Snow!!!

Traditionally, when it snows in the South, it is only enough to make a dirty snowman. This time, we received a proper dusting. From a gloomy, blizzard-like night to a clear, pristine sunrise, it has been beautiful!

A Perfect Love

This is Jazz, and this is her nap face. Some people get bed hair, but not Jazz. It's all in the lips. They freeze in whatever manner she lays on them and stick that way for a few minutes after she wakes up. It's the cutest, funniest thing you will ever see. I'm going to miss that face. 

We found out before Christmas that Jazz has advanced lymphoma. Although losing her will be one of the toughest heartbreaks I will ever face, she has enriched my life in more ways than I could have imagined.

She is my shadow, following me wherever I go. If I am sitting, she is next to me. If I am sleeping, she is spooning. If I am having French fries, she is having French fries, of course.

She runs like a greyhound--sleek, fast, and low to the ground. She has the cutest howl; she looks like a toothless, little old lady when she does it. She cries for us when we are gone (and sometimes when we are there, if we are not sitting on the couch with her). She LOVES treats, and she will dance, bounce, and hop around when she knows she is due. Although she is a great swimmer, she is not particularly fond of being wet; this includes rain.

She is pretty lazy. She has the biggest bat ears, and rather than turn her head to look at you, she merely follows you with her eyes and hones in on you with those satellites when you speak.

She requires a blanket at all times. ALL times... If not, you will get the sneeze of frustration, followed by some brief whining, and then the howl. Additionally, the blanket must not be on the floor, but on a couch, chair, or bed. She likes a good belly rub, but THE spot to rub is on her neck, under her collar. She is sweet, quiet, and tolerant, and right now, she is hogging the bed. I will suffer through it, though, because she is happy.

She is perfect, she is loved, and yes, she is rotten. I have enjoyed every second of making her that way, and I will continue to do so until our last day together. After that, I will still love her forever--my best friend. (One of them... She has a "brother," but that's another post.)

Dance, Dance, Dance

To say that Jenna LOVES dance would be a massive understatement.  These are a few pictures from her latest recital.  Aside from my favorite dancer (Jenna, of course), the littlest ones cracked me up!  I didn't capture their best moments because I was too busy wiping tears of laughter.

This little one was paying careful attention.

She had a few other things to attend to. I believe this was the moment before her feet went in the air. :)

I can say with all certainty that the tongue method helps focus and technique and was utilized by many in this age group.

If only I could've stood without interrupting for a higher angle. Loved the ballet sequences!

Check out that form!

One happy girl!

We're proud of you Jenna Marie!  Great job!

Pictures of a Beautiful Day

The house is really beginning to come along, the weather is beautiful, the water is low but calm, and the fish are biting.  We also had a visit from good friends today.  Doesn't get much better than that!

Recital Day

I love recital days!

I love piano, I love classical music, and I love this girl.  I know I'm partial when it comes to my nieces and nephews, but you have to admit... She's good.  Did I mention she's 9?  I am constantly amazed.

Please enjoy the talented Jenna Robinson's rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" with the accompaniment of her instructor, Mr. Hicks (who also deserves special recognition, as all of his students are great).  

Here's the video:

And a few photos, to boot!

Beautiful (inside and out)!

Jenna and Mr. Hicks

Janie, Jenna, and Abie, who also did a great job!  

And while we're on the subject of this sweet thing, I'd like to include a little flashback. I present to you the 4-year-old Jenna singing "I Said the Sheep." 

A Fresh Outlook

Every once in a while, I reach into the vault and find old photos to retouch and try new techniques.  It helps to look on things with a fresh mind.  These are a few of my gorgeous niece.  We took these for her sweet 16.  Seriously, how did I get blessed with such a beautiful family?!

And her little brother hanging in the tree for good measure... :)

Happy Friday!

A Beautiful Life

Sometimes, when my heart aches, it is easy to forget the big picture, but I am so very blessed.  I have a good life, a loving home, a wonderful family, and a front row seat to displays like these that remind me how small I am and how big my God is.