LLB made All District Band!!
She auditioned on Saturday.
We arrived at the venue later than we have in years past. She was the last trumpet - #37.
She hung around and waited for her audition time with her friends - they were a little ahead of her, but she laughed and enjoyed their company. I think they helped relax her. Once they went off to audition, she warmed up a little and then played Tetris on her Nintendo.
When she came out, I asked her how she thought she'd done.
She said that she had nailed the etude and most of the scales. She thought she did okay on the sightreading - she said she had a little bit of a rough start, but had it down by the end of the piece -- oh and she thought it might have been a Mozart piece.
She still didn't think she'd be one of the 12 chosen. After all, she is just a freshman...
She found out yesterday that she'd made it.
She told me she was jumping up and down in the hallway and that she dropped all of her stuff so she could hug the two trumpets that told her she'd made it. Those two boys will never be the same!!
She's either #9 or #11. Either way it's terrific!!
AND
She got second place for the Hero paper she wrote and narrated for an English competition.
She had a banner day.
AND
She had a run-in with her History teacher. It seems the teacher threw a notebook at a fellow student. She went toe to toe with the woman. You don't throw things at students -- ever. When LLB confronted her, the teacher told her that she could do whatever she wanted because the notebook was incomplete. LLB just looked at her - with "that look". The teacher came and found her later to apologize. I am sure the woman is afraid LLB will tell me what happened and that I'll turn her in. Too bad, Lady.. She did, and I will... later today.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
May the Force Be With You...
As it was with us...
R & I are definitely shoe-ins for the "Mother of the Year Award". We took the kids to see Star Wars in Concert last night - in Baltimore - as in Maryland - as in 2 hours from home.
The evening started off innocently enough - get the kids from swimming and head out.
We stopped at the drive thru for a quick bite, distributed the loot and began our drive.
Within moments we were stopped on the road because of an accident up ahead. I was a little freaked out because #1 was ahead of us - enough ahead of us to be mixed up in that mess we couldn't see. I called home. Mr. was out walking Zeb and told me that #1 had not yet arrived. We hung up. 15 minutes later I called back. #1 was walking in the door. Crisis averted. Blessing #1 of the evening. All was well and we were moving at a good clip.
As we hit Route 495, the backup started... we crept along at 10mph - I think I'm being generous with that speed. Our arrival time on the GPS was clicking up towards the starting time of the concert. We did not panic.
We are moms. We can handle anything!
We even had a small potty crisis, but we managed. We just kept going. At the 495/270 split, we were blessed with moving traffic - for a short few miles. Then we were back to stop and go. Once on 95N, things opened up. The traffic gods smiled upon us and we were cruisin'.
We were going to be later than expected, so I asked if I should call the band director and have him put our tix at Will Call. R said that would probably be a good idea. I dialed.
Hi, it's Ladybug. Do you think you could put our tix at will call?
I don't have your tix. I gave them to LLB and HP and told them to put them in a safe place.
LLB has the tix?
Umm.. yup.
From the back seat we heard two gasps.
OMG, Mom... I forgot the tix in my locker.
Yeah. Mine are there, too.
I said into the phone: She forgot them in her locker. Do you think they will help us?
Gee. I dunno. Good luck.
And he clicked off.
Around here, this is what we call an "awshit moment".
R and I sighed. The kids felt awful. LLB was very close to tears.
R and I discussed the sanity of handing tickets to 9th graders - especially when we'd both been at school in his presence at a meeting the night before.
I called back. He gave us the section, rows, and seat numbers and wished us luck.
We held our collective breaths, said a few prayers, and discussed with the children re-payment of the admission price should we have to purchase more tix. They could virtually see their money flying out of their piggy banks, but they didn't complain.
R's Mr. happened to call at this point, so he was filled in on our dilemma. He said something like, "You're going to have to talk your way in. You can do it!"(Hey, we're moms - we can do anything, right?")
At one point LLB said, "Well, this way we'll have the tickets for the scrapbook." We all giggled. She had a point...
We arrived in Baltimore - time was tight... very tight.
We parked in the Sheraton garage - they were close and cheap.
We walked over to the 1st Mariner Center. We headed for the Will Call counter.
I had my band jacket and band shirt on. (This certainly helps when you are claiming to be "with the band").
I explained our plight to the agent at the window.
He told me to hang on. He headed out back.
We told the children to cross their fingers and to start praying - hard!
The man came back. He started to fill out a pass and was called away. We tried to remain calm. He returned, and finished filling out the pass. He handed it through the window and told us to enjoy the show.
We thanked him profusely and heaved a huge sigh of relief.
Yet another blessing!
We headed to our seats in the nosebleed section. Up the stairs...
R had to use the facilities, so we stopped to wait just outside the section door. While we were there, I showed my pass to one of the 1st Mariner Center Staff. She told me she'd been looking for us, that we'd been relocated, handed me 4 tix, and told me the rest of the band was there.
R came out of the bathroom and I literally shoved a ticket in her face. Her eyes lit up. "How did this happen?" I quickly explained. I'm not sure she heard or understood a word I said, but the implication was that we had real tickets!
Yes, people - another blessing in less than 5 minutes!
We flew down the stairs to our much better seats.
There are 2 doors to each section. We walked in the door to the left - amazingly it was the correct door! Our seats were right on the end. We missed exactly 30 seconds of the show.
R texted her Mr. "we're in!"
The show was amazing - the music, the lights, the screen - everything! I thoroughly enjoyed watching the conductor. He conducted the symphony and the choir. Amazing!!
The ride home was blissfully uneventful.
We decided that this was definitely an adventure for the scrapbook... I just wish we had some pictures to go with it.
R & I are definitely shoe-ins for the "Mother of the Year Award". We took the kids to see Star Wars in Concert last night - in Baltimore - as in Maryland - as in 2 hours from home.
The evening started off innocently enough - get the kids from swimming and head out.
We stopped at the drive thru for a quick bite, distributed the loot and began our drive.
Within moments we were stopped on the road because of an accident up ahead. I was a little freaked out because #1 was ahead of us - enough ahead of us to be mixed up in that mess we couldn't see. I called home. Mr. was out walking Zeb and told me that #1 had not yet arrived. We hung up. 15 minutes later I called back. #1 was walking in the door. Crisis averted. Blessing #1 of the evening. All was well and we were moving at a good clip.
As we hit Route 495, the backup started... we crept along at 10mph - I think I'm being generous with that speed. Our arrival time on the GPS was clicking up towards the starting time of the concert. We did not panic.
We are moms. We can handle anything!
We even had a small potty crisis, but we managed. We just kept going. At the 495/270 split, we were blessed with moving traffic - for a short few miles. Then we were back to stop and go. Once on 95N, things opened up. The traffic gods smiled upon us and we were cruisin'.
We were going to be later than expected, so I asked if I should call the band director and have him put our tix at Will Call. R said that would probably be a good idea. I dialed.
Hi, it's Ladybug. Do you think you could put our tix at will call?
I don't have your tix. I gave them to LLB and HP and told them to put them in a safe place.
LLB has the tix?
Umm.. yup.
From the back seat we heard two gasps.
OMG, Mom... I forgot the tix in my locker.
Yeah. Mine are there, too.
I said into the phone: She forgot them in her locker. Do you think they will help us?
Gee. I dunno. Good luck.
And he clicked off.
Around here, this is what we call an "awshit moment".
R and I sighed. The kids felt awful. LLB was very close to tears.
R and I discussed the sanity of handing tickets to 9th graders - especially when we'd both been at school in his presence at a meeting the night before.
I called back. He gave us the section, rows, and seat numbers and wished us luck.
We held our collective breaths, said a few prayers, and discussed with the children re-payment of the admission price should we have to purchase more tix. They could virtually see their money flying out of their piggy banks, but they didn't complain.
R's Mr. happened to call at this point, so he was filled in on our dilemma. He said something like, "You're going to have to talk your way in. You can do it!"(Hey, we're moms - we can do anything, right?")
At one point LLB said, "Well, this way we'll have the tickets for the scrapbook." We all giggled. She had a point...
We arrived in Baltimore - time was tight... very tight.
We parked in the Sheraton garage - they were close and cheap.
We walked over to the 1st Mariner Center. We headed for the Will Call counter.
I had my band jacket and band shirt on. (This certainly helps when you are claiming to be "with the band").
I explained our plight to the agent at the window.
He told me to hang on. He headed out back.
We told the children to cross their fingers and to start praying - hard!
The man came back. He started to fill out a pass and was called away. We tried to remain calm. He returned, and finished filling out the pass. He handed it through the window and told us to enjoy the show.
We thanked him profusely and heaved a huge sigh of relief.
Yet another blessing!
We headed to our seats in the nosebleed section. Up the stairs...
R had to use the facilities, so we stopped to wait just outside the section door. While we were there, I showed my pass to one of the 1st Mariner Center Staff. She told me she'd been looking for us, that we'd been relocated, handed me 4 tix, and told me the rest of the band was there.
R came out of the bathroom and I literally shoved a ticket in her face. Her eyes lit up. "How did this happen?" I quickly explained. I'm not sure she heard or understood a word I said, but the implication was that we had real tickets!
Yes, people - another blessing in less than 5 minutes!
We flew down the stairs to our much better seats.
There are 2 doors to each section. We walked in the door to the left - amazingly it was the correct door! Our seats were right on the end. We missed exactly 30 seconds of the show.
R texted her Mr. "we're in!"
The show was amazing - the music, the lights, the screen - everything! I thoroughly enjoyed watching the conductor. He conducted the symphony and the choir. Amazing!!
The ride home was blissfully uneventful.
We decided that this was definitely an adventure for the scrapbook... I just wish we had some pictures to go with it.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Spirit??
We were on a band competition trip this past weekend. The kids marched better than they ever have. They played really well - the music was terrific! The kids came off the field proud of what they accomplished.
We stayed for the awards ceremony later that evening. Our two drum majors were on the field to receive the trophy. The kids got second place, but scored 5 points higher than last week - which is unbelievable!! They also got the award for best music! This is nothing to sneeze at. When they called our school's name, the kids went crazy - They hooted and hollered and cheered!
When the drum majors got back to the bus, they were upset and wouldn't smile. They wanted first place - who doesn't? They refused to smile for the picture. I can't submit two puss faces with a trophy to the paper. The Assistant Director gave them a quick pep talk, but by then, it was too late. They refused to bring the trophy onto the bus and handed it to the Color Guard Coach. Later, after they had changed, there were tears.
In my world, there is nothing wrong with 2nd place. Their Band Director brings them to these competitions for them to learn - not to walk away with first place. He really and truly doesn't care if they win or lose, but that they work as a team, have fun, and make music together. The bands are judged - scores are given based on someone's opinion. It's the luck of the draw really... So, today they liked someone else (one point better) - so be it. I was a bit disappointed in the DM's... If you aren't proud of what your team accomplished - no matter how you are judged - your priorities are messed up -- and you shouldn't be wearing that red plume.
I can honestly say that my DM was never ever disappointed in our efforts. We didn't compete, but we traveled with the football team and played the show every week for 10 weeks - some schools we played had bands 3 times the size of ours and could literally blow us off the field. He told us we were the best band even when we knew we weren't. He told us our music was beautiful even when we knew we'd messed up. He was our biggest cheerleader... and we believed every word he said.
They have one more competition in 2 weeks. I can't go to that one, as I'll be doing handbell stuff. I certainly hope the DM's pull it together and decide that, no matter how they place, the kids on the field have done their very best.
We stayed for the awards ceremony later that evening. Our two drum majors were on the field to receive the trophy. The kids got second place, but scored 5 points higher than last week - which is unbelievable!! They also got the award for best music! This is nothing to sneeze at. When they called our school's name, the kids went crazy - They hooted and hollered and cheered!
When the drum majors got back to the bus, they were upset and wouldn't smile. They wanted first place - who doesn't? They refused to smile for the picture. I can't submit two puss faces with a trophy to the paper. The Assistant Director gave them a quick pep talk, but by then, it was too late. They refused to bring the trophy onto the bus and handed it to the Color Guard Coach. Later, after they had changed, there were tears.
In my world, there is nothing wrong with 2nd place. Their Band Director brings them to these competitions for them to learn - not to walk away with first place. He really and truly doesn't care if they win or lose, but that they work as a team, have fun, and make music together. The bands are judged - scores are given based on someone's opinion. It's the luck of the draw really... So, today they liked someone else (one point better) - so be it. I was a bit disappointed in the DM's... If you aren't proud of what your team accomplished - no matter how you are judged - your priorities are messed up -- and you shouldn't be wearing that red plume.
I can honestly say that my DM was never ever disappointed in our efforts. We didn't compete, but we traveled with the football team and played the show every week for 10 weeks - some schools we played had bands 3 times the size of ours and could literally blow us off the field. He told us we were the best band even when we knew we weren't. He told us our music was beautiful even when we knew we'd messed up. He was our biggest cheerleader... and we believed every word he said.
They have one more competition in 2 weeks. I can't go to that one, as I'll be doing handbell stuff. I certainly hope the DM's pull it together and decide that, no matter how they place, the kids on the field have done their very best.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Music for Soldiers
LLB is part of the brass ensemble at school. She and that group went to play for some of the soldiers from Walter Reed at an event yesterday. The kids did a great job and the soldiers really appreciated their efforts. Some even came over and thanked them - which seemed a little bit backwards... you know?
When the kids were getting ready to go, they changed into appropriate outfits. LLB wore a lovely dress and a sweater. When she came out of the changing room, the boys were shocked. It seems they forgot that behind that trumpet, is a girl - a real girly girl. In their defense, she normally wears jeans or shorts to school. One of her trumpet-mates said, "Wow, LLB. You're a girl! You look great!"
I'll giggle about that one all day!
When the kids were getting ready to go, they changed into appropriate outfits. LLB wore a lovely dress and a sweater. When she came out of the changing room, the boys were shocked. It seems they forgot that behind that trumpet, is a girl - a real girly girl. In their defense, she normally wears jeans or shorts to school. One of her trumpet-mates said, "Wow, LLB. You're a girl! You look great!"
I'll giggle about that one all day!
Monday, September 14, 2009
1850's Sax Horn
LLB had the opportunity to play a reproduction 1850's Over The Shoulder Sax Horn yesterday.
It's not every day that these opportunities drop into our laps... We need to cherish each and every one. Let me tell you - she loved every minute of this!
Friday, September 04, 2009
Are you ready for some...
Marching Band?
Tonight is the second game. The kids worked very hard all week to perfect the show and add in the second movement. I can't even wait to see it. They sure do sound good - you can hear them all over campus when they are practicing.
I just wish that they would march in the daylight so that my pictures weren't so dark... (It's all about the pictures, you know.)
The kids like marching band because it's fun. But, really, it's all about what they are going to eat next. They go out for dinner before the game. They eat homemade goodies, chips, and fruit during the game. They go out for pancakes after the game. Do you see what I mean?
When I asked the kids about the quantity of food that enters their bellies on a Friday night, they said, "Mom... We are HUNGRY! We expend a lot of energy. Besides, it's fun!" They do have a point. We have a great time with all the parents - especially at pancake time. That's when we are off duty (even though it's almost midnight) and we can laugh - a lot!
So, tonight I'll pass out uniforms, fix hair, fill water bottles, set out goodies, and generally follow the kids around snapping pictures.
I wouldn't have it any other way!
Tonight is the second game. The kids worked very hard all week to perfect the show and add in the second movement. I can't even wait to see it. They sure do sound good - you can hear them all over campus when they are practicing.
I just wish that they would march in the daylight so that my pictures weren't so dark... (It's all about the pictures, you know.)
The kids like marching band because it's fun. But, really, it's all about what they are going to eat next. They go out for dinner before the game. They eat homemade goodies, chips, and fruit during the game. They go out for pancakes after the game. Do you see what I mean?
When I asked the kids about the quantity of food that enters their bellies on a Friday night, they said, "Mom... We are HUNGRY! We expend a lot of energy. Besides, it's fun!" They do have a point. We have a great time with all the parents - especially at pancake time. That's when we are off duty (even though it's almost midnight) and we can laugh - a lot!
So, tonight I'll pass out uniforms, fix hair, fill water bottles, set out goodies, and generally follow the kids around snapping pictures.
I wouldn't have it any other way!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Yippeee!!!
Ahem... excuse me.
I got a little overzealous there...
Today is the first day of school. I now have two high school students in my family. #1 left in his car this morning - all excited to be a junior with a parking spot and wheels to go in it. LLB took the bus. She is happy that her brother is driving, but is not ready to trust him completely - and I'm totally fine with that. She is content to ride the bus with her friends. As a matter of fact, when the bus pulled up, I could see 3 of her good friends through the windows. When she hopped on, one of them cheered and called her name. I'm sure that makes riding the bus even more palatable.
The kids have marching rehearsal after school, so I'll still have to run down there and pick her up - which is fine with me since I have a bunch of band shoes to pass out - you do know that I'm the Shoe Fairy... I fit and order shoes. Fortunately, that gig ends with the shoe delivery this afternoon. I, like my mother, don't DO feet.
Last week, Mr. Band Director requested all the student leaders show up on Friday to have a meeting, help clean up some stuff, and move some equipment to the storage trailer. I'd like you all to know that the ONLY kid who showed up was my #1.
I got a quick and very quiet phone call from #1 upon his arrival asking me what to do because there was a meeting going on in the band room. I told him that there should be a list of things to do on the wall. He whispered back that he did see it, thanked me for my help, and went off to complete the assignments.
When Mr. Director joined him, he asked if #1 had completed X, Y and Z. #1 said, "Yes."
Mr. Director looked right at him and said, "Oh, wow! Well, I guess I know who I can count on."
#1's response, "Yup. I guess you do."
(My thought when #1 told me the story - HA! Take that Mr. Director!! HA!)
It seems that Mr. Director went to do a couple of things that #1 had completed as well - without being asked. Mr. Director was very pleased and surprised that #1 had gone beyond the call of duty. (As he should be.) #1 said that every time Mr. Director went to do something that had already been completed, he said, "Oh - you did that TOO?! Wow! Thanks!"
When the Mr. Director asked him if he wanted to stay for lunch and have pizza - since that was part of the deal, #1 declined and told him to save it for another time when everyone could partake. He told him that he was going to go home to have lunch with LLB who was home alone. Yes, my friends, HE really is that sweet and SHE got out of shopping for toilet innards with me...
Mr. Director smiled, handed him a can of ice cold soda, and thanked him for his help. So - I guess Mr. Director has finally figured out that my #1 is as wonderful as the rest of the world claims.
It's about time!
I got a little overzealous there...
Today is the first day of school. I now have two high school students in my family. #1 left in his car this morning - all excited to be a junior with a parking spot and wheels to go in it. LLB took the bus. She is happy that her brother is driving, but is not ready to trust him completely - and I'm totally fine with that. She is content to ride the bus with her friends. As a matter of fact, when the bus pulled up, I could see 3 of her good friends through the windows. When she hopped on, one of them cheered and called her name. I'm sure that makes riding the bus even more palatable.
The kids have marching rehearsal after school, so I'll still have to run down there and pick her up - which is fine with me since I have a bunch of band shoes to pass out - you do know that I'm the Shoe Fairy... I fit and order shoes. Fortunately, that gig ends with the shoe delivery this afternoon. I, like my mother, don't DO feet.
Last week, Mr. Band Director requested all the student leaders show up on Friday to have a meeting, help clean up some stuff, and move some equipment to the storage trailer. I'd like you all to know that the ONLY kid who showed up was my #1.
I got a quick and very quiet phone call from #1 upon his arrival asking me what to do because there was a meeting going on in the band room. I told him that there should be a list of things to do on the wall. He whispered back that he did see it, thanked me for my help, and went off to complete the assignments.
When Mr. Director joined him, he asked if #1 had completed X, Y and Z. #1 said, "Yes."
Mr. Director looked right at him and said, "Oh, wow! Well, I guess I know who I can count on."
#1's response, "Yup. I guess you do."
(My thought when #1 told me the story - HA! Take that Mr. Director!! HA!)
It seems that Mr. Director went to do a couple of things that #1 had completed as well - without being asked. Mr. Director was very pleased and surprised that #1 had gone beyond the call of duty. (As he should be.) #1 said that every time Mr. Director went to do something that had already been completed, he said, "Oh - you did that TOO?! Wow! Thanks!"
When the Mr. Director asked him if he wanted to stay for lunch and have pizza - since that was part of the deal, #1 declined and told him to save it for another time when everyone could partake. He told him that he was going to go home to have lunch with LLB who was home alone. Yes, my friends, HE really is that sweet and SHE got out of shopping for toilet innards with me...
Mr. Director smiled, handed him a can of ice cold soda, and thanked him for his help. So - I guess Mr. Director has finally figured out that my #1 is as wonderful as the rest of the world claims.
It's about time!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Has it really been a week?
I can't believe it's been that long since I posted anything out here. I'm slacking!
Time sure does fly when I'm busy with the kids!
Last week it was band camp.
They were at school from 8am to 8pm. Fortunately, I didn't have to stay the whole time - but I did have my own uniform drama - which is almost over. I have a few more kids to fit and then I'm done!
The kids worked very hard all week - they marched, they played, they laughed, they even had time for some fun! They even learned the whole show!!! This is huge! They are way ahead of where they were last year and years past.
I took pictures - lots of pictures. It was my LLB's first high school band camp... And she LOVED it! She plays trumpet and is the only freshman as well as the only girl. Those trumpet boys really like her - she's tough, she can play, and the fact that she knows what she's doing makes an impression. This kid doesn't need to be babied, that's for sure!
The trumpets needed t-shirts. I made this one for them:
and purchased this one (after trips to 4 different Wallyworlds):
Kids who play trumpet have an attitude or an air... The shirts definitely accentuated that attitude!
#1 had a great week as well - but fortunately, the woodwinds have their act together and didn't need me to do their t-shirts... :-)
They have rehearsal tonight... If you need me, I'll be in the uniform room - buried under piles and piles of red and gray.
Time sure does fly when I'm busy with the kids!
Last week it was band camp.
They were at school from 8am to 8pm. Fortunately, I didn't have to stay the whole time - but I did have my own uniform drama - which is almost over. I have a few more kids to fit and then I'm done!
The kids worked very hard all week - they marched, they played, they laughed, they even had time for some fun! They even learned the whole show!!! This is huge! They are way ahead of where they were last year and years past.
I took pictures - lots of pictures. It was my LLB's first high school band camp... And she LOVED it! She plays trumpet and is the only freshman as well as the only girl. Those trumpet boys really like her - she's tough, she can play, and the fact that she knows what she's doing makes an impression. This kid doesn't need to be babied, that's for sure!
The trumpets needed t-shirts. I made this one for them:
and purchased this one (after trips to 4 different Wallyworlds):
Kids who play trumpet have an attitude or an air... The shirts definitely accentuated that attitude!#1 had a great week as well - but fortunately, the woodwinds have their act together and didn't need me to do their t-shirts... :-)
They have rehearsal tonight... If you need me, I'll be in the uniform room - buried under piles and piles of red and gray.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Pooped Out!
We are absolutely pooped out!
Last night we had a Drum and Bugle Corps Show that our high school band sponsors - it's one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. It's a huge amount of work, but fortunately, it's only for one night each year.
LLB's little drum and bugle corps performed for the first time last night - all 9 of them. They were small, but they were LOUD! They stood proud and blew their brains out. It was wicked cool. Right before they started I heard #1 cheering for his sister. (It seems some lady told him he was too loud and his response to her was, "Lady, I'm sorry, but that's my sister out there and I'll cheer for her as loud as I can." That's my boy!!)
Today we rest... after we upload the pictures.
Last night we had a Drum and Bugle Corps Show that our high school band sponsors - it's one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. It's a huge amount of work, but fortunately, it's only for one night each year.
LLB's little drum and bugle corps performed for the first time last night - all 9 of them. They were small, but they were LOUD! They stood proud and blew their brains out. It was wicked cool. Right before they started I heard #1 cheering for his sister. (It seems some lady told him he was too loud and his response to her was, "Lady, I'm sorry, but that's my sister out there and I'll cheer for her as loud as I can." That's my boy!!)
Today we rest... after we upload the pictures.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Quick Update
I have yet to hear from LLB's camp director, but I did speak with her counselor about the private lesson teacher. It seems that this teacher was nasty to more than one student and will not be back next year. Other parents resented paying $60 for an hour lesson and having their kids belittled. Considering there were only 4 trumpets - I'm thinking that there must have been 4 very unhappy parents to cause such a ruckus...
FYI: LLB is not a complainer 0r an excuse maker. Her brother - he's got that franchise. LLB can take her lumps and does from her regular private trumpet teacher. But if I'm paying $60 - $1 per minute - for a lesson, I expect the teacher to give a little. I also don't expect him to jump all over her and then give her a lecture on why he knows what tired is... That's a waste of my hard earned cash and her time. LLB went into those extra lessons ready to learn - she knew how expensive they were. You have to remember LLB had been playing for 5 to 6 hours a day for a week and a half. That's a lot of playing when you consider that during the school year she probably played an hour and a half at most per day and the time was chopped up - 40 min in school during the day and the rest at night.
I'm no helicopter parent - unless I feel that my children have been treated unfairly. Believe me... when my kid calls me upset because some teacher belittled her - I do get my knickers in a twist.
FYI: LLB is not a complainer 0r an excuse maker. Her brother - he's got that franchise. LLB can take her lumps and does from her regular private trumpet teacher. But if I'm paying $60 - $1 per minute - for a lesson, I expect the teacher to give a little. I also don't expect him to jump all over her and then give her a lecture on why he knows what tired is... That's a waste of my hard earned cash and her time. LLB went into those extra lessons ready to learn - she knew how expensive they were. You have to remember LLB had been playing for 5 to 6 hours a day for a week and a half. That's a lot of playing when you consider that during the school year she probably played an hour and a half at most per day and the time was chopped up - 40 min in school during the day and the rest at night.
I'm no helicopter parent - unless I feel that my children have been treated unfairly. Believe me... when my kid calls me upset because some teacher belittled her - I do get my knickers in a twist.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Decisions, Decisions
Well, I made the choice - I got the dark black/brown shelving unit for #1's room. It took us a while to get it put together and in place, but it is awesome! I can't wait for #1 to see it!
When Mr. got home last night, he went to check it out.
"WOW! He's going to love this! This is awesome!"
I knew I'd hit a home run because Mr. doesn't usually get overly excited about stuff like this. I usually get, "Oh, that's nice."
I have another issue which I'm handling, but I need to vent a little - heaven forbid I be accused of being a complainer on my own blog...
I got a call from LLB the other day. She is still at music camp. I took this picture last weekend as we left her. I think it really gives you a sense of who she is...
Anyway, She had a really rough lesson. She couldn't hit anything. She was having trouble with the easy stuff. She was havin' what you call "A BAD Day". She mentioned to the teacher that she "must be tired or something". The teacher flipped out. He said, "What, do you have an excuse for everything?" LLB was floored. She hadn't said anything before that. Then he said, "You don't have a right to be tired!"
Had I been there I would have said to this teacher, "Honey, it's summer camp. The child has been away from home for a week and a half. She's been up late. She's been honking her brains out for hours a day. Not to mention that the campus is built on a hill and her dorm is on the top, the cafeteria is in the middle and the classrooms are at the bottom. I get winded thinking about walking around that campus! That said, she's the youngest and only female trumpet there. She's been working hard to keep up since she got here. Obviously your knickers are in a twist over something that has nothing to do with my kid - untwist 'em and be nice."
Needless to say, I wrote to the camp director. I'm waiting to hear from her. I don't think any teacher should belittle a student - ever - but especially at summer camp - a camp for which I paid huge dollars - and at an extra lesson for which I paid through the nose. This is my kid he squawked at... And this mama isn't too happy about that...
Rant over...
There... I feel better. Thanks for listening.
When Mr. got home last night, he went to check it out.
"WOW! He's going to love this! This is awesome!"
I knew I'd hit a home run because Mr. doesn't usually get overly excited about stuff like this. I usually get, "Oh, that's nice."
I have another issue which I'm handling, but I need to vent a little - heaven forbid I be accused of being a complainer on my own blog...
I got a call from LLB the other day. She is still at music camp. I took this picture last weekend as we left her. I think it really gives you a sense of who she is...
Anyway, She had a really rough lesson. She couldn't hit anything. She was having trouble with the easy stuff. She was havin' what you call "A BAD Day". She mentioned to the teacher that she "must be tired or something". The teacher flipped out. He said, "What, do you have an excuse for everything?" LLB was floored. She hadn't said anything before that. Then he said, "You don't have a right to be tired!" Had I been there I would have said to this teacher, "Honey, it's summer camp. The child has been away from home for a week and a half. She's been up late. She's been honking her brains out for hours a day. Not to mention that the campus is built on a hill and her dorm is on the top, the cafeteria is in the middle and the classrooms are at the bottom. I get winded thinking about walking around that campus! That said, she's the youngest and only female trumpet there. She's been working hard to keep up since she got here. Obviously your knickers are in a twist over something that has nothing to do with my kid - untwist 'em and be nice."
Needless to say, I wrote to the camp director. I'm waiting to hear from her. I don't think any teacher should belittle a student - ever - but especially at summer camp - a camp for which I paid huge dollars - and at an extra lesson for which I paid through the nose. This is my kid he squawked at... And this mama isn't too happy about that...
Rant over...
There... I feel better. Thanks for listening.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Getting My Act Together
Well, we got LLB off to camp yesterday. She's at a music camp and will be playing her trumpet every day for hours on end. Let's hope they challenge her and that she gets a lot out of it (because it was very expensive and had better be worth Mr.'s hard earned cash.)
She is at a college in a dorm room. It is really quite lovely.
The room she shares with her piano student roomie is huge as far as dorms go. The bathroom is right next door and she has a sink in her room. Life is good! The food in the cafeteria is yummy - we had lunch there yesterday to make sure the poor child wasn't going to starve... Her favorite part of lunch - the Jello. It's the little things... (I guess I don't make Jello enough... I probably haven't made jello in 5 years.)
Anyway, her friend, B is with her - they couldn't be roommates because B is a boy and boys and girls cannot room together. They spent some time hanging out yesterday - I learned this from B's dad who got a phone call yesterday... unlike myself who got nothing. At least we'll have information from someone. :-)
I send #1 off to camp on Thursday. He is currently enjoying his status as "only child". He is packed - for the most part. His trunk is in the middle of my craft room with the top open to receive anything we might toss in. I'm sure he's going to want snacks and goodies - We'll shop for those tomorrow.
Yesterday evening after we dropped LLB, I spent an hour shoveling out her room while her brother took charge of the TV remote. I ended up with three bags of trash for the dump and three bags of clothes and shoes for DP. (LLB and I had tossed everything that didn't fit into a basket while we were packing her trunk - see, I'm getting smarter! We had also organized her drawers during the packing process... It has only taken me 4 years to get to this point, but... better late than never, right?) I have some shelf cleaning and organizing that has to be done before I can dust, vacuum, and be finished in there. Part of the shelf cleaning involves putting her American Girl dolls away. That's going to take me a while because I need to dress them in their original outfits and put them back in their boxes - yes, I've kept it all. As much as I don't want to see these beautiful dolls be put away, it's time... The big question - do I ebay them or hang on to them? I have a couple that aren't made anymore... I could probably get some serious cash for them... But, I really don't want to part with them. What would you do?
Today I'm spending the day with a friend. She wants to learn how to scrapbook. She wants to make albums of her children's lives for them for Christmas gifts. I'm so pleased that she asked me to help her with this very special project. I'm digging out all of my scrapbooking tools and papers for her to play with - we are going to have a really fun day!
Once we get #1 to camp on Thursday, I'll shovel out his room. It shouldn't take long because he tends to be a little neater. He needs a new bookcase, so I think an IKEA trip is in order. I've got a piece in mind, so all I have to do is make sure it will fit and go get it.
So, I'm getting my act together one day at a time... By the time I get it all together, they'll be home from camp and I'll have to start over!
She is at a college in a dorm room. It is really quite lovely.
The room she shares with her piano student roomie is huge as far as dorms go. The bathroom is right next door and she has a sink in her room. Life is good! The food in the cafeteria is yummy - we had lunch there yesterday to make sure the poor child wasn't going to starve... Her favorite part of lunch - the Jello. It's the little things... (I guess I don't make Jello enough... I probably haven't made jello in 5 years.)
Anyway, her friend, B is with her - they couldn't be roommates because B is a boy and boys and girls cannot room together. They spent some time hanging out yesterday - I learned this from B's dad who got a phone call yesterday... unlike myself who got nothing. At least we'll have information from someone. :-)
I send #1 off to camp on Thursday. He is currently enjoying his status as "only child". He is packed - for the most part. His trunk is in the middle of my craft room with the top open to receive anything we might toss in. I'm sure he's going to want snacks and goodies - We'll shop for those tomorrow.
Yesterday evening after we dropped LLB, I spent an hour shoveling out her room while her brother took charge of the TV remote. I ended up with three bags of trash for the dump and three bags of clothes and shoes for DP. (LLB and I had tossed everything that didn't fit into a basket while we were packing her trunk - see, I'm getting smarter! We had also organized her drawers during the packing process... It has only taken me 4 years to get to this point, but... better late than never, right?) I have some shelf cleaning and organizing that has to be done before I can dust, vacuum, and be finished in there. Part of the shelf cleaning involves putting her American Girl dolls away. That's going to take me a while because I need to dress them in their original outfits and put them back in their boxes - yes, I've kept it all. As much as I don't want to see these beautiful dolls be put away, it's time... The big question - do I ebay them or hang on to them? I have a couple that aren't made anymore... I could probably get some serious cash for them... But, I really don't want to part with them. What would you do?
Today I'm spending the day with a friend. She wants to learn how to scrapbook. She wants to make albums of her children's lives for them for Christmas gifts. I'm so pleased that she asked me to help her with this very special project. I'm digging out all of my scrapbooking tools and papers for her to play with - we are going to have a really fun day!
Once we get #1 to camp on Thursday, I'll shovel out his room. It shouldn't take long because he tends to be a little neater. He needs a new bookcase, so I think an IKEA trip is in order. I've got a piece in mind, so all I have to do is make sure it will fit and go get it.
So, I'm getting my act together one day at a time... By the time I get it all together, they'll be home from camp and I'll have to start over!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Most Outstanding
8th Grade Band Student...
For the 3rd year in a row the recipient was LLB.
Just like her brother.
FYI: Only two students have ever gotten Most Outstanding Band Student for 3 years in a row - both of them live in my house. :-)
LLB works very hard.
She got a plaque with her name on it. How cool is that?
LLB also walked away with 3 superlative awards chosen by her classmates: Biggest Workaholic, Most Talented, and Most Dedicated. She was so excited!
The 8th grade gave their band teacher a very special gift - a new Mollard baton with his name engraved on it. He was touched. It is definitely not something he'd ever purchase for himself. LLB presented it to him. She did a great job of it. After he opened the baton, she asked him for the old one. He gave it to her and she promptly passed it to HP. HP eventually gave it to the boy who won "Most Likely to Become a Band Teacher".
BUT, the best gift he got came from all of the students - a cart filled with root beer and birch beer - his favorite beverages. He was SOO excited - his eyes actually lit up!
For the 3rd year in a row the recipient was LLB.
Just like her brother.
FYI: Only two students have ever gotten Most Outstanding Band Student for 3 years in a row - both of them live in my house. :-)
LLB works very hard.
She got a plaque with her name on it. How cool is that?
LLB also walked away with 3 superlative awards chosen by her classmates: Biggest Workaholic, Most Talented, and Most Dedicated. She was so excited!
The 8th grade gave their band teacher a very special gift - a new Mollard baton with his name engraved on it. He was touched. It is definitely not something he'd ever purchase for himself. LLB presented it to him. She did a great job of it. After he opened the baton, she asked him for the old one. He gave it to her and she promptly passed it to HP. HP eventually gave it to the boy who won "Most Likely to Become a Band Teacher".
BUT, the best gift he got came from all of the students - a cart filled with root beer and birch beer - his favorite beverages. He was SOO excited - his eyes actually lit up!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Concert
Yesterday afternoon was my final school bell concert.
The kids did pretty well. The first song was ok, but the second - Siyahamba - was terrific! They did a great job!
I just have to do grades and then my summer can start.
Those grades will be done this morning - trust me!
The kids did pretty well. The first song was ok, but the second - Siyahamba - was terrific! They did a great job!
I just have to do grades and then my summer can start.
Those grades will be done this morning - trust me!
Friday, May 15, 2009
The wheels on the bus...
You all remember how we went to Hershey on the bus this past weekend. And, you remember how scary I said the bus ride was. Well, I did send an email to the bus company regarding our driver. I left out a TON of stuff and concentrated on the biggest safety issues.
This is what I sent:
(Names have been changed to protect the innocent and not so innocent.)
I have been on numerous trips through our school system with Bus Company and have never had a problem. The drivers have always been courteous and competent - until now.
I was on the School Band and Chorus trip to Hershey this past Saturday. Our driver was C. C ended up leading Bus 2 and Bus 3 - driven by Mr. G - as Bus 1 - driven by a woman whose name I didn't catch - had the chorus students and had to depart a good 10 minutes before the band. Their competition was in a different school at an earlier time.
C left the School with plenty of time to get us to the Middle School near Hershey where our competition was held. We were not in a rush. That said, he did not pay attention. He had to stop fast more than once. Kids went flying - a couple even fell off the seats. He tailgated cars. He almost hit a compact car and a telephone pole at
a stop sign. He had trouble with red lights. He went through one. He went through yellow lights - Bus 3, driven by Mr. G - who was excellent, I might add, stopped for the lights and waited. We had to pull off to the side of the road and wait for Mr. G's bus. I think it might have been better if C had paid attention. There was plenty
of time to stop for the lights. He just didn't realize they were yellow until we were right up on them. Can the man see?? Mr. G chastised C more than once, but it did no good. He still didn't pay attention.
On the way home, some parents sitting directly behind C told him that the lights were yellow. That helped a bit, but it's not their job to tell the driver what color the traffic lights are. In addition to telling him the color of the lights, one parent had to talk to him for the last 45 min. of the ride to keep him awake. This is simply scary!!!
We had some parents following the buses in cars. They told us that our driver must be incompetent. They watched his antics. They told us to be sure we buckled up and to say our prayers. That is scary, too!
We had a few other issues, but those are minor in comparison. The School paid a ton of money for those buses. Double what we paid last year. Our driver certainly did not give any of us a warm fuzzy, so the 3 hour ride each way was a very nervous time for all of us. This is not what we expect from your company.
Then, I got back a quick note:
Thank you so much for your comments, This is how we become better, and more
safety conscious.
This has been sent to our safety director, and will be looked into
IMMEDIATELY.
Again thank you for your time to bring this important info to our attention.
I thought that would be the end of it until this afternoon when I got a phone call that wasn't quite right. The phone rang and I picked it up.
Is this Ladybug Crossing?
Yes, can I help you?
Did you send a note to Bus Company?
Yes, why do you ask?
You were a bit harsh.
I was honest. Who is this?
This is Marty. I work for Bus Company. I'm just making sure that what you said was true. What did you say?
I can send you the email if you'd like.
Okay, just send it.
Give me your email address and I'll send it along.
You have it.
Fine. I'll send it along again.
I hung up. I KNEW that was the bus driver. He is obviously stupid and he thinks he is dealing with a stupid woman. Silly man...
I sent this out:
I was contacted by a Marty from Bus Company by telephone. He asked me to re-send this letter. He seems to think it may not be true. I certainly wouldn't send something that wasn't true. I resent the implication that I would lie. I can have another parent verify if need be.
Within an hour I had this:
I would like to apologize to you and The School for the driving conduct of our employee C. I would also like to thank you for bringing his driving behavior to our attention. We also wish to thank you for your praise of Mr. G's performance that same day. We cannot take appropriate measures without this type of verification and appreciate what you have done.
Mr. M, our Safety Director, has not called you today, nor does he refer to himself as Marty. Unfortunately, C, who received a copy of your email during his disciplinary hearing, has apparently contacted you today. We queried him since receiving your email at 2:43 PM and he has confessed to this action and it will not happen again.
Again, I want to apologize for our employee's behavior. In the twenty-five years that I have been in this industry, this is a first and I am embarrassed for all of us.
So... there you have it. I think he knows that I'm not stupid now, don't you?
I am impressed with the bus company but not that one driver. I can only hope that we don't use this bus company in the fall for marching band... But, if we do, and that driver is driving, I will be removing both children from the bus and following in my own car. No questions asked.
The wheels on the bus go round and round...
This is what I sent:
(Names have been changed to protect the innocent and not so innocent.)
I have been on numerous trips through our school system with Bus Company and have never had a problem. The drivers have always been courteous and competent - until now.
I was on the School Band and Chorus trip to Hershey this past Saturday. Our driver was C. C ended up leading Bus 2 and Bus 3 - driven by Mr. G - as Bus 1 - driven by a woman whose name I didn't catch - had the chorus students and had to depart a good 10 minutes before the band. Their competition was in a different school at an earlier time.
C left the School with plenty of time to get us to the Middle School near Hershey where our competition was held. We were not in a rush. That said, he did not pay attention. He had to stop fast more than once. Kids went flying - a couple even fell off the seats. He tailgated cars. He almost hit a compact car and a telephone pole at
a stop sign. He had trouble with red lights. He went through one. He went through yellow lights - Bus 3, driven by Mr. G - who was excellent, I might add, stopped for the lights and waited. We had to pull off to the side of the road and wait for Mr. G's bus. I think it might have been better if C had paid attention. There was plenty
of time to stop for the lights. He just didn't realize they were yellow until we were right up on them. Can the man see?? Mr. G chastised C more than once, but it did no good. He still didn't pay attention.
On the way home, some parents sitting directly behind C told him that the lights were yellow. That helped a bit, but it's not their job to tell the driver what color the traffic lights are. In addition to telling him the color of the lights, one parent had to talk to him for the last 45 min. of the ride to keep him awake. This is simply scary!!!
We had some parents following the buses in cars. They told us that our driver must be incompetent. They watched his antics. They told us to be sure we buckled up and to say our prayers. That is scary, too!
We had a few other issues, but those are minor in comparison. The School paid a ton of money for those buses. Double what we paid last year. Our driver certainly did not give any of us a warm fuzzy, so the 3 hour ride each way was a very nervous time for all of us. This is not what we expect from your company.
Then, I got back a quick note:
Thank you so much for your comments, This is how we become better, and more
safety conscious.
This has been sent to our safety director, and will be looked into
IMMEDIATELY.
Again thank you for your time to bring this important info to our attention.
I thought that would be the end of it until this afternoon when I got a phone call that wasn't quite right. The phone rang and I picked it up.
Is this Ladybug Crossing?
Yes, can I help you?
Did you send a note to Bus Company?
Yes, why do you ask?
You were a bit harsh.
I was honest. Who is this?
This is Marty. I work for Bus Company. I'm just making sure that what you said was true. What did you say?
I can send you the email if you'd like.
Okay, just send it.
Give me your email address and I'll send it along.
You have it.
Fine. I'll send it along again.
I hung up. I KNEW that was the bus driver. He is obviously stupid and he thinks he is dealing with a stupid woman. Silly man...
I sent this out:
I was contacted by a Marty from Bus Company by telephone. He asked me to re-send this letter. He seems to think it may not be true. I certainly wouldn't send something that wasn't true. I resent the implication that I would lie. I can have another parent verify if need be.
Within an hour I had this:
I would like to apologize to you and The School for the driving conduct of our employee C. I would also like to thank you for bringing his driving behavior to our attention. We also wish to thank you for your praise of Mr. G's performance that same day. We cannot take appropriate measures without this type of verification and appreciate what you have done.
Mr. M, our Safety Director, has not called you today, nor does he refer to himself as Marty. Unfortunately, C, who received a copy of your email during his disciplinary hearing, has apparently contacted you today. We queried him since receiving your email at 2:43 PM and he has confessed to this action and it will not happen again.
Again, I want to apologize for our employee's behavior. In the twenty-five years that I have been in this industry, this is a first and I am embarrassed for all of us.
So... there you have it. I think he knows that I'm not stupid now, don't you?
I am impressed with the bus company but not that one driver. I can only hope that we don't use this bus company in the fall for marching band... But, if we do, and that driver is driving, I will be removing both children from the bus and following in my own car. No questions asked.
The wheels on the bus go round and round...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday?
How did it get to be Tuesday?
Wow! I sure could use a couple more Sundays in there to recuperate!
The trip to Hershey was really fun!
LLB and Gram and I had a wonderful time. We rode some rides, saw some shows, walked about 10 miles, and generally enjoyed ourselves.
The only part of the trip that really took it's toll was the bus ride. It was 3 hours each way. The first hour we watched "Miss Calamity at the Car Wash" on TV. Little did we know that our bus driver was going to turn into Mr. Calamity.
Our driver was a moron.
He must have thought he was driving a subcompact instead of a huge charter bus. On the highway, he would practically ride up onto the guy in front of him before he would try to pass. Once we were off the highway, he was an absolute nightmare! He almost rear ended a car and hit a phone pole - all in one stop sign. He stopped short about a thousand times. He didn't pay attention and if the light was yellow, we had to tell him or he'd go through the red. It was a frightening trip to say the least. On the way home, I had to talk to him for the last half hour to keep him awake. THAT is scary. The man is driving a bus filled with kids. Our kids... And he looks like he might be nodding off. Yikes! It's a good thing I can yap about anything. He thanked me when we got back to school. I'm sorry, but that's just not good enough if you ask me.
I'm going to email the company today. I've ridden a lot of charter buses in the past year and not one of them had a driver like that. Besides, I certainly don't want to be on the road with that guy. I'd much rather be in the car wash with Miss Calamity, thankyouverymuch!
Wow! I sure could use a couple more Sundays in there to recuperate!
The trip to Hershey was really fun!
LLB and Gram and I had a wonderful time. We rode some rides, saw some shows, walked about 10 miles, and generally enjoyed ourselves.
The only part of the trip that really took it's toll was the bus ride. It was 3 hours each way. The first hour we watched "Miss Calamity at the Car Wash" on TV. Little did we know that our bus driver was going to turn into Mr. Calamity.
Our driver was a moron.
He must have thought he was driving a subcompact instead of a huge charter bus. On the highway, he would practically ride up onto the guy in front of him before he would try to pass. Once we were off the highway, he was an absolute nightmare! He almost rear ended a car and hit a phone pole - all in one stop sign. He stopped short about a thousand times. He didn't pay attention and if the light was yellow, we had to tell him or he'd go through the red. It was a frightening trip to say the least. On the way home, I had to talk to him for the last half hour to keep him awake. THAT is scary. The man is driving a bus filled with kids. Our kids... And he looks like he might be nodding off. Yikes! It's a good thing I can yap about anything. He thanked me when we got back to school. I'm sorry, but that's just not good enough if you ask me.
I'm going to email the company today. I've ridden a lot of charter buses in the past year and not one of them had a driver like that. Besides, I certainly don't want to be on the road with that guy. I'd much rather be in the car wash with Miss Calamity, thankyouverymuch!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
First Place!
The middle school band kids played 1 warm-up and 2 songs at their competition yesterday. They kicked serious butt!
I don't think they had ever played so well.
At the awards ceremony, the kids hard work, practice, and dedication was rewarded with First Place!
They were further rewarded with first place over all! 2 trophies!!!
A small public school in the middle of nowhere with an itty bitty budget can certainly do great things.
I don't think they had ever played so well.
At the awards ceremony, the kids hard work, practice, and dedication was rewarded with First Place!
They were further rewarded with first place over all! 2 trophies!!!
A small public school in the middle of nowhere with an itty bitty budget can certainly do great things.
Friday, May 08, 2009
mmm... Chocolate!
We are off to Hershey Park tomorrow!
LLB has her last middle school band competition. She and her classmates have practiced hard and are ready to score a first place trophy. Wish us luck!
We have to be at school at 4:30am. That, my friends, is down right EARLY!
Gram and I made 100 goody bags for the people riding the buses. They are currently packed in my car along with 4 cases of water. At least we won't starve!
The camera is charged and ready to go. I figure I'll take 300 pictures or so... Unless I decide to leave the camera on the bus and just have fun. :-) Nah! I can't do that. I need the pictures. It's all about the scrapbook.
The band shirts and jeans are hung for easy access in the dark. The socks have been tucked into the tennies. We are prepared! We can get up, throw our clothes and glasses on, grab a cup of tea, and run out the door.
LLB is very excited for this trip. She has already asked if she can go up and accept the trophy. She was first to ask, and therefore will be the one to fetch it. The shutter will be snapping - a LOT!!
So, if you need me tomorrow, you know where to find me... I'm the crazy person in burgundy.
LLB has her last middle school band competition. She and her classmates have practiced hard and are ready to score a first place trophy. Wish us luck!
We have to be at school at 4:30am. That, my friends, is down right EARLY!
Gram and I made 100 goody bags for the people riding the buses. They are currently packed in my car along with 4 cases of water. At least we won't starve!
The camera is charged and ready to go. I figure I'll take 300 pictures or so... Unless I decide to leave the camera on the bus and just have fun. :-) Nah! I can't do that. I need the pictures. It's all about the scrapbook.
The band shirts and jeans are hung for easy access in the dark. The socks have been tucked into the tennies. We are prepared! We can get up, throw our clothes and glasses on, grab a cup of tea, and run out the door.
LLB is very excited for this trip. She has already asked if she can go up and accept the trophy. She was first to ask, and therefore will be the one to fetch it. The shutter will be snapping - a LOT!!
So, if you need me tomorrow, you know where to find me... I'm the crazy person in burgundy.
Friday, March 27, 2009
I'm off...
Like a herd of turtles...
I hope to be in Richmond by noon. I'll be the one in the blue shirt at the registration desk... That narrowed it down for you, didn't it? LOL! I know, it's always a sea of blue shirts behind the registration desk.
I'll be back to see the kids play tomorrow...
I'll be baking tomorrow afternoon for Sunday's 8th grade band picnic...
So - if you need me - now you know where to find me.
I hope to be in Richmond by noon. I'll be the one in the blue shirt at the registration desk... That narrowed it down for you, didn't it? LOL! I know, it's always a sea of blue shirts behind the registration desk.
I'll be back to see the kids play tomorrow...
I'll be baking tomorrow afternoon for Sunday's 8th grade band picnic...
So - if you need me - now you know where to find me.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Drum and Bugle Corps
LLB has been invited to become a member of a new Drum and Bugle Corps - her first rehearsal is tomorrow. She will be playing for hours and she couldn't be happier - well, if she could actually breathe, then she might be a wee bit happier...The poor kid is so stuffed up that she decided to skip the Battle of the Books competition she was scheduled to be at today. You have to know that she felt simply awful if she decided to stay home in her bed instead of hanging out with all her friends (to answer questions about the books they all read - how nerdy is that?).
This afternoon we gave her trumpet a bath in preparation for tomorrow. (Trust me. It needed it!)
Her trumpet is clean and disinfected, her valves are oiled, and her slides are greased.
Now, if we can just get her sinuses to drain and her ears clear out...
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