Sing For Joy

Experience

The girls both placed second in their individual events last week.  Needless to say, it was a fanstastic experience to grow on for both of them.  Gracie was so nervous she was shaking during the warm ups in a private room with only me.  I remembered the day of my sweet Granny's funeral when I was also going to be playing in a piano/organ duet.  I was SO sad and also nervous about playing.  My cousin's husband recognized that and kept saying things to me to make me laugh.  It worked because I was so calm when I played that day.  I tried that with Gracie, suggesting I play the saxophone and she play the piano instead.  There were other things I can't remember now, but she told me by the time she was on stage, she was much less nervous.  I was so proud of how they both did.  Their entire band did place first and they will be playing in the State Level Competition this Friday in Richmond.  Gracie was recently moved to this band and I'm so glad they can experience this together. 

Does this thing still work?

Hopefully it does.  And hopefully I'll have something interesting to say.  I'm hoping to write here on a regular basis again-yes, I've written that before.  We'll see how it goes this time.

For now, an update.  We're still in Chesapeake, VA and waiting for a confirmation in the coming weeks that we won't have to move again this summer because of many changes taking place at Joe's current place of employment.   We're all hoping to stay here a little longer, at least.  The girls are thriving in their school and we don't really want to go through selling a house right now.

The girls' school is a small, Christian school and part of an association where the schools compete against each other in different categories each year.  The regional competitions are happening now and the girls both competed in band and choir.  Ellie competed in a clarinet/flute duet and Gracie competed in a woodwind solo on her saxophone.  I was able to accompany her on the piano.  Ellie is also competing in ORAL Interpretation of Scripture!  No kidding!  Ellie!   She memorized the first chapter of Ruth.  We'll get the results soon and those who place first in their categories in 7th-12th grades will compete at the state level later this month.  Gracie will not go to the State Level, but this has definitely been a wonderful learning experience for her, as well as good preparation for next year. 

 

We also have a new family member.  His name is Winston and we got him when he was 7 weeks old.  Now he's a little over 6 months and we couldn't be happier to have him.  I had no idea how happy I would be to have a pet again!