Monday, May 23, 2011

"To Love Another Person, Is To See the Face of God!"

Getting ready to see the show yesterday

J.J. and his friend model their new HMS shirts that the PTO bought for them.
At the fifth grade talent show...Doing their rendition of "YMCA"

After Tori's ballet recital...Thanks to Ms. Tammy and Ms. Diane for the use of their RSCC office. It's nice to have connections!


Tori on the RSCC theater stage...She is the sixth ballerina from the right.
At the Rugby Fest...


At Grey Gables Inn...




Hi, out there in blog land. It has been two weeks since my last post, so tighten those boot straps...You are in for a long one...maybe.

Shall we say that the last two weeks of school has been proven to be a bit of hell on earth! Because one of our senior sponsors left last semester to take another job out of state, the last remaining three sponsors have really had a rough go of all the graduation festivities this year. Doing your usual job and adding to that more responsibility has literally made me sick. In the last two weeks, I have been battling bronchitis and sinus junk, along with much too much work, Tori's ballet rehearsals and concert, Jonathan's almost endless list of end-of-school activities, housework, and some good family moments thrown in. I am so ready for the end of this school year! After today, there are only FOUR days left!!!

First let me say that I am so glad that Tori thought ballet was just okay. So, we are hopefully enrolling her in gymnastics for her activity next school year. After the week of rehearsal that took up several evenings during the week and a concert that took up a whole weekend, we both were over the whole ballet experience. All that aside, Tori does make one cutie-pie ballerina. As you can see from some of the pictures above, she definitely was the smallest in her class. She had no fear of going on stage either...When it was her time to go on she was always ready to shine! Because I thought she was too young to be left backstage with others I didn't know, I signed up to stay backstage through all the performances. Tori really enjoyed having me around to help her get ready and then to take off her "itchy" costume between stage appearances. She thought it was awesome, too, that mom brought goldfish crackers and juice packs for her class during stage breaks. Besides the hot room we were stationed in, I did enjoy having this time with my daughter and watching her light up on stage.

Last weekend, we did take a few hours and take the journey up to Rugby to the Grey Gables Inn to celebrate our Moms and Dads and Grandparents. The highlight of our annual lunch is the fantastic meal that Linda serves us. The kids always like being with their grandparents, playing with the furry occupants of the inn, and visiting the Rugby Festival before traveling home. It was a lovely day...warm breezes and bouts of sun with just a bit of rain while we were feasting. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful day to be with those that we love!

We have been quite proud of Jonathan, too. He has really had a great ending of his fifth grade year. Some of the highlights have been a day trip with his class to the 4-H camp in Crossville and the talent show that the 5th grade sponsors every year. J.J. seems to be ready to make the transition from elementary school to middle school. Chris and I are comfortable with his transition, too. We appreciate the fact that both the elementary school and middle school have had some parent nights and tours for the students in order to prepare them for the transition. Of course, I know several of the teachers from his middle school, but it was great for Jonathan and Chris to meet them, and for me to talk with them on a different playing field. To end this up, we are all sad that Walnut Hill Elementary is closing its doors this year. We had hoped to send Tori there in the 2012-13 school year. At least Jonathan had the opportunity to experience a smaller school environment. Thank you to all who have encouraged, guided, and loved our son through his elementary years....We are so thankful and blessed that you were a part of his life!

Even if I was dog-tired yesterday after finishing all my graduation responsibilities, nothing was going to keep me from going with my wonderful hubby and son to see the greatest Broadway play...ever. A while back, Chris ordered tickets to see Les Miserable at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville. This was the sixth time Chris and I had seen it since we have known each other, and this was Jonathan's first time seeing it. It is one of those shows that I never tire of seeing, nor listening to the soundtrack for that matter. Jonathan thought it was "okay." (He said that he liked Wicked much better.) Hopefully, we have given him a taste for it, and as he matures, he will want to see it again and then understand the strong spiritual message it delivers.

So here is where the title from this post comes from..."To love another person is to see the face of God." This is the whole message of the production of Les Miserable. Love and sacrifice are the threads that hold the fabric of a relationship together. Everyday, Chris, Jonathan, Tori and I make sacrifices for one another...whether that be in the small everyday things or in the larger life-altering occurrences. Why do we do it? To put it simply...because of our love for one another. It is hard to get so wrapped up in the now, that we forget about what is really important. I love you, my precious husband, son and daughter, and I look forward to spending a great summer and beyond with you!

Don't forget to tell someone that you love them! Love is the most precious gift!!!
Cindy

3 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

What a beautiful post, Cindy. You've been one busy busy lady. You deserve some extra long bubble baths. I can't get over how cute Tori looks in her ballerina costume. Congratulations to Jonathan on his soon-to-be transition to middle school. It's hard to see our babies grow up.

What a beautiful quote from Les Miserable.

PS. My house is officially Party City. Tomorrow is my birthday and I've got to start plotting Josie's superhero party which isn't that far off either. You weren't alone in loving Donny Osmond. I think I might still even have my Donny & Marie barbie dolls. I used to have their purple stage too. HUGS!!

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

Tori is the cutest ballerina!! My daughter's show is June 24th and I can completely identify that the week prior to the show is exhausting. I also sign up to be backstage too for the same reasons as you.

I would love to see Les Mis again, a large production hasn't come to Toronto in years. It is one of my favourite stories.


You have been so busy, it will be a transition for JJ, but it certainly sounds positive. I hope the last few days of school run smoothly. Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

My goodness...I know that the end of the school year is a very busy one for young families. Although it was a lot of work it all sounds fun and exciting. Now maybe you can sit back and relax a bit through the summer months. Congratulations to the kids for all their acheivements!