Office gratitude

To say that this year has been difficult is an understatement.

One surprising source of comfort: NBC's "The Office."


Sure, sure, some people like it. But I need it. Not because I'm addicted to television but because it brings me joy (yes, you heard me) even on dark days.

Some may worry that this is solace from a mediocre source. To them I say, I still have family, friends, and the gospel to help me. But when I need a laugh or smile (or smirk) at a strange time or tough moment, I can turn to Micheal, Dwight, Pam, Jim and the rest of the Dunder-Mifflin crew.

I loved the BBC version and was reluctant to watch NBC's version. I avoided it for a couple of years, actually. I turned up my nose at it (without even watching), because I assumed the American version would fall short of the British original.

I'm not the first critic to observe that fears of inferiority were unfounded, but once I realized my wrong thinking, I wasn't ashamed to admit it. NBC's version is just as funny but it's sweeter too and more lovable. And now I'm actually glad about not discovering the show right away because when I came on board, there were three seasons of shows to watch.

Don't pity me, people. I'm just being honest. In a time of pain, confusion and low mood (a Hill term), "The Office" has delivered ... and not just paper.



I like this picture because it shows "The Office" leads relaxed, like friends. Like my friends.
(But don't worry - I won't turn out like the recently convicted Uma Thurman stalker.)

Four generations

I like to think of this blog as multi-generational, and thought I'd share a special photo of my dear grandmother Janell, super mom Susan, revered sister Courtney and cherished niece Elin. (I'm increasing in adjective intensity - hee hee!)

Thanks to Grandma and Mom for being examples of curiosity, compassion, courage and lots more. I'm grateful to be in your line. I could not have a better mother or grandmother!

And to Marni, Courtney (and Elin, Ellie & Miles) - what a joy to be your sibling and aunt.

Living family history

My dad sent us an email with a newsflash: his birth certificate (contrary to what was previously believed) lists his name as Ernest Fredrick Hill ... not Fredrick Ernest Hill.

Good to double check, for sure!

Here is a pic of Fred.E.Hill as a young lad (courtesy of Aunt Sherry). To say that he looks like little Miles is S.T.O. (state the obvious, in Marni-lingo). But still, it's true, therefore I have posted a comparison photo of Miles.

Costumes

I thought you'd get a better sense of the dance suits with extra images!

The class really is adorable. Graham has asked several times if he can join the preschool creative movement class too.

Ha! I can only imagine a boy version of this hot pink number.

"Do you believe in magic?"

... in a young girl's heart?

Hey, I can't stop singing along to one of the songs Annie's dance class will be performing to in a few short weeks.

Yesterday was photo day so the girls got to practice in their full regalia after the class photo was snapped.

I remember when the costumes were first unveiled several months ago ... the girls loved them, the moms were blown away. Blown. Away.

I tried to get in the head of the costume designer, a woman clearly striving for that WOW factor, unwilling to settle for just one garnish when five would do.
She didn't stop at the garish pink fabric or the lacy overlay on the bodice. She didn't stop with silver sequins trimming the flouncy skirt. She didn't stop with black lace trimming next to the silver sequins trimming the flouncy skirt. No, she took it to the next level with a black sparkly bow (not pictured) threaded through a diamond heart at the back of the skirt.

Must be seen to be believed.

Each girl also gets to wear a black heart diamond choker, a pink, silver and black bracelet, shiny pink-n-silver tap shoe toppers and a marvelous black feather bun topper. The effect is best little dance class in Texas!

I absolutely love watching the girls dance. They especially had fun yesterday with lots of parents watching and cheering from the front of the studio. It truly makes my heart happy to watch Annie concentrating intently on the steps and the moves (and usually executing them about a half-beat after the instructor). It creates a kind of ripple effect.

FYI: the class recital (Annika, Madalyn and Alexa are also in this class) is May 24th for those in driving distance who want to see the costumes for themselves.

Before and after

Annie also got a hair cut. Her hair was super shaggy, pre-Great Clips stop in.

In her words, "I think my bangs are becoming my eyebrows."

Great Clips

On Monday, a school holiday, Graham mentioned that he might be willing to get a piece of his bangs trimmed. Just a piece!

While I knew that there was no way we would stop at just one piece of hair, I also knew that I needed to jump right on his willingness to come close to hair scissors. Remember my Christmas hair nightmare post? I do.

So we dashed off to Great Clips. Annie always loves sitting on the stylist's tall chair. It's a chance to watch herself in the mirrror, a guaranteed fun time!