Tuesday, December 22, 2015

She amazes me...


Several weeks ago, my Doodlebug went for an interview in front of a panel of eight adults with numerous titles and abbreviations behind their names.  Her fifteen minute time slot was nothing but question after question and conversations ranging from her time spent with her dad working on her old Ford truck to role models that have motivated her to athletic abilities and much more.  I don't know about you, but not many adults, let alone high school kiddos, go through experiences such as this.  The interview was with our district Congressman's office for nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

Tonight, she arrived home a few minutes before I did to find an envelope from the Congressman's office.  She greeted me at the door, stunned and with a few tears saying, "I got it! I really did it. I actually really did it."  Not sure why she was stunned because her dad and I have known for over 17 years that she is amazing.  Now this panel of eight folks are saying it too!

For those don't know (like me before I entered a family rich with Air Force history), one cannot attend any of the military academies without first being appointed by either a United States Congressman, the Vice-President of the United States, or the President of the United States.  Once appointed, the academies have to also accept the appointee.  This is a big deal guys!

Now, I know I'm the momma, but I am so incredibly excited for her.  Not because she is a step closer so something amazing, but simply because other people are confirming for her what I have been telling her all along - that she is an awesome human being! Sure do love my Doodlebug!

Friday, December 18, 2015

Nutter Butter Ballerina



Tonight, our nutter butter ballerina danced in her very first version of The Nutcracker.  She was absolutely beautiful...

Since she was three years old, she has been wearing one size or another of these soft, pink leather ballet slippers.  While viewing ballerinas from the audience, one might think they are nothing but dainty; however, the up close and personal view speaks something altogether different!

I mean look at these shoes.  They look like they do because of the often 6+ hours of ballet a week that she commits.  They smell like they do because of the intensity of practice. Those wrinkles and creases and odors are there because of her dedication to something she loves. Never once when I have said, "It's time for ballet" has she whined or dropped her shoulders as a silent signal saying "Really, I'd rather not."  Nope, not ever.  It is part of who she is and it shows.

It shows as she flits around the house.  It shows when she leaps through the Target parking lot.  It shows as she twirls through the grocery aisles.  It shows in her ballerina posture.  And it absolutely, positively, most definitely shows when she is ever so gracefully performing on stage.  While I do love watching her dance, what I really love is watching her face as she dances.  I can just see it - I can see how much she loves it and that makes my heart so excited for her.  She is my nutter butter ballerina.  

Fall 2015 - In our driveway...

Spring Concert 2015

Winter Concert 2014



Peter and the Wolf

Winter Concert 2015 

Winter Concert 2013


Winter Concert 2013


Spring 2012

Spring Concert 2014

3rd Birthday
She received her first pair of ballet shoes and was enrolled in ballet classes.