Top of the World

Guiding Light

"This is so exciting," I held my phone up to record Sutton's talent show performance, "I'm so glad you could make it." I whispered to Amy and Sam.

"We wouldn't miss it!" Hunter helped Sutton by recording the piano to the song so she could focus on singing. It was her turn and her teacher helped adjust the microphone and pressed play on the iPod. She took a deep breath and began.

"You know I'd fall apart without you
I don't know how you do what you do
Cause everything that don't make sense about me...Makes sense when I'm with you..."

I recorded her with tears in my eyes, Hunter places a hand on my knee, his other hand was wrapped around Beckett's belly. Sutton commenced her performance with a bow as the audience erupted into applause and she even had a standing ovation. The other performances were enjoyable but I was biased that Sutton did the best. Her teacher, the principal and vice principal gathered all the kids on the stage. "Third place goes to Rusty Smith for his guitar playing." He was awarded a small medal and shook hands before stepping back into the group. "Second Place goes to Hannah George for her dance routine." She took her medal, shook hands and stepped back. Out of wishful thinking I recorded the grand announcement, figuring if she didn't win, I could delete it. "First place for Smith Springs Elementary Junior Talent Show goes to Sutton Hayes and her singing performance of Wanted." Our family erupted in cheer as Sutton received a medal around her neck and shook hands before being handed an envelope. As the audience filtered out for refreshments in the foyer, Hunter, the boys, Sam and Amy hung back to congratulate Sutton.

"Baby girl!" My arm was wide open to receive her hug, "You did amazing!" My eyes watered as she showed us her medal.

"Sutton, we are so proud of you." Hunter hugged her and kissed her cheek, "I'm so proud of how hard you worked." Sutton's teacher came over and shook our hands and chatted us up quickly about how bright and talented Sutton is.

"You have a wonderful daughter, Mr and Mrs Hayes." The teacher encouraged us to get refreshments and we headed into the foyer where Sutton was congratulated by an abundance of people and several people asked Hunter and I about new music. We called it a night and thanked Sam and Amy again for coming out to support Sutton.

"I am so incredibly proud of her," Hunter smiled, watching the video on my phone, "I think I'm going to have her record that song in the basement. Imagine recording it every year - just to hear the differences in her voice as she grows and matures."

"That would be so cool," I smiled at the thought, "maybe this will be her thing. She was so brave. I didn't do a show until I was in grade nine." Hunter and I made small talk before winding down for the night.

Functioning with one arm was still frustrating, but it was a little easier since Easton and Sutton were done school for the year. Hunter and I decided to put them in soccer camp for two weeks until my arm could be re-evaluated by the doctors before starting our summer festival tour. A lot of the writing and singing for my new album took place in the basement, many rehearsals and meetings spilled into the evenings when the kids were home. "Jenna, how are you so incredibly good at everything you do?" Kyle asked over a water break, "you're a kick butt mom and wife, but on top of that you're making your third studio album."

"Trust me, we all go to bed around here at nine pm," I laughed, "I love everything so much I just don't want to give up on my dream nor can I compromise being a mom. I thrive on being busy." We wrapped up our rehearsal and I headed outside to see the kids splashing around in the late June sunset and Beckett sitting in the baby swing.

"I'm so happy it's summer," I stood beside Hunter as he gently pushed Beck in the swing, "CMA fest is done, only three more festivals to go..... do you think Sutton will be upset that we will be in Arizona for her birthday?"

Hunter shook his head, "We can find something fun to do together and she is understanding. She can have a party when we get home, if she wants it." I nodded, leaning up against the frame of the swing set. "Did this mess up your set list?" He nodded toward my arm.

"A little. Kyle is going to do my acoustic stuff so I can just sing." I shrugged, "I guess there is a reason those shoes are called flip flops." Hunter smiled as he checked the time in his watch. The sun was sinking low over the reservoir and the fireflies began fluttering amongst the ravine brush. "Sutton, Easton, we gotta get ready for bed, sweets." I followed them inside and Hunter had Beckett in tow.

The next few days were jam packed between Hunter's day time rehearsals and my evening ones as we prepared for the festivals ahead. We tucked the kids in, and made our way to bed.