dancing daisy

I bought this solar powered dancing daisy from Dollar Tree, and everyone who sees it smiles:) It is just the cutest thing. The woman at the store said they sold out of 120 in 4 days. I guess most folks are looking forward to spring. Today looks like a much easier day, with just the usual schedule for Elle and Aliyah, with both actually being done for the day at 3:20, with nothing in the evening. For Elle there's just district and state solo and ensemble competitions left this semester. The district is this weekend, followed Monday night by the National Honor Society inductions at the Golf Course. Dance class continues, but this is not a recital year, so that makes the schedule much easier too. Today I have time for the gym which I've been neglecting this week, but I'm making the effort now to get back there daily. Also sent a little surprise package to Elise, who will be visiting next month in time for my birthday. Time now to hit the gym, and then the dentist office for a cleaning. Have to laugh when I think of my girls saying young Dr. Mauthe is so cute:) When did my doctors and dentists start becoming so much younger than I am? He is really great though, as are his hygienists. I always love that freshly cleaned teeth feeling:)

Can't forget the cute shoes:)

snow ball dance

Last night Elle and I made a nice dinner of spinach lasagna, a green and a berry salad, and chocolate and caramel mousse, for the couples to enjoy before the dance. Thanks to Trevor's folks for taking pics with their MUCH superior camera...will post them soon. Yesterday could NOT have been busier. Started out with shopping, cleaning and cooking, then took about 2 hours off to help take everything down from the set of Annie (btw great job Theresa and Eva.) Aliyah was here for the weekend, because Minnie had to work, so she helped out, and then of course more shoveling at home and the rentals. I am ready, ready, ready for spring. I also had a nice long visit with friend Stanley who will be 90 in April. Thanks to Stan for the new devotional and the lovely photo book on wildlife. We are enjoying them:)

Highlights from Fondy High's production of Harvey!

super long days this week

Worked on a few more things for Annie performances this weekend. A sample of the sets are included in today's pics. Theresa is doing a good job of balancing all the stress and keeping the middle schoolers in line. I also have a new job, starting this Thursday, and I'm very excited for it! More on that later. I want to encourage everyone out there, especially folks with children to see the play this weekend. It will be very good:) Dress rehearsal is Thursday early, so the grade school kids can attend. Aliyah is happy about that. She has been very helpful painting and running errands all over the stage in preparation. Even Elle helped with painting signs on the snow day, when she probably would have liked to sleep in. Yesterday we strung lights, hung signs, and taped 80 feet of cord so it wouldn't be a tripping hazard. Still much more to do. Anyone interested is encouraged to come to Goodrich Little Theater from noon until late today.

Big sister Belle and baby girl:)

The big news of the day is that Elise and James found out baby 2 is another girl. We couldn't be happier for them. The week around here has been hectic for everyone between concerts and rehearsals. Last night we saw an awesome concert at the PAC with the Mad Hatters from UW Madison. 16 of the most talented young men ever! Here is their website: http://www.uwmadhatters.com/
Paul is playing today in Kohler for a wedding, and Elle's preparing for the Sun Prairie jazz fest tomorrow. Eva and Theresa are still hard at work to make the Annie performances come together 1 short week from now. Even Henry has a school gig:) Off now to the gym for a quick workout, then a little visiting and finally an afternoon at the theater helping out. Anyone with some extra time on their hands is welcome to come and help. There are lots of jobs from set construction, painting, and sewing costumes. Call me on my cell for more info...920 979 8908.

Savannah Hope

If folks have time today, I encourage you to browse this website, and send all extra prayers in Savannah's direction. This child lives in Elise's community, and has been battling cancer for half of her short life. It looks like hospice care has begun :(
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahswandal

Elle's article about the recent jazz win in GB:)

I have so much going on this week that I haven't found much blog or e-mail time:( Just a reminder to locals that Woodworth Middle School will be presenting 'Annie' this weekend, directed by our friend Theresa Goebel, with assist from our Eva. Theresa wants me to put the word out that help is still needed with hemming, light sewing and other props. Goodrich Little Theater is the venue if anyone wants to join in the efforts all week until performances. The weather has been so nice, we're back to walking outside which feels great. Tonight we're grilling out and relaxing a bit until students, choir and dance. By 8:30 all should be back home. Found an excellent recipe for cheesecake brownies, which Elle, Aliyah and I will tackle after school:P

Sweets for the sweet:)

This morning I thought I'd go to the gym early. To my surprise it was FULL of people at 5:15 AM. I managed to get the last incline machine, to do a little cardio. I was amazed at the ages of the members...college kids to one woman next to me on the elliptical, who said she just turned 66. Great. It's very encouraging to see that. So I stayed on the machine for 45 minutes, figuring if she can do it, so can I. Tonight, Eva, Devin and I are going back to use the upper weight machines. I still have 3 free (7 day) passes for anyone interested. Just give a call or text:) Please keep Minnie in your prayers today. She's at Froedtert trying again to find out what's wrong with her ears. She has lost partial hearing on both sides, and for months no Dr. could diagnose the problem. Maybe she will find some answers today. Also prayers needed for a dear friend Cathy who is hospitalized with gastric problems. She is just an inspiration to her family and friends. She is a sweet, gentle person who never complains, and we hope for a swift recovery. Happy Valentine's Day to all!

a new lease on old photos

Thanks to a very talented local couple for accepting some of our (very old, very extended) family photos from the turn of the century. The photos have been stored away for years and years, and cousins (on my husband's side) didn't know the identities. (Take a lesson here folks...label, label, label) The artist and her husband are SO creative, we are looking forward to them using the photos in a way which will allow us to enjoy them for a long time. Here are just a few. Again, a very special 'thank you' to Mel and Brian for taking an interest in giving these oldies a 'new artistic life.'

Please check this out and pass on if possible:)

I'm sending out a request to my friends and fellow coworkers in the social work or health fields. This young local couple, friends of Elise's, are trying to adopt a child. If you could take a moment to check out their website, it would be appreciated! We've been asked to spread the word and perhaps can help find the right person who knows of someone...etc, etc. I am rather disappointed that I still cannot enable my 'link' button, the darn thing worked fine until a few months ago, so I'm afraid you'll need to copy and paste. Thanks much.
http://www.mikeandangieadopt.com

Harvey info...

weird cat...

Our cat Esmerelda likes to relax on Elle's old mattress. She has been there for hours. Had to take a break today from shampooing carpet next door while one of the social workers met with a resident. So I made some fragrant raspberry tea:) Mmm. Just a reminder to folks interested, Harvey will be performed tonight, tomorrow and Saturday eve at 7:30 all nights. Elle is on 107.1 FM this morning to promote attendance. They expect about 700 on a good night, so there will be plenty of room...come one and all!

Wicked Eva...

For my lovely sister who asked, and anyone interested, here's the link to Eva doing a song from Wicked. JoJo...I think she's sending you via FB also. Must copy/paste. Enjoy:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBtaGenaJWI

bright and sunny

Although the cold is brutal, the sunshine feels wonderful...spring is close by! Had a good first workout at the gym yesterday; 30 minutes of elliptical, and 30 on the bike that works the arms too. Its a neat machine which can be programmed to intervals to work different areas while certain muscle groups rest. Of course, all the machines have screens and lots of channels to choose from, or you can bring your own tunes. Today we are thinking about starting the weights. They have 1 long row just for upper body, another for lower body and 1 for core muscles. Can't wait to figure them all out! Most of today I've spent cleaning furniture and tomorrow I'm tackling carpet cleaning at one of the rentals. Ugh. On a lighter note, Ellie's new mattress finally came, after many delays, including the snowstorm, and I managed to get it upstairs and ready for tonight's slumber party:) Had to shoo away the cats as they thought it was a new toy for them. Today's pics are two I swiped from Facebook...Belle in the bath, and her new shoes:)