We are still here!

The TLH Huffs are still here! Life has just kept us all so busy the past few months. Summer flew by so fast we didn't get to do so many things we had planned. But "it is what it is." One of my new mantras.

Hannah enjoyed a month with her Grandma in Detroit. I was sad to see her go, but sooo happy that she was able to have some quality time with her Grandma. Unfortunately, my Grandma Dear is not well and now needs 24h care. Hopefully, I will be able to go spend a few days with her next week. Since we are homeschooling again this year, the plan is to go visit at least once a month. It will given my Aunt & Uncle a break and give me some time with My Dear.

Yes, you heard correctly! It is official. The TLH Huffs have truly realized now that the public school system is just NOT for us. Sarah is starting Kindergarten and Hannah the 4th grade.....at HOME! We've been doing "a little of this & a little of that" since Monday. Yet, the official first day is September 6th! We are all excited and making plans for field trips, science projects, and arts/crafts. This week we learned a little about symbols and Florida history. So, the girls each had to draw a symbol for our "school." Will have to scan & post them later.

This week has been a busy busy one. The girls started another season of dance. It is Hannah's 7th & Sarah's 3rd. My Banana is now a member of the company...ABT Prepatory Level. The Performing Arts Center of Tallahassee is one of the two schools certified in the state of Florida. Hannah will be doing 7hrs of instruction a week (in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, & Acro/Tumbling), one hour of assisting a teacher with the little ones a week, and 2hrs of performance rehearsal a week. A busy bee she will be! Sarah is in her last year at the primary level & taking a Ballet/Tap class.

We ALL will be busy. I'll be too busy to tackle those last three courses to finish my BSN degree. New goal is to be done by Fall 2012. Still undecided about Midwifery school. Still patiently awaiting some sign. Well why I'm waiting, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a contributing writer for a birth blog...The Mahogany Way Birth Cafe. The plan is to write one post a month. I'm really excited about this!

We are all excited about where life is taking us!

And the Winner is..........

...STUDENT OF THE WEEK
"Congratulations to Hannah Huff, our Student of the Week! Hannah is currently in Level II classes and was nominated by her teachers because of her polite manners, her willingness to learn and improve and her initiative and drive. We've loved watching you grow, Hannah. Congratulations - we're so proud of you!" - The Performing Arts Center of Tallahassee www.pactdance.com

Hannah is currently in her 5th season at PACT.
She is taking Ballet II & Jazz II.
Leonard & I are very proud of her and are very excited about her achievement.

This is her at the last annual performance with her teachers,
Ms Carly & Ms Robyn.
This year she has two new teachers and
really getting into the valuable techniques of dance.

Music, Magic, & Make Believe

In June, Hannah preformed in her 4th annual end of season dance recital. This year was her first time being in the "big show" on Friday night! The show was amazing. All of the dancers did a great job. Leonard & I were very proud of Hannah & all her hard work this dance season.

She had three performances.....Hip-Hop Jrs, Ballet II, and Jazz II. She was very excited to be in the "big show," but missed being with her friend Kennedy. Unfortunately, Kennedy wont be in the "big show" for another season. So, the TLH Huffs are preparing for another season of dance that starts next month. Yet, this time Ms Sarah will be hitting the stage too! That's right...she is 3 yrs old and old enought to dance! She will be taking pre-primary ballet and tap. Do they make tap shoes that small?!?!?

Alvin Ailey

Thursday night, Feb 19th, Hannah and I stepped out into the bright lights of downtown Atlanta. The weather was frigid & us Florida girls were not prepared. Yet, the anticipation of being a part of Alvin Ailey's 50th celebration kept us warm! That's right...Hannah & I enjoyed 2 1/2 hrs of the world's best dancers in Atlanta's infamous Fox Theater! Great orchestra seats and the company of Grandma Florene and we were two happy campers. We were all amazed! Hannah leaned over and whispered into my ear half way thru the show, "Mommy, I want to dance like that." Jack pot! Mission accomplished!

Hannah & Fall Dance

This week was Hannah's fall parent observation day at dance. This is her fourth season. She is taking Ballet II, Jazz II, and Hip-Hop. That's three hours every week and three different pairs of dance shoes to keep up with! She continues to look more and more like a dancer every season.

Unfortunately, she did not make the cast for Alice in Wonderland. However, she is not broken. "Mommy, not everyone can be in the show," she said. Her instructor and dance director did recommend that she audition for the company. Being a part of the company would allow her more practice and attention to grow. Also, she would have more opportunity to perform on stage.

She enjoys sharing what she learns with Sarah after class. Some days she's not so excited about going to class. So, I have to keep on her and remind her that you just can't just give up...you have to work hard...hard work pays off every time! To keep her motivated, I am planning on taking her & Sarah to Atlanta in February for Hannah's birthday. The Alvin Ailey Company will be performing at the Fox Theater. I pray that seeing others like her dancing well will inspire her.