Maya Mondays: Changed Not Reduced.

Munch Makes Moves - The Merengue

That's what Munch came home to report the day Merengue rehearsal started.  Each grade has a musical performance scheduled throughout the year at Munch's school.  On a performance day, the entire school (and parents) attentively watch the grade levels sing and/or dance; it's always a special day.  Last year, as a third grade parent, I was excited for the Grammar Rocks performance.  Even then, Munch couldn't stop talking about how excited she was to be in the upper grade musical performances.  Why, you ask?  Fourth and fifth graders perform a partner dance and, as you can probably tell from her quote, Munch was ready.

In the weeks leading up to the dance, she filtered information to Hubbs and me.  First, there was the news that she would dance with a boy.  Then came the demonstration of where his hands would be placed (they intertwine their fingers and he has to put his hands on her lower back).  Let's not forget the day she announced she was going to dance with TWO boys.  Yep, not one but TWO boys.

Everyday there was an update.  The week of the dance, we went shopping and it happened that it was on a sale day at The Village.  Oh, don't give me that look!  I'm not spending buckets of money on a dress she'd only wear one time!  I started there and planned to go to Burlington if, and only if, we didn't find anything that would work.  Would you believe we had three options?  Munch quickly decided the white and gold dress wasn't a good fit for what her partners would wear.  We sent the options to Hubbs as he was at work and it was settled.

The purple was the way to go.  $7?!  DONE!  I glued two bows together to make one large hair piece and she looked adorable.

Check out the performance highlight!

When your first dance with a boy is in front of your dad... And the entire school. Twice. #lol #merengue #twopartners #awesomemusicteacher #munchrocks #thatboyspun #andkepthiseyesonmykid #whosehandisthatintheshot #ugh

A video posted by Tabitha (@tmkeese) on Dec 4, 2015 at 2:02pm PST

In the above Instagram post, she's dancing with Jamal.

Her other partner has a huge crush on her.  His name is Kevin.  Munch thinks Kevin is very funny. **eye roll*

I could tell he likes her because he seldom made eye contact with Hubbs and me.  Islanders, you have to watch out for the ones that don't look you in your eyes, lol!

Anyhoo, she performed in front of the whole school.  She danced with a boy.  She did it all in front of her dad.  TWICE!  Now, that takes courage!

Cheers to finding strength this week!

Munch Makes Moves!

UPDATE!  Fourth grade is off to an awesome start.  Munch has shown some amazing progress academically and, as a reward, we decided to start gymnastics a few weeks ago.  She's showing some awesome progress.  She's training hard twice a week and really enjoying herself!

Just before we started gymnastics, Munch participated in a day camp to learn a routine for a performance during our local high school's Senior Night.  Included in the package was a t-shirt, a pizza dinner and entry into the football game.  Follow the bouncing cream bow, it's my kid.



She did very well during the big performance on the field and had a blast with her friends.

That's the update.  Munch has been moving and shaking.  That reminds me!  At her school, each grade has a musical performance and parents are invited to attend.  Last year's performance was all about grammar and this year's performance involved a partner.

Tune in tomorrow for a Throwback Thursday post for the history books!

WW: Pinky Frost's Return

Wordless Wednesday

Maya Mondays: In All Things and For All Things.

WW: Thanksgiving Greetings!

Wordless Wednesday

Coq Au WEEKNIGHT!

Coq au vin (French for chicken cooked in wine) can take two days to prepare if you include marinating the chicken overnight.  I followed a recipe many years ago for a healthier alternative (no bacon and no butter) but I've simplified it for our everyday lives.  I'm sharing our everyday version today.  Get excited because it's super easy and super yummy!

Photo taken before baking

Super easy and super delicious all year long!  Here's the recipe card!

Elf on the Shelf - Almost Time!

Within the last few years, there's been a surge in the popular holiday tradition of the Elf on the Shelf.

You can learn more about the story and the elf's purpose here.

Our elf, Pinky Frost, is a trip.  She's always getting into something and, as part of our tradition, she shows her face every year the day after Thanksgiving.  It's pretty crazy and her mischief gets on my nerves but Munchface loves her and it's a fun advent calendar of activities for the family.  I almost forgot that she would be back to get on my nerves until Munch mentioned it the other day.  If you are considering purchasing one, be warned (... or inspired):  THEY GET INTO TROUBLE!

Don't tell her I said this but, looking back at the pictures, I guess I kind of enjoy when the annoying elf shows her face too.  Stay tuned for Pinky Frost adventures during our Wordless Wednesday posts or follow along on Instagram!