The Rest of the Story

(picture taken from my airplane window)

On Monday, November 2nd my husband and I were flown by the Rachael Ray Show - 1st class - to New York City. We arrived to a Lincoln Town Car waiting for us and we were taken to the Helmsley Hotel (pictured below) where we stayed on the 37th floor - right in the middle of Manhattan!

Tuesday morning we were up bright and early - WHO can sleep on a day like this? Since I didn't have to do my hair or make-up - I did what I do every morning. I read my Bible, prayed, blogged and facebooked. Then Keith and I prayed together and we headed to the lobby.

(Keith and I in the green room with Dr. Haltzman)

At 8:50am we met Dr. Haltzman and his wife (this Dr. sat on the couch with Rachael during our segment) and a Rachael Ray assistant walked us over to the studio. Outside people were lined up waiting to be in the audience. We headed up the elevator and walked past security and were ushered into our green room. There was a fruit tray and drinks waiting in the room for us.

(This is the green room)

Then we were taken down the hall for hair and make-up - Keith was not real happy about this part lol!! oom)

After hair and make-up, the Producer and her assistant (who were extremely personable and helpful) came into our green room to go over the questions we would have on the show. They said I would have 4 questions and 2 more places where I should "comment" and Keith would have two questions. They reviewed my answers and asked me to be more detailed and give longer answers - I was being too brief. That got me a bit nervous! We were told that while our video played we were to head to the couch. But once we were taping - not much happened like it was planned in the green room!

(The producer- Nicole)

After the producers left the room - the mic man came in and attached my mic. Then we walked down a long hallway, past a huge table filled with food for the RR staff, to the backstage. It was very cold backstage - I imagine they let it be cool because the lights are so hot on stage. We could hear a comedian warming the audience up and making them laugh and everyone clapping and having a good time. Nerves were creeping up on me!

The make-up artists came one last time and hair sprayed my hair and touched up my blush and lip stick...I realized I had forgotten my earrings. In a mad dash - the producer's assistant ran back to our green room and appeared with my earrings in her hand!

At that time we were ushered into the front row and the comedian continued until out came Rachael Ray. We did not get a chance to meet her beforehand.

It happened very quickly - she introduced our segment - up came the Dr. to his seat and our video segment began to play - then she introduced Keith and I. We headed to the couch as the producer had told us... but Rachael motioned to stay put...I imagine that will be edited out - because that was a mistake!

From there Rachael brought the first question right to me...and the conversation began. It felt intense...we were both surprised when the questions that were coming our way were not the questions we prepared for in the green room. Some were similar but Keith's question was completely different. He never did have the other 2 questions!
(2 assistant producers and Keith walking out of the studio after taping - you can barely see Rachael but she is standing on the other side of Keith. We were not able to get a picture with her.)

But it was so fun! We shared our hearts and then as quickly as it began - it was over. We were ushered out of the studio, out of the green room and out of the building! And from there Keith and I enjoyed a day of shopping on 5th Avenue and a carriage ride in Central Park.

It was definitely an experience of a lifetime. Today the show will air (if you can't see it in your hometown - go to the Rachael Ray Show website - the video will be available after it has aired).

They asked me to not mention religion or the website - so they will never know about all of you - my web readers - or our mighty God! Without my faith being mentioned, I am sure that it is baffling for the show viewers to understand how Keith and I's marriage works. I expect to be scoffed at or possibly misunderstood.

Tomorrow - all the excitement and hype will be over. As quickly as this all came, it will pass. There are so many wives and moms who are JUST like me - I am an ordinary wife doing ordinary work but I serve an extraordinary God! You deserve to be in the spotlight too...I wish I could have packed you all in my bags and said LOOK - I am not alone - there are many women out there who are just like me!

I'ts over now...and it's back to reality. Being a devoted homemaker is hard work - the daily grind of endless dirty dishes, training issues, messes and laundry are exhausting. God sees you - he knows your babies are sick today, your dryer broke or your husband just lost his job. Do not be discouraged and downcast by the daily difficulties that you face. Your work is significant!

If you feel empty and like you need strength so you have more to give to your family - sit down with your Bible - have a huge dose of daily bread and living water - and then go forward with peace and serve your family - not with your own strength but with Gods. And in heaven one day - your reward awaits you - and TRUST ME it will be much better than 10 minutes on the Rachael Ray show.

Dear Readers and followers - I love you and am praying for you. Continue to walk with the King as you fulfill your high calling as wives, moms and homemakers!