Thomas O'Malley and Marie - A Mommy Brag

I started taking dance class when I was 3. My mom made me continue in middle school when I wanted to quit. Then a couple of times in high school when I wanted to quit. She knew that I loved it and was just tired, so she let me skip a week or two of class and then go back rather than quit all together. I am so glad she never let me quit! I love dancing; but more than that, I love to teach dance. I would not be doing what I am now, if my mom had let me quit. I would not be sharing this joy with my children if she had let me quit!

For the past two weeks we have worked on Disney's Aristocats Kids. Aidan is playing Thomas O'Malley and Lilly is playing Marie. They are both doing such a great job! Aidan has a great voice (he definitely takes after his dad). His dancing is pretty good too, in my totally unbiased opinion! (Okay - maybe a little biased as his mom and teacher.)

Aidan as the tough Alley Cat - Thomas O'Malley.

Lilly has a pretty voice too. She is finally starting to really hear pitch and keep rhythm well. She amazed me at auditions. Really. I could hear her, she was focused, she followed directions. She had so much energy reading any line I gave her! I was a proud!  She did great the first week of rehearsal - then the second week started and she was tired, but she worked hard, learned all her lines and songs (a lot for a 6 year old!)

Lilly as Marie, the Aristocat. 

She still gets a little distracted by the audience and the lights when she is on stage, but she did great!

All of the kids looked tired last night. It was a long week and a long day with 4 hours of rehearsal and a show. We have one more show at 11:00 am today and I know it will be wonderful!

Who I Am.

Hi, I am Cheryl....and this is my blog...

I have been married for 9 years, Jonathan and I spent the first 7 years of our marriage in Missouri, but recently moved home to be closer to family. We have 2 beautiful children - Aidan, 4 and a half and Lilly, 2! They keep us on our toes!

We own a performing arts academy with Jonathan's brother and his wife (one of my best friends from high school) and Jonathan has a window cleaning business.  Needless to say, we are busy and we have an unusual schedule!

I love what I do! My job is fullfilling because I get to see young performers grow in their talents and their love for the arts! And I get to do what I love most - dance! But, it also allows me plenty of time to be with my family.

With our busy lives, sometimes it is hard to balance work and family time, but we do our best. Our kids are happy and healthy and they know they are loved and we could not ask for more!