I asked Alex what he wanted for his birthday and he said fried okra. Fried okra.

God I love that kid.

State

I am so proud of Alex. He did such a fantastic job today at State Drama contest. He and his girl Holland came in 8 out of 28.

The first show Alex was in was "The Wizard of Oz". Mrs. Clark was directing this show during the summer to raise money for her high school drama class. Alex was a Munchkin and was featured in "The Lollipop Guild". He loved being a part of this show and I could tell then and there that he was hooked.

Denise and I directed several summer shows together and Alex was a part of these shows including: Into the Woods, Grease, Pippin, Guys & Dolls and Once Upon a Matress.

His freshman year in high school, Alex was cast as LeFou in Beauty and the Beast. What a joy to see him in his first high school production. That winter, I directed Godspell and Alex was also in that cast. He grew a lot his freshman year, working on staying in character. He was cast as Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie his sophmore year. Junior year was Pat Gilbert in State Fair. His senior year the school did Annie Get Your Gun. Alex was Frank Butler to his girl's Annie Oakley. They has great chemistry on stage and I know they has such a good time doing the show together.

Getting to see him perform today was such a joy. The piece Funeral Parlor is so smart and they were fabulous in their roles. It is such an honor to advance to the state level and not only did they finish well, they beat their competition from Districts!

Alex not only did you "break a leg" today, but you gave me many great memories to cherish!

What a Day

My head is still spinning.

Blackout

What a run! For the past two months, I have been surrounded by the most talented, creative people. It was such a treat to be an integral part of this production.

Wonder what we will do next?

Hurt

I am hurt. I am trying not to be, but I am. I am trying so hard to believe I don't care, but I do.

Break a Leg

Jekyll & Hyde goes up tomorrow. The show is fantastic and I've had so much fun helping put it all together.

40:31

and those who wait on the Lord
shall renew their strength
they shall lift their wings
and mount up as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Pics

Ethan at his baptism. I am so very proud of him!


Alex and Holland (on the far right) waiting to hear they are going to state for their humorous duet "Funeral Parlor".

Big Weekend

Alex received a I rating on his vocal solo at district contest. This has been a long time coming. He's worked so hard to get where he is at and to say I am proud, isn't enough.....

Ethan is home from the Pastor Class. He's made the decision to be baptised on Palm Sunday. To say I am proud doesn't even begin to explain my feelings....

Our gig went well tonight. Lots of people I invited came and that's always a plus! I am still so grateful for the chance to do something that I love to do.

Confrontation

I cried at rehearsal tonight. Confrontation was simply amazing.

Shoes

Sometimes, when you ask, amazing things will happen.

If

you don't really want to know what I think, don't ask.

Knowing Myself

I know what I like and what I don't.
I know who I like and who I don't.
I know who I want to spend time with and who I don't.

It's ok to leave a situation that isn't working. It's ok. It's taken me a long time to fully understand this.

I am no longer trapped by my circumstances and God, is that freeing!

Had By All

This past week was wonderful in so many different ways.

The high points were: seeing family in Chicago, new haircut, new shoes, sleeping until I woke up instead of woken up, time with my family, going to state ...YES!

Embrace

I got my hair cut yesterday. I love it. The girl that cut my hair is from Minnesota. She's charming, easy to talk to and does not cut my hair in a straight line. Anyone that has curly hair will understand how much this thrills me.

Moving back to the midwest was a decision my husband and I made on the fly. Our oldest son was a newborn and we needed to live somewhere we could be safe and have a better quality of life. Living in a place with many things to offer is not fun when you can't afford to do any of those things.

Living in this town with not many things to do has not been easy. My husband especially misses his old town with its mountains, streams and views. I miss the people, especially the hippies and the natives. But we have made this work. We have found things to do and met many great people.

And now that I have found someone that doesn't cut in straight lines, I love it all the more.

Tea for Four

Just back from a quick trip to Chicago. Audrey turned 5 and invited me to have tea with her at the American Girl Place. I was more than happy to oblige.

It was fun being in the city again. Helps me remember that there is a great big world out there and I am just a tiny speck.

I also did a little shopping. There's nothing like new shoes, new jeans, new bras and some tea to help you get your mojo back.

Say

Say what you mean.

Mean what you say.

A New Day

I have a lot of laundry to do before I leave for Chicago. And there is that pesky little detail about what am I driving to Chicago.....

I'm looking forward to seeing my family and the city.

Hate is easy. Love takes courage.

What a Great Weekend

I had such a great weekend. I didn't do anything special except hang with my family, watch some great movies and knit. Grace in small things has truly changed my way of looking at life. I have a tendency to be down and negative (at least that's what I am in my head). I really want to not be that way and enjoy/fully particpate in every second I am blessed to have. I know that there will be hard times but again, I want to be in the moment and not be looking ahead all the time.