Faith, Hope and Art

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

District Band, House Showings and Running

District Band

So Maddie made the District Honor Band last Saturday. It was the first truly older kid thing she has done. Doug said when he dropped her off he got a little teary eyed. It was the start of a new chapter in our lives. The chapter that I truly LOVED growing up. Extracurricular activities on Saturdays! I competed in so many events in junior high and high school.

Given that Maddie didn't pick up a clarinet until June, it was scary that she was trying out at all. But we were supportive. 103 clarinet players from 7th and 8th grade (most whom played in 6th grade as well) were vying for 48 spots. Maddie placed 43!!!! So proud.

So this Saturday, we will go drop her off early in the morning again and she will travel to do a band workshop all day and then we will go watch the concert.

It makes me cringe when I think of how fast these years are going to fly by. Truly, it seems like just yesterday we were starting pre-k. Yes, I will be one of those melancholy mothers.

House Showings

How does 3 times in 24 hours sound? Awesome! Not sure if any of the lookers are serious or will be interested, but I love the traffic!! And, our realtor uses a company that will text to schedule and confirm showings, it is awesome.

Running

And last, running. I really try to not talk about this new love of mine. But, in case you were wondering... yes, I'm still running. I've even started reading books about running. On days I don't run I think about running. Who am I???? I'm not really sure, but I love the way I feel and look, so I think she's a keeper.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Grandmother's 97th birthday

On Saturday we celebrated my Grandmother's 97th birthday.

This one was a hard one.

It was the first one we celebrated with her not living independently.

Last April she fell and has been in an nursing home since. It's just not the same.

Then my Grandad died 6 weeks ago.

So this year, Grandmother's birthday, where we have in the past had large parties,

was a small afternoon affair in the nursing home.

But in typical Grandmother fashion, she was happy, positive and thankful.

That is what I strive to be.

Grandmother and her four daughters.

Grandmother and my sister Katy. She is the youngest grandchild.

Grandmother and my cousins Jon and Steve. The boys of the family!

A few of the Great grandgirls. Lexi, Aspen and Kylie.

Maddie was at a Junior High All-District Band tryout. (That's stuff for another post..)

If you read many of my posts, you know that family is at the core of my being.

My grandmother helped to instill this in me.

I am so thankful that my children know their grand grandmother!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Fabulous Fifties

Lexi brought a note home from school saying that Monday would be the 50th day of school and that the students could dress up like the 50's and that they needed to bring 50 small non-food items. Great.

I am soooo not into that kinda thing. And interestingly enough, we had made it all the way through elementary and intermediate school with Maddie without a poodle skirt... but Lexi was desperate for one. She didn't ask me for one though. She asked her friend if the friend's mom could make her one. Nice. Yep, that will make you feel guilty.

So, how did I use my Sunday morning? I went and bought fabric and made the skirt. Lexi was sooo excited. Here is the fashion shoot/practice run for tomorrow. The skirt was really quite simple to make, and Lexi was beside herself with joy. The poodle on it is uber small, but the only one that we could find. Lexi didn't care, we also have the word Paris and Paris attractions on the skirt. Really, it's a Fancy Nancy type poodle skirt-- TOTALLY LEXI!