Exciting News!!!!!!!!!!

[selawela]

To my forum friends…wow, where do I begin? Okay..here goes!!!!

First, a little background on my story here:
A lot of you folks know that my son, Michael, had been a competitive gymnast for the past six years. However, due to chronic injuries and wear and tear on the body, both physically and emotionally, he “retired” from gymnastics in July of 2006. Make a long story short, he was recruited to go into cheerleading, which many of you know can be just as competitive and demanding as gymnastics! Well, Michael never imagined he would be a cheerleader, but he quickly found out that he absolutely loved it! He has been tumbling and doing stunts and dancing for the past 7 months and competing with his squad and just loving it!! Good stuff going on!

Here is the kicker…Michael’s team was picked to perform with Paula Abdul and her dancers for a performance that will be shown at the Super Bowl pre-game show!!! I can’t even describe what a thrill it was for him and his fellow teammates to be part of such a fun and exciting production. And for me and the other parents, it was surreal. Crazy, crazy fun!

Okay…now, as my forum friends, you know I had to share this exciting news! So if it all works out and my son’s performance doesn’t end up on the cutting floor, as they say, this is where you need to look out for him.

He is being spotlighted twice…in the beginning shot of the video, Paula is lifted up in the air by my son and the other boys. Michael is the boy on the right side of Paula in the front, as you are looking at the TV, who is helping to lift her.

The second time Michael is spotlighted is when he comes out and does a tumbling pass..as you are looking at the TV, his pass is from right to left. Only he and another boy are tumbling in the video…Michael has the dark hair.

After that, there are some more dance moves that the squad does and some stunts.

I am so excited for the team and Michael. Like I said, it’s just “crazy.” And by the way, Paula Abdul was so nice and sweet to the kids…and she is very professional when she’s out there doing her stuff! And as a 45-year-old woman, she’s still got it!!!!!

Okay, my forum friends…that’s my exciting news! If anyone sees Michael, let me know! You might even see me dancing away in the audience! I’m the proud mamma with tears in her eyes!

Thanks for reading my story here!

[vawitt]

Wow! Very exciting for him AND for you! Did his performance mean family tickets, or were you going anyway?

Either way, I'll be watching!!

~Val in rainy IL

[lsweeney]

Sela, what fun! Good work, mom & dad, on raising a child who perseveres.

Congratulations to Michael and Team for seeing the results of their hard work!

I think you could probably capture those images of him from video and use them as stills. Great stuff for a composite image!

[selawela]

Oh, let me explain one thing a bit better...the performance will be shown as a video performance for the pre-game show...they won't be at the Super Bowl. We were wondering the same thing...for a second there, we thought we were heading to Phoenix!!!!

We weren't allowed to video tape or take pictures of the performance. I have to figure out now how to record off of my TIVO. Believe me, I'll figure it out! :D

Thanks, Val and Lorri, for your comments! We are so proud!

[JulieM]

Wow, that is fantastic! Now, here's an idiot question - when's the Super Bowl?

[vawitt]

Julie...I was going to fuss at you for not knowing that until I remembered you are in Canada. So, you are off the hook. :D:D

Game is Sunday, late afternoon. Pre-game seems to run all day!

[JulieM]

Julie...I was going to fuss at you for not knowing that until I remembered you are in Canada. So, you are off the hook. :D:D

Game is Sunday, late afternoon. Pre-game seems to run all day!

Least I didn't ask "What's the Super Bowl?" ;)

[Elemobe]

Sela, that is fantastic, you must all be so excited. Can't imagine how proud you must be.

I am in the UK, so no chance we are going to see this, maybe once you have figured out the TIVO, you could move onto YouTube and post it there;):D

[photoshopsusieq]

Great news, Sela! What a marvelous experience for Michael (and you, of course)!!

[NMarti]

Sela
What fantastic news! That has to be so exciting for him. I will definitely be watching.

[nkeevers]

Oh my gosh Sela...how exciting for you!! He must be over the moon! Now, that's not taxing body like the gymnastics were? Good for him if it isn't!

I copied your message so I could remember on Sunday. We will looking for him.

Who's taking pictures of this momentous occasion? Are you going to be at the Super Bowl by any chance? You can always take the pictures off the TV if not. I'm sure part of the team is taking pictures I'm sure.

[nkeevers]

Wow, that is fantastic! Now, here's an idiot question - when's the Super Bowl?

Julie, think it's at 6:30 Eastern time...that's us! Yea, Patriots!

[jazzfisher]

Sela,
I"ll be watching for Michael!!!!:):):)

[lisabee]

Least I didn't ask "What's the Super Bowl?" ;)

that was going to be my question :D:D.........joke :D

congratulations Sela, how exciting!

Lisa

[mrod]

Hey, that's pretty cool! Bummer you don't get a trip out of it, but what a thrill, regardless!

Mike

[selawela]

Hey, guys! Thanks so much for sharing this excitement with us!

Just keep an ear and eye out for when they announce Paula Abdul's performance..that will be the indication when it will be aired. I am assuming it will kick-off the actual start of the game! Oh, and if I can post it on Youtube, I'm there! E

Too much fun!

[BOBGRUETTER]

You have every right to be bustin' at the seams, both you and Michae. I will definately be watching. Let you know if I see him.

Bob

[efarnstrom]

But I don't watch football.....:eek:! For sure the game will be on because I am the only one that doesn't watch the game, so I'll sneak in to watch that segment. Maybe no one will notice that I'm actually watching on game day.

[Ellen]

How cool Sela! Isn't that the same day as the Puppy Bowl on the animal station?

[CarolLHB]

You know, Sela, there is just something so amazing about watching your child achieve a goal, or a dream or just something so damn exciting-

My son competes in Drum and Bugle Corps and they were Div. II World Champions this year. Getting to see them at the Rose Bowl was amazing-so I know how you feel-about to burst with pride and excitement! Enjoy the feeling-and congratulations to both of you.

[Vesta]

Gee what excitement Sela. Congratulation. I can watch and tell everyone hey I know that kid his name is Michael.

Vesta

[Not4wood]

That is absolutely awsome. Having the NY Giants beat the Pats and looking out for Michael all
at the same time. :D

The Superbowl's name is starting to change. There calling it the Flu Bowl... Between whats his name, with the ankle all wrapped up LOL and some of the Giants getting sick as dogs on the flight because of the Flu. This will be a great show down. If the Giants aren't doin too good, they could just get sick on the Pats and walk the ball in......... :eek:

[selawela]

Thanks again, everyone, for sharing this excitement with me!

Carol, I remember seeing pictures of your son...is that right? Didn't you make a collage? It was fantastic! I think that was yours..let me know.

Mark, I was born in New York, so I will be cheering for the Giants myself! Should be a fun game.

Take care, all!

[Joe M]

Congratulations. I just printed your post so I can be sure to spot him.

[selawela]

All right Joe!!!! Thanks so much!

[Jancy]

WOW This is so exciting!!! I am so happy for you guys! I cannot wait to see if I spot him. I will be keeping an eye out for him.
GREAT NEWS :)

[GaryK]

Sela

That is just such fun news. I'll be keeping my eyes open.

Hmmmm ..so all I have to do is become a cheerleader to get a shot at lifting Paula??:D:D

[Diana]

Sela, how exciting for your son and you. What wonderful memories he is making.

Diana

[Byron Gale]

Sela,

I am very happy that Michael has found a way to continue using his skills, and that they have led him to this great opportunity!!

(Don't I recall that Michael has logged in to the forums in the past? If so... WTG Michael!!)

Byron

[Not4wood]

Sela,

I've started to tell some of my co-workers today about Michael and they were very impressed. The group of people that will be watching is growing very large, very fast. :D All we have to do now is watch the crazy Commercials that are coming out for SB Sunday...

Now, what part of NY are you from??? We are in NE Queens, and I have been here since I'm very little. Born in The Bronx......

[selawela]

Thanks, Jancy, Gary, Diana, Byron & Mark!

Gary, you are too funny!

Byron, Michael has had no time to visit the Village in a long time! He's been so busy with practices and school! He said he misses taking pictures.

Mark, I was born in Brooklyn, and then lived for a few years in Portchester. I went to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic school for a few years, then came out west to Hollywood!!!! My father was a cook at the Playboy Club in Hollywood! (shortly after that my mother and father divorced! Imagine that? LOL!)

We are planning a trip to New York City in June..Michael is the only one who hasn't been there! I can't wait to show him the city! It will be very exciting for him and me, too! I have such fond memories of seeing all the sights of the city, etc...it's been so long for me! I'm sure it will bring back wonderful memories!


Take care, all!

[mom to 4]

Sela:

That is great news. How exciting for both of you!!!! It is amazing how we just never know where we are being lead in this life!!! I am sure you are as trilled for him as we were for Maryellen playing basketball in Madison Square Garden!!!! We will certainly be watching the PREGAME NOW!!!!!!! And, no offense to the Patriots fans, but....Go Giants (from a Jersey Girl!!!)

Congrats to both of you Sela!!!!!

[selawela]

Wow, Colleen! Playing at The Garden!!!!! I can imgaine how proud you must have been of Maryellen! She must be an amazing basketball player! Is she still playing? I'd love to see pics of her if you have them.

I'll be thinking of you all on Sunday...believe me! Thanks so much!

[mom to 4]

At 5 feet tall, she isn't the best player on the team, but darn good, a hard worker and doesn't care if the person she is up against is 6'5.....no fear. She actually got 4 minutes in the game at the garden, which was probably 3 minutes 30 seconds more than she got at one time in games in her HS !!!!

I have pictures of her (and the team) in my smugmug site..... the Basketball galleries....

I cannot wait for the game on Sunday (GO GIANTS!!!), and will start early.....watching for your son!! Wish him our best!!!!!!

Congratulations to both of you!!! I know how proud you must be!!!!

[vawitt]

Watched it!

Long dark hair, short dark hair, or long sideburns?? Lots of dark-haired male dancers...

[qcocoq]

He did great Sela! He has short dark hair. He was on the right front of your screen holding Paula for her entrance. If you recorded it and can pause it he's the easiest to see when she gets to the ground he walks off stage right. What fun Michael! Great looking too!!

[JulieM]

Darn, darn, darn! They didn't broadcast the pregame show here! So disappointing... :(

[NMarti]

Didn't see it here either. I don't know why they didn't show it. Maybe someone could post a screen shot if they Tivo'd it.

[vawitt]

I snagged it on my computer...kind of blurry. Hope I'm pointing to the right guy!! :)

~Val in snowy IL

[NMarti]

Great job Val. Thanks. My daughter tells me they did broadcast it but we missed it because we were are the theatre today.

[NMarti]

I just found this link (http://bittenandbound.com/2008/01/30/paula-abdul-super-bowl-performance-taped-not-live/)that has the video. It's kind of small but you can still see it. It's about halfway down the page.

[selawela]

Wow...what a day! Great job, Nancy, on the capture! That was him!!!!!

I am going to check out the link right now!

I'll be back!

I'm back! Yup..it's on Youtube all right. Besides at the very beginning, at 3:06 into the video, you can see Michael tumble from right to left as you are watching the TV. Pretty cool. I wish they had shown more of the cheerleaders, but it was worth the experience, that's for sure!

See ya later, guys!

[jazzfisher]

Congrats to Michael!!:)
Sela, you probably are bursting with pride today!!!:)

[Not4wood]

Congrats to all,

Michael, Eli and the Oh the Giants too. :D

17-14 and what a wild game. I thought they were done when the Pats got that touch down and put them up. Once Eli got away from the Pats and caught Tyree with that long pass....The Boys did good, kept me on the edge of my seat................... :eek:

[CarolLHB]

Very cool, Sela-but being a band parent I have to ask...is that a high school drum line?

[NMarti]

Sela
Val did the screen captures. Great job on them too! I was searching for the possibility of a video being online somewhere and found that one. I missed the pregrame because I was at the theatre but we were home in plenty of time for the game so my husband got to keep his man-card.:D

[nkeevers]

Val, great capture!

Sela, you must be so proud! I kept going back and forth (was watching golf) but I missed it somehow. That's my luck for the day...cause New England lost too!

[selawela]

Very cool, Sela-but being a band parent I have to ask...is that a high school drum line?

Carol...those were a few of the guys from the UCLA drum line! It is a shame that they edited most of their performance out. They were soooo good! They did a lot of editing...:(they pretty much concentrated on Paula and not the kids! Go figure! :rolleyes:LOL!!!

It was worth the experience, though....so much fun for all these kids!

Mark, what a game, huh? Trust me, I'm not that into football, but this game at the end was just amazing! Wow!!!!!

[CarolLHB]

They always cut the good stuff :p and leave the mediocre :D (no offense to the Paula fan out there...hehe)

[NMarti]

Carol
You're assuming she has some! :twisted::D

[CarolLHB]

LOL-not "some", but maybe one?

[selawela]

They always cut the good stuff :p and leave the mediocre :D (no offense to the Paula fan out there...hehe)

So true, Carol;):D

[Not4wood]

I'm sorry, are there really any Paula Fans out there???

No Offense Paula, but I would've really liked to see the youngins having a fast shot at fame, working there behinds off in a Major Sporting Event like the Most Watched Superbowl of our time...

For example: I dont know how many of you watched the video of the Parade. At the end when they were all seated at the Podium with the Mayor of New York. Giving the Keys to the City away, making speaches. Why was and don't misunderstand me. I absolutely love watching her, and I think she's a Hoot. But Why? Why was Whoopie up there? They had the camera on her a lot. Why couldn't they show those kids, who worked so hard to be up there at Super Bowl and give them the curteousy of being on National Television for a few seconds???

[selawela]

Mark, I so get where you are coming from...but here is the thing:

This whole experience that our kids had taping this video was pretty much a chance of a lifetime. This will be a memory that they will always have, and it was a very positive experience for each of them. They had a blast! They worked hard right along with the professionals.

Now, living here in Southern California we are so used to seeing "stars" and celebrities, believe me, that it's not a big deal at all. What was a big deal was being part of a production that none of these kids had ever experienced. And that's what was so fantastic. They didn't care that the focus wasn't on them at the end, trust me on that. The experience, the fun, the hard work, that's what it was all about.

When a child has a passion for a sport, an art, school, anything, and they get to "work it" out on the field, on the stage, in the class room, we celebrate those times, no matter how big or little a deal it is.

The bottom line is who cares if Paula Abdul has any fans out there. It wasn't about Paula Abdul when I posted this...it was about my boy and the rest of his teammates...well, mainly my boy! LOL!

I appreciate what you had to say, but it's all good! We are not dissappointed at all.

Check out the faces on these kids! They are beaming!

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1JB80HHYPvh4fi53V4UdZl6gWOAt181_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1JB80HHYPvh4fi53V4UdZl6gWOAt181)

[JulieM]

It's all about the kids! Thanks for sharing that great shot, Sela!

[Not4wood]

We live in New York, and if you just walk around Manattan you can also see big names just walking down the street like everybody else.

I was just teasing about Paula toungue in cheek if you will, and just making fun. It is about the kids, and thats what I was trying to press that they cut it and left it off. Its supposed to be about the average person enjoying superbowl, and how these kids where able to get so far on just there own merits and we are all proud of them. And, it gets cut. How low can you go, but now listen to this.

"Thats Show Biz" it happens.

[WingAnimal]

I am SOOOO glad that someone was able to post a link to the dance on here... I was not able to catch it live. I felt so bad that I had missed it, but it was my daughter's 16th birthday party (kind of a good reason, I suppose).:) Anyway, what a great opportunity and experience for your son -- and I did see him!!! That must have been so fun!

p.s.... I was able to catch the game -- and keep my man card alive. I did all the good daddy things before the game came on, so I was allowed.

[selawela]

Oh, Norm, thanks so much for your comment! You saw Michael! Believe me, I've rewinded the two parts that show him over and over...still can't believe he got the opportunity to do this.

Last week at cheer practice the hip-hop dance coach was doing a little scouting...checking out the cheer kids doing their dance in the cheer outine. She picked four kids..two boys and two girls...with potential talent to join the dance team, and one of the kids she picked was Michael.

So last night was Michael's first workout with the hip hop dance team, and he loved it!!!!! They got him moving and dancing and doing stuff that I never thought he could do!

It's funny how things work out...gymnastics came to an end, but a whole new world has opened up to him. I am very excited for him.

Norm, you have a beautiful ballerina, and it makes me smile because I know the thrill you get when you see her dance. Hip hop, dance, gymnastics, cheer, ballet, all different but the same....the art of movement, grace...so exciting !