These are my boys and I have to tell you, I’m fiercely proud of both of them. Yesterday, our church held their Christmas pageant. Boy Wonder was cast in the leading role and poor IZ got roped into being a part of it as well. There was a half-hearted attempt to get me involved, but I demurred, “You have both of my boys, someone in my family needs to take photos!”
Our church habitually does things without much forethought—and usually very last minute. Drives me insane. As much at the photo taking excuse was the truth, I didn’t trust myself not to lose it with rehearsals. I had a year of nuttiness, and I think that exempts me for awhile. I hope. From the tales IZ came home telling, yeah, it was best he was involved not me.
So, this hour long play was thrown together in 4 rehearsals–and had my child on stage for the entire time. He was in every scene. Oh. My. To his credit, he memorized all his lines and delivered them with such style, he had the entire congregation waiting for every line. I know this, because every last one made sure to tell me they thought he had a future on stage. I’m sure he’ll scoop up his Oscar right after he blows up some State University’s Chem Lab. As for the drama, I didn’t tell them he was working under the weather. He spiked a fever the night before and woke up with gastro-intestinal trouble. Still, there he was performing his mighty heart out, and I’m his mother so I’m entitled to be proud.
Some how, and I suspect the work of the Great Spirit as the “how”, they pulled it off. IZ, showing more grace than I’ll ever muster, prompted small children through their lines as part of the cast. There’s my big man, bent over a mike whispering lines to tiny little angels. Who in turn would intently look at him for their lines, and then would turn to the audience to repeat them–gleaming all the way.
And they did gleam. Every last one of them.
Me, I floated around the sanctuary taking photos with a flash. Oh, the atrocity! I’m not a fan of the flash, but that space leaves you little choice. Beep, beep, FLASH! 80 or so times. I thought I was reserved, candidly. I’m sure I annoyed the congregation, but ask me if I care.
Now, looking at this photo of my boys, all I can say is, “Ridiculous!” This child is turning 11 on Saturday and won’t stop this growing thing he insists on doing. IZ is 6’3″ and look at my child. RIDICULOUS.
Flash or no, these two make my heart sing.
I can’t say every moment leading up to the performance was fun, but I’m blessed having come through it. I doubt G will remember or care, but I’ll treasure the day in my heart. Even our drive afterwards was special.
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Oh, I think you’re wrong about that. It was a highlight for him, and I don’t think he will forget any of it. It meant a lot for you to be there and be a part. He’ll remember. And if he doesn’t—uh, hello, I have 80 photos to remind him. 😀 As for me, I’ll never forget it. As great as he was, and he was amazing–it was you who took my breath away yesterday. Watching you help those wee little angels through their lines was just precious. You looked mighty fine doing it–there I was having impure thoughts in church. 😉 ~W
You make me blush…
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Good!! ~W
Your men are very handsome, and TALL. I come from a long line of shrimpy people, although the men in my family are tall. (my brother is 6’2″) I’m glad that you immortalized the play on film!
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Thank you! I think they’re handsome… I’m kinda partial, tho. 😀 ~W
There is something about seeing your child perform. I watched my daughter up on stage today as the Mock Turtle in a tiny performance of Alice in Wonderland. It was delightful. The director asked us not to take flash photography. It was a school production. I did take some flash shots anyway. Hello. . . my CHILD is up there, performing! And, besides, I can say it’s for the Yearbook!
Congrats on staying clear of it yourself! 🙂
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I know, please. Give me a break, our kids are only small once, tyvm. The 80 photos I shot weren’t all of my kid, tho. I’m editing all the photos and putting together a collection on DVD for all the families involved. There were several parents who could not attend due to illness, and most people forgot to bring a camera. The director of the play was relieved I shot photos, because she forgot to assign anyone to do it for the church! 😀 ~W
Beautiful post ~ Beautiful Memories. They both look spectacular and, yes, Gleaming!
Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas to you as well, Paula. 😀 ~W
Aw!
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I know! 😀 ~W
I’d be proud of my guys too! They look so cute up there on the stage, both of them, even IZ. 🙂 My guy was in our church nativity play and I forgot my camera, so I’m proud of you for remembering and for helping out the families who didn’t/couldn’t immortalize their little ones.
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Yeah, I think it’s an easy thing to forget when you’re headed to a church play as opposed to a school play. 😀 ~W
Your boys are more than adorable!! Oh your child learned all of his lines, and was a star on stage!! BRAvvvvvoooo!! Wodnerful indeeeeed!! How lovely! And your hubby looks so sweet, so glad he joined in and helped, leaving the details out for you! hee heeee Love your world!!! xoxo
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Thank you! He was the only child who knew his lines and did not use a script. And he was kinda amazing to watch. It’s funny, I think most parents get nervous for their kids in those situations. . . and I have in the past, but he’s such a natural up there that I don’t event think about it. ~W
Oh, aren’t they wonderful?! How very fun to have participated in that…all of you, really…from line prompter, actor to photographer! Our little Rozz who is almost as old as your guy is already almost 5’3″…it’s scandalous…really, Not Fair At All…oh well. Bravo to everyone!!
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I know, I’m 5’8″ and even I’m starting to feel short around the kid. It’s only a matter of time before he’s looking me in the eyeballs and then surpassing me. I intend to use a step-ladder at that point! ~W
IZ helping the angels… oh break my heart into a million candy sweet pieces!
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I know… how sweet, eh? I couldn’t help but smile through it, they really were just too much! ~W
I love it. I love that they were in it together. I would look to that kind open face for my lines and as always, BW delivers. But Wende? I’m trying to get a feel for the plot of this Christmas pageant. I’ve seen a few (I have a post on one coming up Friday) but the angels and the camo shirt seem paradoxical. And is that a police woman patting down your son while he’s reciting his lines? I really wish I could have seen this one- I feel I missed out on something very interesting.
Anyway- most of all, I love the pride and pleasure you get from your family. That’s just plain delightful.
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The story follows a shoe-shiner named Mattie, who encounters the true meaning peace as he meets the major characters in the nativity story. And yes, those are policemen: Herod’s “Insecurity” police. 😀 ~W
I’m getting a crush on IZ that’s for sure. Congratulations for your adoring part too.
Remember…home schooling credit for drama there!
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heh, it’s funny… but I did give him credit for school. He worked hard! ~W