Playing catch-up

Here are a few more things that have happened in May.

Maren got a big surprise on Wednesday at her band concert when she was awarded Outstanding Band Student of the year!  We were all very surprised and excited for her, and I was so glad I had invited my parents and James (who is still visiting) to come to the concert!  Unfortunately, since I had no idea it was happening I didn't have a camera.  Darn!  She also decided to form a quartet for festival, and they received a Superior rating.  I'm so glad she's having these experiences because I'm sure they will motivate her to stay in band.  She has signed up for it in high school and wants to stick with it.

I often wish I had made Devin and Chris continue with band in high school, but they weren't interested in being in Marching Band, and at that time you had to do both so it took up too many credits.  It's better now that they are on trimesters and have more credits for electives.  Chris took Drama this year (which totally surprised me!), and he has really liked it.  He's signed up for it again next year, and he wants to try out for a small part in a play or musical.  I can't wait to see him in a musical!  He has been working hard to learn to play the guitar, and he's planning on buying an electric guitar soon.  Now that, I can wait for.

Emma is going to play Violet in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in two weeks.  She's just about got her lines and songs learned and can't wait until the performances.  They have 7 or 8 shows, so she'll have lots of time to enjoy the limelight!  Today Emma and I are going on a train ride to learn about safety issues with trains.  The best part about it is that it is for work, so I get paid to have fun with my daughter!  I love my job!

Devin is in Tijuana now and seems to be doing well, although he needs any extra prayers you can send his way.  We got a letter from the mission president and it has a picture of Devin with his mission president and his wife.  I could instantly tell from the picture that they are wonderful people!  I hope they aren't responsible, however, for the awful haircut Devin got!  I know they need a nice, short haircut, but his is extreme!  Oh well, it'll grow back, I guess.  I've asked him to send some information about his companion and Tijuana, etc, so I can give everyone an update next time.

Life has been busy, but school is almost out and then things will slow down a little.....I hope.