kid's artwork lampshade

I really need to do a major blog post on ALL the work Jamie has been doing in the past 6 months with his "hobby" that has turned into a part-time job, but for now I wanted to post this totally adorable lampshade he made and donated for a silent auction at an Elementary in our neighborhood. The parent (a friend of ours) collected artwork from the Kindergarten teacher and then had Jamie design it into a lampshade. I love it!

 You can see more of Jamie's work on his Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/InstrumentalLighting

new yorkers

 The girls had a blast coloring eggs tonight. I think this is the first time they were both old enough that they could do it by themselves (with only one small spill).

Funny story....

So every night when the girls go to bed I play Bible stories or music on the speakers in their rooms (wireless speakers that connect to our computer). Anyways, the past couple of nights I've been playing this Easter story for them:

God's Story: Easter, Crossroads Kids' Club Vimeo

So the other day Jamie was walking the girls to school and it was really windy. Audrie started to complain about the wind and Jamie told her to stop complaining because we are New Yorkers and we are tough. Audrie asked "What are New Yorkers?". Jamie explained what it meant and Audrie said "Oh, I thought we were Israelites."...
(What??)
I thought that was pretty funny. I can just imagine Audrie going to school and telling her teacher that she's an Israelite. ha!

broadway dance center

Today parents were invited to observe at Audrie's dance studio. I'm embarrased to admit how many photos I took (and how many times I cried). And I know that every parent thinks THEIR kid is the most amazing in all the land, but Audrie truly blew my mind today with her awesome dancing. She is so focused and serious about doing it correctly. Her teachers are always bragging on her and picking her to model for the class.

 Her teachers, Miss Shelia and Miss Jessica, are so wonderful.

 I love Audrie's straight back and pointed toes in this picture...

True example of 'child's pose', right? :)

"Hi, mom!"

I loved watching how Audrie carries her body when she is dancing and leaping.

 Such confidence and determination.

Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of this going on, too... ha!

 

The second half of the class is tap.

And Audrie really let her personality and sense of rhythm shine with those tap shoes on.

  I managed to capture a quick video (before my battery died). It may look like a lot of chaos going on here, but if you look closely you'll see that Audrie is actually one of the only ones who knows what she is supposed to be doing...

major update

I really hate when I dump a few months worth into one blog, but it's the only way I can keep caught up so here we go...

(Several of these photos are out of order, but I'm too lazy to fix them!).

Yay, Grandma Lowery came to visit!

Cool graffiti on every block in this town.

Two cute girlies in Times Square (I wonder if they think this life is normal?).

My ride home on snowy days.

The A train Uptown.

Caught Erin daydreaming on the train,

One of the reasons I will miss this city... trying new restaurants!

Snapped a pic in Columbus Circle.

Columbus Circle.

Two crazy girlies waiting for the train.

Dressed as a diva for an event at my school.

Erin stopping in to say hello on a business trip.

Annie building something amazing at the Manhattan Children's Museum.

Two silly girlies in a museum.

Audrie and the giant Lite Brite at the Manhattan's Children Museum.

Sand castle construction site at the museum.

Audrie and Annie getting their Zen moment at the museum.

Annie's future profession?

Naptime not going as planned.

Audrie putting on a puppet show at the museum for her Number 1 fan.

Story time at the museum.

My weekend alarm setting.

The view from our apartment- going to miss it!!

Tickling daddy.

Date night!

Walking to work.

Snowy afternoon in Central Park.

Columbus Circle at night.

Annie fell asleep with her tap shoes on (the wrong foot).

We love having Aunt Wendy come visit!

Cupcakes for daddy, just because.

Morning run in Central Park.

Afternoon run along the Hudson River.

View of The Heights from Riverbank Pier.

Central Park is my favorite place to run.

Anne and I on a breakfast date at the diner.

Snow angels!

Two patriotic girlies with Lady Liberty.

More snow angels!

Woke up to 10 inches of snow in The Heights.

Sledding with friends!

Faster, daddy!

Bundled up to go play in the snow.

Snow day!

Subway station performer playing TWO trumpets at the SAME time.

Annie and Grandma on the train.

Jamie and I on Valentine's night.

We created our own food tour of the Upper West Side- started with wine and cheese at a French bistro.

Sushi and a Japanese restaurant.

Cheesecake from a Jewish bakery.

Bread and soup at an American cafe.

My mom and I went to see Scarlett Johannson in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Saturday morning bowling!

Annie being super cute.

Fun night out with the Burrow/Harpers!

I like this photo of Jamie and me.

Emily and I at the Dot.Mom conference in Dallas. Had a BLAST with this girl!

Annie all ready for a day at school.

Running in Fort Tryon Park.

Me and Audrie

Storytime with Annie.

Doesn't everyone eat donuts on the potty?

Blue skies after the rain.

Where the Sidewalk Ends?

Audrie said she wrote "Daddy loves Mommy".

Hanging out with Sammy-Oh.

This is how daddy gets you home on a snow day!

13 is going to be fun...

Audrie walking to school in the snow.

Storytime with Audrie.

My new favorite picture of Jamie and the girls!

Yep, more running in Central Park.

The Mall at Central Park- why do they call it a mall?

Out in the hustle and bustle.

Hey, it's me!

Apparently a scarf can be used as an accessory or to strangle your sister.

Yay! Aunt Barb and the boys came to town!

Ok that's it! Congrats, you made it through!

Thanks for reading. I'll try to do an update soon of what's going on with our transition back to Arkansas. Lots to report.