Christmas is almost over, now what??

As I listen to my hubby and kids playing new video games in the other room I am beginning to think of the new year to come. What do I want to accomplish? What goals to I want to set and hopefully meet? Time seems to be in overdrive. The days, weeks and months are going by so quickly I can't really catch my breath. But I feel the need for a game plan.

For the last few years I have felt that I am at the mercy of life. What's the use in making plans if I can't reach them. I have felt beaten down by just life. Every day life. I don't want to feel like that anymore. I want to set goals, reach those goals and feel good about things again.
I'm not saying that my life has been awful, wonderful things have happened in the last year. It just seems like the stress and the bad stuff makes it where I cannot enjoy the good stuff.

So I'm going to take some time in the next week to reflect and determine what I want to focus on. Then I'm going to make a plan of action. One that can be carried out. Nothing so far out there that it realistically cannot be done. That only sets you up for failure.

Along with all this I need to come to terms with the knowledge that my family and I are never going to fit into what is considered the norm here where we live. We are different. We homeschool, we beat to our own drummer and that's okay. I also need to face up to the fact that our beliefs about life and spirituality are different than most. It is scary being different. But we have to be who we are not who others think we should be. Just some thoughts at the end of Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas!

I know it's been a long while since I posted. What can I say Nutcracker just took up every extra minute we had. It was such a wonderful experience. T threw himself into the role of the Nutcracker with everything he had. I was so proud to see him shine up on that stage. This experience has brought about so many positive changes in him. He is more focused, driven, and is even setting his own goals. The ballet company that he is a member of is a wonderful way for teens to find their way and grow up among other dedicated and focused teens.

Poogie was also a shining star on stage. This being her second Nutcracker was much easier. The bon bon routine was faster and more challenging than last year but she loved every minute of it. I will post pictures soon. I just need to find some "free time" in which to do it.

I have been working part-time for the last several weeks to supplement our income. I have to say it is nice to have the extra cash but exhausting to try to do it all. It will get better when we are all over this crud and are feeling better. It is that time of year when we all get the sinus crud, fun fun.

My plans over the holiday break mostly consist of continuing school and preparing for the second semester. I may take a day to rest, that would be a nice treat:) I hope all of you find time to chill and enjoy your families this holiday season too.

It's Nutcracker Time!

It seems only a few months ago we were preparing for Poogie's first Nutcracker. Now here we are again busy with rehearsals, dance classes, costume fittings and all that goes along with preparing for The Nutcracker. The difference this year is I have two performers, not one. Not only is T the Nutcracker Prince, but Poogie will be a tumbling Bon Bon again.

I am so excited for both of them. Poogie has worked her butt off to perfect the tumbling tricks, especially the back-handspring for this performance. T is so excited to be the Nutcracker Prince and he has been blessed to have the sweetest Clare ever. The look adorable together and will light up the stage. This year's performance will require T to lift and truly dance with a girl like he's never done before.

My time has been spend doing Ballet Arts work to get ready for the event. I love being involved and have enjoyed every minute of it. It has been so much fun since T became a member of the group.

Alas, it can't be all wonderful. It has been a time of trials too. As with any other activity there are those that are left out of roles or do not get the ones they hope to get. I know this will be something we have to deal with in the future also. But for now I want to enjoy and bask in the wonderful honor my children have been given to be part of such a wonderful production. My heart hurts for those dancers who did not receive the roles they wanted. I tell my children that you don't always get what you want. But you must enjoy what you do receive. That one day they too will be faced with not getting the roles or parts they want. But what they are given they must do their best, because it may lead to something greater.

That said, if you are in my area come and see the 2010 Nutcracker! I can promise you a great production. :)