The Scarlet Pimpernel

OK, so when I heard the high school was doing the Scarlet Pimpernel for their musical this year, I was not excited. I'm not really into the guys wearing tights and knickers, but, oh my gosh! It was such an amazing show!!! I was so glad James got to be involved in it. The talent was absolutely fantastic this year and the show was SOOO GOOD!!! James was cast as the part of the sentry but a week before the show opened, he was changed to be Jessop, the butler (a better part). I had seen the show once before but didn't remember it that well, but it was such a fun story and the leads were amazing! Their talent was far better than high school standards. I am so thankful my son has had the opportunities to participate in these shows. Not only for him, but for me! I went to the show 8 times! It was that good! And my teenage girls were swooning over the cute and talented leads!

PROM!!

James went to Prom last Saturday night and it was so fun being a part of this big event in his life! He looked so handsome and had a great time. 10 couples went on the "Day Activity" and they did a Photo Scavenger Hunt around the town trying to find specific items and places. James said it was a lot of fun. They came home and got ready for the evening, then went to Moore's home for dnner. There were four couples at dinner: James and Ashley, Taylor and Hailey, Andrew and Tiffany, and Landon and Maria. The moms made dinner for them and it was fun to see and watch them.:) The girls looked beautiful and were so sweet and appreciative. They all just giggled and joked throughout the evening and seemed to have a great time. We served them a 5 course meal with strawberry appetizers, salad, homemade breadsticks, chicken parmesan and vegetables, and a yummy dessert. Wende took pictures of them at the park and then they went to the dance. All 10 couples went over to Landon's after the dance and played Disney Scene It, before taking the girls home. It seemed like a great night and James really enjoyed it. Fun, Fun, Fun!!

Cats, Cats, and More Cats

Our lives for the last few months have revolved around the musical, Cats. James has had the opportunity to be a part of this musical and I feel very blessed that he made the high school production as a sophomore. Many, many hours have gone into practicing, costuming, box office, set construction, rehearsal dinners, makeup and wig workshops, and that's just what we as a family contributed. There have been so many people that have made this production a success. We are finally to performance weeks and it's so great to see the fruits of our labors. James has really enjoyed having an audience and feel the excitement of the cast as they perform. It's a great show with great talent. I'm so grateful James has had the chance to be a part of this amazing show!



James in costume and makeup



The full cast

IT'S OFFICIAL!!

It's official! We have 3 drivers in our family now. James got his driver's license yesterday. I am so excited to have someone else help get everyone around. And James is so excited to drive himself to school. It will be so nice to not have to pick him up every time he goes somewhere. Yay! Let's just pray for NO accidents!

The Proud Mama

There are just some moments in life that make me so proud to me a mom. These are some of them...




James ran track again this year and made it to the District Qualifying Meet. I am so proud of him because a few years ago, I never would have dreamed he would even be interested in track. Now he's doing so well with it and even signed up for it as a class next year in High School. He amazes me with his talents and abilities. I am so impressed by his determination and will to improve himself.

The girls took dance again this year and it seems that a recital doesn't start without my tears starting, too. Somehow, seeing my beautiful girls on stage brings a deep emotion in me. They have both improved so much this year and I love to watch them dance, even when it's just at home in the living room.



These are some of my true joys!

James's Eagle Project

James completed his Eagle Project on Jan. 2nd and I am so proud of him! He was asked to sort childrens books to be sent to a Library on an Indian Reservation in Louisiana. The library had been ruined due to hurricanes and needed new books for the children. James had 13 friends help sort through 4 pallets of books and check to make sure they were in good condition. He then sorted into groups of childrens, adults, or religious books and packed up the children's books to be sent to Louisiana. It was a fun project and with that many boys, it didn't take too long. James was contacted by a newspaper agency in Louisiana and his project will be published in the paper. It was a really neat experience and I'm so glad he is able to help these children in this area. We only need to finish the paperwork now and then he will be an EAGLE SCOUT!! Yea!

HALLOWEEN FUN!

This afternoon we got together with Grandma, Carri, Lexie, Jami, and Kate for some Halloween activities. The kids had a great time. Grandma bought t-shirts that the kids decorated themselves and then we made yummy spider cookies! It was a fun time together with the cousins. All the kids love this fun holiday. Next Monday we get to go to Shane's brother's house for a haunted house. We're so excited!!

I'm online!

I'm so excited to finally be blogging! I have some great friends who are big "bloggers" and have been big motivators to get this thing going. I'm looking forward to sharing our family with others and be able to have a place to journal for myself.

James, Lauren, and Natalie were being goofy when we went out to dinner to celebrate James' birthday the other night. I thought this funny pic shows their fun personalities and their close relationship.