Milestones

Today...it is official...Maddie is now a bike rider without training wheels. She set her mind to it yesterday and by tonight, she was soaring around our cul de sac like a maniac! It's been a big week of firsts for her...


Last night we all dressed up and went to Maddie's piano recital. It was a Forrest Hills Baptist church and it was SO nice! All the kids did so well! Sheryl and I were so very proud of Maddie. She confidently walked to the mic and introduced herself and announced the pieces she would be playing. Then, she sat and played through her first two and then played a beautiful duet with Mrs. Summey. We were so proud!

And even more proud when Sam announced in the middle of the recital... "I JUST TOOTED!!!"

Tonight...it's Archuleta, friends. He nailed it. How can you possibly disagree? :)

Advertising at Work

It's been an amazing day! Fellowship was incredible this morning. Ronnie Freeman led and it was one of the best mornings we've had there.

Today has been a mixture of jumping on the trampoline, weeding the garden, teaching Maddie to ride her bike without training wheels, unpacking, laughing, and going on a long, very hilly walk. We walked over to Christ Church the back way. They have an awesome indoor play area that the kids love.

Along the way, we passed a new model Ford SUV. Without skipping a beat Sam declared, "Look Mommy...an American Idol Car!" The boy barely watches it...but loves those commercials when they come on. We never knew he paid attention to the model. Good job, advertising guys.

Sheryl and I are on a weight loss challenge. I am not sure whose body this is that I am living in...because it only barely resembles the me from one year ago. UGH! So...the challenge is on! Anyone wanna join?

I got an early Father' Day gift from my mom today! A new video DVD recorder. WOOOO-HOOO! Maybe I can post some video soon! Thanks, mom!

Home/ Kiki and Kevin

This is my beautiful soccer champ! Ella scored a goal today all by herself! GO, ELLA!!!!

I am sitting in beautiful Charleston today waiting to fly home. YAY! I can't wait! The cast opens tonight and I will miss seeing their first show but I am glad to be going home. I know they'll be brilliant.

One piece of incredible news I've been waiting to share...Kiki is pregnant! We found out a few weeks back and I've been waiting for the green light. Kevin and Kim (Kiki) are keeping a blog about their journey through pregnancy and I've added it today in my favorite sites column over there.

In other family news...Sam is officially potty trained. And by potty trained, I mean not wearing diapers and learning how to go in the backyard with our dog and pee just like she does. He's hilarious. In all seriousness, Sheryl has been so consistent with her Spiderman poo-poo treats. It really works.

Speaking of back yards...does anyone remember that song..."Fish and chips and vinegar, vinegar, vinegar...fish and chips and vinegar, red peppers are hot". Remember that? And there are different verses that go over each other kind of like a round...?

Well, I am married to the woman who knows more about random and obscure songs than anyone in the entire world. She and I were kidding around with some friends the other night singing that song until we realized that I had learned different words to one of the verses...

Her version: "Don't put your trash in my trash can, my trash can, my trash can...don't put your trash in my trash can, my trash can's full."

My version: "Don't put your trash in my backyard, my backyard, my backyard...don't put your trash in my backyard, my backyard's full!"

I never, EVER thought about how hilarious my version was...and I am almost POSITIVE that it's the one I learned back in 3rd grade at Wylie Elementary School...which somehow makes it even funnier. Trash in my backyard? Really? Your back yard's full, huh? hmm.

I'll leave you with that bit of randomness on this lovely Saturday. I can't wait to see my family!

Norwegian Majesty

The outgoing cast has two more shows (one tonight and one tomorrow). Kelly and I slipped back stage to give hugs and love before the show the other night. They all did a great job! (Kelly is one of our choreographers and is an old pro at directing the Majesty shows)


Ruben, Bree and me. Ruben and Bree were dancers on the Spirit when we did the handover out there. They are engaged to be married. They did a really great job so we brought them on to help with this handover on the Majesty since they have also worked as performers here.

Last night the old cast came to watch the new cast do a tech/dress run of the opener. Here's a pic with Mikey and Megan ("Little Bit").

The new cast was pumped and ready to do their first tech run...

Mark and Hayden

Lucy and Blake

The singers...(L-R) Lucy, Blake, Megan, and Daniel. (Daniel extended his contract to fill in for Jason. He's done a great job and had to learn two new shows while continuing to perform the three he's already doing out here with the old cast. THANKS, Daniel!!)

The new cast of the NCL Majesty: Taryn Escobar, Blake Rowden, Mark Andrews, Lucy Wilkerson, Megan Gleckler, Daniel Olsen, April Holloway and Hayden Escobar

We just pulled away from Bermuda. It is VERY rocky. It feels like we're on a small fishing boat out in the middle of the ocean! Whew! I hope it calms down before the show tonight. The old cast has two shows and then the new cast has a dress/tech rehearsal of Standing Room Only (our Broadway show) beginning at 11:30pm. It'll be another late night.

I am loving the Shack!

Bermuda

....is cold and windy. I am in need of some vitamin D. Things have been going well, just long. The cast has great energy and they are excited to be here. They are doing a great job.

We finally have a full cast! This theater is older---like the old school cruise ship type of theaters. The ceilings are lower, it's more of a lounge feel. But the cast seems to like it. The 8 of them fill the space and look great.

I stayed up way too late last night reading. I am most of the way through chapter 4 in The Shack. I am seriously trusting all of you...because this is one of my greatest nightmares so far. UGH! I can only imagine it will be amazing, but I must admit freaking out last night while reading. Sheesh.

My goal today...get OUT of the theater and set my feet on land. We're here in Bermuda until tomorrow. I am going stir crazy and need a little "walkabout"!

Mother's Day

I made it onto the Majesty with very few problems, thanks to our production manager, Ruben. I got to see the outgoing cast do a short intro show last night and had dinner with them. It was great seeing all of them again.

Today is Mother's Day and I would like to say thank you to my mom for being such a great influence on me over the years. My mom has always thought that nothing is impossible. Nothing. She has created and re-created herself professionally over the years. She has also had the same approach to her relationship with God. She has never been content to be stagnant in her walk. It's incredibly inspiring. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Sheryl was born to be a mom. She has an unbelievable ability to just know what our kids need. She is firm, but fun. She loves to laugh with them and play--even jumping on the trampoline. She is such a blessing to them...and me. What a gift! It's so fun watching her and learning from her. Happy Mother's Day, Sheryl!

I have been hearing for months about a book called The Shack. Have any of you read it? I finally picked up a copy while we were in Malibu. I keep hearing that you have to plow through until chapter 4. I am only through the forward and chapter 1.

We have rehearsal today and will watch the old cast do their Broadway show tonight. Then we are able to get back on the stage from 11pm til 12:30 or 1am. Whew!

Have a happy Mother's Day, friends!

Captivated

Cast dinner last night...Blake Rowden, Lucy Wilkerson, me, Mark McLaughlin

Ruben Delgado (production manager), me, Mindy

Hayden and Taryn Escobar--two of our dancers, married and love what they do! They came to us from The Dixie Stampede where they danced and were stunt horse riders (including jumping through hoops of flames. I am not kidding.)

cast and production staff-- (L-R) April Holloway, Bree Trois, me, Jason Kennedy, Mark McLaughlin, Kelly Evans, Blake Rowden, Ruben Delgado, Megan Gleckler, Lucy Wilkerson, Taryn and Hayden Escobar.

Over the course of the rehearsal process we've lost THREE cast members due to medical injuries or complications. It's been so difficult. Last night we had a farewell dinner before we leave tomorrow to take the cast to the ship...pictures to come. We fly to Charleston and then sail to Bermuda. I've never seen Bermuda and I am excited to experience it! Honestly, I'll just be glad to get this cast ON the ship!

As we've been searching again for songs for the upcoming ZOE record, Amy reminded me of this song by Christy and Nathan Nockels that I have LOVED! (Christy and Nathan lead worship at our church and have a group called Watermark. If you don't have a Watermark CD or two, you're really missing out.) The words really ministered to me again today. I hope it's an encouragement to you today. Happy Friday!

Captivate Us-- Watermark

Your face is beautiful And
Your eyes are like the stars
Your gentle hands have healing
There inside the scars
Your loving arms they draw me near
And Your smile it brings me peace
Draw me closer oh my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

(chorus)
Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And rushing river, draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Captivate us Lord Jesus, with You

Your voice is powerful
And Your words are radiant bright
In Your breath and shadow I will come close and abide
You whisper love and life divine
And Your fellowship is free
Draw me closer O my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

(chorus)

Let everything be lost in the shadows
Of the light of Your face
Let every chain be broken from me
As I’m bound in Your grace
For Your yoke is easy, Your burden is light
You’re full of wisdom, power and might
And every eye will see You

Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And rushing river, draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Captivate us Lord Jesus, with You