Spring Concert

The kids had their spring concert last night.

Other than Joe getting hurt at school and having to go to the ER to treat a hairline fracture -- which was par for the course for us -- it went really well.

Joe managed to play with his temporary cast -- and Mikayla even conducted the 6th grade orchestra. It was very cool.

This is the 6th grade orchestra.



This is the 8th grade orchestra.

Move Over Bethooven

Mikayla had a piano recital on Friday.

She was marvelous.

We just love Mikayla's piano teacher, Diane. I am so grateful for good teachers!

Here's a video of Mikayla two songs -- she has made such wonderful progress.

Dance Like No One Is Watching

Katie had her end of year dance recital. OMGOSH.

Soooo cute.

and a couple of the dances:

Presenting....

Well...here I am.

Almost on the other side of the play.

And I am very grateful that it is almost over.

But...as I watched the performance tonight and I pondered on all the hours I spent sewing and gluing and creating. And the sacrifices my family made so I could help...I remembered that I do this...not for the recognition, but because I love my children and I want to help them however I can.

And it isn't only my own children. I love all these kids ... each and every one of them is special to me and I am so glad I got to work with them. They are amazing.

So...without further ado...I present to you...Parkside Players....Beauty and the Beast.

This is Belle (Sara). Her grandmother made this dress. I thought it was perfection. 

Here is the Beast (played by Matt. I made his chest piece and gloves. I really thought it made his beastness complete. 

Here's Emma. She is a shepherd.

Here's Gaston (played by Joey). Dawn made his vest. I thought it turned out great. I made his muscles...which were hilarious. And even added chest hair for a little realism. Maybe too much realism. LOL! 

Here are the silly girls (Natalie, Hannah, Mariah and Steffi). Sheri, Hannah's grandmother and Natalie's mom made the dresses. Aren't they so cute?

Here are Lumiere and Cogsworth (played by Cameron and Jason).  I made Lumiere...right down to his candlesticks...which turn on and off. I think the candlesticks were my favorite thing I made.

And on Cogsworth...Kersti made his jacket, but the hat and clock are me.

Here is Mrs. Potts (played by Haley). She was my toughest I think...because I had to sew her and shockingly...there are no teapot patterns out there. I ended up having to make her a second skirt so she could be human at the end...since I had to sew this skirt right onto the hoop to help it keep it's shape.

Here's Emma again...this time a villager. She gets to faint in this scene when Gaston flexes...she's a cute little fainter.

Gaston and LeFou (played by Joey and Spencer).

Just had to show off the back of Cogsworth. Love that little key.

Here is Babette (played by Samantha). Kersti made her feathery skirt. I took care of her apron, the hat and the wrist pieces.

Here is Madame de la Gran Bouche and Belle (played by Rachel and Sara). The wardrobe was another tough costume. I actually ended up making this one twice...since the first one did not allow her enough range of movement. I thought it turned out so cute. The wig really pulls it together.

Here's Emma as soup du jour.

The castle staff were so cute. They were all dressed as maids with different hair pieces. Mikayla did a great job putting the maid caps together.

I wish this photo were better...but I made 8 wolves and I loved how they turned out. The wolf scenes were some of my favorite in the show.

Cogsworth, Beast and Lumiere.

Here's Joe. He's chip and he was totally adorable. He had a few solo lines in the songs and he rocked it! Ben's grandmother made the chip...I just added the straps and the chip.

Belle is her beautiful dress her grandmother made ... which is in only about 2 minutes of the show. Dang it.

The Prince (played by Hunter). Hannah's grandmother also made the vest. The cloak is one I made a few years back.

Chip and Mrs. Potts. (Haley and Joe)

It was such a great show. I am so proud to be associated with such a great group of kids. You guys rock!

Remember that post about my beautiful new office?

Oh...how I wish for beautiful. Really...i'd settle for clean.

It's a total disaster right now as I finish up the costumes for the middle school play.

This month is pretty much lost to me...but...it's going to be worth it, right?

Joe was good enough to model the clock for me.

I figured if Katie and Becky knew it was a clock I was on the right track.

Sound of Music

The kids had their spring concert -- and it was wonderful.

I am amazed at how good these kids sound! And to think they only take lessons at school!

Here are Emma and Joe if you want to take a listen:



And Mikayla:



Aren't they so good! So proud of these kids!