Missionaries and Music

We love our missionaries and they are always such good sports.  

Elder Beazer was on FIRE with the gospel and we loved having him in our home.  They never let us keep our missionaries as long as we'd like and we were really sad to see him leave.  

The Elders came around Christmas and Elder Wassmer mentioned that he plays the guitar.  We had to let him show off a little and we were all impressed.

Then we asked Elder Leland what instrument he plays.  He couldn't think of one so we pulled out the flute and let him have a shot at it.  Turns out Elder Leland is actually quite good at the flute for a beginner - and it was highly entertaining to watch him try.

Thanks for being such great sports Elders.  We really love having the missionaries in our home - and I'm so thankful for their good example.  They always teach just the right lessons when they come and while they generally bring chaos in their wake (what is it with kids and company?)  they always handle it with class.  

And thankfully - I think we only have one kid left to train in the "arms length" rule.  This was a hard one for Darla and Leisl who are very touchy and will snuggle the vacuum salesman if given the chance.  It's been difficult for them to love the Elders without wanting to love on them, but they are learning!

Piano Time

I finally bit the bullet and started Darla on piano.  She's wanted to for a while but I have been dragging my feet.  It's so fun to see her excited face and the enthusiasm with which she approaches it for now.  I know it will pass, but right now she is gung-ho iguana and that helps me stay motivated with the others as well.  I'm so thankful my Mama taught me to play.

Finishing Strong!

This was a pretty big year for the big girl.  She started the year in homeschool which she quickly succeeded at and became exceedingly bored.  She then transitioned to her new school with grace uncommon for a 12 year old.  

She was nominated to the National Junior Honor Society for next year.

She actually competed in a school and then district speech competition (in front of actual PEOPLE!)

She was honored as a "high honor roll" recipient for her excellent grades.

She performed with her advanced orchestra group and the Honor Orchestra for the district.  Both concerts were excellent.  

What an impressive young lady we have!  And - she's even fun to be around.  An older man at church asked me, "is she really as nice and good as she seems?"  and I had to answer, "absolutely".  She is the real deal - how did we get so blessed?

District Honors Orchestra

Ksenya was chosen to participate in the district Honors Orchestra as one of only a handful of kids from her Middle School.  She worked really hard to learn all the music.  

Her favorite piece was from Phantom of the Opera.

I think she was the most beautiful violinist there and did a fantastic job! 

The cool guy is the drummer

My cool Kabe decided on percussion this year and really loves it.  He decided it was appropriate to wear his fedora with his suit for the concert.  The boy has natural rhythm and I was so proud of him.