Discovery in the Stable

I am always amazed by the talents of people.  

This past year (probably around spring or summer) some ladies at our church started looking at Christmas musicals for our children to do in December.  They did not find any that they really liked.  What were they to do??

Well, write their own, of course!

 

 Adam was privileged enough to be a part of this musical.

Adam got to be Joseph. When we got the call that he could choose Joseph (which had about 3 lines) or a Shepherd (which only had 1) Adam immediately said "Joseph!"  I worried.  It is not easy for Adam to memorize things (such as lines for a play.)

However, Adam got up there and did a fantastic job!!  

He spoke clearly and the one line that he did not have a microphone, he spoke loud enough to hear!

He even put emotion into his lines.  At one part a girl tells Joseph that she thinks that Joseph is the nicest guy in the whole world (because he could have left Mary, but he stayed and help to raise Jesus even though it was not his baby)  Joseph replies, "Oh Leah, God is like that.  So kind and forgiving.  Every time I remember what God has done for me it helps me to be kind and forgiving too."  The emotion he put into that line brings tears to my eyes!

He did memorize all of his lines.  I thought I may have to help him, but he did just fine all by himself. 

Even though this is not something that comes easy to Adam, he wanted to do it, and he was a GREAT Joseph.  I am very proud of him.

**Since I was helping with the play I did not get any pictures of my own.  I am so thankful that Matt's mother was willing to share her pictures with me.  Thanks Sue!

Eagle Singers Concert

I have mentioned before, but will mention again, Adam is in Eagle Singers at his Elementary School.  This past week they had a Christmas Concert. 

Adam is on the far right, middle row.

I truly love his music teacher.  She has SOOO much energy and makes the songs so much fun with movements, and singing songs in foreign languages.  This concert they sang a song in Swahili.  It was a great concert!

Funny story about this evening.  A paper had been sent home that said the children needed to wear their Eagle singers shirt with black pants.  I knew this was going to be a crazy evening, so I was going to pack his clothes so he could change at school (after the after school program).  I went to his closet and pulled out a pair of black pants and his Eagle singer shirt, put it in a bag and it was ready to go.  The evening of the program he put his clothes on and I was so embarrassed, the pants were about 3 inches to short!!  It had apparently been some time since he had worn them!  I tried to convince him to wear his pants low on his hips with a rubber band holding the button closed.  That was a definite NO!  I was slightly relieved when he was not in the front row! 

Lesson Learned:  Always check sizes of clothes, and have the child try them on, if the child will not be wearing the item immediately. 

However, I would not have this silly little story had I not just grabbed and guessed that it fit  :)  (there is always a silver lining--sometimes we just have to hunt for it.)

Trumpet

Austin is in 6th grade and going to a private school where Mike teaches.  

Several years ago, he tried piano.  He played for over a year.  Then decided to take a break.  Then he did 2 years of violin at his elementary school, but decided not to continue once he changed schools (to the Middle School).  Now he changed schools again, and they require 6th graders to play an instrument.  (In 7th and 8th they highly recommend that the student continues, but it is no long a requirement)  

The first part of this school year the students tried many different instruments to decided which they could like to continue with.  Austin chose the trumpet.

I never thought I could love the sound of any instrument as much as I love the violin.  But, I have to say, the sound of the trumpet is truly growing on me!

They had a Christmas musical at school.  The music was fantastic and Austin looked great up there with his trumpet.

However, I think he looks pretty great anytime (even as he holds his trumpet, having just showered  :) )

Austin is in 6th grade and going to a private school where Mike teaches, he plays the trumpet--and I hope he continues.

December 2

As Austin gets older there are fewer and fewer milestones that are hit.  However, on December 2nd he hit 2--sort of.

Austin has not wanted to swallow pills.  He has aged out of the chewable tablets, so I have been encouraging him to try.  He one time let his Tylenol dissolve in the water and drank the water. He tried several things to get the pain reliever, but not have to swallow the pill.  After many encouraging words, and a lot of thought put into, he got it done!!  WOO HOO!!  We now know that he can do it! 

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Austin is 12, yet I was surprised when he came to me the evening of December 2nd and said, "I need to shave." 

"WHAT?!?" 

He thought it was time.  Mike and I pretty much left that alone, thinking it would pass.  However, as I walked down the hall a few minutes later, I could hear Mikes electric razor. 

It wasn't long that Austin walked out looking pleased as a peacock, and smelling of after shave. 

Needed or not, he had his first shave.  :)