Conductor in Training

The annual Christmas Concert for my church was on Sunday. I'm the chair of the music department there, so I was in charge of the production.

On Saturday morning, we had a dress rehearsal. Lizzy and Jenny wanted to come, so I couldn't resist bringing them.

As I was leading the children's choir, one of the other musicians shot this video (to my surprise). Look at Lizzy standing next to me.

You never know who's watching!

Thank you

I just want to say "thank you" to the wonderful people who read my blog and leave such supportive comments! I know my life is probably not that interesting, but I really appreciate the kind comments about my family. Thank you so much!

Jake and Maia's awards

Today, Jake and Maia received awards at their school assembly. I am a terrible mother and forgot about it! (Actually, Maia told me about hers, but Jake forgot to tell me, so I didn't know about that one.)

I asked them how I could make it up to them, and Maia said "Five bucks." So now I'm ten dollars poorer and still feel like a bad mom!

"I not silly."

Labels stick, and nobody likes them--even two-year-olds. I found that out, yesterday.

It was a typical Monday morning. We were all sitting at breakfast, eating our cereal before school. Jenny did something funny (as usual), and I said, "Jenny, you're silly."



Jenny stood up on her chair to command attention. With her most solemn face, she said gravely, "I not silly. I not crazy. I not funny."

I suddenly realized that for the past two years, she had been listening to every word we had all said. Jenny, our funny, crazy, silly baby, didn't like the labels we were giving her.

"You're right, Jenny," I said. "You are good and sweet and nice."

"Yes," Jenny responded. "I am a princess."

I couldn't have said it better, myself.

Our Family Photo

After a hundred photos, we chose the very first one. Jenny simply wouldn't sit still!

Maia's Soccer Team Won the Championship!

Today was a monumental day. After five years of playing soccer, Maia team won her league championship soccer game! Here are some of the highlights:

* Maia ran her heart out on a left leg that was still recovering from a pulled muscle. Way to go, Maia!

* Maia's friend Pyper got a ball to the face and a bloody nose but kept on going! Way to go, Pyper!

* Jeff walked onto the field and argued with the ref when Maia was called off-sides. Way to go, Jeff! :)