That Same Old Nervous Stomach

We constantly have reasons to feel proud of our children. They just recently had their Christmas program at school. To me it doesn't matter what they are doing, in my eyes they always stand out. They stand out as the tallest, as the most gorgeous, as the best dancer, as the best singer, as the best smile, as the smartest, you name it - we're just proud. Of course I know, every other parent feels exactly the same about their own children.

It's funny to me that as our children go through life we re-live so much of our own past experiences. Like this Christmas program for example. As the kids were having their rehearsals, and as we got their costumes around, and the night of the show approached - it felt all too familiar. It was taking me back to Christmas 1984, and to my 5th grade Christmas show at Mary L. Daly elementary school. I could remember the music, and what the lighting felt like, and what I wore. I could remember worrying I was going to forget my lines, I could picture the crowd, and I could even almost remember the nervous stomach I felt before I took the stage.

But now I'm on the other side of the stage. Now I'm the one with two 5th graders, two 3rd graders, one in Kindergarten, and one in pre-school. Now it's me taking the pictures of my kids up singing an dancing in front of everyone. Now it's my wife and I who have to stress out over the costumes. Now it's us who have to help our kids feel confident about themselves before they take the stage. Funny how 25 years later, on the other side of the stage, even though it's not me getting up in front of everyone...I still feel equally as nervous until every single one of my kids is done performing and off the stage. Once again, we were so, so proud. They did an awesome job, and they really were the best ones up there, haha!

Caleb, dressed as a gift, with his Kinder 1 class

Caleb

Caroline with her "Kinder 3" class

Caroline, the best tree on stage!

Cami, playing the part of a devil

In case you're wondering what devils have to do with Christmas, because, well...I was. As the story is typically portrayed in Mexico - the devils were trying to keep the wisemen from arriving at the birth of Christ, and the angels had to fight them off. I'm just amazed that they are allowed to even talk about the birth of Christ in school, huh?

Jake, well, didn't have to try as hard!

Corinna, by far one of the best dancers!

Chloe, another amazing dancer, and great presence!

Cami & Jake with friend and neighbor, Andre - playing

the part of an angel - haha!

All six Cooper Kids after the show - BRAVO Coopers!