Week 13

Monday, Mar. 26th

My 2018 goal was to do a pull-up.  I know, I know.  I should be able to do a dang pull-up, but sadly, even after 5 years of Crossfit, I couldn't.  I FINALLY got one after some concerted effort to gain more strength and conquer it.  

Since that very ugly one, I've been able to do more and more and make them look way less wonky.

Phoebe...

Tuesday, Mar. 27th

Morning snuggles. 

Wednesday, Mar. 28th
Only picture of the day...weird.  Also, Performance #3 after two glorious days off.

Thursday, Mar. 29th
Another day with only one picture, and it was a Facebook memory.  Maddy's very first solo.  She was so excited.

Perfomance #4 and Sweet Frog with the cast after the show.

Friday, Mar. 30

Good Friday, fifth and final performance.  Photo credit: Lisa.

After teardown, Dawn and I went over and hung with Jules while Emily and Maddy went to the diner with gang.

Saturday, Mar. 31st
Whoo-hoo.  I slept in and woke up with not a care in the world!  Except what everyone would wear for Easter!  Hahaha!  Finally, the Passion hair had to go!

 Our egg decorating crew has drastically decreased in numbers.

I'll post the remainder of Easter weekend separately.

Week 12

This is the week that nearly breaks me.  Every time.  Dress rehearsal week.  It's far worse than performance week.  It's 7 out of 8 straight days at the church.  Launching a new show is particularly draining as all the new sets, costumes, people need to really come together.  I know I cried more than once and yelled at my kids more than usual.  I made endless trips to the store and the church.  But...we survived!  At least this year I had the sweetest, snuggliest, sleepiest pup to help me through.

Monday, Mar. 19th

So close, you dummy!

Tuesday, Mar. 20th

Trevor got a trim.  It was hard and emotional and took a few days to move past it.  Plenty of us can relate!  It's so much better though.  Charlene gave it so much shape and movement.

Dress rehearsal with Jesus makeup.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Jesus Makeup Team was pasted together in the two days prior.  Yikes!  But they stepped up and did a phenomenal job!

Wednesday, Mar. 21st

Dress rehearsal.

Thursday, Mar. 22nd

Karen has been sending old photos as she digs through preparing for Granpa's service.  C3:

Dress rehearsal- big sis helps little bro with eye liner.

Friday, Mar. 23rd

Opening Night!  Excitement, fear, adrenaline, relief.

From a dear friend on opening day.  He found a way to be a part of the show even though he couldn't participate this year.  Palms included!

 So nice to serve alongside my 14 year old in the tech booth.

Saturday, Mar. 24th

Colombo and I drove in the City for our friend, Renee's 50th birthday celebration.

I'm not sure what the price tag is for reserving an entire Iron Chef restaurant on a Saturday night in Manhattan, but I'm guessing it's not cheap.  "Marc Forgione" was a treat!  The decor, ambiance, feel, ridiculous appetizers and amazing food were unforgettable!  You know you're not at Olive Garden anymore when palette cleansers are involved!

About 40 of us gathered, many from California.  There was an entire weekend planned of dining, drinks, clubs, dancing, and brunches, but we only went to the main dinner event on Saturday evening between Passion performances.  Still, we were so happy to be included and a part of honoring such a special person.

Renee took time to say something about each guest and how they were special to her.

That is a toasted marshmallow on a stick!  Every bite of every course was indescribable, even the things I wasn't sure what I eating.

Almost everyone took the opportunity to toast Renee.

We enjoyed seeing many industry friends from Cali and had a delightful group at our table.  Such an amazing evening!

Sunday, Mar. 25th
Thankful for a slow morning to regroup.

 Performance #2--My favorite lighting guys!

 My girl.

Week 11

Monday, Mar. 12th

The gentle giant.  Love these two!

Phoebe is thrilled for hand-me-downs!

This is Bauer when I'm trying to take pictures of Phoebe.

It took him a few hours to figure her out, but then he was very sweet and gentle with her.

Tuesday, Mar. 13th

I love how in December school closes the night before if there's even a possibility of weather.  By March and after too many snow days (most unnecessary) they have on-time school no matter what!

 How we Tuesday.

Fireside.

Wednesday, Mar. 14th

Thursday, Mar. 15th

Renna gots lots of 1 on 1 Dad Time through Passion season.  And also, blue drinks!

Friday, Mar. 16th

Stop!!!  Could she be any cuter trying to lick Bauer's bowl?  It's a ritual.

The walk of shame.  Nathanael ALWAYS forgets dress down days.  C4 NEVER missed one.  I think Nathanael has remembered exactly one.  The only kid in uniform at drop off.  Doesn't seem to phase him.

Deadlifts.  I'm so NOT writing this to brag but more for my own reflection...my gym game has been on-point and I've been getting stronger and PR'ing often, which I attribute to better attendance.  Now...if I could just get my nutrition on-point and start rowing with two oars, that would be amazing!

 Screens, puppy, and bangs cut all on her own!

Saturday, Mar. 17th

I'm grateful to be raising theater rats.  Also grateful that their besties are there!  Super grateful for Super Moms who pack snacks and things to do.  (#notmygame #tmk)

I can't even explain what this does to my heart!  My bookends.  Their bond.  Her outfit.  His coming to Nathanael's game.  All of it. 

 Furever friends.

Sunday, Mar. 19th

This girl!  BTW, please note both ears are up.  This is a thing.  They are born down, then go up (mostly) then get wonky with teething.  One day the left can be up and right down and the next day the opposite.  So weird!  Phoebe started one up, one down, then both up, then both down, and now we've returned to one up, one down.  She's cute regardless, but I'm crossing my fingers for both up.  She's still teething.

Nathanael's 2nd to last youth hockey game ever!  State Champ semi-finals.  They won!I didn't see his very last game (State Championship--they lost) because I had rehearsal.  I'm grateful that Nathanael understands the importance of dress rehearsal and ministry.  Of all our 11 years of hockey, Nathanael's teams have historically been the most...how do you say...hmmm...hard?  Trainwreck?  I don't know.  It's just always been an interesting group of families and I can't say I'm said to see the end.

 His adoring fans!

 Always with the jersey tucked in!

I have NO idea what this picture was taken for!  Except a note to self that I STILL hadn't finished tacking up the kids' banquet table cloth!  But it documents my long day at a pivotal rehearsal.