Hello Monday and Hello Nutcracker Tech Weekend!

 

Hi Friends and Happy Monday!  We made it through Nutcracker Tech Weekend and we lived to tell about it- ha!  There were times of stress and exhaustion, some tears but many laughs and I awoke with a grateful heart!  Here is what our weekend looked like...

Friday Night

While the girls were at dance, I prepared some snacks for later.  Got to watch the news for a little bit and someone was at my office door begging for my attention ;)

 

 

Then Rob and I impressed ourselves and got our Thanksgiving shopping done in an hour!  Yes an hour!  We do make a good team and we got it done! On the way to the grocery store, I noticed the full moon and snapped a quick pic to send to the Dance Moms...we were joking that there would be a full moon just in time for Tech Weekend...ha!

 

 Then Rob picked up the girls while I headed home to get organized.

 

After their classes, we had a Nutcracker hair party of sorts, Diana's friend and fellow cast mate Maddie and her mom came over and we showed them how to do the famous party curls.  The girls had a blast and the moms chatted- it was low key and fun- everyone getting excited for the weekend ahead! 

 

I made Shay's Bubbly Spinach Dip which is always a hit

You can find the recipe HERE

 

and put out a few more snacks

 

Girls in Shower Caps Rock ;)

 

 Saturday

 

Because it was all Nutcracker all weekend long, we had to skip our date walk...we were up early to get organized with makeup and hair and then got Diana to her regular Saturday morning ballet. After that, it was time to do Eva's hair and makeup and then I hit the studio to meet up with the Tech Crew to get my marching orders (I also took out Diana's curlers while we had a few minutes)

 

The rest of the day consisted of Tech Rehearsal #1- two times through Act I and then two times through Act II alternating the Claras...snuck a few pics during the day....

 

 Dance Dad!

After the day of work, we headed down the street to Jay's House for a quick Japanase/Chinese Dinner

Then we CRASHED!

Sunday

Unfortunately we had to miss mass...you know I love my routine and our commitments but we had to get a slow start and make sure the hair was flawless again...it was the day of DRESS REHEARSAL #1

 

(She will kill me someday when she finds out that I posted these pics but couldn't help myself)

Then you know the drill, time to make things happen!  We all headed to the studio...had to snap a selfie this day...."A Family Who Nutcrackers Together Stays Together" :)

Miss Tina in her Zone

 

Only snapped a couple of pics at the very beginning- I was too busy to snap photos the rest of the day

Last night, we crashed hard!  It was a productive weekend...I am so impressed with how the show is turning out...these kids are such hard workers...cannot wait for show time!

 

Linking up for Hello Monday HERE

Friday Favorites (November 19, 2021)

 

Happy Friday My Friends!  We are headed into my favorite week of the year!  It is filled with so many traditions and yes, so much craziness...trying to keep perspective, not get overwhelmed and enjoy these years (easier said than done sometimes)

Anyway, today's Friday Favorites is in the format of fave moments of the week...snapshots of life and some daily faves...here we go!

Pidge

Sisters

Fave Mug

Remi

MEMEs

 

Office Fun- Celebrating a couple of great placements- grateful!

PTA Middle School Conference Dinners- Bethany and I rocked it

Night 1

Night 2

Getting Spoiled By Janie who is celebrating this beautiful heart XO

and then an ice cream headache...pulling a Papa Pete...can't take it...ha!

Red Cup Season!

Trivia Night!

Beth Ann's Pumpkin Squares- someone got his own personal delivery :) (yes they are EPIC)

BEST FOR LAST

VAXXED Part 1!

 

 

Have a great weekend friends!  We are headed into Nutcracker Tech Weekend....so very excited!

 

Linking up Friday Faves HERE

Monthly Musings: Holiday Preview Edition

 

Hi Friends!  Welcome to Monthly Musings!  Patty and I hope you will join in on our fun by answering the questions above!  What brings more JOY than the holidays and your traditions?  Here we go!

 

1. Share your favorite holiday traditions

There are so many!  Festival of Trees with My Mom, Zoo Lights with Mimi and Papa, Jammie Christmas, Christmas Eve and Seven Fishes....so much joy!

 

 

 2. Do You See Holiday Lights? Driving Tour On Your Own?  Attend a park or festival?

A little bit of both!  Jammie Christmas is when we drive around in our pj's looking at different light displays.  I go to the Festival of Trees with my mom every year and then this year we are starting a new tradition with the Batsons and going to a local shrine where we can see lights and also attend mass! 

 

 

3. Favorite Holiday Recipe?

I would have to say the Lobster Risotto that I make for Christmas Eve.  You can find the recipe HERE

 

  

4. Must Have Holiday Fashion Staples?

Something shimmery is a must for me...whether it is a top, a scarf, a clutch or even some jewelry to add a little sparkle...just reminds me of holiday magic! 

 

5. Any special or extra festive plans this year?

See #2 for an addition to our usual traditions! 

 

 

6. Best Holiday Planning Tip

Make lists- have a plan- stay organized!  It is the only way I get through the season without stressing 

 

7. Favorite Holiday Movie?

Hands down Christmas Vacation!  I still laugh so hard every year! 

 

8. Die Hard?  Christmas Movie or Not?

Can you believe I have never seen it?  I would have to agree with Natalie of LoveHard and say YES ;) 

 

9. Tree/Decorations up Before/After Thanksgiving?

If you have been around here for awhile, you know I like to experience the JOY for as long as possible so of course BEFORE 

 

 

10. Do You Celebrate other holidays in December?

Nope...outside of NYE 

 

Can't wait to read all about YOUR traditions!

 

 

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Monthly Musings is Thursday!

 

Hi Friends! Typically Patty and I host Monthly Musings, our fun link up, on the last Thursday of the month, but since that falls on Thanksgiving we are here a week early. 

We will be talking all things HOLIDAY!  Check out our questions above, get your cup of coffee and start writing and sharing...we can't wait to hear all about your holiday fun.  

Hope to see you back there on Thursday!