Dunc and I were on the deck working on a book he's writing and I was thinking about finishing a few dresses. I walk in the house to check on Lyric and she is standing on the counter with hershey kisses SHOVED in her mouth. In the time (literally three minutes) I went out to help Duncan with his book cover she decided to climb the drawers to get onto the counter, eat SEVEN kisses, shove the wrappers into a box in the cabinet, and hide her binky next to the bag of kisses. When I came in I just looked at her in astonishment...to which she replied, with a very large smile and chocolaty kiss coming out of her mouth, "Srrry Momm". Oh toddlers!!!

We are the music makers...the dreamers of dreams.

Our family has joined The Performing Arts Academy of Central Illinois. Duncan is taking acting and musical theater, Nitely is taking Gymnastics, Tap, Ballet, and Acting. Lyric is taking Gymnastics. I'm taking Ballet and Glee. It has turned out to be very busy, but also very, very fun! The kids are enjoying themselves immensely and I am too. I always take my hula-hoop to get in some hooping time while the kids are in classes. I'm fairly sure my kids are naturals at this.

And then...you put your whole soul into something...like writhing on some black ill-lit stage somewhere...and it's all so desperate, so hopeful, and so humiliating. There has to be humiliation there...like you've turned yourself inside out; and you stand there or lie there or move frantically around while the inside of yourself prances and howls and screams and cries tears no one was ever meant to see or hear or know.

In my mind, I have complete faith in the abilities of my children. Though challenges are present, they will prevail. They are beautifully intelligent kids, they've got great brains! Nitely could very easily be a dancer. She's absolutely a natural. Duncan could go on to become a famous comedian or an amazing theater actor. I'm so happy to have the opportunity to enrich their lives in this way. ♥

We spent labor day weekend at home. We cleaned out corners, tie-dyed together, Thomas and Duncan made and painted a rocket. We spent most of our time outside. I made the first batch of chili for the year and we sat around a peaceful fire eating chili, crackers, marshmallows, and having a lovely time. My favorite times are when the five of us are together relaxing and just being together. These days it seems harder to achieve these moments as a family. Thank goodness for vacations from work and play! ♥