Well, to be honest, this is just an excuse to blog since I haven't done it for awhile. I thought I'd share about our Christmas.
We completed 11 Living Tree performances. Steve was actually absent at one (he was quite sick) and somebody filled in for him. I had the opportunity to play the PIANO (a Steinway Grand) for 5 of the songs during all 11 performances. That was quite exciting for me. I actually did what I'm trained to do.
After the performances, I had a few days to completely clean the house for our Praise Team/Praise Band Christmas party. It went very well (and giving parties is NOT what I do best, lol). We had a great time being with people we've become good friends with.
The next day, I was sick and then Steve was sick again (he never really got completely better). We had our Christmas Eve service which was packed (I got to play the piano again!! ) and then had a nice quiet Christmas at home, just the four of us.
The menu for our Christmas dinner? The boys asked for ham, mashed potatoes, corn (Ashton said "if it's not too much trouble" lol, a can of corn being trouble?) root beer, kool-aid, egg nog (Steve). Ashton wanted cherry pie, Steve wanted apple pie, and Zachary just wanted pie (of any kind) with whipped cream on top. That was a pretty easy dinner to put together and they were all very happy. It was missing vegetables, lol. Nobody asked for vegetables!! I did add some warm rolls to the menu.
Okay, I have a small confession. I like to play video games sometimes. The boys gave me the new Disney Princess game for the Nintendo DS. Steve and I have one that we share. I spent a good part of the day mastering it. I also received a clip-on lamp for my Baby Grand and a Book on Improvisation for Classically Trained pianists (should be titled "Improvisation for Dummies") I want to improve my hymn playing and be able to do a better job coming up with an accompaniment when just given a melody with a chord chart.
Steve was given a Silent brass pick-up mute (or something like that) which he wants so that he can feel comfortable practicing his trumpet in his office. I guess we're both wanting to work on our instrumental skills and get back into practice. He also received some headphones that do not allow other sounds in. I asked him (after trying to get his attention several times) if they are supposed to help tune out your wife's voice and he said they should advertise that they do!! lol.
The boys received video games, and video games, and more video games!! At least video games do not take up much space. Zachary also requested an Ocarina (sp?) like Link uses in the Zelda games. That one really cracks us up!! He is an instrument collector. In his collection is a toy accordian, an inexpensive beginner trumpet, a child-size drum-set (from a yard sale), a toy harmonica, a recorder, a toy guitar. Ashton used some Christmas money to get a better Ipod and is currently reading a library book on Hacking the Ipod. He LOVES computer-geek type manuals!! Just don't ask him to read a novel, lol.
Next week, Steve is going to Florida for his yearly Music Minister conference. The boys and I usually go with him, but plan to just stay here this year and try to get back into our school routine.
Hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas and that my excuse to blog isn't too boring. | 
