February part two

We got a little pianist in the house: practice time is fun time nowadays and that is very exciting (and reassuring) as it hasn't always been that way. :)

In a couple of months she'll start preparing for the Royal Schools of Music exams, the world's leading presenter of music examination (I have been getting some nice tips online at ABRSM website and their Facebook page. ABRSM is the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music.  She's already started practicing from one of the books.

And then there was Valentine's Day!! Good morning sleepy-head Valentine!!!

Ice cream party/sugar high at school:

With a classroom friend, this boy Seymour who was "courting" her heavily that day, ha-ha!

Checking out all the Valentines she got:

I love this picture: I love you two!!

Ballet right after:

 I feel this picture describes Ella best: exuberant, happy, amazing.

I love watching you always doing your best. When you get it and do those beautiful poses and positions, I am proud beyond words. You are everything I ever wanted to be and more. 

That evening we were spoiled to some beautiful flower bouquets:

And red velvet cake:

 My love:

We made some gluten-free heart-shaped pizza.

These next pictures were taken after church/stake conference. (I don't know why Ella loves to take pictures on the hood of the car!!)
[The conference talks were great, focused on the importance of prayer for spiritual and physical protection, of appreciation of the gift of the Holy Ghost and the great shield it can offer us, and about the worth of womanhood. President Eyring and Elder Scott, along with one of the counselors in the General Primary organization were the speakers.]

But she does and I love her poses:

 Princess:

At friends' birthday party:

She made a "clown face" for herself! Quite good, I must say. (Hrishi's watching Cross Fit games in the background.)

"Cross-fit" clown!! :)

 

Moonwalk at the friends' party:

 Homework at... home:

Ella is a great reader. Her DRA (Development Reading Assessment) level is 24 right now ( which is a mid 2nd grade level) and her teacher is testing her for 28/30 at the end of this month (for 3rd grade.) She also loves to write stories and is pretty good at spelling. She is also doing an excellent job at math according to her teacher and the assessments they have in school.

  Cute outfit one morning:

[And just so I don't write a whole post about my own "issues" lately and sound pitiful or something along those lines, I'm going to "bury" this in here: I've been a little distressed lately. I never used to compare myself with others but for some crazy reason, I've been down a bit with all the things that I wish I were but I am not, all the things I wish I did but I don't, etc. etc., etc. My life is not perfect and I am certainly not perfect either. I struggle sometimes more than others might think. My sweet husband has helped me see all the good things about myself lately and when I take inventory of those, things don't seem just so bad. There are a lot of areas that I am yet to improve and grow in, a lot of little things that bring heartache and anguish but so many others that bring great joy and comfort. So, please Cristina focus on those latter ones!!]

On Friday, we kicked off the Houston Rodeo lineup 2013 with this super cute cowgirl:

Hat, spurs, and stick horse. Now, she would love it just so much to actually have her horse by her side, you know?!!! We've got tickets to the rodeo, but we just have to figure out when to fit it into our crazy schedules.

Friday night we took advantage of the free night (no piano as that was crammed on Thursday along with ballet) and went to Fun Plex, a favorite outing for Ella. It was a lot of fun, she did the ferris wheel, bumper cars, go karts, and lots of games. She won the jackpot and got to pick a toy from THE wall!! That's a big deal because that's where the big prizes are!!

Pole position:

Saturday lunch at Red Robin's. Fun, fun and yummy lunch. We don't necessarily go there for the food but for the fact that we CAN safely eat food there. She is very happy and thoroughly enjoys the restaurant atmosphere. Doesn't she have a perfectly beautiful smile?

(My pride, my joy, my life.)

Relief Society stake meeting was Saturday evening. I loved the flyer: one of these days I will get myself some pink boxing gloves!!! The meeting was wonderful, and a lot fun. It was all in an elegant boxing atmosphere and theme. The decor, the dinner, and the talks were great.

I came out of there refreshed and spiritually fed and with an overwhelming feeling of pride and gratitude that I get to be part of this wonderful group of women of the church of Jesus Christ. The women of the church make up a great army of hard working, loving, selfless, and special souls.

Sunday after church we went and picked up my marathon packet. Yes, I am excited and that's an understatement. It will be an awesome experience, I hope, I pray.  I waited in line for over 30 minutes to get my packet and I loved watching the runners' crowd of all shapes and sizes excitedly chatting about racing, injury, and all things running.

We were nearby the temple and wanted to visit the temple grounds but remembered that it was closed for renovation...