We went to court yesterday and I was awarded FULL CUSTODY!  And Brian is being ordered to pay 1 1/2 years of back child support!  I think I may actuallybe able to pay for groceries on a regular basis now!  And we're asking for the idiot to be ordered to pay all my attorney fees.  So  he'll have to cough up around $10,000.00.  He can afford it, believe me. Life is good.

Court was pure hell.  The sperm donor didn't even show up.  He just couldn't take a day off work. WTF!  This is his daugher we're talking about.  Katie was devastated.  Again.  Her comment was- "he can't even take off a day to fight for me."  Broke my heart.  And his entire family has turned their back on her.  Not one of them has contacted her.  The evil step-monster showed up late for the hearing.  When Katie saw her, she broke down into hysterics.  She was only their to intimidate Katie.  She never asked to speak to the judge, lawyer, nothing.  When the judge saw Katie's reaction to the bitch, she was kicked out of the courtroom.  Love that judge.  Female,  of course.  Not sure a male would have gotten it.

I hope that once Brian calms down, he will work toward a nurturing, loving relationship with Katie.  She needs her dad.  But if she were to stay with him the way he is now, she would only grow to hate and resent him.  So let's pray that the asshole develops some morals and  a heart in the near future.

Symphony- couldn't have been better.  Kirk Muspratt said Katie is "astonishing"  Isn't that a great word?  And when it's used to descibe your daughter, well, all I can say is- I cried.  Suprised?  Didn't think so.  He went on and on about her and said she should get a double major-she wants to be a vet- but should also pursue music as she could get a music scholarship anywhere she wants.  *big grin*  He also strongly encouraged both Katie and I to audition for the Symphony chorus.  Not something I've ever  been interested in doing, but hey, anything for my daughter.  So... we auditioned last night. The first thing we found out upon arrival was that Dr Menk didn't take ANYONE who had auditoned so far that day ( there were 2 days of auditions) and she didn't seem to be  in a very good mood. I went first- toughest audition I've ever had.  Dr. Menk tested my range- easy enough- she stopped me at a high C.  Then she played intervals and I had to remember them and sing them back.  OK, thank goodness I did well with my vocal range.  Didn't do so hot with a couple of those.  Then I had to sight-read.  Over-shot some of the notes, did OK, not superb.  Then she tested if I could keep beat, hold notes the correct time and not sing thru rests.  Easy stuff.  She asked me to sing first soprano.
Then Katie went in.  Dr. Menk told her that she doesn't take people under 17.  Katie is 15.  But she tested her range.  Not sure where she stopped her- I think around an A.  She almost stopped the audition, but I think cos Kirk recommended her, she let her continue.  SHE KICKED BUTT!!!   She absolutely nailed the rest of the audition. Her voice teacher and chorus teacher have her do sight reading and interval training all the time.   Dr.  Menk told her that she is a great vocalist and musician and should major in music.  Major in music!!!!  She was also asked to sing first soprano.  
So again, way proud Mom.  Thank goodness Katie has her feet planted firmly on the ground.  It feels really great to have such incredibly accomplished and experienced  people believing in her, of course.  But majoring in music?  There are alot of talented people out there, and we all know how cut-throat this business can be.  I'm just not sure that's for Katie.  So at this point, she's still wanting to pursue vet school, but if she can double major and get a scholarship, all the better.
As for me- work is great.  Really having fun so far.  Very, very busy, but I'll take that over being bored any day.
Romance- same.  Several dates, nothing special.
Janna- I know this is long- sorry but I don't remember how to hide it like you taught me to.  *hangs head in shame*

Haven't logged in awhile.  Life is incredibly busy.  Since I don't work summers, I was actually worried I'd be bored.  HA!  

Katie is now done with drivers ed- yup, my baby has her drivers permit!  She does really well for the most part, altho at first I thought I'd have a panic attack every time I took her driving.  Staying on the road didn't come easily for her.  She's now in speech, then when that finishes, she's has Varsity Singers camp.  

And of course, we have rehearsal every night for "BIG- the musical".  I hope alot of you come to see it.  I play the girlfriend, Susan.  It's one of the most fun roles I've every played.  Lots of good silly fun.  And I tap in this one.  That's reason to come in and of  itself.  Katie has been helping me with that.  She's never taken tap, (OK, she took for 6 weeks about 5 years ago) but has caught on really quickly.  And the director told me last night that he's putting a mic on her for all the numbers cos her voice is so strong and beautiful. *big proud grin*

And this week I'm teaching music for Vacation Bible School.  I've never done this before and have to admit it's alot of fun!  I'm teaching them 4 songs with dance, then will present all of them for their parents Friday.

Dating- yes, but nothing serious.  Enough about that.  

Several of my friends have been dealing with alot of crap right now.  Seems like lots of stuff has been coming down lately- illness, family problems, depression, loss, breakups, death.  Love and hugs to all of you.

Katie and I are going to see High School Musical at the Star tonight.  I'm expecting great things!!!  I know they've been working hard and the people who I know are in it are very talented.  So.... should be a good time.  

muwaa to all.......