December 14th...One year later...

December 14, 2012...One year ago, 20 beautiful children and 6 educators lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.  One year ago, my little corner of the world was the center of attention all around the world.  One year ago, the thought that "it won't ever happen around here" was crushed.  One year ago, my heart broke over the loss of a former student from my center, Avielle Richman.

It also happens that the last blog I wrote was one year ago.  I wrote about my visit to Sandy Hook on the Sunday following the tragedy.  I wrote about the love and support from people all over our community and the world following the tragedy.  Then time passed, and for those not directly affected, they began to move on.  Attention turned to other things.  For those of us in this little corner of the world, it was time to begin to pick up the pieces of our shattered community.  It has been a tough year, filled with moments of grief, and heartbreak.

That day... I think back to that day often.  Still asking WHY??? Why did he walk into that school and murder 20 beautiful babies, and 6 educators?  I remember trying to teach, to keep calm, to pretend as if it was a normal day for my classroom full of children.  Meanwhile, I was angry and scared... Scared for the children I knew were in that school, hoping and praying that they were safe.  Information was flying across twitter and Facebook...what was real?  What was misinformation?  How could I believe what I was hearing?  It had to be a nightmare...it simply couldn't be true...there couldn't possibly be a shooter at the school.  But it was true, and my former kindergarten student, then a 2nd grader, had made it out safely...but we still didn't know the fate of the other children we knew... And then it was the worst news we could receive... A former student from our pre-k class was a victim...spunky, sassy Avielle Richman was among those who didn't make it out of Sandy HooK Elementary.  Our hearts were broken for our community already, but then crushed with the news of Avie.

I spent that entire weekend, and for many days following, crying.  It was hard for me, at first, to find the strength to get through each day.  I couldn't even begin to imagine the families and close friends of the victims and how they were coping throughout such a difficult time.  Early that following week, I found out that I passed my final courses for my Master's Degree...I cried, but it was tears of guilt.  Guilt for being happy when so many families were in such pain.  I didn't want to be happy, for even the briefest of moments.  My heart was broken and it wasn't right to be happy, at least not in my mind.  It hurt to be happy.

We grieved together at work, over the loss of our dear, sweet Avielle.  The Friday following 12/14, we participated in the worldwide moment of silence for Sandy Hook.  We gathered all of the children in our large project area, and sang songs about friendship and love.  We told the children it was a celebration of friendship, but we teachers knew the true meaning of why we were all together in that room.  We released 26 balloons, one for each of the victims.  The wind separated the balloons, and most flew up into the sky.  One balloon wrapped around a tree right next to our playground.  Of all the balloons, it was the one that was tied with notes from the staff, messages for Avielle.  We cried as we realized Avie's balloon did not leave us, just as Avie would never leave us.  She will always be in our hearts.  Many of us teachers cried, while holding the children in our classes.  Of course, the children did not understand why we were crying, but were busy dancing along to the songs of friendship.  We wore green and white on the 14th of each month for many months following 12/14.

We began "Avielle's Storytime" every Tuesday in our center.  Avielle loved stories and loved reading.  It was with this thought, that our center and the mother of one of Avie's best friend's, came up with the idea for Avielle's Storytime.  Each week, a reader (someone from the company where our school is located) comes to our school to read to the preschool, pre-K, and Kindergarten classroom.  Many of the readers are co-workers of Jeremy Richman, Avie's father, while others are parent's of the children currently enrolled in our center.  They all come to read in memory of Avielle.

On May 14th, 2013, we planted a tree in front of our center in memory of Avielle.  Surrounding the tree are 26 rocks, each painted in memory of one of the victims.  I painted a rock in memory of fellow ECSU graduate, Victoria Soto.  Her rock is painted with a flamingo (since she loved flamingos), as well as the word "Strength."  My kindergarten class worked hard to learn a song called "Circle of Peace" which we sang while holding hands surrounding the tree.  Midway through the song, I began to cry and struggled to get through the rest of the song.  Luckily, my students sang beautifully and did not need me to assist them in singing.

On October 17, 2013, Avielle's birthday, we held a fundraiser/bake sale.  We raised over $5000 for The Avielle Foundation (www.aviellefoundation.org) to support Brain Health Research.  One of our many silent auctions included a print of all 26 rocks which surround Avie's tree.  As soon as it's framed it will have a special place on my wall.

This week, a green and white ribbon was tied around Avie's tree.  A simple gesture, which again brought tears to my eyes.  A reminder that the one year mark was close by.  One year.  How has it been one year?  One year ago, Avielle, 19 of her friends, and 6 of her educators lost their lives.  One year ago, and it still doesn't seem real.  12 months have passed.  The days have gotten easier, but there are still days/moments when I break down and cry.  I still find it hard to pass the signs on I-84 that say "Sandy Hook."  I can't help but think of those beautiful angels every time I see the signs.  

Yesterday at school, we wore green and white, had a moment of silence at 9:30am, and displayed the 26 rocks from around Avie's tree in a heart inside our lobby.

Last night, I lit 26 candles in memory of each victim.  I still can't believe it's been a year since sweet Avie, 19 of her friends, and 6 of her educators were killed.  

This past year has taught me so much about the power and strength of love.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family.  Friends and family who understand when I need to be left alone, and when I needed to talk or cry or even just need a hug.  I know that I have posted a lot about Sandy Hook over the past year.  I truly thank you all for your support and understanding as I still come to grips with what happened a year ago.  This has been a long journey this past year, with many ups and downs.

My roommate, Jillian, has been my rock. In her line of work, I truly don't know how she has gotten through this past year.  She has had to interview families, attend news conferences, and listen to things that no one should have to listen to (i.e the 911 calls).  How she does all of that and still have the strength to understand/support me throughout my emotions is beyond me.  Thank you Jillian for being such an amazing roommate/friend this year.  I love you!

The outpouring of love and support from friends all over the world has reminded me of how blessed I truly am.  Thank you all for supporting me and this community over the past year.  I have truly appreciated every thought, text, phone call, facebook message, tweet, hug, etc.  I know that I have posted a lot about Sandy Hook over the past year.  I appreciate your understanding and support as I continue to figure out how to cope with the emotions of this past year.

My heart is still broken, but my spirit is not.  Avie had an amazing zest for life and so the best way I can honor her, and all the victims, is to live my life to the fullest.  Will I cry for the victims today? Yes, of course, but I will not let that stop me from living the best life I can...I will be strong for Sandy Hook! 

Evil did not win last December 14... love will always win.  Sandy Hook Elementary School...NEVER FORGET!! 12/14/12

(This blog was finished and published on December 14th, I'm not sure why it has the date as the 10th...I began writing it on the 10th, but did not post it publicly until the 14th...so when I say "last night" or "yesterday" I am referring to December 13th, not December 9th....even though the blog date is listed as December 10th)

In Memory...

I want to thank you all for your love and support over the last few days as I try to come to grips over this horrific incident that has struck my small little corner of the world.  It is so incredible to me the outpouring of love and prayers from all over the world.  I’ve given the same support and prayers to members of various communities all over this great country in their times of need, and I never, ever, thought something as horrific as this would ever reach my small corner of the world.

I am not a family member of a victim, but I did know a victim.  She touched my life for a very short period of time, and sadly her life was cut too short.  Her future was taken away from her.  Avielle Richman attended the center where I teach kindergarten.  She was a student in our preschool and prekindergarten program.  Up until a few weeks before school began last year, she was on my roster for Kindergarten.  Instead, her family chose to attend the public school.  She was a beautiful, vibrant young girl with a beautiful head full of curls.  I have not seen her since she left our school last fall, but I am heartbroken over her loss.

I’m still not sure what I should be feeling…I feel sad, angry, confused, scared, horrified, heartbroken…all at one time.  I can only imagine what the families of the students and educators of Sandy Hook Elementary are going through right now.  I keep thinking about my poor sweet former kindergartener who witnessed some of the horrors inside Sandy Hook Elementary before she was lucky enough to make it out of the school.  I keep wondering how these students will ever be able to feel safe inside a school again.  It’s just so sad to think about.

Today, I visited my neighboring community of Newtown to pay my respects and to mourn the loss of 26 beautiful angels.  Driving along I-84, a highway I have driven countless times, I thought about where I was headed.  Next to the highway, on a hill when you get to Newtown, there has been an American Flag for as long as I can remember.  It doesn’t usually cause me to react.  Today as I was driving to the exit I needed, I passed that flag.  Right below it were small flags for each of the Sandy Hook victims.  I began to cry, and continued to cry as I exited and found a place to park to meet my mom.

As we were heading towards Sandy Hook, we passed St. Rose of Lima Catholic church, as SWAT members and police stood with guns drawn.  Never have I been so close to a situation like that.  The fear in my heart; why was this happening to our small community?  Wasn’t the tragedy of Friday enough?  What more could this little community handle?  We crossed the bridge over the highway, headed toward the Sandy Hook section of Newtown.  Lining the fence were balloons and signs “Pray for Newtown.”  It began to become even more real.  The amount of traffic was incredible; we chose to park the car and walk down the hill to Sandy Hook.

Sandy Hook is such a quaint town, but today, as I was walking down the hill, everywhere I looked were news vans, and journalists and cameras.  I saw signs asking for prayers, and flowers and notes of support everywhere.  We headed up the hill toward Sandy Hook Elementary School and each step I took closer to the school, it was one step closer to the place where so many innocent lives were taken.  As we reached the top of the hill and headed down toward the school, part of me wanted to turn back.  As soon as I could see the little sign for Sandy Hook School, tears welled up in my eyes.  I began to think of the fear in these young children’s hearts on Friday, as a gunman broke into their school and brutally murdered many of their friends and educators.

I couldn’t hold back my emotions as we stepped into the crowd of mourners paying their respects.  I laid a bouquet of green and white flowers, along with a card, amongst the other flowers and gifts left in front of the school sign.  My mom held onto me as I cried, thinking about Avielle and her friends.  I don’t know how long we stood there, but it was awhile.  I couldn’t leave.  I couldn’t leave this place where Avielle had taken her last steps, where her educators had died trying to keep her and her friends safe.

After a while, a group of volunteers began handing out sandwiches, cookies, donuts, and waters to the mourners.  Such an amazing gesture of love.  An older woman, who was handing out sandwiches, saw the tears in my eyes and hugged me.  I don’t remember the words of support she offered, but I was deeply touched by her generosity.  The outpouring of love all around Sandy Hook & Newtown was amazing; truly an amazing community, coming together to support each other through this tragedy.

As we were heading away from the school, I spotted a star with Avielle’s name on it, hanging on one of the 26 Christmas Trees.  My tears returned, and I stood there a few moments looking at her star and the stuffed animals and ornaments on the tree before finally turning to go.

Another makeshift memorial formed under a tree, had a cross formed out of Legos, another reminder that most of the lives lost were children who would have played with Legos.

Visiting Newtown/Sandy Hook today was one of the hardest, most difficult moments of the weekend, but it was something that I truly needed to do.  It did not give me any closure, but it did help me to see that I am not alone in my grief.  This tragedy has touched everyone in Newtown, the surrounding communities, and around the world.  I have spent much of my weekend feeling alone, and it was helpful to be around others who are looking for answers as to why such a horrible thing has happened to our community.

Again, I want to thank you all for your words of support and love.  I know that many of you have expressed not knowing what to say.  Just knowing that I and this small community are in your thoughts and prayers is enough.  I am truly blessed with an amazing group of family and friends.  The coming weeks are going to bring many emotions, and I am happy to know that I will have so many of you there to support me as I try to work through my emotions and try to understand what has happened to my little corner of the world.  Thank you. 

(photos of some of the memorials in Newtown)

An emotional 48 hours...

It’s hard for me to put into words what I am feeling at this moment.  Shock, anger, sadness, confusion.   In my life, I've seen so many tragic and horrible things happen in our country.  Never in my life did I ever think that my small corner of the world could be rocked by a tragedy as horrific as what happened on Friday in Sandy Hook.  How could this happen in this small, quaint New England town, a neighbor to where I grew up and where I live now.  I've been to Newtown so often in my life, and it truly is a quiet little town.  How could something like this happen to such a sweet place?

I woke up Friday morning, thinking, “I really hope my class listens today and thank goodness it’s finally Friday.”  Finally Friday…those words, I don’t think I can say them again without thinking about 12/14/2012…a Friday that I now will never forget, a Friday that changed my life, my friends’ lives, and my community forever.  How could this happen?  How could a man walk into an elementary school and take the lives of innocent 6 and 7 year olds?  Those sweet, innocent little babies just beginning their lives, excited for the holidays, and thinking they were in a safe place where they could learn new things and play with their friends. 

When I first heard about a shooting in Newtown, my immediate thought was the high school.  When I heard it was the elementary school, I was in shock.  And then when I heard that children were shot, I just wanted to scream!!  A shooting at an elementary school, how was this possible????  Then I found out which school, and my heart sank.  I know children in that school…some former Kindergarten students from my classroom, and some students who were in our Pre-K program before moving on to the public school to continue their education.  I had to hold my composure through the day, and not let my kindergarten students know that something horrible was happening in a town so close to our school.  I had to be strong for those little 4 and 5 years olds while inside I was screaming and angry and confused.

We had heard many of the towns in our area had the schools on lockdown, and we wondering if we were going to have to do the same thing.  After confirming we did not have to lockdown, we decided, however, that we would still keep the children inside.  We were unsure, as first reports were coming in, if there were accomplices or if the gunman had fled from the school.  So many of you sent me messages of concern during those first few hours of news, and I can’t explain the fear I had when at first they thought there may have been accomplices who fled the scene.  In my heart, I knew my school would be safe, but I feared having to lockdown our school, and yet having to remain calm for the children.  Would I remain calm for them?  Would I do what I needed to do for them?

When we began hearing reports that it was kindergarten students who were shot, I wanted to take every child in my classroom into my arms and hug them all.  These little babies trust us as educators to protect them and teach them.  When we think of protecting them, it’s mostly from cuts and bruises on the playground.  Never in our lives do we ever expect that we are going to have to protect their little faces from a gunman.  A gunman.  Every time I type that word, my heart sinks and I get angry again.

We received word that one of my former kindergartener’s, now a 2^nd grader, was seen on TV with her mother being taken from the area.  I was so grateful to hear that news…but it was soon followed with the knowledge that at least 3 parents from the company where my school is located had children who were in the school.  We were unsure of their fate or if the children had direct connection with our center, but hoped and prayed for the best.  At 2:45pm, a moment I never thought would ever happen to me.  I was informed that a former student from my school was a victim.  Avielle Richman, 6 years old, had been a part of our preschool and pre-k program before leaving our school in 2011 to attend Sandy Hook Elementary School for Kindergarten.  Originally, she had been slated to attend my kindergarten class last year, but at the last minute opted to attend the public school.  I struggled to hold it together in the classroom.  When I stepped out of the classroom a little while later to return a phone call to my mother, I broke down.  A sweet little girl, with bouncy curls who had touched my life for a short period of time had lost her life.

After my Kindergartener’s had their snack, and began their free time, I hugged one of my students.  She looked at me and said (in a very snarky tone) “What??”  I just smiled at her and said I just wanted to give her a hug.  She laughed and ran off to play.  My student’s parents began picking up early, all with a look on their faces that said they had the same feelings that I had.  Around 4:00, I was told I could head home…it would take me another 45 minutes to walk out the door.  I spent time talking to my director, looking at a picture of Avielle, simply not ready to go home and be alone.  When I finally walked out the door to my school and got into my car, all the stress of being strong for my students released, and I cried.  I cried for Avielle.  I cried for the other children and faculty, and I cried for the families of all those affected.  When I got home, I couldn’t get out of the car.  I sat there for at least 15-20 minutes before walking inside.

All night I sat on the couch watching the news, hoping for answers, and crying when the answers didn’t come.  I cried more tears than I thought one person should be able to cry, and the tears just kept coming.  It couldn’t be real.  This can’t really be Newtown.  I don’t know children in that school.  Avielle was home.  It just had to be a nightmare.  I went to bed and tried to go to sleep, but the second I turned off the lights and crawled into bed, Avielle’s face popped into my head.  Her beautiful smile, and those curls on her head.  I couldn’t get the image out of my head and I couldn’t stop the crying.  I had to turn the news back on….I couldn’t be in the silence anymore.

I woke up this morning hoping that it was a nightmare.  But it wasn’t.  It was real.  My little state, my little community was all over the news, all of the news all over the world.  All morning I watched and waited to hear anything new.  Instead, all I kept seeing was HIS face on the tv.  Every time I saw his picture I got angrier.  I didn’t want to see his face.  I still don’t want to see his face!  How could he walk into that school and brutally murder those innocent children!!  WHY!!??  What in his life was so horrible he had to take away 20 6 & 7 year olds futures???  Heading out this afternoon, I tried to get some distraction, even for a little while.  Around 4:15, however, the moment I had been dreading occurred…I read Avielle Richman, age 6, (DOB 10/17/2006) on the list of victims.  At 5pm, I met a co-worker in Bethel, CT for a candlelight vigil.  I lit a candle in memory of Avielle (and all the victims) and cried. When I heard Avielle’s name read on the news tonight, it became all too real.  Her beautiful little face has been in my head ever since I found out.  I think it will be there for many days and weeks to come.  I can’t really express what emotion I am feeling right now.  I’m heart broken, sad, angry, confused, and scared.  I still can’t wrap my head around the events.  Those poor, innocent babies, why would someone hurt them?  I pray they did not suffer. 

Today, I also am proud to say I am in the company of some true heroes, educators who put their lives on the line to protect the small, scared children in their classrooms.  Victoria Soto, a graduate of my college, Eastern Connecticut State University, gave her life protecting her little first grade students.  I didn’t know her, she graduated after me, but I am proud to be in the company of such a brave woman.  I am in the company of 6 brave educators who gave their lives, and countless educators who risked their lives to protect the children who were able to walk out of Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday.  I have been asking myself all day, would I have the strength and bravery to do what they did?  Would I be able to put myself in harm’s way to protect my student’s?  Would I die for my students?  These questions are weighing heavily on my heart as I hear stories of the bravery in Sandy Hook.

A little over a month ago, I was thinking, “wow, our weather is Al Roker worthy” and now every major journalist from all over the country is either here or has their eyes set on Newtown, CT and……the President of the United States is coming to my small little area of Connecticut tomorrow.  I don’t want him here…I don’t want this to be real.  This can’t have happened to my small corner of CT.  This can’t have happened in a town that was almost my hometown.  This can’t have happened to a school that was almost my school.  My parent’s chose, instead, to move to Bethel, CT, but Sandy Hook very easily could have been my hometown.

So many of you have sent thoughts, prayers, and love to me over the last two days, and I can’t thank you enough for the outpouring of support and love.  Please keep Newtown in your prayers in the coming weeks and months.  This community is going to need a lot of support to heal from this horrific tragedy. 

Heaven has 26 new angels from Sandy Hook Elementary School, and we can only pray that they have found peace.  To the heroes who gave their lives, may you rest in peace…Rachel Davino, 29, Dawn Hochsprung, 47, Anne Marie Murphy, 52. Lauren Russeau, 30, Mary Sherlach, 56, and Victoria Soto, 27.  Dear, sweet Avielle, age 6….you touched my life for only a brief moment in time, but I am heartbroken today.  Your smile will live in my heart forever.  And to your friends as well…Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Dylan, Madeleine, Catherine, Chase, Jesse, James, Grace, Emilie, Jack, Noah, Caroline, Jessica, Benjamin, and Allison…Your lives were cut too short.  May you all be together in a place where there is nothing to fear and where innocence lives on forever.  May all of your families and friends find the peace they need to heal after this tragic event.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Parade, Miracle on 34^th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, apple pie, family, and so much more…these are just some of the things that make Thanksgiving Day so wonderful for me!  We must not forget what Thanksgiving is all about though…a day to give thanks.  While we should give thanks every day of the year, Thanksgiving is a reminder of what we are thankful for.  I am thankful for so many things…

First and foremost, I am thankful for my amazing family!  I am blessed with a mother I can call my best friend.  She is there for me whenever I need her, even if it’s just as an ear to listen as I cry on the phone.  Thank you mom for being the most amazing woman I have in my life.  I have an amazing stepfather, Steve, who treats me as if I was his own daughter.  I am so blessed to have him there to help me out, even if it’s just to fix my car.  Thank you, Steve for loving me like I was your daughter.

 My father is there for me whenever I need him, and I am so grateful for him because without him, I would not be completing my Master’s Degree this fall.  So, thank you, dad for helping me obtain my Master’s Degree.  I am blessed to have a stepmother who has always treated me with respect and as one of her own family.  Thank you Jean for being a part of my life for so many years.

I am thankful for my brother, Scott.   We may not say it to each other, but I do love my brother.  In his own way, he has been there for me throughout my life, and I am grateful for that.  I am thankful for my sister-in-law.  I’m so grateful that she makes my brother happy.  And of course, I am so thankful that Scott and Cindy have made me an auntie to a handsome nephew, Brayden and a beautiful niece, Aubrey.  I am so blessed to be an Auntie to these two wonderful children.  I look forward to meeting my 2^nd niece, McKenna next April.  I am sure that she will be just as wonderful as Aubrey and Brayden.

I am thankful to have the opportunity to further my education by obtaining my Master’s Degree.  It’s been a stressful semester, but I know that it is almost over, and all that stress will be worth it, when I hopefully receive my Master’s Degree this Spring.

I am thankful, during this time of economic stress, to have a steady job teaching Kindergarten.  I am thankful to have a boss who respects me and allows me to try out so many different techniques in my classroom.  I am grateful for a co-teacher who puts up with my many crazy ideas, and so many other co-workers that I am blessed and thankful to work with.

I am thankful that Hurricane Sandy and the winter storm that followed did not affect me.  I am thankful that my friends and family, for the most part, were unaffected by the storm, aside from power outages.  My thoughts and prayers are with those still cleaning up from the hurricane.  I hope that life will soon return to normal for all those affected.

I think the cheesiest thing I am thankful for is five pretty amazing guys from Boston, Jonathan, Donnie, Jordan, Danny, and Joe.  It is because of these five guys that I have had the most AMAZING past few years.  I have experienced some of the most incredible moments, and met the most wonderful people because of these 5 guys.  Five Brother’s and a million sisters!  Forever a proud Blockhead!  

Of course I am thankful for the friends I can call my family!  Many of these friends have only been in my life for a few years, but it feels like we've known each other our entire lives.  Far and near, old and new, I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.  Whether we are enjoying a concert, wandering the streets of New York City, taking a cruise, road trips to wherever, or simply hanging out at someone’s house, it is always a blast!  It doesn't matter what we are doing, we always have an amazing time.  Thank you for all being a part of my life.  I am blessed to know each and every one of you!  I truly have the best family and friends in the world!

Today, I will be enjoying my Thanksgiving with my best friend, my roommate, Jillian.  Five Thanksgivings of living together and we will be having our first Thanksgiving at our apartment, just the two of us.  It will be a mix of relaxing, watching some holiday movies, and for me, working on my final project for my Master’s Degree.  We plan to put the Christmas tree up today, and then we’ll be hitting up some early Black Friday shopping tonight.  I hope that no matter where you are, and what you are doing today, give thanks for everything you have in your life.  I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a blessed start to this holiday season.  Let us always remember to give thanks for everything in our lives.  Thank you!

30 Day NKOTB Challenge ~ Day 12

30 day NKOTB challenge / day 12
Favorite group moment

My favorite group moment has to be the moment they were introduced at Fenway Park!  Seeing the excitement on the guy’s faces as they were introduced one at a time from the dugout was amazing.  Hearing their names being called over the speakers, I felt like I should have been watching a baseball game.  When they ran onto that stage, there was a light in their eyes, and an excitement on their faces that I hadn’t seen before!  As a Red Sox fan myself, I felt how epic this moment was, but I can only imagine what was going through their heads as they performed in Fenway Park that night.  It brings a tear to my eyes when I think about how amazingly wonderful that night was both for the New Kids and their fans!  Even with all the rain!  When that rain started, and guys simply embraced that this was just one giant party in the ballpark of their hometown team, it became an even more amazing moment.  Rain that would postpone a baseball game turned a concert into a giant, wet party!  It turned a stage into a slip n slide, and a group of 5 grown men into kids!  Singing the encore performance from atop the Green Monstah, who would have ever thought that night would turn into the night it was!  It was simply an amazing moment in New Kid’s history that I feel blessed to have been a part of.

30 Day NKOTB Challenge ~ Day 11

30 day NKOTB challenge / day 11
Favorite era/year

End of 2009 through 2010 – I feel like the end of 2009 through 2010 was a great year and a half for NKOTB fans.  I feel like the guys were extremely accessible that year and wanted to give so much to their fans.  The guys did so much in that year and a half.  The House of Blues event was at the end of 2009, and was a pretty amazing concert event to be at.  They gave us the “Coming Home” DVD and there were “Coming Home” screenings.  Donnie had solo events like his birthday parties, I Got It parties, and Blue Bloods season 1.  Joe put out a solo EP, and then had a mini tour to go with it!  Jordan did JK Idol events in various cities.  Danny put out his solo cd “stronger” and Remember Betty really took off during that time!  And Jon, well the CasiNO Tour and Cruise 2010 brought out a side of Jon that many of us were shocked and thrilled to see!  The CasiNO was a smaller venue tour, and the guys really seemed to embrace the small crowd, throwing after parties, and surprising the fans with special guests on stage (i.e. Jimmy Marsh, Roscoe Umali, Rob Lewis, Naughty by Nature, and Backstreet Boys!).  The end of 2010 brought about the creation of a new band NKOTBSB.  There were the AMA’s and the New Year’s Eve performance!  There was so much packed into that year and a half!  The end of 2009 through 2010 brought a more personal connection between NKOTB and the fans, in my opinion.

30 Day NKOTB Challenge ~ Day 10

30 day NKOTB challenge / day 10
Favorite tv appearance

I think one of my favorite TV appearances was Dancing with the Stars.  I LOVED watching NKOTBSB perform Don’t Turn out the Lights with all the dancers.  I thought it was such a fun performance.  Then there were the solo performances by each group.  I LOVED Donnie and Joey surprising everyone by busting out some ballroom moves at the end of the NKOTB performance. 

I think the best part was after the show was over, my mom called me.  She was like “I saw your boys on DWTS.   They were great!  I thought NKOTB were better performers and singers than BSB.  It was fun to watch them!”  I love when my mom calls me after seeing the guys perform and she tells me how much she enjoyed watching them!  I really would love to take my mom to a concert sometime, but she wouldn’t go for all the hanging out afterward with my girls, plus I don’t think she would ever pay for tickets to go see a show.