Dance recital

Jasmine and her dance teacher Susan

Jasmine with her knives

Tonight was the first of Jasmine's Christmas dance shows. She has two more, but I was so impressed with her work. Her solo piece was with Samoan Dance Knives to the Lord of the Dance. She looked so good. I could have just about cried as she danced I was so happy and one proud Momma.

Kittens

The beginning of August found us having to put down our one cat, Isis. With in 3 weeks our remaining cat, Misty was showing signs of depression. So, we went to our local shelter to adopt a friend for Misty. The day that we went to shelter they had a "BOGO" on kittens. So, we decided to get two kittens. A 3 month old boy we named Trouble and a 4 month old girl named Trixie. They have been home here for two months are have settled in well. The are very lovable and sweet. Misty does like them despite the fact she likes to growl at them, her whole demeanor changed for the better.

Growing up too fast

With her new pointe shoes

With her dance knives in her "celtic" costume

I took Jasmine yesterday to get her dance pictures taken at Sears. I have a picture of her in all her costumes dating back to when she first started dance. This year the dance teacher decided against the usual dance pics and so I went to Sears. I find that my baby is growing up way too fast for my liking. I have attached a few of her pics.

Remembering 9/11

It seems to hard to believe the horror of the World Trade Center and 9.11 happened 10 years ago. I remember that day quite clearly. I remember where I was when I first heard the news report and where I was when I saw the second tower fell.
For all those who lost their lives and those who lost a loved one or a friend we need to always remember.
It is one of the days in US history that we need to always remember. It ranks up there with Dec. 7, 1941.

FCATs suck

FCAT is the Florida Comprehensive Achievement test or as the kids here call them the Florida Child Abuse test. This is a test that is given to Florida students in 3rd thru 12th grade. If the kids don't get at least a score of a 3 then they have to take intensive courses. The tests are in math, reading, science and writing. Math and reading is done every year the others at certain grade levels. Jasmine took math and reading back and March. She has been in intensive reading for the last 2 years. Math she has always done fine with. This year she didn't pass math, but finally passed reading. That means with the changes in next years scheduling she will only have one special. She did make the Advanced Dance for next year. She had to try out for it and made it. She found out on the last day of school. She is also taking a career exploration course on line with the Florida virtual school. It just kills me how different school is from when I was a kid.

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day to all! It seems hard to believe that is the end of May already. Life is busy as it always is at this time of the year. At work in the last 2 weeks we have had our NAEYC accreditation visit, our lunch room visit and the end of the year celebration. We have just 7 and 1/2 days left this school year for the children. I on the other hand have to get evaluations completed, transition packets, end of the year break down and my lesson plans done for summer VPK, which I will be hired thru the school district this year to do.
But on top of all that I also wanted to remind everyone to take the time to remember those who gave the Last full measure to the country they loved and served. Whether they fought and died in Germany, France, Antietam, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Bentonville, Afghanistan, Iraq or any other place the US has had a military presence. They are heros proud and strong. Thank you for your sacrifice.

A full decade

This week we celebrated Jasmine's homecoming. She has been home with us a full 10 years. I look at the tall and confident young lady and try and figure out where that scared little girl I was given in the airport went. Oh well time keeps marching on. Here is my little girl in 7th grade spring picture.