Cinderella!

I can't even put to words how amazing it all was. Really, I can't. I have never seen something as beautiful as it was to watch these precious kiddos dance up that stage in their glittering costumes and bright makeup. I've never heard such a sweet sound as when kids who can't speak shrieked for joy at the sound of the music. I don't think I've ever encountered someone with as genuine joy or as big a smile as all these children had...getting to dance for the first time. And the moms (mine included!) were weeping for joy as they saw their kids shine. It was the most heart breakingly beautiful thing. Truly a glimpse of Heaven- where the obstacles that are daily in these kids' lives evaporate, and they can do everything.
    And I was Cinderella. I still can't even wrap my mind around that! Just my dream for life...finally come true! And yet, as I was watching the play, and dancing, I felt like the big deal~the big dream come true~ was that these kids could finally dance. That was what I cared the most about, and it was what made the show so beautiful. I had been extremely stressed all week about my acting skills, only to find out yesterday that it didn't matter. Really, what mattered was that these little girls became ballerinas, and that they felt beautiful. And even though Mrs.Caroline had to make an on-stage appearance, even though my acting might not have been the best- the show was the most amazing rendition of Cinderella ever.

  God has done miracles throughout this whole production, and my faith has grown and stretched. Where girls came in to class believing they couldn't do it, they left that production knowing that not only can they do it, but they are beautiful at it. That's how I feel. I CAN do whatever God calls me to do- wherever it is. I quit a sign language choir I was in for a few reasons, and one was because I just couldn't miss any of our ballet classes. It was a very hard choice for me, but I couldn't feel more thankful for doing it than I am right now. I think this is where God wants me, in this ballet. So here is  where I'll gladly stay! I feel so much love for all these kids...for this program! We need to have them all over the country, even the world! My heart is so thankful to God for making this happen. Now, I'm not sharing too many pictures, but here are a few...

My mom's hairdresser volunteered to come do the little girls' hair and makeup...it was the sweetest thing and the little girls were thrilled! I truly felt like Cinderella with my hair all done up perfectly! Thank you, Mrs.Victoria!

My sweet mother and the fairy Godmother- who made this show come together! (well, and Mrs.Caroline! :))

The evil stepmother with the one he did this for

Mason and two sweet girls at the ball

"Thank you, Fairy Godmother, for my beautiful gown and glass slippers!"

The midnight clock and I riding in the most beautiful carriage ever...my far in the future  wedding has a lot to live up to! :)

The prince and Cinderella with the cutest Winter fairy! (who doubles as a mouse- this little girl was precious!)

Cate and I before the dress rehearsal..

The fairy Godmother and one incredible Duke

We were so thankful Grammie flew in for the play!

Benjamin was a wonderful Gus Gus!

It is just so beautiful, isn't it? Did you see us on the news? That was another God-given gift! Benjamin, who the camera is drawn to, even got a chance to talk! I hope you enjoyed glimpsing these dreams come true. Your Blogger who is ever thankful,
 Claire    Here is the  link!

Lessons from wheelchairs and power sticks

Dear Readers,
So This is how I have to start blogging. Late at night, using the app! I just can't fit time in between ballet practice and school... But it is all going so well! I have lots of tests to study for, and the ballet is this saturday, but I feel like this has been an amazing school year so far!
It really has always been my dream to be Cinderella-I don't think I can stress that enough!! And it really has been these girl's dreams to be ballerinas. And all of it is coming to fruition!

God is so good. But yet, on Saturday we were all very weary. I was nervous to head back the next day. But Galations 6:9 literally popped into my hands, and reminded us all to continue to do good and NOT GIVE UP.

Whatever is going on in your life right now, please just don't give up!! If you stick it out, you'll soon reap a harvest.

And if little girls can shriek with joy to be 'dancing'- yet not even leave their wheelchair, can't you be content (and even joyful) with whatever is handed you? I know this can be hard, but it has to be worth it, right? Just a few insights I needed to share. Your blogger who desires to be content,
Claire
PS- these kids are teaching me so much...why do people throw them away? It tears me to pieces. Please pray for special needs orphans this instant.

A little get away...

 Dear Readers,
  I just have to start with stating God is so good! This week we came home from Mississippi, and hit 'life' full blast. Honestly, it was hard at first. I didn't want to leave- we ended our quick trip with a visit with our amazing home schooled cousins, and it was SO nice to have a group of supporting friends or family everywhere you went! We don't have that in Arizona, just because Arizona is a lot different than Mississippi.
  And then, of course, there was the fact that the wheelchair broke, and the car went dead, and well, yeah. But God was faithful, and we actually now have been given the amazing news that Mason's heart is fine and he will not need surgery!! Hallelujah! And we had an amazing fundraiser for the Ballet Academy of Arizona, so, at least in those aspects, life's going good.  But is was lovely to get away from everything last week. And honestly, I'm ready to get away again! But we had our little escape, and so here's the memories of it...pictures are second best to the real thing, right?



I wanted a sweet picture of mom and dad kissing..but they had to re enact it a few times!! I ended up liking this one better. :)



We LOVED seeing Miss Trish!

Even Benjamin loved on the bulldog...oh yes!

We love MSU!!

outside Oby's...this fall shot made my heart happy!

Miss Trish, Pa Butch, and Mrs.Susan met us for doughnuts the morning we left for Tupelo. We're thankful for such great friends!

Sweet Anderson...what a doll!

Grammie's infamous sign

We had the tradition growing up of Grammie always taking us to the dollar tree...and so of course Cate had to jump in!

She walked away with sparkly hair and amazing memories- it turned out to be the best part of her trip!

Grammie was so sweet to let my sweet friend Lilli come play cello/violin duets with me...we had the most amazing time!

We played the cello like a violin...not too successfully! But this worked quite well. :) I loved it, Lilli!

A trip to Tupelo wouldn't be complete without accompanying Gramiie to the beauty shop!

This chair is the want of every young child

I LOVE taking pictures of these sweet little friends! And I experimented with a function of my camera on them..what do you think? I loved the vibrant but sometimes the blur doesn't work with the subjects!

Sweet family..that was my favorite part of the trip! We were blessed to see so many amazing family members, and I am still thanking God for the chance to love on them! Here we are with Uncle George and Aunt Mary. I loved talking about quilts with her!

Grammie decorated her house completely for Fall..it made my heart smile! Thanks, Grams!

The last night of our trip, Grammie just kept reading to Cate...book after book after book! I think she was as reluctant for us to leave as we were.

Oh, such a sweet trip! It was pure bliss to spend uninterrupted family time in Starkville. I enjoyed and savored every moment! And then to spend time with our loved ones who we don't get to see often....that is such a sweet memory! It was amazing, and I hope you have gotten a glimpse into our beautiful time.

 However, it was a little bittersweet- MSU lost the game, and I just love Mississippi State so much I am dying to go there someday. But they don't offer any of the degrees I'm thinking of right now. Oh, following God's plan can take you away from what you always thought you would do! But I'm just trusting Him right now....and loving every minute of family time we got on Mississippi State!

I hope all of you get a chance to escape life sometime, too. Your Blogger,

 Claire

 Dear Readers,

 It's that time of year! We are heading down to Mississippi on Wednesday to...

Go through the old pictures in Grammie's house! I didn't finish last time, and it brings me so much joy!

Watch our bulldogs play!

Spend time with our Grammie!!

               Ah, yes- this trip is going to be wonderful! I can't wait... So get ready Mississippi! The Shraders are coming!