Friday, February 20, 2009

A Kountry Birthday

Twenty nine years ago today...our first child was born. Amanda Renee weighing in at 9lbs. 2oz. arrived on the scene via C-section. It was love at first sight! We were smitten with this little pink bundle of joy just like all new parents. She was perfect! We were blessed!


She began dance lessons at the age of two and this was from her first recital. She continued taking lessons and having recitals for the next 16+ years. She was very independant and somewhat bossy. We remember her lining up her stuffed toys and telling them what to do!



This was from her last recital in high school. The solo from "Swan Lake" en point.Between the ages of 2 and 18 she had lots of activities...the arrival of 2 brothers...Brownie Girl Scouts, dance, piano lessons, dance, church choir, dance, church youth activities, dance, Odessey of the Mind, dance, and school, and dance. Here she is as the Cheshire Cat from the Fourth Grade program Alice in Wonderland. (Four days before the program she told me she needed a costume! Yes, we made it.)


I think she holds the record in our high school for being in the Drill Team one year...Mascot Wally the Wildcat one year...and Head Cheerleader. Talk about perserverance! She loved being a cheerleader in the 7th grade but didn't make the cut at tryouts the next year...or the next.... or the next....until she was a senior. After graduating, she did a short stint at Stephen F. Austin University. Spent a semester in Orlando in the Disney College Program working in Studio City on The Backlot Tour Ride. She had promised us she would return to college but one day I got a call and heard..."Mom, I want to move to LA when I'm finished here." She was 19. Her dad said No. We let her go. Or I should say we helped her pack and helped her drive out there, helped her set up the apartment (which included several tips to Target and a screw driver!) and left her there. Did I say she was 19? Did I say I cried at least part of the 1526 mile drive home? Did I say we were and are very proud of her? Going after her dream...a long way from home.
Well ....she got a job...several jobs...worked really hard...made some really good friends and now for the last 7 years has worked as a Personal Assistant to this Choreographer. He's choreographed movies....You Got Served, Stomp the Yard, Step Up Two and TV...So You Think You Can Dance, America's Best Dance Crew and Dancing With The Stars. He also teaches hundreds of kids at dance seminars around the country. Now she doesn't dance but tells the dancers where they need to be. (All that training with the stuffed animals paid off!)


Here we are at the premiere of "Stomp The Yard" two years ago. Yep...I got to walk on the RED CARPET! We had a blast that night! That's her boss Dave...he's one amazing dancer!! Do you recognize my jacket? I wore it (ok..ok...the maniquin wore it) to Deb's party last week! When we get home from the Beach I'll be able to wear it again!


You are probably wondering why I'm calling this post... A Kountry Birthday....Well, having grown up in East Texas, when Amanda got to California she had quite an accent. People started calling her Country and it stuck...she's now known as Kountry to both the coasts(and the screen credits). Not even a last name...just Kountry. And since her brother is going to marry an Amanda .....she might just become known as Kountry here in Texas.



So, Kountry, I'm wishing you a Happy Happy 29th Birthday. You are amazing. You are beautiful. You are a godly woman. You carry the Light. Not only do you carry it but you spread it! You are so much fun. God has an awesome purpose and destiny for you. He has such amazing plans for your life. You are blessed and highly favored! We are so proud of you and all you have done. You will never know how hard it was to leave you in that apartment that day 9 years ago but I wouldn't go back and change a thing. Not. One. Thing. You are perfect. We are blessed! Yes...You are one amazing chik. Yes...I would say you fit the description of Flirty from yesterday to a T... You're a Flirty girl!
Have a Rockin Birthday!
You R the Bomb!

Hugs!
I love you!
You Delight My Heart!
Mom

12 comments:

Artsy Fartsy Junkin Finds said...

What an awesome story!!! Your pride as a mom just shines througb so bright, you are blessed!!
I hope you have a wonderful day,
Janna

sparkled*life said...

Wow that is the most special blog there is out there! I loved it how special Mrs. Amanda is to all of us! She is so amazing! She is bound for greatness with parents like the both of you!

trash talk said...

Patti, you are the bravest woman and mother I know. You stepped out of the boat and onto the water when you took your darling Kountry to California 9 years ago.
And look where yours and hers faith has brought y'all.
I am so impressed by the both of you(and Mr. Hero).
You are both beautiful women!!!
Congratulations on a job well done. You are my Mrs. Hero.
Happy Birthday, Kountry!
Debbie

Tress said...

What a beautiful talented daughter you have! All those years of love just pour out of your daughter.
Patti did you receive my email-I sure hope so-I did respond regarding the book. Thank youso much for even having the give away-you have a touching heart and I am glad we have become blogging friends. I will hopefully have an update soon but things have been tough here.

The Painted Nest said...

What a BEAUTIFUL TREASURE you have sweet Patti!!!!~There is nothing like being a mother,it's such a gift!!!!And I can see all the love you have in your family~~~~JESUS REALLY SHINES THROUGH~~~I JUST LOVE THAT ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR SWEET JESUS!!!HIS LIGHT SO SHINES IN THE FACES OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVELY LADY!!!! SWEET BLESSINGS PATTI,~Deborah

debi lynn mattingly said...

What a beautiful post for your daughter! And how proud you both must be...my daughter is also 29 (soon to be 30) and I still wonder---where did the time go?

(by the way...look under "Those that inspire me"..hehehe)

xo...deb

Marilyn Miller said...

Dear delighted heart, I am visiting from Delights of the Heart. We have similar names. Isn't it fun to take notice of what delights us?

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi Patti, I came over from Darlene's blog (Our Creative Life) when you mentioned you have all neutrals in your home. It's very pretty, I took the Christmas tour.

I just painted my dining room really neutral & am loving it. Thought you'd enjoy taking a peek! I do love color too, so I probably won't do the whole house neutral, but I really love the look.

Maison Douce said...

Wow, what an amazing life she has...!! Happy birthday to your lovely daughter!
Isabel

Debra said...

Patti, so many things to say! First off, just seeing how far your BEAUTIFUL daughter has come, makes me feel better about my Angel Daughter Number One wanting to move up to Seattle after her college graduation in May. She will be a bit older than your Kountry was, but still, it's hard to let them go.

Your daughter looks just like you and I can tell by her lovely smile that she also carries your wonderful spirit. Happy birthday to a very special young woman! Patti, you have done an amazing job!

My littlest(15 years old) Angel is a dancer and loves all of the things your daughter has been a part of! She is mainly a little Hip-Hopper now, but is so graceful and lovely. She wants to do more ballet and lyrical soon. She is the captain of her dance team, but is also one of the youngest. Your daughter reminds me a lot of her!

Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with us. I can tell that she takes after her momma with her beautiful smile and giving spirit! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KOUNTRY!!! And like I always tell my girls on their birthdays, happy birth-day to MOM, as well! After all, you two had to work together to bring your child safely into this world!

And yes, I would love to meet you when you come out to LA to see your daughter! That would be such a treat.

Hugs,
Debbie

lori miller vintage design co said...

Your daughter is beautiful. What a great post...she looks exactly like you :0)
Lori

Aunt Ruthie said...

Oh Patti what a darling, talented daughter you have! And isn't her nickname "Kountry" the cutest thing you ever heard?! I LOVE that!! You are one good mama for raising a daughter that is so beautiful on the inside and out! What a blessing to read this post! Love ya cutie pie!
Ruthann