An All Stater at TMEA!

My first week of school at my new Junior High at Mineral Wells in 2008, I had 56 7th grade ladies in my Non Varsity Treble Choir.  I kept hearing a distinctive voice coming from the soprano section.  One that is usually not heard from a 7th grader.  I finally asked who's voice is it that I hear that is so beautiful and loud?  All the 7th graders turned around and pointed to Gabriella aka Gabby.  I turned to my assistant and said "There is our All Stater!"  I worked with Gabby five years, giving her support not only through coaching her, mentally preparing her and yes!, giving her spiritual support.  She is an incredible gifted young lady that loves the Lord.  She is never afraid to make the right decision even if it isn't the popular decision. She not only made All region twice in Junior High but went through the process in High School and even went to state in Solo and Ensemble every year.  One year she was awarded one of the top performers at State Solo and Ensemble.

Now fast forward to the Summer of 2013.  I was on the choir trip in New York City.  Alan had just interviewed for the Girls AD position at Kenedy.  I was in Time Square at the M&M Store when Alan called to tell me what the salary was and that he had been offered the job.  I remember thinking that I did not want to leave my church and certainly did not want to leave Gabby her Senior year.  Somehow I knew this was a job Alan could not pass up.

Even though we made the move, Gabby's mother kept me updated throughout the fall on her All State process.  So even being in South Texas, I still cheered her on, and prayed for her.  The final day came and I was on my way to Weatherford for a doctors appointment when Gabby's Mother texted me with the news that she had made the All State Mixed Choir and was third chair.  Of course that is a dream choir directors wish for and only a few can say they have had a student in the All State Choir.  A little bit later Gabby called to tell me thank you for all I had done for her throughout the years.  That is a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime.

When I arrived here on Wednesday, some circumstances happened that allowed me to step in to be her "Director" for a time.  I took her to lunch on Thursday and asked what her plans were for next year.  She told me that she is going to Howard Payne University to become a music minister.  I almost fell over...........I had seen that in her for a long time and to see her choose ministry over a performing career like so many others have tried to talk her into, was another proud moment for me.  I am so proud of Gabby.

I was able to secure three other tickets so that my family could come and be a part of this concert.  They all know Gabby and Anna especially adores Gabby.  Anna and Gabby have a lot of the same "silly" expressions.  So Anna frequently reminds me of Gabby.

As much as I HATE to cry in front of people, my emotions during the singing of the National Anthem and hearing Gabby hit that High C and the first song brought tears of joy to my eyes (Of course, Alan is giggling at me for it). Thinking of her as a seventh grader and arriving at that moment is a proud moments in my teaching career.

 

January Fun

School is in full swing again.  Alan's Basketball team has won two district games and these are the first district wins in about five years for the ladies basketball team.

Wednesday was my birthday and Anna made a cheesecake for me and we went out to dinner at a local restaurant.  Friday we had an ice storm but we were the only school in our area that did not close or have a delay.  Then on Saturday we headed south to Corpus Christi to really celebrate my birthday.  No more ice and it was a beautiful day. 

We were going to go to the original Whataburger for lunch but the kids wanted to go to the two story Whataburger by the bay.  After lunch we drove down the coastal highway and Alan took me shopping to buy my birthday present.  He bought a Brighton necklace and matching bracelet and it is beautiful.  After that, we headed back toward a playground on the beach and enjoyed the water and some play time. 

We all decided that we should go check out the USS Lexington.  Andrew loved that!!!! He wants to design airplanes one day.  He could have stayed there all day and been happy.  He is already talking about going back to see it again.

We then had dinner on the water at Pier 99 and had some delicious seafood.  It was time to head home.  What a fun birthday celebration with my family.

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

For Christmas we went to Midland to visit Alan's family.  Alan's family loves to hunt.  I am not a big advocate of guns at all.  My father-in-law has an official Red Ryder Carbine Action two hundred shot range model air rifle (BB Gun).  Yes just like the movie, The Christmas Story.  I had to laugh and both Andrew and Anna did really well shooting the target.  I even gave it a couple of tries.  Shocker!  I know.....

Andrew and Lego's

 

Andrew enjoys building with Legos and has for several years.  I believe he could build a little city with all the sets he has.  He asked for certain types for Christmas.  His creator house took him about five hours to complete.  His police station took him about an hour to complete.  I certainly do not have the patience to sit that long and build something.  It is one of the big reasons I could never get into knitting or crocheting.  He finds such joy in building and figuring out problems.  I am looking forward to seeing what God's plans for him are.

2013

It seems every year comes and goes faster and faster.  2013 brought our family to some new adventures.  I asked each member of our house for their favorite memory.

Andrew:  LTC, going to Austin with WCS, getting to see Wicked, Camping with Nana and Papa, winning in the Art show, going back to WCS Homecoming to see my friends, going to Oak Hills Church to hear Max Lucado preach.

Anna:  Winning the Art show both at school and district, Meeting Peter Pan (Cathy Rigby) getting to go to the American Girl Doll Store with my Mom, going camping,  going to see Wicked, going to the beach and going back to WCS homecoming to see my friends.

Alan:  Camping, Branson, Getting the Girls AD job.

Abigail: Getting the privilege to sing with the Praise Team at Oak Ridge almost every week, Meeting La Donna Gatlin, Cathy Rigby and Barry Williams. Getting to take my kids to see Wicked, going to New York City again, getting to go to Branson for free!, going to the beach, going to Fredericksburg with my friends.

Hmmm, not one of us said moving was our favorite memory. Ha! Ha!

I know 2014 will bring a whole new set of adventures and memories.  May God bless you and your family in 2014.

Christmas Around the World

Andrew and Anna are my students at school in music.  This is the first time other than bible class that I have taught both my children in a classroom setting.  On December 19, we had our Christmas program at school.  I did a play that I wrote the year Anna was born for another school program.  For everyone to be able to fit on stage and be a part of the program, we had the same play performed twice with different grade levels.  Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd (Anna's grade) performed in the morning and 3rd, 4th and 5th (Andrew's grade) performed in the afternoon.  Both of my kids were in the first and last scene.  Anna was kid one and Andrew was Kid 5 and he got to throw a football and run on stage.  It is funny how I wrote this play with no knowledge or even a thought that one day my own children would be in that very play.

Now anyone that knows me on the professional level, knows how meticulous I am when it comes to the final product.  For several weeks, I felt this was not going well and it just was not up to my standards.  I was quite frustrated and just wanted it to be over.  At the same time I could not let Andrew and Anna know my frustrations for they were doing their part really well for two shy kids. 

The day came and went.  Many of the teachers said it was the best they have ever seen.  My principal told me for the first time Facebook blew up with positive comments over how well behaved and how well the kids sounded.  Wow!  All of the stop and start over until it is done right did pay off after all.

Now speaking from a Mom's point of view.........I was proud of Anna and Andrew.  Anna spoke loudly and did her part as if she was really having a conversation with Uncle Bob and her cousins.  Andrew spoke clearly and loudly on his part and he made it through the whole play without coughing! Yes!!!!

Plans next?  The next few weeks will be some of favorite lessons about composers.  I actually dig deep and bring these composers to life so my students get to know them and appreciate their music.  I do different projects with them.  My favorite is "Who Murdered Mozart?"  This is a lesson that I have written and developed almost 20 years ago and it never gets old.

Special Agent Advent Angel

We have a new visitor in our house this Advent season.  The kids found a package at the front door yesterday and they found an angel in a box with her reason for being there and what she has planned for them.  She has a verse that we are to read and a activity.  I took it a step further and added a special assignment for the Andrew and Anna to complete during the day.  It could be something like paying a compliment to someone to helping someone in need out.

While I think the Elf on the Shelf is cute, I really wanted something that focused on the reason we celebrate this season and to give of ourselves everyday.  Andrew and Anna have enjoyed this new addition to the Advent season.