Proud Sister

I have always been proud of my sister.  We are so alike, yet so different.  Our biggest differences are her strengths!  She has known since she was in 4th grade (maybe sooner) that she was going to be a performer.  Since that decision was made, she has been THE most focused person I know.  She knew what she wanted and she has strived for over 20 years to make it happen.  She is constantly amazing me!!! Her most recent accomplishment was last week.  She spent about 2 weeks in New York because she had been chosen to study under Marylin Horne in her Master Class.  If you are like me, you don't really understand how TRULY AMAZING THAT IS!!!  However, it was brought more into focus when my mother sent me a few pictures...    

Let me explain... 

 The first two pictures are of Catherine pointing to HER name on the marquee in front of Carnegie Hall... YES, you read correctly, Carnegie Hall!!!

 

The last two are of her O

N STAGE  at Carnegie Hall.  They aren't the best be

cause it isn't encouraged to take pictures (To say the least).  

Like I said...she continues to AMAZE me!  I am so proud!!!  If you are smart, you will save these pictures and when she is even MORE famous, you can say you have a picture of Catherine Martin!  I love you Catherine!!! You are truly an inspiration!!!

Child Prodigy

Since Riley was born, for the most part, we have had the same night time routine.  In the past couple of months, Riley has decided to change it up a bit...  Before, she would have her bath at 7:00, we would brush her teeth and hair, read a book, say our prayers and she would go to bed.  All remains the same, but instead of me reading Riley a book, she has decided that she needs to read me a book.  Here is a little glimpse of our new routine...  Enjoy.

My Daughter is BRILLIANT

This is a little video of Riley reading.  She is brilliant.

Where's the Party???

What a fun filled weekend...at least for one of  us...  Let's just say, my (almost) three year old daughter has more of a 

social life than I do.  The problem is, I am involved in her social life and I get worn out a LOT faster.  

Friday night, Riley and I went over to our neighbor's house for dinner.  Riley and her very good friend, J.P. played like they hadn't seen each other in years.  I'm sure it felt that way to them, but really it had only been about a week.  Although they both had a great time, Riley got overly tired and had a hard time going to bed that night.  She is too much like her mother in that since...when I get too tired, it can be harder to go to sleep, so instead, we just cry...

Saturday, we got up to go get birthday presents for all her parties.  You would think that buying birthday presents for a little girl the same age as your little girl would be easy, but at this age...their interests and clothes sizes vary SO much, it was harder than you may think.  

I was really excited because this  going to be the first classmate birthday party that I had taken Riley to.  In addition, it was going to be my first time to Chuck E. Cheese since I was her age. 

The party started at 4:00 and at about 4:01, I realized WHY I hadn't been back to Chuck E. Cheese in so long.  There were about 4 other parties going on, plus the regular customers.  Kids were everywhere and I couldn't even hear myself think.  

I know what you are thinking...Christina, you are a teacher, you deal with that everyday...at least that is what a friend of mine told me...  Let me clarify!  First of all, I only have 20 kids in my class, I have structure and consequences for those who aren't following directions, and I am not hyping them up on sugar from cake and sodas!  

Although I was excited to take Riley to her first birthday party, I also wanted to see what the expectations were for a three year olds birthday party since we will be having one very soon.  I tell you one thing...Chuck E. Cheese has been taken off the list of opportunities...  (Unless I can take in a box-o-wine with me!)

I have attached a few pictures of Riley having fun.  Of course, trying to be prepared, I put the camera battery in the charger before leaving for the party, and then realized I had the camera, but not the battery when we arrived.  Therefore, these pictures were taken with my phone and aren't as clear as I would have liked.

This will be the first of many I am sure.  

In fact, Darryl took her to another birthday party today (Sunday).  A bowling party.  

hot-scotch

Although this video clip is a little delayed, it was too cute not to post.   It was taken in November...Enjoy!  Sorry is is horizontal...just tilt your head :)

UPDATE ON DARRYL'S DAD:  He started chemo and radiation about 3 weeks ago.  At his most recent doctors appointment, the doctor told Courtney and Danielle that he had gotten all of the tumor and that he thinks Courtney will survive longer than what was normally expected.  The fact that the cancer was caught early, taken out, and being fought aggressively with the radiation and chemo, the outlook is much more optimistic than originally thought.  I know the family appreciates your prayers and will continue to need them.  

Thank you Danielle for keeping me updated.   

Heel, Toe, Shuffle , Step...

Well... fifth try's a charm!  Who would have thought.  Make sure you are sitting down...this is pretty funny.  Granted, this was taken the evening after her first class.  Progress will be made I am sure.  She has been practicing every day...on her own...no pressure from mom, but much encouragement and praise when she does so well.  What did I do before Riley???  I have no idea and I don't want to go back!  

I GAVE UP!!!!!

I have now tried four times to upload the video of Riley "practicing" her dance.  It just won't work... I will keep trying, but if it doesn't ever work, then I guess you will just have to come see the real thing :)

Dancin' Queen

Pretty much since I found out that Riley was old enough to be in dance classes, I have been trying to convince Darryl to agree to put her in.  We decided at the beginning of the year, we would go ahead and enroll her.  Luckily, the classes are held at her school once a week on Tuesdays.  Last Tuesday, when I dropped her off, I inquired about them...I was informed Riley could attend one class for free to see how she would do.  When I picked her up that afternoon, her dance teacher was still there.  As I expected, our little Riley is a natural!  The teacher said most of the time, children cry and leave the first day...no, not Riley, she got right in there, started dancing and proceeded telling other children how to do the steps.  I am not sure where she has gotten all her confidence from :)  The only complaint from Riley was that she wasn't allowed to make up her own dance...

SO...we got home that evening and she wanted to "practice".  She was a little irritated that mom didn't have the music that her teacher had, but she did due with what I had.  I have attached a little clip of our upcoming star!  Our little Riley's dancing debut will be held June 7th!  Mark your calendars :)  This is going to be something you DO NOT want to miss.  

Diva in Training!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe New Year!  Mine was fun, but uneventful...nothing really to blog about.  

What I do have to blog about is Riley's tendency to become the next Diva of the family.  Of course under the close training of her Auntie Catherine.  

For Christmas at Mama's house, Riley got 6 "lit-skits" in her stocking from Santa.  Although she does not know how to say it, she sure knows how to use it!  Here is a little clip of Riley applying lit-skit to Auntie Catherine and Mama and then showing us what we are supposed to do once it is on.