All Done!

Well, the big Nutcracker weekend is all said and done :(

A part of me is happy by this.  Now we will have a tad bit more time on our hands.  Another part of me is sad.  There is a certain "high" that comes with a big performance like this.  There are so many emotions that roll through me these days when it comes to Nutcracker...but in the end it all comes down to the fact that being part of a production like this is a true blessing and learning experience. I went through it as a child and I feel very fortunate that my daughter is getting to experience it as well.  It will be something she holds on to forever.  I still remember all the fun I had doing this at her age, and I was certainly not a good dancer like she is :)  At any rate, it was a crazy week last week...an even crazier weekend...but such a fun time being in the midst of it all.  I hope to post pics sometime this week, but just be certain that Hailey danced her heart out and did an amazing job. And those of us that watched her near and far, were so proud of her.  I love how Ash put it today after the performance when asked "what was your favorite part?"...she said, "what Hailey was in!" :)  Amen, Sista!  We love our, Ballerina Hays!

Now this mama is off to bed. It's been a somewhat stressful day running from the Nutcracker to our Live Nativity at church...and this Steg fam needs some rest now.  

Sad

Tonight I am majorly bummin' :( 

It's been such a crazy week, followed by an even busier weekend...and honestly I have looked forward to THIS night all week.  Kev and Shelby were going to see Hailey live at the Nutcracker and I actually got to just sit in my warm home, cuddle my baby and hang out with my two other cuties (Ash and Dyl).  We were all excited to just sit in our pjs and watch Hailey and the whole Nutcracker on the live feed.  We made sure to eat and get all ready right before 8pm.  We even worked really quickly to make her a candy bouquet.  We got done with 1 min to spare.  Popped the lap top open and waited for the live feed to come on.  Nothing.  Ok, maybe a momentary glitch in the system.  I tried the real computer downstairs in the basement.  Same issue.  No live feed...just a repeated commercial for it.  I was getting anxious.  I called my mom in FL. I could hear her live feed going (orchestra playing). Nothing on ours.  I was so upset.  I thought at some point in the 8-9 frame it'd come on.  Nothing.  I called Kev at intermission.  He couldn't help.  I hoped a lil' miracle would happen and the live feed would turn on right before Hailey's part.  It didn't.  And now it's 10:30.  I missed watching my girl on the feed all together. I sat and cried at one point.  I had truly so looked forward to just sitting with my feet up and watching the whole thing on the computer.  Not the night I had hoped for at all.  Instead of feeling relaxed and enjoying the show, I was stressed and angry at the computer for making me miss out on this joy.  I do get to see my girl live tomorrow so maybe I need to cling to that right now. But I rarely miss her performing...honestly don't know if I ever have...and I did tonight. I am sad, frustrated very grumpy with technology right now.  Sigh :(

On a very sweet sidenote, my baby girl just came up to me as I was typing and gave me a special card (hello kitty) to cheer me up...I think she knows I've had a bad night :)

Snow Day!

Well, it's our first official snow day of this school year!  We had a feeling it was coming.  I think they said up to 12 inches and I am guessing we have at least half that if not 3/4 now.  I am normally happy about snow days (well, sometimes), but this was not the day for one. I had lots of stuff I wanted to get done around the house (get it cleaned up and the tree decorated) and get some rest before our very busy Nutcracker weekend.  None of that will get done now with all the kids here. I am trying to be optimistic, but I'll admit Kev (at work) just had to hear a tearful earfull from me :(  This is a day I just wish my mom was here to hang out, amuse the kids and help boost my morale :)  Anyway...it's Hailey's Nutcracker debut tonight so I am just praying the snow won't get in the way of that. I am supposed to help backstage with a younger group of girls so I'm a tad bit nervous about having to drive to IU in this mess.  It'd be a good "stay at home" night.  I do have to say that the above pics made my misty-eyed :(  I cannot believe 11 mos ago when the snow was here, my baby was just a newborn.  The first pic was taken on New Year's Day and the second was after Hailey's SAB audition on the 1/5. My, how our family has grown in 11 mos!  Logan seems to love the white stuff this time around...he was throwing his ball into it out the back door and seemed to have no fear of the cold.  We'll see how sledding goes after his nap!

To love Santa or to not love Santa...that is Logan's question! :)

 So...we saw the Jolly Ol' Man last Saturday.  It was Logan's first time.  I'm not a die hard "sit on Santa's lap" parent.  I actually never even did it with Hailey til she was like 4, I think.  Just never crossed my mind.  But, I have learned through the years, that the shock factor of babies seeing Santa for the first time is often very comical.  Thus, a very fun photo op.  I know...torturous mom :)  But, I had a feeling Logan might give us some antics over sitting on the jolly guy's lap. He did not disappoint!  I think everyone thought we'd just plop him on Santa and do a quick picture pose and it'd be easy peasy.  hahaha.  I think Santa knew he was in for a fight.  Above is Logan first realizing he's not being held by a family member...Hailey tries to tell him it's ok :)

 He keeps his focus on his sisters...Santa is hopeful for a quick photo...

 Logan breaks his focus on his sisters and decides to try a look at the bearded man.  Hmmm....

 Help me, Hailey!!! (I think Santa is looking for help too! teehee :))

 Anyone, help me!  Daddy...I see your hand...why aren't you rescuing me!?

 Let's try again for that photo...Shelby is nice enough to hold his hand...

 Almost calmed down...

 Nope, not quite ok with this situation yet...

 Maybe if I look at him one more time...

Oh, bad move....Santa's even scarier the second time you look at him! :(

 The best move of the whole ordeal was being handed off to big Sis, Hailey.  One of his most fav people.  All is well with the world again! :)

 And finally a couple nice "Santa" photos where it looks like Logan had a good experience even if he didn't :)

 Then it was time for "what do you want for Christmas?"...Hailey went first. I can't remember her answer exactly, but I think she said "I'm good" (aka...she didn't need anything)  How nice of her to let Santa off cheap this year! :)  I think Shelby went next...she told Santa she wanted Audrey Hepburn stuff and he said "wow, that's one classy girl who wants that!" :)  I have no idea what Hailey is holding up here to distract Logan?  Maybe a candy cane?

 Logan seemed fine at this point...as long as he made no eye contact with Santa (and was in Hailey's arms :))

 Can you tell who is thinking about his list here and telling Santa all about it. Goofball!  Ash wanted all Hello Kitty stuff apparently...

Check out Logan...he's stealing another look at Santa :)

 Finally...time for candy!  Logan liked Santa after this...we should have started with the candy and things might have been less tearful!

 Couldn't wait to get that thing in his mouth...

 So mama tried to get a few pics of him by Santa since the candy distracted him from his fear... :)

 Almost looks like he likes him here :)

 Proof that he chewed right through the wrapper to get to that minty candy!

And finally a big smile from the "santa-fearin" boy.  Love these kiddos!

So, it was a "fun" 1st Santa experience for Lil' L.  One that he'll probably never remember, thus why I needed to post the pics :)  Thank goodness for a very patient Santa.  He was wonderful with the kids.  We'll see how the little man does sitting on his lap next year! haha :)

Secure in his manhood! :)

hahahaha :)

I know I am terribly behind on pics, but I was just looking at them quickly and came across this and smiled :)  Some of Logan's fav things are not always what you'd think :)  I'm glad he is secure enough in his manhood to play with the girliest of girl toys.  Love this manly lil' man of mine! 

YAY!

We're all excited that Nutcracker weekend is here!  Yes, I know it's not technically the weekend yet...but they added a Thursday show this year so the Nutcracker "weekend" begins today for us!  Hays isn't in the show tonight so she and I are going to watch it! Praying the big snow storm stays away til at least 9:30 when we get home!  Whohoo for Nutcracker!  Even Logan (who won't be seeing the show live...is excited...his sissy is his FAV ballerina!) :)  

Anyone wanting to watch can see Hailey, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm--EST (live feed below).  She is Trepak (Russian) like the last 2 years...in the Land of Sweets.  Not sure of exact timing, but it's later in the show.  She'll be one of 4 girls with the high leaping 3 guys (I'm sure you know the popular music).

Break a leg (not!), Hays!

http://music.indiana.edu/iumusiclive/streaming/

Nutcracker Time!

 On this first night of Nutcracker Tech Week...I thought it'd be fun to take a walk down Nutcracker memory lane...a trip that started back in 2007 for our ballerina Hailey. For those of you who don't know, you have to be 7 years old to be in IU's Nutcracker. It's a much coveted role for any dancer in the precollege program.  You almost always start out as an angel.  Here is Hailey back in 2007 in her very first Nutcracker as a little blue-wigged Angel...seems like so long ago...

 ...and it used to be the case, you were almost always an angel twice (unless you became too tall too fast). Here she is in 2008 as an angel again....she still had to wear that crazy blue wig, but this is just so you can see how awesome I used to do her hair in french braids. I actually had to learn to french braid in 2007 just so I could do her hair for Nutcracker :)  A couple years ago they did away with the blue wigs and now they wear high buns.  I sorta liked the blue wig look better...gave those angels "old lady-ish" character :)

 In 2009 she became the exciting role of Mother Ginger Girl.  She was thrilled!  We always just expected she'd be a boy due to her height, but she made a beautiful girl under the skirt of the Mother Ginger (guy) :)  Too bad we had just cut her hair short for school that year...it was the shortest it ever was and I had to learn to pin curl it.  She was the cutest Ginger Girl...and the last one to leave the stage!

 In 2010 she became the very coveted role of Party Girl.  I have to say this was my favorite year. I always knew she was an amazing ballerina, but I never knew she could act so well. She got compliments from the director.  She really did shine on stage :) 

 2011 was the year Nutcracker changed for us all.  I won't go into detail b/c I just want to keep my feelings private on this matter, but my mom and those closest to me know my heart.  Hailey made the best of things and shone on stage once again in dual roles...as a party girl....

 ...and Trepak (Russian).  I believe she was the youngest to do this part on pointe with the majors.

 Last year in 2012 she did a repeat of Trepak...and this year she will do a triple-peat of it :) (below at her costume fitting last week)

Gosh, how's she's grown...and matured as a dancer. I am so proud of my ballerina.  Nutcracker has really shaped her into the dancer and confident person she is.  I know the road has been up and down, but the experience this production has given her is immeasurable.  And I know she loves it with all her heart.  There is just something about the music, the choreography, the backstage and on stage experience. It's quite a gift to be able to perform in this capacity.  We feel so blessed to be able to do it at IU.  So, here's to Hailey on her 7th consecutive year of dancing in the Nutcracker (7 years, 4 different roles, lots of laughs, lots of joy, some tears, but immeasurable learning).  Here's to a great week of rehearsals and an amazing weekend of performances!  Love you, Hays!