc. Adam and I drove to Belle Plaine to attend my co-worker Steve's dads wake. Grabbed a quick bite to eat on the way home and put the girls to bed as soon as we got back.

We got the phone call at 5am that the girls' school was closed for the day due to the snowstorm, freezing rain and heavy winds. They were up bright and early ready to do their Flex Day homework. Adam broke a shovel trying to shovel out the driveway (our snowblower had been put away in our shed already). The wind blew like crazy all day with periods of snow and freezing rain! Kaylee and Kenz came over to hang out with the girls in the afternoon and run through their dances. I ran a few errands and then was home to pack up for the weekend.

We were up and ready to go by 7:45 Friday morning. We brought Javie to Tammy's moms house so she could watch her for us while we were in Iowa. Javie was so excited to be in a new place and smell all the new smells. She was also super excited to see her friend, Chloe. It was easier to say goodbye to her knowing she was in good hands. From there we met up with Beissel's, Buddes and Sharps at Kwik Trip downtown for a quick snack and to fill up with gas. We left around 8:30 for Dubuque. We caravanned the entire way and stopped in Decorah for a fun breakfast at a little cafe. We arrived at our hotel in Dubuque around 1 - got to our room an started the party. Adam and I had a king suite which was super nice and spacious. We got Alexa and Mackenzie ready together for their duet. There was a tunnel from the hotel right to the convention center which was also very convenient. We were able to buzz over and watch Taylor's solo and then head out for dinner before duet. Alexa and Mackenzie nailed it. They scored a Platinum - 1st in their division and 1st place overall. We were so excited and proud of our girls. We head back to the hotel after awards and Synergy passed out the dancer survival kits. The girls hung out in our room and we sat in the lobby bar for a little bit.

I got Lilli up early to get ready for hip hop, her first dance of the day. She did such an awesome job. Between her dance and awards I snuck back to the hotel and got Alexa ready. The day was split with all of Lilli's dances first and then Alexa's in the evening. I love being able to give my full attention to both girls. We had Jimmy John's for lunch back stage. The girls danced their hearts out. Lilli's lyrical was the best we'd seen them. Just beautiful! They all scored so well and several dances placed. The big winner at the end was Alexa's tap - Moses Supposes. They scored a Diamond rating and 1st place overall. They also received a judges choice award! Alexa's jazz also won a "crowd pleaser" award. We celebrated with drinks and dinner at a fun place down the street. The kids hung out in one of the rooms together until 1am.

We slept in on Sunday and then had breakfast with our group before we made our way back home to Minnesota. We made a couple stops for snacks and potty breaks. We got back home just before 5 and picked up Javie. She was so happy to see us. I unpacked all our things and started laundry, the girls did homework and showered and Adam cleaned the cars. We had popcorn for dinner and snuggled in for some World of Dance and American Idol. It's nice to be home and in our own beds. So super proud of our girls and how they behaved on and off stage all weekend.

The girls had a wonderful day back at school. And Dana gave them all a night off from dance to recover from the long weekend. Alexa's Saturday class she assists was moved to tonight, so she went in to assist. While she was there Lilli and I ran over to Family Fresh for groceries. The girls showered and did homework when we got home and we snuggled in for the night. Adam worked the Twins game. It was a super relaxing night.

Alexa had Mackenzie come home with her after school. They were in the dance studio when we got home. I got Lilli off to dance and Alexa fed before Stacey picked her up. Adam worked another Twins game. The weather was gorgeous. Nearly 70 and sunny. I did my workout and then took Javie for a long walk. I made Lilli spaghetti when she got home and she did her homework. Alexa got home shortly after - we all showered and were in bed before 10!!

How do I explain today? To spare everyone's privacy, but tell enough to look back and remember this day I'll share a few hashtags! #missedthebus #lastdayoffaithformation #camppepinmeeting #sock #pizzarollsandicecreamfordinner Yep, that should do it.

After work I met up with Michelle and Jolene at Michelle's new camper for a drink and some chit chat. I'm so grateful for these mama's!! Adam had bags and Alexa had dance. I played some cards with Lilli and then when Alexa got home we snuggled in to watch Gilmore Girls. So anxious for the weekend!

The girls have the day off from school for Good Friday. They slept in and played games in the morning. Adam took off in the early afternoon. We grilled steak and pork chops and took a walk around the trials. Then snuggled in for our shows. Adam hung our new window blinds downstairs, so we could watch TV without sun in our eyes and a glare on the TV. Soooo nice!!

We were able to sleep in on Saturday. I snuck downstairs for my coffee on the porch. It was gorgeous out. It felt so good to feel the sun on my face and arms. Javie joined me and so did Adam for a little bit. Adam made breakfast and then we got ready for the day. We went to Minneapolis and stopped at a few Easter events and Adam's parks. North Commons had the helicopter egg drop which is always super cool. The weather was fabulous. We even got a little sunburnt. We stopped at headquarters to go to the bathroom before heading back home. We made a few stops at Home Depot, Target and then grabbed a quick dinner at Carbone's. We dropped the girls off at home and then Adam and I ran to HyVee and Target to pick up Alexa's new bike and some groceries for Easter and a few things for the girls' Easter baskets. We went to the 8:30 Easter vigil mass, which lasted about 3 hours, yikes! And then home to go to bed. We were hoping to color eggs when we got home, but it was just too late.

Sunday morning the girls crawled into bed with Adam while I was down enjoying my coffee on the porch. I finally got them to come down and hunt for their Easter eggs and see their Easter baskets. We hid dollar bills in the eggs and had them find them by color - Alexa had green, blue and teal and Lilli had pink, purple and yellow. They searched and searched, but Alexa is still missing one of hers. Unfortunately, Adam and I don't know where it is, either. I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast, Adam started the ham for dinner and we did a couple projects around the house. Adam fixed the wires on our Arlo cameras and I cleaned the mudroom and mopped the floors. I also made scalloped potatoes and glazed carrots for our Easter meal. Afterwards, we took a long bike ride around the neighborhood. Then Adam and Alexa cleaned my car while Lilli and I planted some flowers. Another perfect weather day. It felt so good to be outside and see the girls in their shorts. The girls and I made some fruit pizza cookies and then we snuggled in for American Idol. We stayed up until midnight catching up! It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

The girls had today off from school. They had a few chores to do in the morning. It rained pretty much all day! They caught up on some homework and just relaxed. They both had a regular dance schedule in the evening, which I know they looked forward to after a long weekend. I did some grocery shopping at Family Fresh and then home to do my workout and clean up the house. Adam went to Bryson's to work on their bean bag boards. They're almost done!

The girls were back to school today. Both were good to go back and see their friends. I love that my kids never complain about going to school. That makes life so much easier for me. I got Lilli to dance and then came home and made tater tot hotdish for Alexa, Adam and I. After she was picked up for dance, Adam started working on putting up more of our blinds and I did my work out. We went for a long walk with Javie afterwards and sat out on the porch to wait for Lilli to get back home. We visited with our neighbors Shawn and Nate for a bit.

Lilli woke up this morning with a terrible sore throat. I stayed home with her and took her to the clinic for a strep test in the afternoon. The test came back negative, but the doctor said her throat looked really red, so she must have a little virus. We watched Matilda in the morning and rested and then she seemed to feel better and have some energy back in the afternoon. I normally don't allow the girls to go to dance if they stay home from school, but she assists on Thursdays and missed last week, so I let her go. Adam had bags and took Bryson along. Bryson wants to maybe join a league with Adam sometime. I did my workout and took Javie for a long walk.

Lilli woke up feeling worse this morning. Shoot! I sent her to school tho because she is taking her make up MCA test for reading. She is starting to sound congested and has a little cough. Adam was able to head home early after his afternoon meeting. I did my work out right away after work and then Alexa and I went to the Wheeler's to babysit Turner, Maddox and Diem. We were there from 5:30 until about 9. The kids were great and super fun. I got my baby fix with Diem. We watched a couple shows with Adam and Lilli when we got home. While we were gone they went on a daddy/daughter date to Red Robin, picked up Chipotle for Alexa and I and then went for a bike ride.

We got up early Saturday morning. I took Lilli to Starbucks with her dance group before they had an extra lyrical practice at 8:30. She stayed and had a make up class for her assisting group (due to a snow day), Alexa had her normal Sat. dance schedule and Adam had dad's dance practice from 10:45-11:45. We had a quick lunch together and then Adam went to Bryson's to work on his boards and I helped Alexa get some pictures printed for her school project. The girls and I chilled most of the afternoon. Lilli went to play with Ellie for a bit. Adam and Alexa grabbed Red Savoy for dinner and Lilli and I had Jimmy John's. We ate in the basement while catching up on American Idol and World of Dance. It should also be noted that it snowed a little this morning. Blah!

We had church Sunday morning. Adam and I got groceries. The girls and I did a little shopping for Punta Cana and their dance banquet and Adam finished installing our blinds. We had breakfast for dinner, Adam and I took a walk and we finished the weekend watching American Idol.

Lilli had an ortho appt this morning. Adam took her. She got her broken bracket fixed, new bands (light baby blue - Loons colors) and got her bottom tooth connected to the rest of the brackets to start moving it forward. I feel like I can already tell it's moved further into place. Adam worked a Twins game. The girls had regular school and dance. Alexa said her whole class is in total summer mode already. She is only a couple lessons away from being done for the year and everyone is anxious to be done. She's watched a lot of movies and gone to the gym to "play"! Lilli is done with her 30 book challenge already for the year and is now just reading "fun" books. We are gearing up for their last dance competition this coming weekend. I did my work out and made my kombucha.

Adam worked another Twins game tonight. The weather has been super chilly and rainy, so he ended up getting off early, due to it being pretty slow. The girls had regular school and dance classes. I did my work out and ran a few errands.