Photo Phun..

Last Saturday I had to work the LCSC Basketball game for Inland Cellular. Since we were the VIP's for the evening, we got to hang out in the conference room above the court. My camera has a panorama setting so I thought I'd try it out. I know it's small, but it's neat nonetheless...

Flea Market Child

With Tarren being 12, Eric and I feel she's old enough to keep an eye out for her brother and babysit her little sister for short periods of time. We tend to venture off to the grocery store sans the kids to avoid any meltdowns of wanting toys or really sugary cereals. Last Saturday was no exception. I think we might have only been gone 20 minutes.
When we pulled up to the drive, I saw Caitrin with her nose plastered to the back door window and tears streaming down her face. I rushed into the house to make sure everything was all right.

Mom: Bug, are you all right? What's wrong?
Caitrin: *sob* They *sob* said *sob* I was *sob* bought *sob* at a *sob* flea market! *sob*
Mom: If that were true, you were the best find I've ever found.

After picking her up and loving on her, I went in search of the culprits. They were hunkered down under a bed snickering. So when I went back into the kitchen to put the groceries away, I handed Caitrin a yummy chocolate chip cookie. When the other two saw what Caitrin got, they both came running to say they wanted one, too. I simply told them no. That the cookies were only for Flea Market Children, not Mean Biological Children. I can only hope that they learned not to pick on their little sister. But having four sisters myself, I kind of have a feeling it's only the beginning. Poor Caitrin, she's doomed....

Conversations....

Setting: In Caitrin's room trying to find clothes for her to wear.

Mom: Pick out a pair of pants please.
Caitrin: You know, Mom. I had a dream last night that I got to wear my blue and black dress. (her recital costume)
Mom: Ahh, nope. It's cold out, I'm not battling this with you this morning. You are wearing pants today.
Caitrin: But my dream told me to wear the dress today.
Mom: I'm sorry sweet heart. Your dreams are a product of your over active imagination. No go. Get dressed please.

Surprisingly enough, no battle after that.

Photo Phun...

Dance Recital

So Saturday evening rolled around and every one's nerves were shot. Tarren from being scared (this wasn't her first rodeo, so I was a little annoyed), Caitrin for obvious reasons pertaining to mass stranger anxiety, and mine from, well... both the girls. Dropping Caitrin off, I hurried and got a shot of all the girls: Tarren, Caitrin, LeAnna & Hannah. Forgive me for the blurriness: horrible lighting + shaky me doesn't equal quality pictures but proof enough that my girls danced.

This is were my heart sang with JOY! Caitrin actually stepped out on to the stage and started doing the moves with the other girls.

When I saw her moving, I burst into tears. I couldn't believe that she DANCED.

As soon as the whole recital was over, she made she let the instructors know that she wanted off the stage and wanted to find her mom and dad.

It was promised to Caitrin that if she danced, even just a little, that I would take her and Tarren to Baskin Robins for whatever they wanted. I couldn't be more proud of them!! (They did get their ice cream on Sunday after church)

Dress Rehearsal

Friday night was dress rehearsal for all the girls in the recital. I figured it would be the moment of truth for Caitirn. As soon as she saw the stage, she clutched to my leg with a death grip. I had to step back and make her spread her wings...
She just stood there, not wanting to let go of her instructor, Jamie.

Waiting was the hardest....

I wasn't sure if she saw me taking pictures, but I think this looks says it all...

Finally it's her groups turn to practice...

Wait for it...

There she goes...my heart broke into a million pieces...

It took all I had to not run up on stage and grab her. I wanted to hold her, tell her I loved her, I was so proud of her for even getting up on the stage, and she'd never have to do it again. But what does that teach her??

The owner of the studio, Holly, tried to get her to loosen up, it was a no go.

Then here she is with her sister and cousins after she was all done. All giggles and smiles. I didn't stick around for Tarren's rehearsal, I wanted to be surprised.

Photo Phun

For Christmas Eric got me a REALLY nice camera. So nice in fact, half the time I can't figure out how to use it. Since I've been doing some experimenting, I've managed to take (what I thought) some neat pictures. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to have a new blog label for these pictures.. "photo phun". Fair warning on the table right now... these photos won't have any rhyme or reason to them other than "just because"..... enjoy....

And as Caitrin has found out, she will be a likely victim for me...