Celtic Woman

I watched Celtic Woman perform on television with a back drop of a beautiful Irish castle and was mesmerized by their talent. Granted, the show was in Ireland and I was only dreaming, but when they came so close to home I had to get tickets. I am so glad I did!

It didn't take long to convince my daughter to go with me to Heinz Hall and we had a blast. The women were beautiful, talented, and with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra accompanying them... need I say more? I have to admit, *bowing head* my eyes welled with tears on a couple of occasions. Angelic is probably the best word to describe the show. 

Although this was their Christmas show and they gifted us with songs such as Ave Maria and O Holy Night, they were still kind enough to grace us with Danny Boy and You Raise Me Up. Not to mention Máiréad's Irish jig's which are out of this world!

We were not permitted to take pictures once the show started, but this should tell you how fantastic our seats were. If you have the chance to go, don't miss it!

This was definitely a mother/daughter function that I will cherish forever. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Always My Baby

December 5th, 2000 was the year of my daughter's birth. Her bright blue eyes and shining smile warmed my heart the instant our eyes met. She was beautiful. She was my baby. The moment her tiny little fingers grasped around mine I knew I was destined to be a mother. I would always protect her--always love her.

I watched her grow over the years into the young lady she is today. She's in that wonderful stage of  prepubescent years where eye rolls and embarrassment are a frequent factor. You know exactly what I mean. It was perfectly acceptable to shop at Kohl's, but that was so last year. If it doesn't say Aeropostale, it can no longer grace her body. Christmas lists are no longer dolls and stuffed animals, but DS games, iPod Touch and Lady Gaga CD's.  

Her sense of humor is beyond compare. With some of the things that escape her mouth, she has me rolling on the floor. Good grades, travel basketball, a nice bunch of friends, what more could a mother ask for? I don't mind spoiling my kids when they are doing well. They work and play hard. 

Yesterday was my daughter's 11th birthday. We treated her to dinner at Olive Garden and took her gift to the restaurant. When her father told the waitress it was her birthday, my daughter's features turned to crimson. The waitress brought her a cake with a candle in it and asked if my daughter wanted her to sing to which she cringed and murmured a polite 'no thank you.'  

After dinner we sat around the table and handed her the gift. She opened the box which had a padded envelope inside. She opened it and reached in. When she pulled out the box and saw the iPod Touch, her eyes widened and she reached over and gave me a hug. My eyes welled with tears as I tried to blink them back. Seeing the expression of pure joy and happiness on her face was truly all the thanks I needed. She sprang from the booth and embraced her father. I gave a quick glance at my husband as his eyes reddened. That suit of armor is not so tough! 

At that moment, I became cognizant of one thing. No matter how old my daughter is, she will always be my baby.