music

Alexis and her high school orchestra have been very busy rehearsing for the State Orchestra festival next month. She's been attending after school rehearsals and practices at home as well. She wants this to be a perfect event for her and her class. The other day, families and friends of the students were treated to "Days of Strings". It was like a mini-concert prepared specially for us. The school district invited musical guests as well, to help inspire the young kids. They call their group "String Cheese", two siblings who grew up playing musical instruments and are so good at their craft. We were at awe watching them as music flowed through their Vox amplifier beautifully. The sound was crisp, haunting to an extent. It was a wonderful evening, a real treat to us. We can't wait to see what they've prepared for the State festival. Will keep you all posted.

Bundle of Joy

My sister-in-law gave birth to a beautiful baby boy the other day. They named him Jonah, and though I haven't seen him personally, I can tell he's such a cutie patootie!! I'm glad social networking sites allow us to see pictures and share the joy over baby Jonah's arrival online. Hubs and I bought a Gourmet Gift Basket to give the new parents when we visit this weekend. Can't wait to see him! His sisters are both so excited to have him around. And from what I've heard, he's such a good baby. Congratulations again, James and Amy! See you this weekend!!!

Searching

We've been searching for outdoor cushions to replace the old ones but we can't quite find the ones that will fit our budget. Can't believe the cushions cost more than the actual chairs they belong to. Unbelievable! I have suggested to hubs that we should just buy a new set of chairs altogether but he doesn't really want to throw the old ones specially since they're in perfect working order. He's not wasteful, and I applaud that, but if it'll cost us more to get the cushions, we might as well get rid of the chairs! What do you think???

Happy

Finally, the family was able to spend quality time this weekend. Saturday was shut because I had to work plus the weather wasn't cooperating. Hubs and I talked about going to the fresh market in Cleveland today but I thought the kids would be bored to death. I suggested going to Levis Commons in Perrysburg for lunch and a movie afterwards. Nagoya, a favorite Japanese restaurant was our choice for grubs and The Three Stooges was the movie pick. Lunch was filling as usual and we had time to kill, so we decided to take a walk to Books-A-Million where Steven found a xbox 360 controller on sale. Alexis found some books she had been wanting to read. After the bookstore, we went to the Yogurt shop and had free samples before making our own concoction. The movie was OK, not as funny as I remember.

It was indeed a beautiful weekend for us. Tomorrow the kids go back to school and I go back to the grind. Sigh.

Music

Alexis and her orchestra class are hard at work. After getting 1st division ratings at the recently concluded yearly Orchestra festival, they are moving on forward the State festival. This coming May, they are going to Washington DC to perform and also to do tours at the White House and the Capitol. I am so happy at the opportunities that are coming her way. I am glad that I encouraged her to stick with playing the violin. She has learned to value team spirit and also to work hard and push herself towards excellence.

I can still remember the day I took her to the music store in our local area. She couldn't decide between the parker guitars and the violin. She played guitar in 3rd grade and it helped a lot in her violin. I guess without the discipline instilled at an early age, she wouldn't be the violinist that she is today.