The Mice from Outer Space

Yesterday was a banner day at our house. It was the Kindergarten production of "The Mice from Outer Space." For the last few weeks Emilie and Ada have been singing the songs from it around the house. And last week their lines were brought home to practice. And practice they did. They seemed very excited about it. I have to admit Jeff and I were skeptical that they would actually participate (given their track record). Thursday night Jeff talked with them again to make sure they were going to participate, because he wanted to make sure the hour drive home from work to see them would be worth it. Oh was it!

Even as I was driving over to the school I kept thinking "Will they really do it or will they walk in and see all the parents and back out and want to come sit with us (probably accompanied by a few tears)?" I didn't want to get my hopes up. Oh ME of little faith, but only because these are the children who have yet to really participate in a primary program (they have sat on the stand with me because I had to be up there). They will not give the prayer, talk or theme in primary. Just in the last year they have started participating in sharing time. Last year at their pre-school graduation (just in their classroom) they wouldn't sit up front with their class and sing the songs - they ended up standing with me and tears streaming down their faces. I could go on, but won't!

But, they did it! They got up on the stage and sang their little hearts out and they did their part (chasing the bad cat away). They were awesome! It was all I could do not to cry. I can't even explain how huge this was for them, and for us as mom and dad. I will admit I've been a little jealous of other parents getting to watch their kids participate in performances or recitals, hearing about what a great job they did and being so proud of them. I will also admit I was selfishly in 7th heaven yesterday because I got to be the parent that watched their kids particpate and perform and do a great job (just like I always knew they could!). I got to hear people say what a great job they did, instead of getting the words of sympathy about your kids being shy and not wanting to participate (I know people mean well) or just the sympathy smile as they walk by you and you know what is going on in their head (what a bummer for you or that poor mom). It was the best feeling ever to see them up there! I hope they felt the same way (I think they did based on some of the smiles I saw from them). The only downer was that Ada was put on the very back row and it was a little hard to see her at times, she's not the tallest person on the block! Truly between learning to ride their bikes without training wheels and participating in their class program, I couldn't ask for more from them right now (except maybe to chill on the fighting so much). Great job girls! We love you!

Thanks Aubrey and Braden for skipping class and Bret for coming to see Emilie and Ada. They really appreciated you being there!

Emilie - what a grin!

Ada peeking out from behind

Sarah loved watching her sisters perform!

Ada (her goofy smile) and Emilie

The cast party

I'm trying to figure out how to get the video from the camera to the computer - so stayed tuned - you won't want to miss it!