Yesterday, this girl...

put on some muckers.

stomped into the marsh.

emerged with a ginormous stick.

for her dear friend henry.

broke off the top.

handed it over.

then finished her rhubarb.

she has come a long way from her days in plastic heels and refusal to hike.

well done goosey.

proud of you.

It is recital weekend...

Please help me be a better dance mom.

And remember all the hair ties.
And to make a good bun.

 And to turn the costume upside down on the hanger.
And to not forget extra tights.
Or the ballet slippers.
Or the flowers.

 

And to smile and enjoy and not stress or worry. And to make Gabi feel like she is the bestest and that she owns this. 

 

pray for me. the frantic mom who was never a dancer and has no idea what she is doing. the only mom who sneaks her child on stage without all that make up and who can still see her just fine from the audience. the one who better learn how to make a bun WITHOUT wispies because she is not three anymore and the other mothers stare... seriously pray.

 

"I don't know mom, something about ballet just relaxes me.  I just love it."  

 - Gabrielle 2012

"Some of the kids at school were making fun of dance, but I would like to see them do my class for an hour.  It is hard, just as hard as other sports! And I don't care, I love to dance." 

- Gabrielle beginning of school year 2011

It's Thursday...

February 23rd.  Only 6 more days until March... Thank goodness!!  At least I have my own adorable bunny to go home to.  It is just enough to brighten the boring(est) of winters. Speaking of...

GREAT NEWS!!!

There is a little red exclamation mark by the word severe on my weather channel app!!  I am hoping hoping hoping for lots of white fluffy snow tomorrow.  If it comes I will be blowing up my totally rad LL Bean tube sled and heading to the Village hill on Saturday morning.  Then returning home to do this...

Today I am ...

Loving this beautiful face

Grateful that it snowed.

Excited for the weekend.

Wishing I was at the gym.

Sorry that my Mister is sick.

Hoping my kids do not get it!

Happy to see a certain toddler today.

Worried about my scratchy throat.

ELATED that Noah packed his own lunch last night!!

Happy Thursday!

A Date With The Nutcracker...

Gabrielle has been looking forward to seeing this show for quite some time now and I was glad to escort her.  For the last time I had the privilege of seeing this ballet was with my grandmother, in New York City, on Broadway... and it was so lovely.

So Gabi and I dressed for the occasion...

and the show was enchanting, really it was. And I think Gabi is as in love with it as I was growing up.  Perhaps she will dance in it next year, we will see...

and then Matt and I couldn't help but play with the camera and mirror...

Next on the holiday list...PACK!!!

A handmade Christmas...

So I am very excited about a very merry INDIE Christmas this year.

This Witt family has definitely participated in some Christmas extravaganzas over the years.  Beginning with every possible plastic toy for our new baby boy, to presents stacked high with pink wrap, to a fully loaded sunshine yellow H2 hummer, by fisher price that is.

 Those times were fun, but over the top.

 Amongst all that material gain I must say, one of my favorite Christmas requests thus far was for a flower by dear Gabrielle...

Life is different now and times are changing.  And I don't want to support the corporate Christmas this year.  I am ready to Occupy Christmas.  I hope you are too.  I want to find the core to this holiday season... Family, togetherness, kindness, caring, giving, loving, being...

So, I am starting my list.  This year it looks different.

                                           Gabi - Handmade skirt by mom
                                           Noah -  DVD **homemade by mom and dad, staring Legion
These will not be the only gifts to open, there will be a few more, but they will not be purchased in super stores with terrible lighting and waxy floors.  I am excited to support ETSY folks.  Creative artists of all kinds sharing their passions through THIS most wonderful site.

Can I encourage you to participate in a different idea this year?  A handmade one perhaps...