I need a vacation in three parts

Today is the first day of our winter vacation from school. So I thought it fitting to post Callie's school musical today. It was titled "I Need A Vacation!" The show was about a week ago brought on by the entire third grade. Callie tried out and got a part in the show. She was "Fisherman Annie". I have posted some pics and two videos from the show. She did a great job and was very excited about it. Mrs. Clark, the music teacher, always amazes me with what she can get these kids to do. She really brings out all the talent in these kiddos. Every show is amazing and very entertaining!!

Fisherman Fred and Fisherwoman AnnieHere is Callie with her teacher, Mrs. Merva, and two of her classmates. Mrs. Merva had a part in the show as well.
Callie loves her teacher. I was a bit shocked when I found out that Mrs. Merva was born the year after I graduated from high school. Sure does make me feel old. She is great though and we all love her. Scroll down to see two videos of Callie in the show.

I need a vacation....still

I need a vacation - Callie's school show

Emily's first band concert

Tonight was Emily's first band concert. Wow.....was I impressed!! All these kids just started playing their instruments this past fall and they all came together as a band tonight. When I was in fifth grade and just started playing the flute we could have never pulled this off. Ms. Saranita, the band teacher, meets with these kids (the ones that want to) every Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school for about 30 minutes. Then she does group lessons with each child once a week. She is amazing!! Emily has worked so hard on practicing her flute and was so excited for this concert. She tried out to do a solo and did a fabulous job!!

When Em got home today from school she got right on her homework and then practiced a bit. We then ate dinner and she got ready to go. I straightened her hair (her request) and we were doing well with our time. Then the meltdown came. Right before we are to leave she decides she doesn't like her white shirt. Now we went out special to buy this shirt and she tried it on several times after we bought it. (Did I mention SHE picked it out?) I explained to her that she had to wear it and that was it. No other options at this point in time. She cried but in the end pulled it together. I asked her when we got home if anyone said anything about her shirt. Apparently, several people told her they really LIKED her shirt. Just another day in the life a preteen. So I have posted a couple pictures and two videos of Emily's solo. I have it in two parts b/c when I started it I forgot to zoom in so I stopped and started again. I thought I lost the videos once I uploaded to my computer and had deleted it on my camera but my wonderful husband found it for me!!!

Emily and Ashley
Emily and Rebecca
Scroll down for the videos of Emily's solo!

Emily's solo part one

Emily's solo part two

Old pics of Callie with lipstick

I just came across these photos today as I was looking for some old pics. Afterwards, I checked Andrea's blog and there were similar photos of her youngest daughter. How funny! So I had to post these for Andrea to see. I think Callie was about three years old here. It was so nice to see someone else take a picture of their child like this. I also have pics when Callie got into the diaper rash ointment. She put it all over herself, her bed and Jay Jay the Jet Plane. I don't think Jay Jay ever recovered. It was so hard to clean off. But....I did take pictures!! Callie was the one to always get into stuff like that. She was the one that drew on my walls. When I told my mom what she was doing she said, "Oh she is an artist and the world in her canvass." Hmmm....but her canvass was my walls. Thank goodness for the crayola website that lists how to clean off any of their products off any surface!! I would have never survived Callie as a toddler!! She is one great kid and always keeps us laughing.

I love her!!