Cora - 5th Grade music concert

End of the school stuff is wrapping up... and even more clear that we will soon no longer have an elementary kiddo!

Cora's 5th grade has been fun...  of course some drama with girls, but really, she's finding herself, and finding some nice friends, and getting to experience some fun things.

Monday night was the 5th grade music concert - choir and band.  She plays the trumpet in band.  We think she likes it, as she's signed up for band in 6th grade!!  But I can't say I could actually see her playing at the concert!  ha. 

with 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Kramer

BFF - Maggie

Maggie, Cora, and Zoe

Blayke, Ava, Maggie, Cora, Zoe

in Kindergarten she froze at her speaking part, 5 years later, she nailed the speaking part!

Kayson - 8th/9th Grade Spring Concert

I tell you what - Kayson has found his love for singing.  I love it.  It makes me happy. 

The Spring Concert was this week...  showcasing 8th grade and 9th grade (Timberline students), as well as celebrating Mr. Peterson's retirement.  I didn't know him well, but from the standing ovation for him and all the great things K has told me and others too, I'd say Mr. P had an awesome impact on many kids. 

Kayson will be wrapping up 9th grade choir soon...  there is another type of contest coming up, then I believe one more concert with the HS.  Then he'll move on to Show Choir auditions... and being a Sophomore!!

New Job

After 20+ years (I think 23), Ryan has left Gardiner & Company.  He made the adjustment a couple weeks ago, and is now with TrueNorth Companies. 

Honestly, this was a long drawn out process...  but in the end, it all worked out.  Gardiner was super supportive, and happy for Ryan (hated to see him go), but it was needed.  Ryan was losing steam.  He is now with TrueNorth as a Senior Captive Analyst.  Don't ask what that means - titles are weird. 

Regardless, a lot going on at our house with that...  lots of emotions!!  

2024 BravO! dance competition

And the 3rd dance comp is in the books already.  I tell ya, the season goes fast. 

Cora and Tenley danced their duet Friday around noon...  Cora skipped out of school again!  She did go on Thursday, and all was good.  But I have to say, she was still super tired...  not 100%.  Regardless, the duet went fairly well.  I could tell Cora was not giving it her all. 

Saturday was a super early morning - I was up at 4:40 am, Cora about 4:55 am. Out the door by 5:40... and dancing by 7:30 am.  Man, that was rough, and also with Cora just needed some more rest - she was having a hard time.  I felt so bad. 

She fought through, like a tough girl.  She put on her smiles, but again, pretty clear that she wasn't 100%.  We finally made it home about 3:30 pm (Cora snoozing in the car!)...  She took a good rest when we got home... then bed early and got a solid 12 hours of sleep.  Totally what she needed!!

Results of the competition wasn't not that great.  The kids were just off...  it was pretty disappointing.  I really wish the group dances could be in the Intermediate rating group.  Oh well.  

A few pics.

Wash that Man

Goldie Locks

Cora - Influenza B

My heart hurts just writing this blog.  I hate it.  I hate sickness, and am just so mad. 

Cora has come down with Influenza B.  Saturday morning, she was good, or what seemed to be good...  we headed out to Creston for a little Easter.  Around 1pm - Cora was exhausted, barely keeping her eyes open, and she was warm.  :(

We stayed just a little bit, then headed home... home to a high temp.  She was in fairly good spirits, complaining of nothing actually.  Her fever lingered on all evening and through the night.  Sunday morning (Easter Sunday), I took her to urgent care.  Positive for Influenza B.  My heart just sank - as I know there is nothing we can do besides pump her with Motrin and Tylenol and keep her hydrated.  Her fever was up and down all day... and then overnight (Sunday to Monday), it was high.  She was out of it...  sweating, but cold... all the things.  She ended up vomiting as well...  

Stats: 100 lbs., 5' 2"

Monday:

Got Tamiflu in her (and she hates it).  Why can't any of this stuff taste better?!?!  Temp is still high... and she's exhausted, and bored.  

Tuesday:

She slept all night, which was a plus... and woke fever free!  She was excited. However, her body started to warm up a little after awhile.  The cough is pretty annoying - pretty thick and sounds awful.   Tuesday was a positive day - she stayed fever free and seemed ok.  Definitely not 100%, but she's on the mend. 

getting some fresh air - for about 3 minutes!

Tuesday ended up being a really positive day... and Wednesday she woke up fever free again!  Her eyes are clear, and she's definitely better!!  The cough is still there, and probably will continue to linger. 

Happy to report this was fairly short lived!!

2024 Turn It Up Dance competition

#2 comp is over already. Season is going fast. 

Cora and group danced Sunday morning - early.  All 5 dances for Cora were back to back, and the morning went fast!

Goldie Locks - Platinum, 1st overall

Snow Day - Platinum, 2nd overall

Wash that Man - High Gold, 3rd overall

Never Dreamed - High Gold, 4th overall

Girls Night - Platinum, 2nd overall

Pretty good day...  I felt that a few of the dances were 'messy', but that happens.  

2024 Spring Break

Spring Break is starting off much better than last year - we had snow last year!

This year... it's been great weather so far!

We had a great couple days at home... Cora and I went to a Iowa/Iowa State gymnastics meet (with Michelle & Cora)... we had a great day at the farm...  I worked some... kids played... Cora got a full day with Aylah and Aunt Tricia...  I took the kids to Putts & Pinns for a couple hours...  and we had lots of down time.  It honestly was a great week.