A Star is Born

Okay, so yesterday was Eric's talent show. I am still speechless and on cloud 9. I guess this is one of the great perks of being a mother: getting to see the accomplishments of your children.

I got to the assembly about 15 minutes early and I seriously was SO nervous! I think I was way more nervous than Eric was. The first 3 rows of the auditorium were reserved for parents, so of course, I chose FRONT and CENTER! I had my video camera at the ready and waited anxiously for the event to begin.

When I saw Eric getting ready to perform (his group was asked to do a few songs while the students were coming in), I thought I was going to throw up. For real! But I held it together....luckily. Or I would have missed one of the greatest highlights of my life. I know this is sounding way dramatic, but it really was that way for me in that moment.

The band started to play and I was on the edge of my seat when Eric courageously put the microphone to his mouth.....and began to sing! I was crying at this point and the camera was shaking, but I was so proud of him. Unfortunately his microphone wasn't very loud compared to the band and you couldn't hear him extremely well, but remember I was on the front row. And I could hear him. And I swear there's never been a prouder mother in the world than I was then. He did so good!

I'm so glad that I got to hear him in the beginning, because his group wasn't until the end of the assembly......and there is NO WAY I would have been able to sit through that whole thing waiting for his turn. I was on pins and needles. But once I heard him initially and I KNEW he could do it....and that he was going to succeed, I relaxed tremendously. And I truly enjoyed the whole assembly. Everybody was so amazing!

The song they did in the beginning was called Kriptonite by Three Doors Down. I had never even heard it before. It's like a rock song.....what? Eric had played it for me prior to the assembly on the internet, but before that I had never even heard of the band OR the song. The song they did for the assembly was called December by Collective Soul. Once again, I have never heard of either the band or the song. I am really behind the times.....I'm not as hip as I once was. (Okay, actually I've never been hip, but still....)

Anyway, I am so proud of Eric. The tape didn't come out great. You really can't hear him very well, but once in a while you get a portion of his song and he's singing on key and everything! He mostly just stood there and looked out into the audience, but HE DID IT! He's never done anything like this before. And he literally sang in front of a whole auditorium, including the balcony. I could never have done what he did.

I was on such a high yesterday (and still haven't come down completely), and I was thinking about how GREAT he was and I was talking to my sister and she said to me, "You're not saying he's good like some of "those" mothers on American Idol say their kids are good, are you?" I had actually thought about that prior to her asking.....and the answer is....."Of course not. He really is good." You can hear all those mothers saying the same things about their kids, can't you.....and I know you're really wondering for sure. But in my eyes (and here's the important part), he exceeded my expectations and I couldn't be prouder of him for his determination and courage! And to me....he was the best singer there!

Now, I didn't sleep for 3 days prior to this event and I can't imagine how I would be able to handle my kids in a musical, for heaven's sake. What am I going to do? I've always been a tear-jerker and a sucker for emotion, so I don't know how I'm going to be able to handle any future events.....whatever they are. But I guess I'll get through it somehow. These experiences and opportunities are so important. I'm so happy I get to be a part of them.

Way to go, Eric! You were awesome!

P.S. Eric came home today and was telling me how he was talking to all of his friends at school and they were saying how they didn't know what they were going to do with themselves now......now that the talent show was over. They were saying they didn't have anything to work towards or have anything to look forward to. I started laughing out loud. This whole thing was less than 2 weeks. Hilarious. But then he told me that one of his friends said.....

"Well, there's still girls!"

UGH!

Junior High Talent Show

Last week Eric came home from school to inform me that he had been invited by a couple of his friends to be the lead singer in a band they were putting together for the school talent show. He came home not knowing what he should do, and feeling unsure of even being able to do it.

I, of course, encouraged him to join and try out. "I'll bet you'd be really good," I said. Eric has not had choir since the 7th grade, but I know he can sing. He is always torn because he really likes Art and Drama and it's hard to fit all the electives in. Plus he's really good at both, so I encourage those as well.

Anyway, as it turned out, he decided to give it a go. He went to one of his friend's house after school and they practiced. He came home all happy and excited and feeling really good about it.

Tuesday, after school, were the tryouts. He wouldn't sing the song to me, though he played it for me on the internet. I'd never heard it. (And I still can't remember what it's called). I kept saying to him, "C'mon, sing it to me. How does it go?" Nope! He wouldn't do it. (At this point, I just have to say that I never pushed him because my Mom always used to try and get me to sing too and I always hated it.....so I let Eric off easy). Sorry Mom.

When he returned home from school, he said it went really well. He told me all about it. "Mom, we had to sing in front of the choir teacher, the drama teacher, and one other......AND the cheerleaders and the student-body officers." He was excited and nervous. He said he didn't even dare look at them, he just kept his eyes on the guitar player. Funny, huh? (and so junior high-ish) BUT he did get a few compliments. One kid told him afterward that he didn't know he could even sing. And his choir teacher (from 7th grade) said to him, "Eric, why haven't you been in my class the last two years?" It was very exciting.

I told him I was very proud of him for trying out and that he's a lot braver than his mother. And that whatever happens, I hope he had fun.

He said he would find out if he made it or not the next day (Wednesday). Of course, I was a little bit on pins and needles throughout the day. Right when he walked into the house after school, I looked at him, and tried to read his face. The first words out of his mouth were, "We made it." He was so excited. It was so fun to see him so happy.

In Drama that day, his teacher said to him, "Eric, I have a bone to pick with you. Why weren't you in the musical?" And another one of the teachers asked them (the band) if they would be able to come up with some other songs to sing while the people are coming into the auditorium. These are good compliments, don't you think? They must be an okay band, right? It was all very nice to hear.

I am so proud of him and although I still have no idea what he sounds like, or anyone in the band, for that matter, I'm so glad he is having fun and taking the opportunity to explore his talents. I will attend the talent show assembly and that will be the first time I hear him (and probably the last....since he won't sing for me). But isn't it exciting for him?

I'll have to post how it goes. Until then, cross your fingers that he doesn't get stage fright or throw-up on the sidelines or pass out......like I would if it were me!

Life Lessons

I learned a valuable lesson this week that I want to share. But first I have to give you a little background information.

When Eric was in 7th grade, and still figuring out about jr. high and all the coursework that goes with it, he would sometimes get a "zero" listed on an assignment. It wasn't usually because he just didn't do it, it was usually because he lost it or misplaced it. At any rate, I hate to admit that whenever he would get a zero, I got a little crazy. In my book, zero's are completely unacceptable and translates into no effort whatsoever. So through that year, we finally worked out a deal that whevever he got a zero, he was grounded until he could correct it. This actually worked quite well. He knew how I felt about them and he also knew what was expected of him.

This year, in 9th grade, I have seen very little zero's. Through the last 3 years of jr. high, he has received less and less. And if he ever has gotten one, he's been very good to immeditately make it up so he could get credit. I have seen much growth and definite signs of maturity and responsibility from him.

Last week, Eric got Strep Throat and was absent for 2 days. He actually hadn't missed any days of school this year until then. When he returned to school, he had a lot of make up work. In the days that followed his absences, he would come home each day, shut his door to his room, and dutifully complete his missed assignments in all of his classes.

Wednesday of this week, I was checking his grades and noticed that he had a zero listed for one of his assignments in art: a 200 point assignment. Now, in my defense, let me tell you my thought process when I saw it. First of all, Eric is amazing in Art. He can draw just about anything. And his grade in this class (at that time, because of the zero) was 89%. I know that isn't a bad grade, it's just that.......honestly, this is an easy A for Eric, because it really is what he's good at. Secondly, the term was to end on Thursday, so we were essentially out of time to make it up. So, of course when I saw the zero, I went a little crazy. I asked him about it and before I knew it, one thing led to another, and some harsh words were exchanged. In an attempt to have him make it up, I emailed his teacher and asked if he could stay after school to complete this assignment.

After a short time, I was in my room and Eric came in to talk to me. He was very frustrated. He got emotional as he told me that I wasn't giving him credit for some of the good things he had done. And that even though this ONE assignment was not completed, he really HAD worked hard in all of his other classes to make up for the missing days from school. He asked me specifically, "Can't you just let this one thing go?"

As I listened to "his side of the story" and I mean really listened to him and what he was saying, it was like a lightbulb when on in my head. And it was like I got punched in the gut. I was wrong......and he was right! I hadn't given him credit for all the work he had done and I was dwelling more on the one negative thing, instead of praising him and recognizing him for all that he had accomplished thus far.

Not to mention, that he really is a good kid. He is responsible and honorable and is turning into a very fine young man.

So I did what I had to do. I apologized sincerely. I told him I was wrong and he was right. I told him how proud I was of him. I told him over and over again how sorry I was for causing him such pain and feelings of inadequacy. I told him that I didn't mean to make him feel like he wasn't "enough."

And then I begged his forgiveness.

It was a really powerful moment for the both of us. Even though I'm a parent, I don't have all the answers. And I'm definitely not perfect. I make mistakes. I know that we're supposed to be the teachers for our children, but my son was the teacher that day. I learned that I do have to let "some things go." I can't expect perfection. It's not like I got all "A's" in school. I definitely didn't. And it's okay to say sorry to your kids. It's okay to show vulnerability to them. If we don't show it, how will they learn it? I learned that I need to remember that my children are still learning as well. And hormones aside, it's tough to be a teenager! I remember jr. high as the most miserable years for me. There are friend issues, teacher issues, class issues, homework issues.....and the list goes on and on. And it's hard to grow up these days with all the pressures they feel coming to them from every direction.

So, it was a great life lesson. I hope I can do better next time. I hope I can control my temper and show love and acceptance IN THE BEGINNING, rather than later. I truly am proud of Eric for all the good choices that he makes each day.

I love you, son. Thanks for being a great teacher!

P.S. In the end I told Eric he didn't have to stay after school to finish his project. I told him that what he had done was enough. I let him decide what he wanted to do. He chose to stay after school and get credit for this assignment. He also brought in one of his comic books that he has drawn (on is own at home) and showed his teacher. His teacher was so impressed that he gave him an extra 1350 extra credit points.....crazy, huh? So he ended up with an A. But it wasn't because I made him do it. It was because HE decided to take pride in his grade and earn it on his own. See? I told you he was a good kid.

Facebook and a trip down memory lane!

Okay, so I just joined facebook and I don't know what the heck I'm doing. But I'm learning (slowly). It really is quite an amazing little tool to find long-lost friends and stay in touch with people.

I have found some people from high school that I literally haven't seen since high school, some 20+ years ago. So it's definitely been fun to reconnect.

But it's also done something else. It's made me think back to that time in my life. Weird how seeing and talking to these people can totally evoke such vivid memories. I was in Madrigals and on Seminary Council my senior year. I have such good memories of that year. It was a time of much learning and growth. Of course, it was also the beginning of when I began to fall in love with my husband. We were in these 2 groups together. I remember walking home from school together most days and talking and laughing. We worked at the seminary a lot after school and spent a lot of time in that building. I also remember early morning Madrigal rehearsals at 6:00 am. These were things we shared together. It was wonderful! One other memory that I have is that most days when Todd would walk past my locker, he would come behind me and poke his fingers into my sides to make me jump. Unfortunately I fell for it EVERYTIME! And even though I pretended that it bothered me, it really didn't...ya know?

One other memory I have is working at the MANN Theatres. I worked at the one on 5400 S. Redwood Rd right across from Taylorsville High School. I started working there just before I turned 16 and continued my employment all through my high school years and even off and on once I went to college (Christmas holidays and summers). The other day I went to a movie there (it's now a $1 movie theater) and there was only ONE OTHER PERSON in the movie I was seeing (High School Musical 3). ----Okay, no wonder, I'm being bombarded with high school memories---- Anyway, you wouldn't believe it if you don't remember it, but that theater used to be PACKED! And I mean, people-standing-outside-in-line-all-the-way-around-the-theater packed! It's weird how times change. I guess it just can't compete with the newer, fancier theaters now, but in it's day....trust me, it was hopping!

I don't know why I've wanted to blog about this, so I'm sorry if I've bored you to death, but I just wanted to write it down. Maybe it will stir up some memories of your own. If so, I hope you take the time to sit back and enjoy them!

Holiday Fun!

We had so much fun on Christmas break. We did lots of things as a family. On Monday, we took the kids to lunch at Applebee's. Our kids have earned several "free kids lunch" cards through the years and we've never taken them. So I promised them we would do it over Christmas break. Our poor deprived children. After we ordered, Kyle was watching the waiter just standing around and he finally said to me, "Mom, he's not cooking our food." It was so cute. Apparently we don't get out to "nice" restaurants like we should....it was a whole new experience for them.

We also saw a couple of movies on the break. The Tale of Desperaux was one we saw as a family. I didn't like it. Sorry, for those of you who did. It was very strange and I don't think any of my children liked it either. Todd and I saw Bedtime Stories with some of my family on Thursday. It was just okay. There were some funny parts, but a little long in the middle for me.

On New Years Eve, we hosted a party at my house and it was so much fun. My sister was here from Las Vegas and my sister-in-law came with her family too. We had a blast and I'm happy to report that all of the cousins made it to the very end, with the exception of one 3-year old, who crashed at around 11:30 pm. We played some very fun games and watched a Brian Reagan DVD. He is a comedian, for those who don't know him and he's very funny!

On Friday Todd took the 3 older kids ice fishing with a guy in our ward. I told him to take the camera and take some pictures of the event, since I wouldn't be there to see the excitement. When he got home, he came home with NO pictures! What is up with that? I asked him about it and he said that no one caught anything, so there was nothing to take a picture of. They were gone for 7 HOURS people! Can't he at least have taken a picture of one of them fishing.....pole in water, sitting on ice, drinking hot chocolate....I don't care what the picture is of......just bring me home a picture!! There's a bit from Brian Reagan on his DVD about the differences between men and women. He tells a story of a guy who goes golfing with a recently divorced friend and when he gets home, his wife asks him how his friend was doing. The guy responds, "It didn't come up." They were golfing for like 10 hours together and it didn't come up.....I don't get it either. Girls would have gotten the story, perhaps shared some tears and hugs, and talked about lots of other things too. Anyways, my point is Todd didn't take any pictures because apparently there was nothing to see! WEIRD, I tell you! (and a little annoying). I would have taken at least ONE picture! The sad part is that all of my sons agreed with Dad. "There was nothing to take a picture of, Mom, unless you wanted us to take a picture of the sign that said, 'Warning: thin ice.'" I would have accepted that!! Oh and by the way, why are you fishing in an area with a sign that says that? I'd sure like to know. :)

On Saturday we went bowling in honor of my nephew's birthday. It was tons of fun too. I do have a few pics from that, which I took, of course. Jacob loved bowling! Sadly, he's never been and he had a blast. The greatest part was that despite the competition between myself, my husband and my brother.....guess who got the top score? My (ailing....okay, not really) MOTHER! Hilarious! And it was revenge enough for me. By the way, I scored a whole 75 and I'm proud of it! In my defense, I haven't been bowling for years......does that count for anything?

Eric helping little Jacob. So cute.

Dallin in action

A little scowl from Brandon. Actually he had a stomach ache, so he didn't have as much fun.

This is Jacob laying on the floor watching the ball roll down the lane. I'm sure it was really clean on that floor too! :-

We had a great break and I wish all of you a Happy New Year!

Now, back to the grind......