Of Unsung Heroes...

Sorry for not being around much lately! It's the time of year when all of us can hardly get a breather. Who has the time to write and read blogs anyways? Between making and shipping last orders for my doll shop, I had to run my daughter to The Nutcracker dress rehearsals and performances.

I am exhausted. The late nights have taken a toll on the whole family. We are all kind of grumpy around here... Well, we did it again: We survived another Nutcracker! By "we" I mean us moms. We are kind of the unsung heroes of that show. I'm not certain how many hours of woman power go into driving the kids around, waiting for them at practice, shopping for beauty supplies and those pesky pink tights that always appear to get holes at the most inconvenient time, braiding hair, doing the job of a professional make-up artists, providing drinks, snacks, and wholesome meals on the run, keeping the little divas entertained and in line while waiting to go on stage...

Each year the questions pertains: How and why do we do this?

Why?

Because it's so amazing when we get to see our kids' happy glowing faces before they go on stage each night. Because we love to soak in the sparkling beauty of the over 100 dancers from our community in their bright colored costumes. Because we feel that maybe part of that applause we can hear, back behind the scenes, is meant for us. Because, despite the unseasonable warm weather and the missing snow, we feel like Christmas is finally here!

Helen - a Sweet Ballerian Doll

Enjoy the new photos of Helen. I dedicate her to all the sweet ballerinas - little and big - for their hard work and dedication.

Ballerina Clothes - Dance Recital 2010

This weekend was my daughter's 5th dance recital. I can't believe how quickly time is passing. It seems like only yesterday she was a little toddler who was lost on the stage. With every year she is getting more sure of her place on that big stage - and in the world. I am so proud of her, and it is such a joy to watch the children grow and come into their own. I really loved this year's blue and green costume, too.

I have not made any ballerina outfits for my dolls in a while. I think the CPSIA scare is the main reason why I stopped making ballerina doll outfits completely. Lots of the materials used on kids' ballet clothes - tulle, glitter, flowers - are most likely not considered safe for a child. But I have yet to see a dancewear maker stop making dance clothes for kids who are under 12 years of age. I wonder if all the materials used in yesterday's performance had been tested for lead. Frankly, I think by the time the kids have learned their recital piece, they know not to chew and eat their pretty dress and accessories. But I must keep trying to find some natural materials for doll ballerina outfits so they can get in some stage time again!=)

Pictures of Angels...

Each year I say it: No more Nutcracker. I will not do this again next year. The long late night practices, fighting with the costume and make-up, buns that just won't stay put...The next day the tears and the crying. Children that are too tired to go to school. But then I look at the cute pictures, the smiles and their excitement being on stage again. We'll probably do it again next year...

Here are some pictures from last night's dress rehearsal without make-up. Today we'll have the dress rehearsal with make-up. On Friday it is show time!