POPCORN and sticky floors at 1pm......

Going to the cinema in the middle of the day!!

...it's okay; its summer!

 Sweetheart scored free passes for the movie.

We're going to watch Snow White and the Huntsman

AWESOME!!!

There is something exciting about watching a completely unplanned, unexpected movie.

Thank you, Sweetheart!

sweets for the family

Some people think that candy stores are the only place you can get something SWEET.

nope...

Today we visited the local skateboard shop, where we found cool skateboards, awesome long boards, fun clothing, and skating accessories like decks, bearings, trucks, grips and stickers.

That kind of store...with FUN items...is what my children refer to as a "SWEETS shop". 

Our intentions were to purchase new bearings for Bam's skateboard.

But with so many "SWEETS" to admire, we were like toddlers in a candy store.

You know, we could've gone to the franchised shop in the mall for our bearings.

But we decided to support a local indie shop. 

We had a blast plus they didn't mind my little family at all.

Afterward, we stopped by a local cake shop that opened in our neighborhood. 

Mmmm....

From one SWEET shop to another......

What a perfectly SWEET DAY.

Les Mis strike down

It's going to be another long night on the set of Les Misérables.

Tonight the show ends its tour date of Albuquerque

All the props, costumes, wigs, lighting, cables and actors head off to Costa Mesa, California.

Below is a photo of the break down process that happens after the show ends. 

Even as the audience begins to leave the theatre.......the big trucks are waiting.

Its all a pretty AMAZING process.

 I enjoyed working with the Les Mis touring crew.

Everything ran so smooth.

I was inspired by the organization and leadership skills.

Great job!!!

When was the last time you went to see Les Misérables?

See it soon... a number of people worked hard to put on this wonderful show.

I'm honored to say I was part of that team!!

call the babysitter, Les Mis is in town.....

Feeling excited...
Tonight I worked for the theatre stage production of Les Misérables.
I enjoy all that go into the BIG touring show.
The flooring, stage setting, back drops, costuming and wigs; the musical accompany, the high definition projections.
Tomorrow is opening night......

This is Cameron Mackintosh's newest 25th anniversary production of Boublil Schönberg's legendary musical Les Misérables, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the painting of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times calls this Les Misérables "an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish." The London Times hails the new show "a five star hit, astonishingly powerful."

I ♥ my job...

upcycled bed

----Interesting play things made here----

Shhh... babies asleep


As I was cleaning my girls bedroom, I noticed this little doll bed.

It looks like my girls lovingly crafted it.

It appears to be made from a container from our last strawberry indulgence, felt, wooden sticks,  and a sponge

Pretty Cute.... (that's what I thought)

I've got some very imaginative girls.

ROARING good time.....

Tonight we were invited to a private reception dinner.....at the ZOO.

We came prepared with our picnic blanket, sunblock........and appetite!

It was an evening of cool temperature -- no mosquitos--and on stage entertainment.
 The reception was hosted by the Indian Education Department of APS (Albuquerque Public Schools) in honor of the Native American Scholars in the district.

That was us..... we were included along with other natives students in the area for ACADEMIC AND SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENTS during the 2011 / 2012 school year.

My children have been recognized yearly so we have always looked forward to this reception dinner.

-------------------

We enjoyed hearing the squeals of the chimpanzees and the roar of the lions from beyond the big wall near the amphitheater area.... where we enjoyed our dinner.

Besides the animals at the zoo..... there were face painters, painting the children's little faces....we had a great time!!

Grrrrr....

 Tigger or Sweetheart???

phenomenal Fifi

My middle school honor student--Princess Fifi-- had the prestige and honor of having Mr. Winston Brooks, the Superintendent of Albuquerque Public schools shadow her throughout the day. She was elected this position of student advisor by the principal of her school for her outstanding grades, model behavior, outstanding attitude towards school plus for having wonderful leadership skills. 

She definitely had the teachers and students at full attention today.....that's for sure!!

Winston Brooks

Fifi was privileged when asked by Winston Brooks, to share her input of the advantages and disadvantages of her school and her opinion of the teachers, the teaching programs and the fairness and equality of student life.

Fifi has superior communication skills.....she says she answered her questions fair, honest and respectful to her school, her principal and her peers.

I'm beaming with pride.....my kid is the BEST!

Diego to the third power

Here we are at the party store once again.
Last time we were here we had so many laughs (click here to revisit that blog)

Once again we perused the many themes to see what might spark our imaginations....


                                                  There was the Western Cowgirl theme

                                                         The Rock and Rock 50's theme

                                                          The Roaring 40's theme

                                                       The Teen pop star theme

Then there was the 

                                            Go, Diego, Go theme...............creeeeepy!

Guess who......

GON volunteering

Tonight is an important night..... volunteering at Gathering of Nations.

NO PICTURES PLEASE.....

Here's a few very nice snaps of 

NORTH AMERICA'S BIGGEST POWWOW

Enjoy......

(click here for Blog about setup)

it was a great season....

Can you believe we've gone through an entire season of track and field with Princess Fifi.

She had an excellent time participating and getting some cardio as well.

We've reached the final track meet today....

Can you see Fifi and her "personal trainer" (Bam) on the field??
Can you see Cookie and Sweetheart on the sideline too?

 Fifi's event is the 800 meter dash....she is an excellent runner.

I'm so proud of my Princess.... everyone is proud of her... Bam has enjoyed being her "personal trainer"....plus Sweetheart and Cookie love cheering her on.

Coming out to the stadium has become a real treat----from Bam being on the football team to Fifi competing at track. 

I'm proud of my little athlete (and academic) achiever.

*applause* 

Yay!!

Sweetheart and Cookie
up on the top seating for a birds eye view

This is what they see.... can you see our van?
(hint: far far left)
Amazing view of the petroglyph volcanos too....

Princess Fifi and Bam reflecting the season....

Moments like this melt my heart....

Good bye stadium........... we'll see you later

keeping it simple...

Today is 'parent-teacher' conference day at Cookie and Sweetheart's school.

I feel the need to attach the following disclaimer:

Teachers: 
Kindly excuse my lack of questions. 
I have only a teeny tiny bit of my voice back. 

Please accept my apologies for little dialog.

Simply put:

Nice day

Good girls

Excellent grades

Today I'm feeling rather numb, rough, achy, patchy and raw.

 My neck is sore and my ears are ringing.
The burning inferno in my throat has now been down graded to a blazing forest fire.

sweeping the sweepstakes.....

Sunday is a good day to stay home.....

Bam is back home with us.

He had great time in Santa Fe with the Speech and Debate team!

The team ended up placed very high in state competition and brought back some gorgeous trophies.

I heard state competition was challenging but of course our team is always up for a challenge.

They did EXCELLENT......so very proud.

*applause*

can't catch me....

After school Princess Fifi is trying out for her school track and field team.

I'm proud of my little Fifi

She is accomplished in so many ways.....

She's super smart, beautiful, friendly, funny, athletic, and multi-talented.

She's got sky high ambitions and goals....

and what a cutie too.

I ♥ u princess

We're cheering for you....

I wonder if I can find track shoes in HOT PINK???

balance is everything........

Today Cookie and I attended a field trip to Popejoy Hall for the matinee "school time series"performance of the Peking Acrobats. 

This group of beautiful acrobats originating from China include gymnasts, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers. 

They entertained us with a wondrous assortment of awe-inspiring acrobatic performance and Chinese musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments.

 They were simply amazing!!!

This is not the first time we've seen this amazing troupe though.

A few years ago we, as a family, were able to catch their performance then.

Cookie and I are certain that they have more stunning performances this time around.

The children that filled the theatre today were amazed and astonished as they watching on the edges of their seats. 

The Peking Chinese Acrobats are an AWESOME display of acrobatic discipline, hard work, perseverance and beauty.

Cookie and I truly enjoyed the SHOW......

Take a peek at the video below. 

--If they should ever come to your region; you should definitely considering attending--