This is what happens when the girls get together with their Ohio cousins. . .
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
My Voice
As many of you know, I am a big supporter of many different causes, most of which pertain to children. You don't have to look far to see those causes, as I list many of them on the sidebar of this page. Those that know me personally, would tell you that I am generally a giving person and that I would gladly give my right arm and left leg if I knew it would save someone's life. I often wish I had more money, not so I could have a bigger house or fancy car, but because I'd love to donate more money to the charities I support.
I may not be rich, but I am not without resources. I may not have millions, or even hundreds of dollars to give, but I do have a voice. I've realized that I can use my knowledge and experience to write about these important causes and share them with others, who in turn may be able to help in some way, either by donating money or by continuing to spread the word.
The main reason I started this blog was to share stories about my life as a Mom. I never expected I would use it as a platform to speak out about my causes, or as my soapbox to preach or rant about anything related to politics. However, I am finding that has very much become one of my main reasons for continuing to write. I may not post as often as I'd like, but that is because I typically post only when I feel inspired or have a story to tell. I've yet to bring myself to write just for the sake of writing, or posting just because I have a blog to update. I have written a few times because I felt I should and either posted something I considered mediocre, or didn't bother to finish the post at all. As I've said before, time is an issue too. Now that I work full time outside of the home, my time to write is more limited. And when I do have time, my brain is fried or I'm simply too exhausted to write.
You won't see me post about politics often, because this is not a political blog. There are plenty of those types of blogs out there and mine is not going to be another one. However, that doesn't mean I won't ever mention any political issues, but you will find the topics I write about to be mostly related to children, education or health care, my three biggest "hot buttons."
In the near future, I am looking towards revamping this blog and adding a page (or maybe two) or possibly a separate blog for my "soapbox" issues and causes. Until then, I will post about them right here along with my stories about the girls.
I am hoping to find a way to post more often. I can't commit to every day or even every other day, but I will try to post at least twice a month (who knows, maybe once a week!) even if it is just a picture or two. Sometimes a picture sums up everything I want to share, without ever having to write a word.
If you have any suggestions on possible titles for my new "causes" page/blog, I'd love to hear them - you can email them to me or post them as a comment below. I do have a few ideas I'm kicking around ("Stepping on My Soapbox" is one but I'm sure it has been used before - maybe a variation of that?) but nothing that I really like enough to use.
I have a few posts in the works and will hopefully have them up very soon, including my "too late to be called a birthday post" that I started writing for Kiki more than two months ago.
No matter what, please don't give up on me. I may not post everyday, or even every week (or month *sigh*). But know that I am still here and that I will be back, ready to use my voice the best way I know how.
I may not be rich, but I am not without resources. I may not have millions, or even hundreds of dollars to give, but I do have a voice. I've realized that I can use my knowledge and experience to write about these important causes and share them with others, who in turn may be able to help in some way, either by donating money or by continuing to spread the word.
The main reason I started this blog was to share stories about my life as a Mom. I never expected I would use it as a platform to speak out about my causes, or as my soapbox to preach or rant about anything related to politics. However, I am finding that has very much become one of my main reasons for continuing to write. I may not post as often as I'd like, but that is because I typically post only when I feel inspired or have a story to tell. I've yet to bring myself to write just for the sake of writing, or posting just because I have a blog to update. I have written a few times because I felt I should and either posted something I considered mediocre, or didn't bother to finish the post at all. As I've said before, time is an issue too. Now that I work full time outside of the home, my time to write is more limited. And when I do have time, my brain is fried or I'm simply too exhausted to write.
You won't see me post about politics often, because this is not a political blog. There are plenty of those types of blogs out there and mine is not going to be another one. However, that doesn't mean I won't ever mention any political issues, but you will find the topics I write about to be mostly related to children, education or health care, my three biggest "hot buttons."
In the near future, I am looking towards revamping this blog and adding a page (or maybe two) or possibly a separate blog for my "soapbox" issues and causes. Until then, I will post about them right here along with my stories about the girls.
I am hoping to find a way to post more often. I can't commit to every day or even every other day, but I will try to post at least twice a month (who knows, maybe once a week!) even if it is just a picture or two. Sometimes a picture sums up everything I want to share, without ever having to write a word.
If you have any suggestions on possible titles for my new "causes" page/blog, I'd love to hear them - you can email them to me or post them as a comment below. I do have a few ideas I'm kicking around ("Stepping on My Soapbox" is one but I'm sure it has been used before - maybe a variation of that?) but nothing that I really like enough to use.
I have a few posts in the works and will hopefully have them up very soon, including my "too late to be called a birthday post" that I started writing for Kiki more than two months ago.
No matter what, please don't give up on me. I may not post everyday, or even every week (or month *sigh*). But know that I am still here and that I will be back, ready to use my voice the best way I know how.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
She Shines Like A Star
Just eight short years ago, on January 4, my little fighter was born. Boo arrived eleven days late, without breath or heartbeat, and fought for her life in the NICU. Even though the doctors gave every worst case scenario (I know, they have to), she proved them wrong, won the fight, and is now a strong (and stubborn!), smart, spunky and healthy child.
I often feel Boo is our miracle baby, and because she had a rough start to her life, shouldn't have to ever fight that hard again in anything she does. Life however, has already been full of challenges for her. I know that many children go through so much worse, but as her mom, I can't help but feel badly for her when she has these experiences. I sometimes feel like she has gotten and continues to get the "short end of the stick."
Her most recent challenge happened this past December, just before Christmas. Boo was part of a local dance company's production of The Nutcracker. Her older sister, Kiki, was in the same production in 2009 and just minutes after Boo watched her perform, she knew she wanted to try out the following year. She almost immediately announced that she wanted to be a Gingersnap, the Nutcracker role this dance company often gives to dancers Boo's age. She talked about being in The Nutcracker off and on from December 2009 until auditions this past August. Boo auditioned, was chosen to be in one of two Gingersnap casts and was simply over the moon with excitement. Nothing (except maybe a pet pig) could have made her happier. Boo cheerfully looked forward to and attended every rehearsal, and like a child anticipating a birthday or Christmas morning, frequently asked how many more weeks/days/hours/minutes/seconds until her performance.
Finally "Nutcracker week" arrived. Boo danced her way through the week, practicing her part in the kitchen, prancing down the hall into school every morning, and asked to listen to "her" Nutcracker music over and over (and over and over) again. Soon the night of dress rehearsal arrived and she was literally dancing for joy before, during, and after it was over. Not even a late night of rehearsal made her tired, and getting her to go to sleep afterward was a challenge. I truly believe she ate, slept and dreamt Nutcracker that whole week.
Finally, performance day arrived. Boo woke up slightly grumpy - I assumed at the time it was due to being up a touch later than normal the night before at a family birthday party. Looking back I wonder if it was a sign of things to come that day.
Even though Boo's call time wasn't until 6:30, I had to get her ready in the morning (Bill is bun-challenged) before taking her sister, who was a mouse in The Nutcracker, to her Saturday afternoon performance. Because Boo's part was double cast, she was only in half of the shows, and her cast was to perform Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. When I left to take Kiki to her call time, Boo was a little disappointed she had to wait until much later to go, but she was otherwise perfectly happy and bouncing off the walls, bubbling with excitement. Little did we know, that was all about to change.
Saturday night finally arrived. After dropping Kiki off for her curtain call time, I waited in the lobby for my husband to bring Boo, who had a much later call time. She arrived on schedule, full of excitement and so happy to finally have her chance to perform.
Fast forward to show time. . . As The Nutcracker opening music started, my heart started pounding with excitement (and a touch of nerves) anticipating watching the girls' performances. I was especially excited to see Boo, whose Nutcracker moment finally arrived. Bill and I sat in the audience with my Dad, who had flown in from North Carolina, and with the majority of Bill's family, who had trekked in from Ohio. All of them made the special trip to see the girls perform. More guests, including my Mom, were due to see the Sunday afternoon performance the next day.
Just as The Nutcracker party scene was ending, my phone (ringer off) started buzzing in my pocket. I ignored it, figuring whomever was calling could wait. A few seconds later, the phone buzzed again, so I pulled it out thinking "Come on! Who doesn't know I am watching my girls dance tonight!" I didn't recognize the number of the "unknown caller, " rejected the call and put the phone back in my pocket, only to have it start buzzing again! I started to worry - what if one of the girls was hurt or sick? Maybe someone backstage was calling?
Sure enough, just as that thought crept through my brain, I got a text message from someone working backstage saying Boo had just thrown up twice. My thought was "Seriously!?" Then they asked us to come and get her. My heart sank. I showed my husband and he shook his head in disbelief. I was so torn: my older daughter, Kiki, was just moments from taking the stage, and I didn't want to miss it, yet I knew either Bill or I had to go take care of Boo. Before either of us could get up, someone came to get us. Bill decided he would just go and leave me to watch Kiki dance. I stayed and watched the rest of the show, but it was really hard to enjoy it when all I could do is think of Boo missing her performance. I cried when her Gingersnap cast took the stage and I saw a different dancer in her place. I was thankful we had tickets for Sunday, hopeful that she would bounce back quickly and be able to make her 2nd performance. Knowing that no matter what happened with Boo, Bill would at least have another chance to see Kiki perform so I prayed hard that she wouldn't get sick too.
Fast forward to Sunday. . .Boo was still horribly sick with a nasty stomach virus, and had to miss both of her performances in The Nutcracker. We were all so heartbroken for Boo, knowing how hard she had practiced, and how badly she had wanted to be in the show. She was too sick to think about it on Saturday, but when she realized on Sunday morning she was going to miss both performances, she was distraught. When she realized she would not get to perform, she wailed, "I did all of that practice and now I don't even get to do the show!" Then she put her head in my lap and just sobbed. To see her that way was so heartbreaking, and I cried right along with her. I tried my best not let her see my tears. While I did want her to know I felt sad for her, I was afraid if she saw me cry, she would be even more upset.
Heartbreak and all, Boo did not let that whole experience get her down for long. After the final performance on Sunday, her sister Kiki brought home a special surprise for her - a Get Well Card signed by the entire Nutcracker cast. Kiki told us how one of the dancers, a 5th grader, had the idea to make the card and have everyone sign it. That same sweet girl wrote this note to Boo, "You will still shine like a star even if you aren't here." I teared up when I read it, and Boo just beamed. Despite knowing she missed her performances, the act of kindness shown by this girl and the rest of the cast made her feel so special. She hugged that card as if it were her most prized possession (at the time, I really think it was).
Soon after The Nutcracker was over, winter break and Christmas came, providing a great distraction from Boo's sadness. She still did have a few moments when she thought of something else she missed out on, and would say things like "I didn't get my picture taken with Mother Ginger!" and "I didn't get to sign autographs on stage!" But her sadness gradually morphed into determination: Boo says she is definitely going to try out for The Nutcracker again next year and even wants to audition for the spring ballet production of Cinderella. She is not going to let anyone, or anything - not even a stomach virus - keep her for having her chance to shine. What Boo may not yet realize is that she already shines and has for eight years now. She IS a star in our eyes, whether she is on stage or right here with us. We are so proud of her and love her very much. Happy 8th Birthday, Boo!
*I started this blog post on January 4, determined to follow in my annual tradition of writing each girl a birthday post. However, I realized that I won't do those posts any justice if I rush to try to get them written in time for their birthdays. That was the case with this one. I had too much of a story to tell and the perfectionist in me just couldn't get it written and edited in time to put it up on her birthday. My tradition will change a bit from here on out - I will try to post something about each girl sometime around her birthday, in addition to my sporadic posts throughout the year.
I often feel Boo is our miracle baby, and because she had a rough start to her life, shouldn't have to ever fight that hard again in anything she does. Life however, has already been full of challenges for her. I know that many children go through so much worse, but as her mom, I can't help but feel badly for her when she has these experiences. I sometimes feel like she has gotten and continues to get the "short end of the stick."
Her most recent challenge happened this past December, just before Christmas. Boo was part of a local dance company's production of The Nutcracker. Her older sister, Kiki, was in the same production in 2009 and just minutes after Boo watched her perform, she knew she wanted to try out the following year. She almost immediately announced that she wanted to be a Gingersnap, the Nutcracker role this dance company often gives to dancers Boo's age. She talked about being in The Nutcracker off and on from December 2009 until auditions this past August. Boo auditioned, was chosen to be in one of two Gingersnap casts and was simply over the moon with excitement. Nothing (except maybe a pet pig) could have made her happier. Boo cheerfully looked forward to and attended every rehearsal, and like a child anticipating a birthday or Christmas morning, frequently asked how many more weeks/days/hours/minutes/seconds until her performance.
Finally "Nutcracker week" arrived. Boo danced her way through the week, practicing her part in the kitchen, prancing down the hall into school every morning, and asked to listen to "her" Nutcracker music over and over (and over and over) again. Soon the night of dress rehearsal arrived and she was literally dancing for joy before, during, and after it was over. Not even a late night of rehearsal made her tired, and getting her to go to sleep afterward was a challenge. I truly believe she ate, slept and dreamt Nutcracker that whole week.
Finally, performance day arrived. Boo woke up slightly grumpy - I assumed at the time it was due to being up a touch later than normal the night before at a family birthday party. Looking back I wonder if it was a sign of things to come that day.
Even though Boo's call time wasn't until 6:30, I had to get her ready in the morning (Bill is bun-challenged) before taking her sister, who was a mouse in The Nutcracker, to her Saturday afternoon performance. Because Boo's part was double cast, she was only in half of the shows, and her cast was to perform Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. When I left to take Kiki to her call time, Boo was a little disappointed she had to wait until much later to go, but she was otherwise perfectly happy and bouncing off the walls, bubbling with excitement. Little did we know, that was all about to change.
Saturday night finally arrived. After dropping Kiki off for her curtain call time, I waited in the lobby for my husband to bring Boo, who had a much later call time. She arrived on schedule, full of excitement and so happy to finally have her chance to perform.
Fast forward to show time. . . As The Nutcracker opening music started, my heart started pounding with excitement (and a touch of nerves) anticipating watching the girls' performances. I was especially excited to see Boo, whose Nutcracker moment finally arrived. Bill and I sat in the audience with my Dad, who had flown in from North Carolina, and with the majority of Bill's family, who had trekked in from Ohio. All of them made the special trip to see the girls perform. More guests, including my Mom, were due to see the Sunday afternoon performance the next day.
Just as The Nutcracker party scene was ending, my phone (ringer off) started buzzing in my pocket. I ignored it, figuring whomever was calling could wait. A few seconds later, the phone buzzed again, so I pulled it out thinking "Come on! Who doesn't know I am watching my girls dance tonight!" I didn't recognize the number of the "unknown caller, " rejected the call and put the phone back in my pocket, only to have it start buzzing again! I started to worry - what if one of the girls was hurt or sick? Maybe someone backstage was calling?
Sure enough, just as that thought crept through my brain, I got a text message from someone working backstage saying Boo had just thrown up twice. My thought was "Seriously!?" Then they asked us to come and get her. My heart sank. I showed my husband and he shook his head in disbelief. I was so torn: my older daughter, Kiki, was just moments from taking the stage, and I didn't want to miss it, yet I knew either Bill or I had to go take care of Boo. Before either of us could get up, someone came to get us. Bill decided he would just go and leave me to watch Kiki dance. I stayed and watched the rest of the show, but it was really hard to enjoy it when all I could do is think of Boo missing her performance. I cried when her Gingersnap cast took the stage and I saw a different dancer in her place. I was thankful we had tickets for Sunday, hopeful that she would bounce back quickly and be able to make her 2nd performance. Knowing that no matter what happened with Boo, Bill would at least have another chance to see Kiki perform so I prayed hard that she wouldn't get sick too.
Fast forward to Sunday. . .Boo was still horribly sick with a nasty stomach virus, and had to miss both of her performances in The Nutcracker. We were all so heartbroken for Boo, knowing how hard she had practiced, and how badly she had wanted to be in the show. She was too sick to think about it on Saturday, but when she realized on Sunday morning she was going to miss both performances, she was distraught. When she realized she would not get to perform, she wailed, "I did all of that practice and now I don't even get to do the show!" Then she put her head in my lap and just sobbed. To see her that way was so heartbreaking, and I cried right along with her. I tried my best not let her see my tears. While I did want her to know I felt sad for her, I was afraid if she saw me cry, she would be even more upset.
Heartbreak and all, Boo did not let that whole experience get her down for long. After the final performance on Sunday, her sister Kiki brought home a special surprise for her - a Get Well Card signed by the entire Nutcracker cast. Kiki told us how one of the dancers, a 5th grader, had the idea to make the card and have everyone sign it. That same sweet girl wrote this note to Boo, "You will still shine like a star even if you aren't here." I teared up when I read it, and Boo just beamed. Despite knowing she missed her performances, the act of kindness shown by this girl and the rest of the cast made her feel so special. She hugged that card as if it were her most prized possession (at the time, I really think it was).
Soon after The Nutcracker was over, winter break and Christmas came, providing a great distraction from Boo's sadness. She still did have a few moments when she thought of something else she missed out on, and would say things like "I didn't get my picture taken with Mother Ginger!" and "I didn't get to sign autographs on stage!" But her sadness gradually morphed into determination: Boo says she is definitely going to try out for The Nutcracker again next year and even wants to audition for the spring ballet production of Cinderella. She is not going to let anyone, or anything - not even a stomach virus - keep her for having her chance to shine. What Boo may not yet realize is that she already shines and has for eight years now. She IS a star in our eyes, whether she is on stage or right here with us. We are so proud of her and love her very much. Happy 8th Birthday, Boo!
*I started this blog post on January 4, determined to follow in my annual tradition of writing each girl a birthday post. However, I realized that I won't do those posts any justice if I rush to try to get them written in time for their birthdays. That was the case with this one. I had too much of a story to tell and the perfectionist in me just couldn't get it written and edited in time to put it up on her birthday. My tradition will change a bit from here on out - I will try to post something about each girl sometime around her birthday, in addition to my sporadic posts throughout the year.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Thanksgiving Pig
I've always wanted to write a Thanksgiving post, but never have, since we are typically with our extended family. This year we are on our own (first time ever since we've been married I think!), which gives me a little time to write.
I thought about listing all of the things I am grateful for, but thought it would be more fun to share a Thanksgiving story that Boo wrote for a project at school. She is a great storyteller, and has an active imagination. Mix that together with her great sense of humor and the result is some pretty funny stories. One of these days I need to videotape her telling one of her stories - to have me retell her stories by copying her words on to my blog, just doesn't do them justice. You have to hear and see her tell her stories to truly appreciate them!
Boo is a second grader now and her class is currently learning about creative writing, something she really enjoys. For her class Thanksgiving writing project , the teacher sent home a drawing of a turkey. The students were told to decorate the turkey anyway they liked, and then write a story about their turkey. Something to keep in mind while reading her story is that Boo LOVES pigs. She has loved them since she was about 3 years old and if we'd let her, would gladly have a pig for a pet. I also included her original misspellings of words (there weren't many!), including the word "saw", which she spelled s-a-l-l. When I helped her proofread her story and told her she had spelled that wrong, she just didn't believe me. Took showing her the correct word in the dictionary for her to believe me. She had thought all of this time that "saw" was something you cut wood with, and that "sall" was a form of "see." Tee hee! Anyway, now that you know the background, here is her story:
The Thanksgiving Pig
Once opon a time there was a turkey sitting outside on his porch. He sall a pig walking by. He went inside and looked at his calender and sall that Thanksgiving was coming up. The turkey went down to his basement and went over to his table. Then he made a sign that said "Eat Pork." When he was not looking, the pig snuck in and glued a feather on the turkey's sign. The pig made a new sign saying, "Save Our Pigs, " then he snuck back outside. When the turkey turned around, he axedentley grabbed both signs and he went outside. Everybody walking by saw the signs, but they still ate turkey on Thanksgiving. That turkey never lived again.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Always Remember, Never Forget
I will never forget. . .
the early morning phone call from Bill, telling me to turn on the TV
the horror I felt as I watched a plane hit the second tower
calling my family members to see if they had heard the terrible news
the fear that ran through me when I realized our country was under attack
hearing the panic in the voices of Matt Lauer and Katie Couric, as the towers fell
sobbing as I heard about the attacks on the Pentagon, and the plane crash in Pennsylvania
I will never forget. . .
holding my nine month old baby tight in my arms, not wanting to let go
the sadness I felt and saw in the eyes of everyone that day
the eerie quiet outside with no planes or helicopters in the air
the almost empty streets with few cars on the road
jumping out of my seat at the sound of a sonic boom from fighter jets flying by
sitting with Bill and Cameron on the couch, glued to the TV
I will always honor. . .
police officers, firefighters and rescue workers
the Heroes of Flight 93
the soldiers fighting for our freedom
I will always remember. . .
the men, women and children who lost their lives that day
the families of the ones who died
I will always remember. . .
that I am an American
and live in a free country
Always remember, Never forget
September 11, 2001
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