Greta Face

This is Greta... affectionately called Greta Face instead of Greta Faith because of her thousands- literally - of expressions. This girl is going to do great things someday, and she has quite the story. She's already inspiring!

 

She loved the Oompa Loompas so much- so when we had a pair of Oompa socks with holes in them, Mrs. W cut the feet off and gave them to her. She was a very happy girl and went around singing "Oompa. Oompa."

You're daring to take my picture- again!?!?!

Posting this one again because I love it so much. :)

This is her gorgeous big sister- one of my dearest friends.

 Isn't she adorable? I love her so much and can't wait to see her grow up. I'm praying that she'll be on fire for Jesus Christ.

I think I only have one more post about Wonka... but we'll see. Are you tired of it already? :)

A Peek Behind the Scenes... (Part 2)

So here we go again! I apologize for the quality of some of these pictures... the lighting kinda stinks in the Colt Center.

Praying before the show

The bed had rolled over her ankle. It was bruised for about a week, but she was fine.

Three of the flower mommas

I kinda love what having my camera on "no flash" did here.

Giving God back the glory before even leaving the stage

Fly Guy

And thus starts the Eli manipulation...

hahaha

So did you enjoy seeing a bit of what life was like? I wish I could have captured everything, the private jokes, the edifying conversation, the flurry of the hair and makeup room and the peace of quiet time. But one can only seize the moments that they don't fully participate in, and I was in the thick of things most of the time. I'm not upset I didn't grab those things, those fleeting moments- I feel so blessed that I could lift my camera and snap the shots that I did take.

Here's to more memories, improved camera skills, and a whole new show coming in late April- early May! I can hardly wait. :)

Rocking Chair Lessons

I sat there in the dark. The weight of her too-light body in my arms. and I ponder, I wonder, why it's taken me so long to get to this place, to this moment.

~~~~~

It started well. I gave them a bath, brushed the blonde wisps of hair, zipped the cupcake jammies and held them while they prayed. Laid them in their beds, found Snuffy and Dimples, covered up little girls with fuzzy blankets, turned off the lights and shut the door.

Not five minutes had passed before the first "Deedeeeeeeee. I have to go pottyyyyyyyyyy."

And because there's two of them, everything has to be done twice.

Two pairs of jammies unzipped.

Two diapers off.

Two girls wanting a new roll of "paper toilet."

Diapers back on.

Jammies zipped back up.

Blankets covering two girls up.

I sank back down into the red lazy boy downstairs when, moments later,

"Deedee. I hot and cold. Deedeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee."

Back up the stairs I went.

An hour later, we had solved these issues and more:

Dimples had "fallen" out of Ellie's crib
Two girls were thirsty and wanted water "right now" not in the morning
The hall light must be off, but the night light must be on
Hannah wanted to know what I had said to Ellie- "last time."
I must remember when Mommy gets home that both girls want "a big hug and a tiss"

It was almost 10 when I went up again. Standing there in front of Ellie’s crib, exhaustion and annoyance rose up within me.

But then,

“I give you second chances by the oceanful. Will you extend grace to her?”

So I put on the soft voice, pick her up, hold her tight and sink into the rocker in the corner. A few hymns later, I lay her drowsy body back into the bed and move on to the next little girl- who has been patiently waiting ever since I lifted Ell-Girl up.

I finish singing through Little Women, singing every quiet song whose words I can remember all of.

Then I sit, just dwelling in the quiet of the room. Wondering why I get exasperated so easily and why it can be so hard to love those closest to you.

Wondering how much soon I could have gone to bed if I had tried this grace an hour ago.

But I realize that it’s a lesson that must be learned and that I have the best Teacher possible.

And Hanni’s big blue orbs blink open, connect with mine, and close for the night.

A Peek Behind the Scenes... (Part One)

Here's more of the pictures I promised you on Friday... Welcome to the secretive area of "backstage." :)

A few of the Dads that flew Sam and Tanner every night.

Older sisters like to "come back" and lend a helping hand.

Naomi and her left prop table... she was an amazing props mistress. :)

okay, isn't Christianna gorgeous? and she's so much fun.

A tray of food for Augustus Gloop's "I Eat More" dance

Keeping the Word of God readily available... sitting on the props table.

And the afternoon show starts...

A sign on the stage door... reminding us why we're doing this. (and those who know me well might recognize the handwriting... *cough*)

All the cans of gray hair spray we used...

A golden ticket... we had so many printed up that they were laying everywhere.

"extra strength" :)

Our monitor so that we can check where the show is at.

The order of the show, costume changes and song numbers. This was so nice to have blown up so big!

 

They were checking out the photo shoot pictures...

I think they were checking out the program

Nan watching Greta for Mrs. H.

Lights! Cameras! er, Naomi. :)

Pairs of Oompa sock drying

The harnesses the Dads wore so they didn't drop the guys

Cade's final devotion for the cast... remembering to glorify God. I didn't make it into every devotion during show week, but I was greatly blessed by those I did hear.

Ahh, I thought I could fit everything in one post, but I'm guessing that you're getting tired already. Part Two on Friday. :)