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. :)

They are growing up so fast.

This is my sweet Poogie. I can't believe how much she has grown up in the last year. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her with her hair down but that is hard to get. Her hair is so long and she wears it up most of the time. At least the picture shows off her sweet smile.

I am in shock when I see this picture. Can this be my little boy?? Wow what a difference a few years make. I am proud of the young man he has become. He is a good soul. Can't wait to see what the next few years bring.

Update!!

We have had a busy, unusual and exciting start to the school year. We are not only a Ballet Arts family, but my son T is this years Nutcracker Prince!! I can't believe that he has come so far in less than a year. He is so excited. Of course this means that we will have even more rehearsals and time at the studio than we already do but it will so be worth it. T loves dancing. His favorite classes are ballet, jazz and tap. He takes too many for me to count, lol. He is also taking hip hop, which is not his favorite class but he keeps working at it. It is awesome how your children can surprise you. We haven't found out yet if Poogie is a Bon Bon this year or not. Hate the waiting.

As far as school goes we have had a wild year. We started out okay, but Poogie wasn't being the most cooperative child. Everyday she wanted to go to school. Several of the kids she knows returned to school this year and she thought it would be fun. I told her no, I knew it would be hard on her with her stomach issues. Then my hubby didn't work for almost 2 months and I thought I was going to have to return to work at least as a substitute. So I gave in and enrolled her in school. Biggest mistake we ever made. By the second day she was back on her stomach medicine, crying all the time and stressed to the max. What is funny the stress didn't come from her knowing how to do the school work or not, it was from the other stuff. What did the teacher want her to do, what was the homework assignment. She wasn't given a buddy, or anyone to help her. She couldn't' hear the teacher most of the time over the talking of the other students. And every lesson was rushed through where she couldn't tell me what it was about. It was like going back in time 3 years ago to T being in school. Needless to say she is so much happier and appreciates being at home so much more. I will not be returning to work, end of story. My kids and I are happy homeschooling and that is what we will keep doing

The few days that Poogie was in school I was so shocked at what little time I got to spend with her. A few minutes here, another few minutes there. I missed being with her. Heck, I miss them even when I do get away for a few hours to myself. I like being with my kids and they like being with me and my hubby. I cannot imagine spending just a few minutes a day with them and those few doing homework or whatever. I hope I have to never return to work until at least T is graduated from high school and even then I want to have that time with Poogie. You only get these few short years with them at home, I want to cherish every moment. No regrets.