Muffin's Wedding

We traveled to Colorado this weekend for Muffin's wedding.  Muffin (a.k.a. Leslie) is the daughter of David's cousin Vanessa, daughter of Uncle Jerry and Aunt Wanda. 

We decided to take the little car and send the boys with Uncle Cliff.  They were going to take their trail blazer either way and it all sounded like a great idea.  Caravan with them, save money on gas, little car is easier to park and get around in, could easily fit everything into the trunk.  WELL, let me just say that I'd give about a million buck right now to have 7 feet of van space between the girls and the front seat!

A much deserved rest stop at Mcdonalds!

I'm probably exaggerating, but I never fully appreciated the interior space of the GAS HOG other wise known as the BUS.  We have NEVER traveled in anything smaller since the girls were born so I had no idea what I really appreciated about it.  For starters, just the amount of space that separates the passengers from the drivers is amazing.  Being able to tolerate the happy giggling for hours on end,  with only 1 cubic feet of space from their little mouths to your ears is just too much to handle.   I must admit that when we travel we usually take out the front bench and put the kids as far back as possible. The obvious benefit of more bench room is invaluable.  The back seat of the focus has always seemed adequate while running errands, dropping kids off to school or a trip up to SLC.  BUT it's not enough space to live in for 8 hours while you drive to Colorado! 

OK, now the good parts.  The girls can still sleep in the car (even though they were pretty much on top of each other), we got great gas mileage and enjoyed our satellite radio (we don't have it in the van) on our trip. 

Aside from getting there and getting home, we really enjoyed our time spent with family.  The kids have always LOVED Jerry and Wanda so it was fun to see their home and spend time there too.   We were joined by most of David's other siblings and enjoyed spending time with them also.  We are greatful to Aunt Susie who make us all laugh with her "Salsa" incident.  I will never eat Pace picante sauce again without visualizing Susie in Aunt Wanda's kitchen with Salsa everywhere.  A big thank you to Aunt Wanda for being so willing to have us invade her home for the weekend.

We opted to stay at a hotel to make it a little bit more of a vacation for the kids since we didn't go anywhere else this year. We had adjoining suites with Liz and Cliff.   The kids enjoyed the pool, the "breakfast" of whatever their little hearts desired and playing games all night long with Liz, Cliff and Jerry.   Uncle Cliff bought them each special junk food when I wasn't present.....and voila.....a happy little vacation for everyone. 

 Thanks Cliff for taking the kids to the pool while we ran to Target. 

 It doesn't matter what the sign says, Cliff you can be our lifeguard......I think?

 David and I spent one morning at one of the manufacturing facilities for his company.  It was fun to see how they put all of the instruments together. When we got to the car, we knew we were in Colorado because there was this cute little bunny sitting by our car.

The wedding was amazing.  It was held at a little ranch up on the side of the mountain.  I just want to add here that you should believe the GPS rather than the nice old man who asks you if you are lost and then says, "Follow me, I'll take you right there!" 

It was nice to have the hotel bathroom space to get everybody ready.  The girls had planned their "hair do's" ahead of time and I almost didn't get all of that hair pinned up in enough time.  I guess you could consider this a practice run for the future:) 

Uncle Tom (David's brother) performed the ceremony.

 

While we waited for the wedding party to be photographed we enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres.  The girls caught onto the "bar" concept right away and drank their share of root beer and sprite.  We kept ourselves busy catching up with extended family and taking photo's. 



The girls were escorted by their "big" cousins.  Alexis, Kiersten and Madilynn adore each and every one of their cousins.  We are so happy that they are part of our lives!

 THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!!!!  Just check out the smiles on these girls.  They are having a blast. 

 Melonie, Andrea, Jordan, Nathan (in no particular order) and Don

 KC helping Grandma Mullen

 Grandma Mullen and her handsome Grandsons!

 All of the grandkids at the wedding with Grandma Mullen.  Well, almost all of them.  Where is CJ?

 I decided I didn't like the stairs and fountain......lets move everyone and try this photo again.

 AHHHHH, much better and NOW you can see that I think we found all of the grandkids this time. They are good looking group of kids.   

 Group hugs --  CAREFUL -- don't knock Grandma over!

 Don & Melonie

 Rob & Tracy

Aunt Wanda & Uncle Jerry with the Triplets

 

The boys were seated at a table with the other "big" cousins.  David and I sat with the girls along with Aunt Pat, Var and Laura.  Not knowing how formal the dinner would be, we reviewed ahead of time what to do if there was more than one fork........the girls were very disappointed there was only ONE fork at the table when we sat down.  The boys were relieved.  Oh well, maybe I'll have to set more forks for dinner occasionally. 

 If you look closely at the table, the boys reserved a space to honor Aunt Martha.  Right in between KC and Jerry. 

Dinner was great and the girls entertained our table exceptionally well.  The toasts came next.  The girls had been waiting anxiously to use that special, tall elegant glass.  I prepped them that they could pour water in it to drink when the time came, but that they would not be getting alcohol.   When the hostess came around she poured sparkling cider in their glasses.  After all the prep I had done, Alexis said politely, "Thank you, but I'll just have water, I don't drink alcohol."  I showed her the difference between the two bottles and she was tickled that her drink bubbled just like the champagne.   The hostess continued around the table.  She poured cider in my glass then Madi's then Laura requested champagne.  Out of the mouths of babes....Madi very nicely says, "Aunt Laura, I know you are an adult, and can make your own choices, BUT that is really not very healthy for you and alcohol can make you feel bad and make you do strange things."  It was one of those moments that you wish you had never given your child those words to say, and at the same time it's all the truth and maybe it's  not so bad to say those things after all.........  Over the next little bit Madi would lean over to Laura and ask, "Do you feel different yet?" Then she would lean over to me and whisper, "she's not acting strange yet."  I guess we are ready for our next discussion on alcohol and it's effects on our bodies.  Hopefully Laura didn't mind Madilynn's attempt at evaluating the effects of drinking one glass of champagne. 

The very best part came next......the DANCING.  The girls didn't hold back!  Out they went to the dance floor.  They danced their little hearts out. 

 Learning how to line dance

 Private dancing lessons from Uncle Rob

 Go Uncle Rob and Aunt Melonie - you guys are AWESOME!

 All good things must come to an end.  After hours of fun we told the girls they must say goodnight and we said our goodbyes.  The boys escaped early with Cliff who was in need of peace, quiet and some extra "pills".  I really thought the girls would fall asleep on the way back to the hotel, but they were on cloud nine.  Kiersten kept saying this was the best night of their whole life.  "Leslie is a real life princess!"  The wedding fulfilled every dream our little trio has ever had, and hopefully Leslie and Ryan's too! 

Goodbye Muffin - We love you!

Congrats to you Leslie and Ryan!  We hope this is the beginning of a long wonderful life together.  Thanks for letting us be part of your special day. 

June 14^th

I spent the morning at the dentist with the girls.  All looks well with their teeth.  They have several that are ready to fall out and are on strict dentist orders to keep wiggling!  We stopped at Wal-Mart and picked up bubbles for our trip to Manti later this week. 

After getting home, feeding everybody lunch and unloading the car, CJ & Madi went with me to go and visit Grandma Jo.  We stopped at Days on our way and picked up her favorite Yogurt drinks.  She was so sad today.  It broke my heart.  I had a list of things to do a mile long this afternoon, but could not stand to leave her.  So, we took her outside for a walk and to feed the ducks.  We had a great chat in the shade while she told me about every duck in the pond.  I wonder if she really knows them, or if she just makes it up as she goes along.  She told me how the workers there need to get their priorities straight!  It’s kind-of funny coming from her – I reminded her that they are probably doing the best they can, but have been given so much work to do that they cannot possible do it all.  Her next quote was the best, “You would think they could hire some body to help me that isn’t more retarded than I am?”  I asked her to clarify and if I could quote her.  She said, “just go and tell them that the help here is more retarded than JO is – and that’s pretty bad!”

We giggled and she accused us of not taking her seriously.  I gave CJ the "eye" and he got the message.  She then went on to tell CJ that this may be the last time she has to tell him a few things.  She went through a list, obviously prepared in her thoughts for quite a while, of all the things she wants him to remember throughout his life.  How to be a good husband and father, that she expected him to get a good education and to stay active in the gospel.   She shared her testimony with us and her love of the gospel and reminded us how much the gospel blesses her life and ours.  She spoke so clearly today it was almost strange.  She followed the conversation between us perfectly and her speech was like it was 10 years ago. 

I asked her if Grandpa had visited her lately and she told me he was busy and hadn't had time to stop by, but that he was coming back to get her this weekend.  It really freaked CJ out and he asked me on the way home if I thought she was serious.  I told him off course not, but I guess you never know.

UPDATE - It was very strange over the weekend when Grandma's condition deteriorated.  CJ was convinced he should have taken her seriously and that she is really going to go this time.  Only time will tell.  

Grandpa Rex

June 6^th

It has been a year since Grandpa Died.  I spent many moments today pondering his influence in my life and the life of my children and other family members.  It is hard to believe that it has been a whole year without him.  Some days it seems just like he has only been gone a few days, and I can just drop by the house and find him with his big old hat on working in the garden.  Then there are days that I worry that I have forgotten exactly what his gruffly voice sounds like or the classic Grandpa Rex smell of herbs mixed with menthol. 

I was looking through photo’s today and there isn’t a single one of Grandpa Rex where he doesn’t have that big smile on his face, with that little BABB evil eye (the one so many of us have) that says I LOVE YOU as he squints with a crooked grin.  I can hear him laugh in my mind as I look at pictures of him teasing the girls and getting such a kick out of them falling for the same old riddles and tricks we all grown to love.

My thoughts were also on Grandma Jo today.  Still here, hanging in there, but so lonely.  I cannot imagine what one year on earth is without your sweetheart.  She has endured so much since his passing and while we never know why we are the one taken, or the one left behind, I know she is still with us because it is part of God’s plan.    She tells me often she feels Grandpa here and I know she is right because I often feel him too.  If there were only one person I could send to heaven to be my angel, knowing that they would watch over us tirelessly, it would have been Grandpa.  There is no doubt that he is watching and helping us in every way that he can.

I love you Grandpa, miss you tons.  I am sure that you are super busy up there, and have many important things to do, but I, but I know that you have made the time to watch over each one of us still here.  I look forward to being with you again.  I am sure that you will have things well under control and are anxious for us to join you when it’s our time.

School is OUT!

May 28^th

We have endured the last few weeks of school and made it to the end.  I am going to say with out a doubt that MAY is in the running with December for the craziest months of the year.  I’m usually full of happy feelings and ready to start summer with a bang, but this year it comes with mixed feelings.  I’ve thought about why all week long and I think the sad feelings come from a few places.

First, I was not able to spend time in the girl’s classroom this year.  Usually when the year is over, I have logged many hours and made tons of memories with the kids at school.  This year I felt like I struggled to know what was going on, and didn’t have that special connection with the girls.  I didn’t really worry about it all year long because I knew I was doing what I could, but at the end it made me sad to realize I had missed all those days with them.

The second thing on my mind is that we are usually celebrating finishing another year of school with the boys.  Each one until now has been about recognizing their accelerated academic achievements, being proud of many sports and fine art accomplishments.  This year instead of wanting to celebrate a great year in high school, I was left worrying about KC and just how far behind he really is.  Feelings of the painful hard work to accomplish so little toward graduation and still not knowing how he will make up all the credits and if will be able to graduate on time.

Summer will be a welcomed changed from the school year.  Hopefully KC will continue to make progress and be able to handle a full schedule next year.  I'm looking forward to spending one on one time with the kids as well as lots of time together. 

KC's 15th Birthday Party Menu

I can say without a doubt that we are so happy to see KC looking so good to celebrate his birthday this year.  I thought it would be easier to put a link to the blog, instead of texting the details.  And yes, I know I can't ever keep it small. 

So if you bet on the fact that I couldn't keep it to a single dessert and few appetizers, YOU WIN!  

 Here it goes!

Party starts at 5ish......That means arrive sometime after 5pm :)  We will go as long as people last, or until the clock strikes TWELVE (midnight that is).  Please feel free to come and go as you are able.  We'd love to see you all, even if it's just for a few minutes. 

The plan is to talk, chitchat, banter, parley, shoot the bull, kibitz, yak, lecture, negotiate, catch up with each other

AND

play some games! 

THE MENU

KC's Favorite Things . . . To eat!

Grilled Cheeseburgers

 with all the fixing's 

(Dave is anxious to put his his "45" patty grill to the test!)

Harry Carry Fries

(Deep fried goodness - it does start out healthy - fresh potatoes, cut into thin, twirly ribbons, deep fried by the fry master himself CLIFF, smothered in your favorite sauce....BBQ, Ranch, Fry Sauce, Ketchup etc!)

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Hardly counts as a vegetable it's so good, topped with crunchy candied pecans, feta cheese and sweet poppy seed dressing.

THE BIRTHDAY CAKE

A torted, rich chocolate cake,  filled with whipped sweet cream and diced strawberries, drizzled with milk chocolate ganache and topped with more strawberries.

ECLAIRS in a PAN

The legendary, feed a thousand, decadent dessert.  Layers of rich vanilla pudding and graham crackers topped with a velvety chocolate icing.  One of our MOST famous crowd pleasers!  

Aunt Kristin's Pretzel Jello

Crunchy, Sweet, Creamy....need I say anything else?

Aunt Elizabeth's Carrot Cake

Grandma Mullen Style - if you haven't tried this one you've been missing out! 

& Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Does anyone else see the strawberry theme happening here?

Grandma's Pie Crust Cookies

Hot from the Oven!

KC requested his favorite ones, the snails!  If your a flat lover, let us know, we'll do some of those too. 

Aunt Wendy's AWESOME POP

In many varieties, and you can request yours on the rocks at our house:)

Aunt Susie's Green Salad

We were hoping for one thing healthy?  This might be it? Maybe?

And . . . . . . anything else I come up with in the next 24 hours!

Love you all -

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

A Quiet Saturday Morning

It's a lovely "spring" morning today.  Really, it's about time to have some good weather.  David and I went and picked up our Bountiful Baskets and then headed home to find the girls eating Lucky Charms on the patio. 
I was greeted by Kiersten who boldly told me,

 "Eating Lucky Charms will make you grow very tall!  You should have eaten more Lucky Charms MOM!" 

 Mom - "How do you know Lucky Charms will make you tall?"

Kiersten - "It says so right here on the box!"

Mom - "Let me see that box."

The box says - "Grow up strong with Big G kids Cereals."  (With a picture of a boy next to a measuring tape showing how tall he is.) 

Alexis - "It even has whole grain, it's guaranteed!"

Dad - "Your right!  If Grandma had let mom have more sugar cereal, she would have been taller!"

You've got to love marketing!  I purchased 6 boxes of Lucky Charms yesterday at Winco.  They were a great deal so I couldn't resist (less than $1.50/box).  There is only ONE box left.  I guess when it's gone, it's gone!  The good news is, they still love cracked wheat, steel cut oats, germade and lots of other healthy things for breakfast.  I won't complain too much about cold cereal because it's something they can get on their own when we don't feel like getting up to fix them breakfast. I figure it's enriched and a good thing to have for food storage. 

While the girls were eating their whole grain guaranteed breakfast, I enjoyed checking my flower beds and new plants.  I've been panicking that I had planted too early, but all the little ones check out just fine.  David had slit the tops of the little greenhouse caps we put over the plants yesterday and everything looks very healthy.  I did a little research this morning on the Internet about how to care for my Daisy's and begonias.  I've never planted them before and didn't know how to dead head them.  While I was looking at the U of U extension site I also discovered that they should only be irrigated not sprayed.  Who knew?  Dave was going to change out the drip system that exists in that flower bed for sprinklers.  I guess I can take one more thing off his hunny-do list. 

Last week while Dave was out of town, I finished changing out the perennials in the front two beds.  I planted several colors of day-Lilly's, some cat mint, candy tuft, poppies, and a couple others I can't remember the names of.  It took all I had to pull out the decorative grass and shrubs.  My little neighbor kept telling me to take it easy.  In the back I planted butterfly bushes along the garage, Gerbera Daisy's and begonias with wave petunias along the back fence with some tomatoes and peppers.  I planted two hanging baskets for the back patio (Dave put up some hangers for me) with shade plants.  My Grandmother always had impatients in hanging baskets on her back patio.  They look bleak, but hopefully will grow quickly.  The garden is simple this year.  I only planted what I really want to eat/can/freeze.  We are trying little watermelons, pumpkins, zucchini, butternut squash, cucumbers and peppers.  I planted wave petunias all along the front of the garden so it looks pretty.  We spread a new layer of bark around and it's looking pretty good.   I'll post some of the pictures KC took of my flowers.  They are awesome.  I'll try and take more pictures of the yard as it grows and blooms.  

I still have to re-plant one of the butterfly bushes that bit the dust.  No one will admit to trampling it, but asking the boys who crushed it reminded me of how my Grandpa Rex used to grill everyone when one of his baby fruit trees would die.  He was known for planting several baby trees each spring.  Most of them looked like a weed in the middle of the grass.  He got smarter as he aged, and he would stake out around it and put up string.  They still usually didn't make it very long.  My boys answer to the butterfly bush, "Hmmmm?  What?  There was something there?"  I guess you have to post a sign to inform everyone where you plant your new baby plants!

Today I'm going to try and catch up on house work since the yard is mostly done now.   I don't expect to see any of the boys emerge from bed anytime soon.  I bailed on the card game last night and went to bed at about 1:30.  Apparently they stayed up and played four more rounds (one entire game of hand and foot) after I went to bed. 

The girls room is a disaster.  I'm really not sure how to keep it clean at this point.  Three girls can destroy a space faster than . . . . . . well, I can't think of anything that fast.  Taking more stuff out of their room it is the key.  But somehow, STUFF migrates back in there.  Someday they will each have their own room and there won't be so much arguing about who left what on the floor. 

I respectfully call the pile in my laundry room "MOUNT-LAUNDRY-MOORE".  And it's in fine form today.  My sister Megan calls the clean laundry that is in a pile something else, but I can't remember what it is.  I'll have to ask her today.  Since there really are two distinct mountain ranges, one clean - one dirty, I really do need to name the clean pile something different.  The boys (mostly Dave and KC) are great about tossing in a load or two, but it usually waits in a clean pile until I get down there to fold it and put it away.  I'm also picky about ironing, when I can be, so I like to iron stuff before I put it away (A habit I must thank my mother for).  Anyhow, that sometimes delays the putting away phase and just allows more to pile up.  For the past week, the entire ping pong table has been covered.  The sock basket is heaping, and I noticed that the girls just grabbed two socks that didn't even match yesterday and today.   When I asked them why they said that my sock drawer was empty too.  Hmmmm?  I wondered why all my socks were dirty?

I ought to photograph the laundry for posterity, but don't know if I dare.  I'm sure it would make someone else out there feel better about their own laundry room.

Well, better run and get going before the day is gone. 

KC Update

I figured I better post an update on KC before his story hits the news. 

A few weeks ago we were approached by the concussion clinic and asked if we would do an interview with Mary Nichols from Channel 2.  A little hesitant, we checked with KC's therapist and after a few days decided that we would go ahead with the interview.

The first day we filmed at the Concussion Clinic.  I was nervous, just not knowing what to expect.  The "CREW" was late because of traffic.  I laughed because the crew was only Mary and one camera guy.  Once they arrived and were set up, it was not that bad.  We filmed an office visit with the doctors and KC taking the Impact test.  We've had multiple visits with Dr. Rich so it was pretty easy.  The funny times were when the camera guy wanted something specific.  He would have us do it over and over again.  A few days later we filmed at the school and at our home.   We are not sure when it will air, but we will let everyone know when it does.  I'll try to put a link here on the blog.  I'm pretty nervous not knowing what they will edit out and what they will air.  It will probably be the two or three things I wish I hadn't said.  After all, with hours of video, you could say anything you want in 4 or 5 minutes. 

So, back to an update.  KC is doing well and makes continual progress, just that progress is very slow.  I keep track of a lot of things (due to my OCD Nurse behavior) and that actually helps me see the little things progress along.  If it didn't, I'd always be questioning if things are really getting better.

He still had a hard time just with four classes.  The teachers have been wonderful in working with him, and helping him with what he needs.  I've noticed on his great days he can get tons of school work done and it almost seems effortless like it used to be.  Unfortunately, we don't have very many of those.  Most days are somewhere in between really good days and really bad days.  We are starting to figure out what some of the triggers to his severe migraines are and try to avoid those.  It doesn't always work, but we try.  At this point, we have limited the amount of therapy we are doing.  The biggest reason is the benefit doesn't out weigh missing days at school.  I think we have all the "strategic" moves down, its just waiting for the body to completely heal itself. 

Most days KC's routine just seems normal now.  I've cried lots of tears over the fact that this has gone on long enough to be "NORMAL" for us.   I don't think about how long it will take for him to get better anymore because I don't think life will ever be like it was.  I think about how we can optimize what has returned and about how we can shape his future to be the most successful with what ever abilities he regains.  It's easy to see all of the doors that have closed for him because of this experience, but I will tell you that there are many doors that have opened to take the place of those that have closed.  As adults, it's hard to change where you think you are going in life, and it's hard for KC too.  I think he is finally starting to get used to his new future and now sees it as bright as the old one. 

KC continues to be very successful with his music studies.  While I don't think he will be memorizing anything soon, he has been able to capitalize on the increased hearing abilities he developed while he was without his sight.  Reading is the most frustrating thing for him.  It takes multiple times through a passage in order to comprehend something.  Even reading easy things like recipes, or a list of groceries can be difficult.  He often only remembers the first or last thing on the list.  We have found that if he reads out loud, or involves another one of his senses that the recall is much better.   It is really as if sometimes what comes in from his eyes just doesn't go anywhere. 

We are still very protective of what activities he is involved in.  All the doctors agree than any kind of a head trauma (even a very little bump) could still mean disaster.  Even still, he is getting out more and enjoying the outdoors.  He loves to play basketball on the back patio and is walking/jogging a bit.  The week we advanced him to running set off an un-usual string of severe migraines and the doctors felt it was exercise related, so for now we are back to just walking. 

He doesn't go out with friends much, but seems to enjoy family functions and just hanging with mom and dad.  I was teasing him the other day about the good "husband" skills he was learning.  He was with me on some errands and we stopped at Sally's to pick up a few things.  I realized he was beet red after I asked him a string of questions about which shampoo, color and brush he thought I should pick up.  I guess not all errands are created equal. 

I want everyone to know how blessed we have been as a family over the past nine months.  The miracles that we continue to see on a daily basis are wonderful gifts from our loving Father in Heaven who knows and loves each one of us.  We know that we are being watched over and guided by many angels (on earth and in the heavens) during this difficult time.  We are grateful for your continued prayers in KC's behalf.  He feels of your love each and every day. 

The "FLOOD"

I think the OHS Les Mis Flood will be an event that will go down in OHS history.  Here is my version of what happened!  (I love the version in the paper - it makes you never want to believe anything you read.)

After the Matinee on Saturday that cast greeted their guests as usual.  We gathered them all back on stage for a Cast,Crew and Orchestra picture.  Getting almost 100 kids into place takes a while.  They were tired, hungry and HOT under the stage lights.  The kids were finally all on stage and a few pictures were snapped when.......

The front row was wiggling and then one of the girls shouted out, "He's out, He is really out!" They rolled a limp body down onto the black stage floor in front of them.  I hesitated for a moment or two and then made my way from the house chairs up onto the stage.  I could see his chest rising with each breath so I wasn't panicked, but he was not coming around on his own.  He looked pale and shocky, but had good pulses (although he was very tachycardic). 

There were some good quotes with this incident, one of which occurred when I checked his pulses.  One of the girls cried, "Is he dead?"   

After giving him almost 30 seconds after I approached, and trying to gently bring him around I gave him a nice sternal rub.  He gasped as he opened his eyes.  I sat with him while some high school girls "petted" him with all of their genuine love and concern.   I waited for him to pull it together, but he wasn't coming around.  He continually hyperventilated himself until he started to exhibit physical symptoms of that as well.  After being unable to obtain any medical history or contact a family member I suggested to the directors that we should be cautious and call for some back up.  (For the record, I really hate being without monitors and all of the nice equipment I'm used to at the hospital.) I hoped along with everyone else that it was nothing more than a fainting episode, but you can never be sure.  I was able to keep him oriented to person, but he stated he could not move or feel his arms or legs.  I was not able to establish any cause for a head injury, but anything could have happened back stage.  So, we kept him still an awaited the arrival of the paramedics.

I was relieved to see his strip and vs.  BP normal, glucose normal, etc etc.  The paramedics dismissed the girls at his side (much to their dismay) and eventually sat him up after a full physical assessment.  We were eventually able to contact family and established nothing in his medical history to be of concern.  I asked the paramedics if they needed anything else from me and went to leave the stage. 

As I approached the stage door, there was a scream and someone yelling, "There is water everywhere!"  The door opened and sound of rushing water, along with the visual of inches of water in the hall, now flooding onto the stage made my heart sink to the tips of my toes.  I yelled for Pam and for more help.  The firemen/paramedics that were on the stage quickly aided us in establishing dams, and moving electrical cords, lights, costumes and the set out of the way of the flowing water. 

After what seemed like an eternity, the water was eventually turned off.  The assessment of what was damaged started.  What could be done to save the show?  It was decided that the show could not go on at 7pm.  The announcement was made to hundreds waiting to see the show.  The cast went up to the balcony and sang a few numbers to their disappointed fans.  It was a bitter/sweet moment.

The cleanup started, hauling out soaking wet piles of belongings and costumes out of the dressing rooms.  The sight was something that you would think of seeing after a natural disaster.  The kids combed through the rubble trying to piece their costumes back together.  Cell phone batteries were laid out with dripping phones and IPODS.  The kids were stoic, but the sadness hovered like a dense fog. 

Initially, it was speculated that there might not even be school on Monday, unless the water to the school could be turned back on.  This would have meant total devastation for this cast that had worked so hard.  There were so many dedicated people working on the problem, that by the time we were leaving, they had discovered the problem in the pipes and were turning the water on to the other parts of the school.  We received word on Sunday that the "SHOW WOULD GO ON"!

There are many things I'm grateful for, but most of all that the paramedics and firemen were right there on stage with us when this happened.  I can only imagine the extent of the damage that could have occurred had they not been so efficient in securing the area and getting the water turned off as quickly as they did. The cast pulled together and really helped each other stay positive and get things done.  It took many hours of work to repair and wash costumes and put the set back together.  I was touched by their integrity and powerful spirits as they made sure that everyone around them was OK.  There was a group of girls who stopped in the middle of the chaos and offered a prayer of gratitude for what was un-harmed in the incident.  What amazing kids who chose to focus on what they are grateful for, instead of what has been lost.   

I was mostly touched by the tender feelings expressed by the directors of the show.  Their concern and love for the students and families that they work with was intense and displayed openly to the school administration and the parents.  Their passion for the arts and their commitment to the kids is evident in all that they do.

Not only did the show go on Monday night, but the kids were able to perform an additional matinee Monday afternoon.  The respond was astounding!  The Monday night sold out completely!  The energy from the cast is at an all time high!

Tonight is closing night and we are expecting a sold out house again!   

I didn't have my camera with me when all of this occurred.  Dave had taken it home to download.  By the time I started taking pictures we were well into the cleanup.  Here are a few pics that we took that evening.

I would like to say that these are the experiences in life that helped me name my blog - You really CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!