A Summer of Swimming

We have spent the entire summer at the pool.  I loved to swim as a kid and I really wanted to pass that love of the water on to my children.  So far, they love it!  Edward can actually swim this summer.  I am not so nervous to take him swimming any more. He can jump in to the deep end of the pool and safely swim to the other side.  He can almost dive in!  He loves to see how deep he can go and try to touch the bottom of the pool.  We have the BEST neighbor (yes, be jealous) who let's us swim in her pool.  My boys have LOVED IT!  We have done private swim lessons through a lady in our neighborhood and she has been AMAZING!  I can not say enough good stuff about her.  Edward and Nolen have gained essential confidence to help them swim and be comfortable in the water. 

We had two swim parties this year with the city swim lessons.  We look forward to the swim party all summer because the boys get to go down the slides as many times as they want.  Usually, parents can not catch kids or go down with them, so this is a real treat!

 

Saying Good-bye

Last week, Nolen's therapist, Amanda, moved away.  She has been with Nolen since last August.  We have loved having her come to our home every Wednesday and Thursday.  She has improved Nolen's communication skills and helped teach him to cope with different situations that arise.  I am so grateful to have met her and have gained so much wisdom and insight from her.  We will miss you, Amanda!

 

Week 4 of Livin' the dream

My mom and I went up to see The Impressario and Le Ressingnol at the Santa Fe opera and it was magical!

This is my pre wig and make-up face back stage at Santa Fe. 

My sweet boys have been having an awesome summer playing with grandma. They are the joys of my life. I am seriously so happy. 

Dreaming of Santa Fe

Week three has offered more than I could possibly dream. We had all night rehearsals and our opening night and my Santa Fe opera debut was Saturday night. This experience is truly a dream come true. Years of hard work have started to pay off. 

We were told that we can not post any pictures of us or the stage until the end of the show in late august, so I guess I will just post a few abstract things that I took pictures of this week. 

Flowers and chocolate from my family in opening night!

This is Elizabeth Barnes and she really looks like a Barnes! She is E. Barnes and I am J. Barnes. 

The sunset on opening night. 

My niece Amanda has been here helping me with the boys for the last month. She has been funny, kind, helpful, and most of all respectful. I am also so grateful to her for giving up part of her summer to help me. 

We saw a fire truck parked at the mall. Always cool to see something we pretend play with up close and personal. 

Heading to the final dress rehearsal for fidelio. 

The love of my life turned 34 this week  and he looks hotter than ever in this picture!

And, of course, we spend our evenings catching toads!

Take me away Santa Fe! Week 2

This week has been magnificent! I have learned so much and feel so connected to the developing story line. The stage director is brilliant! He has a way of allowing us to feel with out over acting. It is breath taking. I have been walking off the stage shaking after each rehearsal. This experience is truly a dream come true. I am blessed!With Denise W. behind the set if Fidelio. 

This is what the set looks like from the back. 

The mountains behind the stage of the opera. 

Awesome military jeep driving on set. 

My mom and Amanda seeing their first opera at Santa Fe!

In the women's dressing room with my peach pants. 

I count my blessings every single day. I love the Santa Fe opera. 

Silence

There was a time when I couldn't play the radio loud enough, now I seek silence in even the most quiet places. 

Livin' the Dream!

Dreams really do come true!  Happy 33rd to me!  I love being in my 30's.  Things are happening in my life that I never dreamed possible.  These years are tough but rewarding.  I love it!  To all my blog reading friends, Let us never allow a moment to pass where we are not grateful for the time we have been given on this earth.  Go out and make a memory today!