Beauty and Etiquette

All the 6th graders in Montgomery County get to have an etiquette lesson at our country club.  Today is the day that Southmont students go.  Camden told me last week that she wanted to wear a dress and a bow in her hair.

She was content to wear one of the few, old dresses we have.  However, while shopping with Aunt Carole and Gramma Pat, we found a new one.  We also stopped at Claire's to find a bow, but they didn't have any that we really liked.  A pretty white clip-in flower was on the clearance rack and it look so sweet.  She had her outfit!

I don't invest in dress shoes because she doesn't wear them well, plus she was going to be a school too.  Her white sneakers would have to do for the day.  I thought she looked so beautiful...

Bowling Team

Camden is on the Southmont Jr. High bowling team.  Practices started Monday with league play on Wednesdays.  This will continue for 9 weeks before the playoff tournament begins.

The Mall

Camden and I had fun hanging out and shopping with Aunt Carole and Gramma Pat. 

Lion King, Jr.

The Vanity Theater put on this musical over the past 2 weekends.  It was completely sold out, so they opened a show on Thursday night and I quickly got 2 tickets for Camden and I to attend.  The bonus was that I had gift certificates for it from a PTO basket we bid on last year at the carnival.

Several of Camden's friends (and kids of my friends) were in the production.  Our very talented neighbor, Alivia, was one of the stars.

The costumes were magnificent.  Timon and Pumba provided the necessary comic relief. 

Scar and the hyenas were a highlight.

Rafiki was humorous and wise.

And "newborn" Simba got the most ah's from the audience.

Her friends Tovi (in her class) and Avery (a year older, but kindred spirits).

Another newer friend, Kaitlin, who is very kind and fun, squealed in delight when she saw Camden after the show.

My Morning

Technically it was last night that it wouldn't start after a quick run into the grocery store.  But had to deal with it this morning when we knew if the mechanic could look at it today.  Thankful for insurance with roadside assistance!

The Other Kids

Our family of pets is truly a family.  They enjoy eating together, playing together, hanging out, and even kissing.  Quite the crew.

National Farm Machinery Show

Last week, I took a day off of work and Kevin and I headed to the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville.  He has always wanted to go and this worked out in our schedule.  He was a "kid in a candy store" looking at the big and small tractors.

We grabbed a late lunch/early dinner at Mussel & Burger Bar in downtown Louisville.  Very, very good food (and reasonably priced).  We shared a Sweet & Spicy Calamari appetizer.  I'm pretty picky about this food and this was one of the best I've ever had.

I had a Turkey Duck Melt (Sliced roasted turkey, duck confit topped with brie cheese, and fig marmalade) and sweet potato fries with smoked pineapple dipping sauce.  It was big enough for me to take half of it home for lunch the next day.

Kevin had the B.B.B. (Bacon Breakfast Burger topped with caramelized onions, aged white cheddar cheese, maple syrup aioli, maple syrup glazed pork belly, and a fried farm egg) with pomme frites.  He said he's never been a big fan of egg on a burger, but this was very tasty.  The maple syrup aioli made the sandwich.

This is a restaurant I would eat at again without hesitation.

Eva Kor

Camden's class has been studying the holocaust.  Her teacher, Mrs. Barr, recently went on a trip to Auschwitz for the 75th anniversary of the liberation.  The class followed her journey, as well as did multiple reports on Jewish life, faith, and this horrible part of history.  Much of this was possible (and enhanced) by the Eva Kor foundation and Candles Holocaust Museum.  One day, a traveling VR presentation was done for their class.  What an incredible way to connect this generation with this history.

Spot her in the upper right corner in the bright blue Purdue shirt.

Happy 85th!

It's so hard to believe that Grandpa French is 85 years old.  But we celebrated him and Tammy on Saturday.  GaGa made a prime rib and her famous mashed potatoes and salad bar.  The house was full with of family and church friends.  It was a fun evening together.

She also made a banana cream pudding with meringue and I made two cakes.  Grandpa requested yellow cake with chocolate frosting (and then didn't eat a piece!), because the second cake was the hit of the night.  It was a white cake with lemon curd filling and whipped cream frosting garnished with fresh blueberries.  

Happy Valentine's Day

Her Daddy sure knows the way to Camden's heart!

Swim Time

It's fun and good for her knee.  Trying to get a time in each week.

Cheesecake Factory Love!

A Saturday date with my girl in Indy started with lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  She knew we had eaten there before but couldn't remember it.

We were very hungry so decided to split a bowl of soup.  It was potato and the bowl was HUGE!  Camden was a fan.

After our meal (plus the soup) we were full, but she, of course, still wanted cheesecake.  I was a bit surprised, but she selected Key Lime Cheesecake with a mango topping.

She didn't eat if for two days, but she declared it delicious! 

Saturday Swim

Saturdays are always better with swimming, milkshakes, and a friend.

Staff Retreat

We had a staff retreat this past week at the Conrad in Indianapolis.  Quite the beautiful hotel.  Our rooms were luxurious.

I even took a bath one afternoon to pamper myself...while watching TV.

I didn't even need it since I had already had a 1 hour massage and a manicure...all part of the retreat.

We ate way too much rich food too.  Most of our meals were at the Capital Grille which is attached to the hotel.

Amazing steaks, burgers, sides and desserts.  Only okay on seafood.  We also enjoyed a dinner out at Tony's steakhouse where we shared a few crab cakes as table appetizers.  I have never had one I actually liked before.  I would go back for this one!  Following Tony's we went to a play at the Indiana Repertory Theatre.

Believe it or not, we also had some productive meetings!

Getting Stronger

Her physical therapist is noting improvements but we still have a bit to go.  Her brain communication with her muscle/knee is still not completely resolved. 

She is working on building strength.

And working to make her muscles work without thinking about it (riding the stationary bikes, concentrating on throwing a ball while balancing, etc.).