I hope that you will indulge a non-book related post today.
Parenting by Dummies is hosting a photo contest this holiday. To enter, you have to share a picture of "any smile that you love to love this holiday season".
Oh boy, do I have some smiles I love to love this holiday.
My daughters, who are 6, auditioned to be in the Washington Ballet's "Nutcracker" ballet this year. They were both accepted about 2 1/2 months ago. At the time, I had no idea what this would really entail. I heard from other moms that there would be a lot of rehearsals, and that my life would be taken over by the schedule. "How bad can it be?", I thought.
Well, 2 1/2 months later, I can answer that question. It has definitely been a lot of effort. Most weekends, rehearsals both days, sometimes up to three hours long. And sometimes going until 8:30 at night. (These are 6 year olds!). It has meant not leaving town for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It has meant missing birthday and holiday parties, not getting enough sleep, and lots of waiting around.
But it has been sooooo worth it. The girls love being in the Nutcracker. They are in seven performances, and they have the cutest part in the whole ballet. (Their performance gets applause every time.) Whenever I see them on stage – and yes, I am the sucker mom who bought tickets to every performance – my heart soars. It is just the best feeling.
So, I am sharing my photos of the smiles that make me smile this season. Here are my bumblebees, showing the joy that the whole experience has brought them:
Thank you to Parenting by Dummies and Invisalign Teen for hosting and sponsoring this contest. As you can see, my bumblebees are currently missing some teeth, but when their grown-up ones come in, I am sure I will be checking out Invisalign more closely! (You can learn more about Invisalign Teen on its Facebook page or its website.)
Disclaimer: I am participating in the Invisalign Teen Bright Smiles Holiday Photo Contest with Dumb Mom.