SUPAF Success!

Both Taylor and Shaylie did an amazing job at their SUPAF recital yesterday. Shaylie was first and she played her piece perfectly. The judge was impressed with her playing-- "no mistakes" and "good rhythm." I was so proud of her because she practiced so hard during the past weeks and I think she really was pleased to see herself get better. She received the highest score you can get--a Superior rating (94/100). Here is the video of her performance: (You'll want to scroll to the bottom of my blog to pause the music before you start the video...)

Taylor also did an amazing job, as usual! She loves to play this piece and she did it just right. In fact, the only thing the judge wanted her to work on was picking up the tempo, which had to make me laugh out loud, because at home Taylor plays this song at almost light speed. She really has a natural talent for music, which the judge recognized. Taylor also got a Superior rating (96/100)! We are so proud of our darlings!!!

I have to give special Kudos to Melanie Hancock, their piano teacher. You can see her hair in the videos above. She really is amazing! She teaches the girls so much without losing her kind and patient manner....no small challenge with my kids sometimes! ;) It was fun to see her so happy for the girls. We love her so much!!

Pay It Forward Tag!

So, I got this from a friend. The first 3 people to leave a comment on this will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments who re-post this tag receive the gift. Let's see who looks at my blog!

Creative Projects #2 & #3

Here is my 2nd (and 3rd) project for the year. My friend Annette asked me if I could crochet a Baby Cocoon to use in her photo shoots. I looked for a good pattern and couldn't find one I liked, so I ended up making it up myself. My first one was blue and Annette already has it. This one turned out really cute too with the rosette decoration (which I did make from a pattern).

I can just imagine a baby all snuggled up in these cozy cocoons....and you wouldn't have to worry about the baby unwrapping, which is awesome! Once Annette has some pictures, I'll post the link. You'll definitely want to check them out.

I'm willing to make more if anyone is interested in purchasing them, either for their own babe or as a gift. Just let me know!!!

I'm just glad that I've been keeping up with my Creativity Goal for the year! Yay! I'm hoping to break out the paints for my next project...I'll keep you posted.

A Life Lesson

I got a little insight into the difference between a mom and a grandma today. I thought I'd share.

I happened to be in the bathroom at Walmart, inside the stall, when I heard a little boy come in with his grandma. I knew she was his grandma because he was talking a mile a minute, saying, "Grandma, we're in the bathroom." "Grandma, I know why you came in here with me...to watch me pee!" "Grandma, you can use mine." "Grandma, that is my soap, and my mirror, and my towels." "Grandma...." He had to be only 3 or 4 years old and all the while, Grandma didn't say a word, only a few chuckles and murmurs, until at the end of his escapades, she said, "Let's go" and they left.

Not 30 seconds later, I heard a mom come in with her little ones in tow. Her little boy is chattering too, but Mom says, "Come in here quickly." "You really better have to use the bathroom or you're in big trouble." "Oh no, where are your shoes?" "Why didn't you tell me?" "Don't touch that!" I heard them leave, presumably to look for the lost shoe and I came out into the sink area. She re-entered moments later, little girl in arms, lost shoe in hand and boy trailing behind. She looked at me in exasperation and I smiled at her with perfect understanding. As she headed back to the toilets, she said, mostly to herself, "What am I going to do when there are three of you?" I had to laugh out loud as I left the restroom!

My observations led me to two conclusions...1) either the kids wear us out so completely when they are young that we have no energy left to fight them when we're grandparents, or 2) we realized what treasures we had when our kids were young and have decided to enjoy it more thoroughly the second time around. The older I get the more I'm leaning to #2...

Here's to enjoying our kids, now and again.

It's Working Now!

Yay.

Broken Blog

Can you tell me if you can see the background and widgets on my blog? It won't load on my computer for some reason.

Let's Not Sugar Coat Things...Seriously!

I am attempting to do something that is very hard for me....and even as I write this, I can tell that I'm going into withdrawal...but I am committed. I am giving up SUGAR for two weeks!!! From now until Valentine's Day, I have challenged myself to go without any kind of cookie, candy, or processed sugar. I think Scott and Taylor are taking the challenge with me, although I think Taylor's already fallen off the wagon and Scott is a machine, so he doesn't offer me any commiseration. I'm going to have to find a crutch to get me through these first couple of days....pretzels, fruit, crackers...something munchy...then I think I'll be okay. I'll keep you posted on my progress and let you know if it makes me feel any better. I think it will. Wish me luck!