Merry Christmas...

I hope that your Christmas was as wonderful as ours.  I think Chad would agree with me that we would totally give up all our gifts just for the joy that is in the boys faces as they come downstairs on Christmas morning.  What a feeling... Definitely one of the most precious of parenting moments....  Here is some excitement saved on film.

Opening Lego HP from Santa for the Wii

Cohen opening his basketball hoop from Santa

oh Killian... I heart you....

I just got an email from Killian's teacher with this picture attached:

This morning when they were doing writing she told them they could write anything they wanted to write about Christmas.  This is sort of like the license plate game for those of us who don't teach kindergarten, so after the picture she sent me the translation:

"Happy Birthday Jesus!  You are my Savior.  Have fun at Bethlehem."

Gotta love that kid:)

PJHS Orchestra "Stuff"

I have my last performances of the semester coming up (thank goodness) with my holiday strings playing at the Children's Museum in Uptown Normal on Sunday (at 1 p.m.; fyi this is my way of getting away with doing Christmas music, which I LOVE!) and my PJHS Winter Concert on Monday night at 7 p.m.  At that concert we are raffling off a music stand (donated by The Music Shoppe and painted by Amy Orwig) tickets are only $1 each or 6 for $5; the best part is it is 100% profit for us!!!  If you are interested in a ticket (come on you know you always wanted an orange stand with a python painted on it,) email me or comment and I can get back to you with info.

Nice Quote

“People need joy quite as much as clothing. Some of them need it far more.”


― Margaret Collier Graham

Kindergarten School Picture

This is Killian's Kindergarten school picture from Grove Elementary (Fall 2010).  It took us awhile to get the disk, so sorry about the delay... But here you go, isn't he handsome?

for those wondering...

We survived the "Bowling Birthday" party.  Monday was Killian's birthday, I took 1/2 personal day to go to school and take his treats as well as be able to put the finishing touches on the party.  Here are the cookies, aren't they SO cute?  He invited a ton of friends and got way too many presents, see exhibit B:

not sure why this is side ways... hmmm....

Sad puppy?

I am home sick today, but you would think Emma was the one home sick!!!

Annie

This weekend is the performance of Annie @ Normal West.  Shows are tonight at 7 p.m., tomorrow at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Now if you read my previous post you will understand how I have been so busy.  I am not physically conducting the pit this year, but have been involved in several other ways, let's just say I am tired from all the hours combined together, this week has been CRAZY!

Grace Family Christmas

Every year (for about the last 12 years, with the exception of the year I was in labor during the performance) I have played for a concert series called Grace Family Christmas at Grace Pres in Peoria.  This year they have a new (beautiful) church out on Rt. 91 (by the Shoppes at Grand Prairie.)  It is a long haul but a very rewarding experience both musically and financially.  If you want to see it the concerts will be televised on NBC on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day.  They have already sold out all performances!!!

Yes, I have been absent

Is there any make-up work?  Yes, ask my husband, he is not a fan of me right now.  This week is musical AND Grace Family Christmas... YIKES!!!  See you next week.....