The Nutcracker 2008

Me, Jamesen and Christian at The Nutcracker

I have to say that I so enjoy basking in the glow of proud momship (new word). I mean, what mother or father doesn't love when their child does something they can be proud of....such as hit the game winning home run, score the game winning two point conversion to win the game, or even something as simple as reading a bible verse on stage at church ( and grinning that precious grin after he is done).Well, on this particular day in December, one of "our own" made this mom proud....even though she wasn't blood kin. One of our precious neighbors, Carly Ross, wonderfully played the part of Clara in the Appalachian Ballet Company's presentation of The Nutcracker. They do four performances two for the schools in the area and one on Saturday evening and one on Sunday afternoon. Carly and her best ballet friend both shared the part, each performing in two performances. Carly is an eighth grader at FMS along with Jake, and her brother Collin is a first grader at FPS along with Christian. Now, we have known the Ross Family for close to four years. They moved into our neighborhood sometime in '04 and we have adored them ever since. Our first meeting was when Carly, along with her mom, Lisa, and brother Collin, rang my doorbell. They were out selling cookie dough for all things....her Dance Company. So ever since I have known them, Carly has been VERY involved in her ballet. Lisa has spent many countless hours driving her back and forth to Maryville for lessons.

Well, all the hard work and driving finally paid off. When they announced that Carly had gotten the part of Clara, I got chill bumps and decided at that moment, we were going to see Carly in the Nutcracker.....boys or no boys....I WAS GOING!!!!! I have ALWAYS loved the art of Ballet and even longed to be a ballerina. Well, for those of you who know me, I have never had the body of a ballerina. EVER!!! Only in my wildest dreams.

When the time came, we found out Carly had gotten the Sunday Matinee performance and three families in the neighborhood all got tickets together. I got three, Jake had baseball practice at the same time and Jason had to take him. Jamesen ended up with a camp out that same weekend as well, but by the skin of our teeth, he got home in time to shower and change, and we made it just in time! The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra had just stared playing as we took our seats. I hadn't had time to even think about giving Christian and Jamesen and quick overview of the whole story. As soon as Carly came out I let the boys know that was her....that is Carly....look....there she is! Our sweet, quiet, shy, little Carly Ross, was dancing as Clara in The Nutcracker!!!!! As tears started welling up in my eyes I had to giggle inside at myself......she is not even mine....but I am so proud!!! WOW!!!! How are Lisa and Rob feeling at this point if I am feeling the way I am! I took the time to look around at all the little girls in the audience. I noticed most had on their tiaras and such....one day dreaming of being on stage. During intermission I saw a few people I knew and right away had to tell them that "Yes....we are here to watch our neighbor Carly, who is Clara." Like I was her mom or something. I guess no matter how we all are related, we moms are always moms. We all have that innate sense of how we each relate to our children. Being proud for any child is just as good a feeling as being proud of our own.

Jamesen and Christian really enjoyed the performance, as did I. We, along with the Olens and the Ewings, were allowed to go back stage after the performance and congratulate Carly on an WONDERFUL performance. I was really disappointed that Jake wasn't able to see her do her thing. What they do up there is hard work. They are definitely athletes and Jake would probably have to see it to believe it.

Where does the time go? It is stressed related!

Good grief.....I am not sure how time flies! So I haven't posted anything about Thanksgiving or the New Year or anything in between! I guess it is time to play catch up. I thought it might happen over the holidays but that was wishful thinking! So while I sit in the office keeping watch over the vests I am monogramming for church, I will type away!!!!

Thanksgiving 2008

The Rees family spent the Thanksgiving of 2008 with just the Fab Five and and a wiener dog in attendance. Since Mungy and Sandy were coming up to kid sit the Sunday of and would be back for Christmas 2008, we decided not to travel this year. I had planned a Turkey dinner for a total of 9 because we thought The Olen family would be joining us the the second annual Rees/Olen Families Thanksgiving Celebration. A last minute change in plans from the Olen family changed that a bit. (a few family members from Michigan decided to pay a visit to the Olen household) Although we did keep the Fantasy of Trees tradition alive and well. Jamesen had entered his Boy Scout gingerbread house in the auction, so we had complimentary tickets. His house was inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains. He was adamant the we do a log cabin with a snowy terrain along with the bears, lakes and camp fire!!! It really turned out great.....hot glue and all....oops ....did I say hot glue. That icing was a bit temperamental so after much frustration, we opted for the ole trusty glue gun! I think the value was around $75....which was quite the compliment.

We finally met up with Olen family and yes, ALL the kids had to ride the Merry Go Round, the two younger of the Rees clan added some crafts to the agenda. We took the walk around the whole shindig, admiring all of the gorgeous and not so gorgeous decorations. I picked out my favorite, all the while thinking how much easier it would be to buy one of the creations and just have it delivered to my home....decorations it tow. Wow....wouldn't I be the talk of the neighborhood, the Bunco group, well, I would just have to have a Christmas party and invite everyone I know just so I could justify the price. I shouldn't say the because the proceeds do go to Children's Hospital and it is for a great cause, but as far as my husband would be concerned, I would be crazy to pay the price. Oh well, it is fun to get ideas, an nothing beats the homemade decorations the kids create. And lets not forget the memories we get from decorating as a family (hot chocolate (and glass of wine....or a bottle) included). On a more serious note, well sort of, the picture of all the kids sums up our Thanksgiving outing in a nutshell. There is never a dull moment around here!