Christmas Event #4.

One day last April or so, while still in 3rd grade, #3 came running up to me so ridiculously excited I thought that maybe the publishers clearing house van was parked outside. That's how animated she was. And yes, she knows what it would mean to have the PCH van parked outside. Sadly, the van wasn't outside.

Her news, however, was just as incredible. Well, to her anyway. Her school has an amazing band. Now, I know that you may not always use the words "amazing" and "band" in the same sentence. But this little elementary school's band goes to competitions across the State, competes against Middle School and Junior High bands, and soundly beats them.

Mr. Band Teacher is Incredible. How he gets those little Firebirds to play music so well in such a short time will go down as one of life's greatest mysteries. Really.

Only 5th and 6th graders are allowed to be in the prestigious band. Or so I thought. Apparently, last April or so, Mr. Band Teacher decided to let in a couple of next year's 4th graders. And when I say a couple, I really mean a couple. He chose 3 as one of these lucky little future musicians based upon, and I quote from my personal conversation with him, "Her advanced behavior and social skills, and her ability to follow directions and be pleasant."

Now, if there is one thing to know about 3 it is this: She is a pleaser. She enjoys behaving and being good and following rules. Okay, I'm going to say that again, just in case you thought I accidentally just lost my mind. She ENJOYS behaving and being good and following rules.

It is unbelievable, yet true.

So, when Mr. Band Teacher told me that my 3 had won one of the couple of spots, I can honestly admit that I wasn't surprised.

3 has taken to the band wonderfully. She chose to play the clarinet, and boy does she play it. Christmas Event #4 was her very first proper concert. And it was fantastic!

I know the quality of these photos are poor, but they are posted for 3. She is so proud.

In the photo below, you can make out 3's name if you look close, second name under Clarinets.


I know you can't really see 3 in the first photo of the post, but I took the picture anyway. We got there late and had to stand in the back.

Funny story actually.

3's bedroom door in our new house has a sort of front door lock on it. You need a real key to open it, you can't break in with a bobby pin. 3 had locked herself out accidentally, and locked her clarinet in. We tried and tried to pick the lock, but finally had to resort to actually kicking the door open. Needless to say, we got there in the nick of time, when there was standing room only, and 3 will be getting a new door.

With no lock.

Here are a couple of other people who arrived late. Joban was also performing this night.

He plays the french horn.

4 and her little cousin Mcky. They are seriously attached. Seriously.

It was a wonderful concert.

I don't know why it is me who gets to raise this beautiful, talented, kind, loving, compassionate, gracious girl. I don't know why it's me, but oh my goodness how grateful I am that it's me.