December 5

Just got home from the middle school holiday concert. It was great to hear Miranda play the piano and flute in Jazz Band. She had a few parts in the Jazz Band piece where only the piano is heard--the first one she played, DH and I looked at each other and smiled. That's our girl :)  She also played flute with the 8th grade band. They performed last and after their two performance pieces, they played the accompaniment for the audience to sing four Christmas carols. Very festive.

Miranda's friend, Audrey, babysat for us tonight. The kids seemed to enjoy having her here. But she said they are probably moving in January. I asked her how they had behaved and she said fine. But then Merek piped up, "Christian did not behave." Oh, that reminds me, yesterday in the car on the way home from school, the kids were being CRAZY in the car. I told them they had to behave or they wouldn't get their snack when we got home. Merek said, "Mom, I'm being haved." There's story from my dad's childhood about someone "hav-ing". It made me smile.

Bird had violin lesson this afternoon. I cannot wait until he is on a bigger violin. The little one he has now if the perfect size for him but I think a bigger one will have a better sound. He is doing well and his teacher gave him some Christmas songs to work on this week. LOVE having Christmas music playing in the house.

Miranda went over to a friend's to work on a school project and came home with straightened hair and a little twist pulled back for the concert. When did my little girl grow up?

I taught three piano lesssons today. Each at various stages in their piano development. I really enjoy teaching piano lessons and think that it is something that I will do even after my kids grow up and leave home. Mom and Dad, thank you for paying for my lessons for 13 years. And thank you to my piano teacher, Mrs. Wilfong. She put up with more than she should have from me.

Lina's 5th grade was selling poinsettias as a fundraiser. We picked up the two we ordered this afternoon. My mantle was looking a little bare and so I put one of them on top of it. But then I ended up moving it to the bookcase and putting another Christmas decoration on the mantle. The other plant is in the entry way on the shelf unit. They look pretty. This morning when I was walking on the treadmill at the Y, HGTV had a segment on decorating for Christmas. They said a mantle can never have too much. It is the centerpiece of the room. I want to do a little more with mine but not sure we'll have time this year. Maybe I'll plan something fun for next year and then hit the after-holiday sales on decorations :)

Thanks to Allie for recommending her Uncle Bruce's fudge recipe. I called my sister this morning and asked her for it. Not only did she email me the fudge recipe but also her cinnamon roll recipe. Lina wants cinnamon rolls for her birthday breakfast but I don't think I'll have time to make unless I get up at 3am. Um, no. So I bought Pillsbury Cinnabon Grands--hope they taste good (I won't know since I'm on my diet. Well, maybe I'll have a bite). Merek and I went to the store before he had preschool and bought the fudge and lasagna ingredients for the birthday meals. And hot dog buns--she wants peanut butter on a hot dog bun for lunch. ??  This afternoon I made the spice cupcakes for her classroom treat tomorrow. She frosted them with cream cheese frosting and put a gingerbread man cookie on top of each. She has crossing guard in the morning so hopefully no one swipes one while she is outside.

Krish has been working really hard on his piano recital songs. He has Ghost at Midnight memorized. Joy to the World is almost done. He just has two tricky spots. And he needs to hold his dotted half-notes for three full beats :)  He'll get it, though.

The sun was shining for awhile this morning. It lifted my mood. Amazing how that works. There is snow on the mountains. I wonder if we'll get some soon.

Looking forward to tomorrow and celebrating Lina's 11th birthday. Trying to focus on good memories for Friday as I remember Paige and the wonderful friend she was in my life. I do miss her, so much.