Monday, Dec. 6
No picture, just a memory popped up of one of my favorite show pictures ever. Trevor, the lead in "Drummer Boy", James holding Renna, Maddy piggy-backing her little friend, cousins singing alongside each other..
Tuesday, Dec. 7th
Nathanael's been more consistent in his workouts.
Renna's turn for the pyramid.
Wednesday, Dec. 8th
Thursday, Dec. 9th
Our first snow.
Lunch date since he had a half day.
I took the 3 littles over to the church for a few hours to help set up for the upcoming youth Christmas party.
First time at our new Manchester Chick on our way to dress rehearsal.
One of my favorite Christmasy pix.
Friday, Dec. 10th
Youth Christmas party ready!
Telling me about his epic evening as I put him to bed.
Saturday, Dec. 11th
A couple other favorites from a Christmas show big sister was in.
We arrived very early to the church for a run-through before the service. Possibly the scariest pre-show ever, including the lift unhooking a line baton that was hooked on a curtain and the huge tree falling apart 30 minutes before the show.
The shepherds sing while the lift is on stage.
James fixes and paints the tree with minus to spare.
The wise men rehearse while Carlos sweeps and Sandra troubleshoots. It was all quite comical.
My boys....the A-team...Nathanael training Aiden and Bruce always ready for any challenge that might arise.
All-in-all, a tremendous show. My heart just sat lodged in my throat all weekend, trying to take it all in. The impact of the ministry, my role coming to an end, Brent leaving, and of course....all the amazing memories on and off the stage, in various states doing various shows, the evolution of my family over the years, my kids' roles. Heart.in.my.throat.
The cast prepared a little last-minute surprise for Brent. Jenn and James rewrote the lyrics to "For Good" from the show, Wicked. They emailed lyrics and demos mid-week that we were supposed to practice in preparation for Saturday. The problem: I could not listen to one stanza without crying. I walked into Saturday afternoon with the hardest heart I could manage, willing my emotions to stand down. The finality of this goodbye is just so very difficult. We pulled Brent into the choir room after the show. He thought I was going to go through notes. Instead we sang to him in the room we have all spent
countless hours in together.
Here is the link if you'd like to watch.
Sunday, Dec. 12th
We were back at the church first thing for two more services / shows. Out of order, here a few candids and some of Lisa's....
Brent's last altar call.
Last, last scene.
Two shows and two soccer games for Renna + energy to spare!
Lisa took the boys. The kids binged on LightsUp show clips from over the years- singing the songs, laughing, remembering, appreciating. We are all mourning in our own way.
TBQ gingerbread house competition.
Studying hard for finals!
