December 3rd

And then there was Monday.

It didn't help that I only slept about 4 hours last night. And that I started a new diet today. Well, not new to me, I guess I should say another diet, dieting again. Whatever. Just decided I can't gain another 10 lbs. over the holidays or I'd be right back where I started last Jan. 1.

On that positive start . . . Lina has crossing guard patrol again this week. She loves doing it, even in the pouring rain. Rain, tons of it, has been coming down here over the past several days. We enjoyed such a long dry spell in September and October, we were completely spoiled. But, the true nature of our area is back, in full force.

Digression must be the tone of my blog today . . . Merek and I headed up to the Y about 10. He says he doesn't want to go into the Kids Place, but always comes out smiling when I pick him up. I'm just walking on the treadmill for an hour right now. Got a little bored with the classes and my favorite instructor is out for a few weeks following surgery, so I walk and watch the morning talk shows. I never watch them at home so it's kind of funny to find how interested I am in them when I'm on the treadmill.

Merek had preschool this afternoon. He actually was quite happy to go today. While getting his coat on, he grabbed a winter hat from the basket and told me he was taking his "snow hat" to school. I mentioned it was raining not snowing. But he still wanted to wear it.

While he was at school, I cleaned the dining room, hung the wreaths on the front door, draped the garland on the stair banister, vacuumed the entryway and eating area, caught up on emails, moved along the laundry (6 loads total today), and ate lunch. (Oh, I put some chicken in the crock pot this morning to have ready for dinner. So happy when I get things done like that ahead of time).

My friend, Kori, called and said a Musical Theatre class was starting tonight at the local studio. Lina has been asking for awhile to take classes there. I had mentioned it to Kori a few weeks ago. She found out about the class and said she was signing up her daughter. So, for Lina's birthday we are giving her this 3-month class. I surprised her with the gift after she got home from babysitting the neighbors. She was very excited!

 

When I picked her and her friend up after class, the instructor asked, "WHERE did these girls come from? They are wicked-talented!" Ha! Who knew? Both Lina and Stella were smiling ear-to-ear. They may have found their niche.

 

But now that we have given this to her for her birthday, I'm wondering what to do with the other gifts I had purchased for her. I guess some of them would work for Christmas presents.

 

Miranda had jazz band photos this morning. She had to wear all black to school, a dress no less. And heels. A friend snapped this photo of her with the two jazz band trumpet players.

 

She plays the piano in jazz band and the flute in 8th grade band. There is another piano player in jazz band as well. Last week the band teacher asked her to play her flute for the song that she isn't playing the piano. So she joins in with the trumpets. They call themselves the "flumpenets". She sure is enjoying middle school. It is pretty amazing to watch her grow and become this beautiful, talented young woman.

 

Tonight I helped Bird practice his violin. He hasn't been super thrilled to practice his violin. So I asked his teacher to please write down specific practice instructions for him to follow. She did this last week and it has made a big difference. If Miss Caroline said to do it, then he will. He has pretty much mastered his piano pieces for the recital coming up. He has such a good ear for music. Gets that from his dad :)

 

Krish was really helpful with Merek this afternoon while I taught piano and was getting some other things done. He played football with him and read him some stories. I love to hear him talk to Merek because he uses a special voice, kind and soft, perfect for talking to a little brother.

 

Today we drove by the Christmas tree lot at the corner of the Parkway three times. Every time Merek asked, "Can we get our tree now?"  He is really looking forward to that event. Saturday, just a few more days.