JAZZ Part 1

So. . .in December we went to the Larry H. Miller Sing-a-Long at the Energy Solutions Arena, a free event with an orchestra, special guest John Schmitt and thousands of people singing Christmas songs. At the end of the event, they gave us a care package which included tickets to 1 of 5 different Jazz games. Tonight was our night. Having only been to one NBA game in my life, I didn't realize what I was up against. I thought that leaving at 6 from my home would give me plenty of time to drive around and find free parking somewhere within walking distance. Not so. After driving around for about 20-25 minutes, I finally paid $5 and parked a couple of blocks away. I still had 20 minutes before the game started, so I thought I was okay on time.

I got all the kids bundled up in their coats, hats and gloves (Lou was still at work--we were hoping he'd be able to join us soon) and took off holding Emma's hand on one side and Isaiah's hand on the other (and carrying a bag with my purse, snacks & coloring stuff in case the little ones got bored). Gehrig & Damian each held the other hand of the little ones. We walked fast and eventually made it to the Arena without too much complaint. I was really proud of them for sticking together and the little ones for being able to keep up. I went to the door and let them check my purse and gave them my tickets. That's when I found out I didn't have real tickets--just vouchers for tickets. So. . .I had to walk all the way around to the other side of the building with my 4 little ones and wait in a long line to get tickets. [A little side note:I was really trying to be there for the beginning b/c I wanted the kids to experience the excitement at the beginning when they introduce the team and say the pledge of allegiance in a crowd of thousands--I wasn't sure they'd make the whole game, but if they made the first, I figured it would all be worth it.]

Well, by the time we got up to get our tickets, it was after 7 and we'd missed the beginning of the game anyway. So. . .it wasn't all that bad to be told that the tickets were SOLD OUT. Anyway, we now have tickets for the game against Houston on Saturday. This time, I expect Lou to be there with me from the beginning, so it should be much easier.

I decided that I didn't want to have to pay the $5 for my parking since the event we came for was Sold Out, so I asked them if I could use it again on Saturday. The lady said she wanted to help me, but wouldn't be working on Saturday and didn't think she'd be able to do anything for me. I kept politely pressing, suggesting that she write a note on my ticket to clear it or something. Anyway. . .after talking to her supervisor, she got permission to refund me my $5. So. . .all I'm out after all of this is a couple of hours and the gas money from the drive. . .

Hopefully Saturday is a blast, because I figure I went through enough with my little children to deserve a really good time on Saturday! Don't you think?

More Family Pictures

I really want to get a good picture that I can send to Lou's mother for her wall. Here's another attempt on another day. Lou's really learning to be cooperative about pictures! THANKS! :) Which one is your favorite? I think these are a little better than the other ones I took, but not as well coordinated with our clothing. Hmmm. . .I guess I can't have it all, eh?

 

 

 

Gehrig's First Piano Solo Festival

My 5 students at their piano recital the night before the Solo Festival. They all learned and memorized 2 pieces to play for a judge at the Solo Festival. I am happy to report that all 5 of them received the highest rating. . SUPERIOR!! I'm so proud of them.

 

Gehrig, Annie, Alex, Raquel & Ethan

 

 

 

Gehrig called is Grandma Harris and played for her right before he left to play for the judge. After playing, he talked to her for a few minutes. I heard him tell her that he thinks it's pretty cool that his mother is teaching him piano! I was so excited to hear that. He's really making progress and enjoying it more and more. In fact, later that night, I began teaching him his concerto for the next festival and now, a day and a half later, he's learned the first page of his 7 page concerto! I'm so proud of him!

Edited Family Photo

So, do any of you know how to use GIMP? I just downloaded the free software (comparable to Photo Shop)and tried to figure out how to head swap. I sure wish I knew how to do it well. Too bad it's so obvious. Anyway. . .if anybody knows how to do it--let me know! THANKS!!

Happy Valentine's Day

 

 

We had so much fun on Thursday when two homeschool family friends of ours joined us for a Valentine's Party. Annette and Sheri provided a yummy lunch (heart shaped sandwiches, chips, salad, hot chocolate with white chocolate spoons) after making a fun valentine card holder. The kids had fun outside while we cleaned up and got ready to decorate sugar cookies and exchange valentines. What a fun party! They all had a blast!

It was fun to start our day out with a little teddy bear, sunglasses & valentine note from me. The kids were VERY excited! Then we had heart shaped muffins, eggs & a shake for breakfast. Lou left me that cute heart with the arrow through it made out of chocolates and I left him the cute dog (which the kids like more than he does and will probably get to keep--I just thought it was cute and it said "Love ya & Kiss"--both my sentiments), basketball shorts & card.

I am so grateful for my 5 special valentines. They keep my life full of excitement, growth experiences & JOY!!

Angela & Her Kiddos

 

 

 

I just discovered the beauty of the self-timer on my camera. It's nice to have the flashing light to let us know when to smile. I love the top picture except for Isaiah's snooger nose. Wish I knew how to edit that out.

Family Pictures

 

 

 

Which one would you choose? The top one is my pick except for my stinker, Gehrig was being a dork. I'm tempted to blow that one up anyway. Serves him right! Anyway. . .