Blogging vacation

Hello,

Sorry I didn't mention this before, but I was crazy enough to whisk the two princesses to Sunny Southern California (not so sunny today....hazy and ick) for a friend's wedding. We flew in to Orange County, then drove to my home town of Bakersfield on Tuesday. Yesterday we drove back down South to Riverside for a small visit with my Great Aunt and then continued South to Oceanside where we will remain until Monday. Mom and I have the wedding in Newport Beach tomorrow, but the girls don't have to travel with us (thank goodness). At first, I meant to inform you all I would be on a hiatus during this time but I honestly thought I would have time to post pics of the darlings exploring. HA! I also thought I would have time to eat, sleep, shower, etc...

We have had one crisis after another: everything from losing traveler's cheques to E breaking the LCD on my cell phone and losing all my important phone numbers. I will have to say that despite being completely thrown off schedule, the girls have been amazing. They were angels on the plane and have been great through 8 hours of car travel. Iz sleeps most of the time (in the car...unfortunately not at night) and E and I have come up with fun road games to play. The main problem has been with 2 babies in a non-baby proofed world. Who knew that they could pull everything out of a desk AND mark with crayons all over the wall while I took a 30 second potty break. I honestly don't know how single parents of multiples do it. God bless them...every one!

We will be back soon....and I will send pics your way.

Smile for the camera!

A few recent photographs of the girls....

So...what's up at Studio B?

Yeah yeah yeah. I know I don't post much. For anyone with complaints...I'll give you one hour with my kids (not during naps) and you will see that time is not my friend.

So, here is a summary of general stuff going on:

Sr. B-
B is always on the go. His business is also really starting to take off on the refurbishing/tuning side of things. As more people with harpsichords find out he is just a phone call away, the business keeps flooding in. Unfortunately for him, there isn't much on the building side of things. He finished building his first harpsichord and also a clavichord. Until he sells his first instrument, he can't get another kit to start, unless there is an interested buyer who knows what they want and puts down the cost of the kit. (Anyone know someone who needs a harpsichord?) :)

Here is his very first instrument. I have to say I am so proud of him; it really is beautiful work.

On top of getting the business going, B has been busy with concerts and teaching. Speaking of concerts, he has been invited with group to play in Bolivia (as in South America!) this April. I am a little freaked out (well, a lot) about him being gone for 12 days, but life goes on. He is mostly freaked out about the yellow fever vaccine he will have to get!

Also, as many of you have heard (and another reason for scanty posts) is B just got over a case of the flu with pneumonia. I have never seen anyone so sick in my life. From Friday to yesterday he mostly laid in bed moaning of body aches and coughing. He doesn't ever go to the Dr., but by Saturday evening was so bad he asked me to take him to the ER. They sent him home with a Z-pac and cough syrup with codeine. It wiped him out. I am hoping that nasty virus doesn't wipe the rest of us out! Thanks to those who offered prayers.

J-Soccer started a few weekends ago. The Titans have started off strong in both games, but eventually lost both. The competition has really picked up in this age bracket. J has had 4 assists and a goal so far this season. He is really getting good at playing forward. He is taller than most kids on the field, and can usually out run them. Go Titans!!!

E- Bedtime rituals have really changed in the last few weeks. We were saying goodnight to everyone, then rocking until she was drowsy and putting her in bed almost asleep. Now, she wants entertainment. E LOVES reading stories before bed. Her favorites are "Goodnight Moon" and something only B can read because it is in German (Mecki und seine freunde). She usually wants a few stories, then gets in her crib without being rocked. A sure sign she is growing up!

Iz- Still cruising around and getting into new places everyday. Se has started letting go from time to time while changing grabs. It's a scary thought to think she could be walking in as little as 6 weeks! (E and J both starting walking a 10 months). She loves playing with her sister so much. They sing together and dance. It seems as if they are starting a language of their own. Last night B gave them a bowl of goldfish and they went under the table and had a picnic on their own. It's starting to make things a bit easier since they play, although we have to watch E closely. She will tackle Iz trying to give her hugs and kisses. I don't think she realizes that she is bigger than her.

Me- Mostly taking care of my family. This week has been particularly hard with B being so ill. I am exhausted.

Last week I was asked to sing at a funeral and was paid for it. How fun to get paid for something you love doing anyway. On the singing subject, I have two big pieces next week I am offering for Holy Week/Easter. On Good Friday I am singing a very haunting piece for soprano and piano called "The Crucifixion" by S. Barber. This was a special request from my director. It's not something I would normally choose to sing, but I'm glad for it. It's pushing me beyond my comfort zone.

For the Easter Vigil I am singing a duet with a friend and B is playing continuo for us. I am really excited about making music with him! It's a special thing to do something we both love so much together. Singing has become a wonderful ministry for me. I am blessed to have a music staff and church that is willing to let me sing so much for them.

Well, that's about all for now folks....

Tiny Dancer #2

And we thought E was the dancer in the family...



(You might want to turn off the music on the player at the bottom of the page so you can hear.)

Oh Lord, help us all....

Look out world....here I come!

Spring has sprung...

or has it? Last week we noticed our tree in the backyard was budding. Yay! Spring is here we cheered.

Then on Monday night, it snowed. How nice we thought. It melted the next morning. J was bummed.

Then today, for the 2nd time this week....in MARCH folks....in TEXAS...we had this!












We won't know for sure if the kiddos will have school tomorrow. But boy they sure had fun today in an unusual winter wonderland. J and E both came in and had hot cocoa. I had never made hot cocoa in a sippy cup before, but it seemed to work. Iz wasn't thrilled at all about her first snow. A warm nap was much more fun. I think I have to agree with her. After being stuck getting groceries, then waiting in car line for J, and having to take groceries out during the icy/snowy downpour, I am really glad we don't live in the North. It sure is pretty, but yuck!

It's another boy!

Congratulations to Michelle (Dawn) and Eric Miles (J's Godparents)! Yesterday they welcomed baby David into the world. He came about a month early due to some concerns with mom's health, but all is now well with mom and baby.

David Edward Miles

March 5, 2008

6 lbs 8oz

18 3/4 inches

J made me take him after school and upon holding him for the first time smiled and said "Of course I like him, he's my Godbrother".

I had never heard that terminology before, but it was about the sweetest thing I have heard him say! I got a little teary since I know he has always wanted a brother. I don't have any pics of him with "Lil' Dave", as he calls him. Auntie Shell took some that I'm sure she will share when things calm down a little bit.

In th mean time....
here are some pics of her holding him for the first time.







.

Picture perfect, as always

And now for some pics of my only family member who will look at the camera. I take so many of her since she will always smile at me and pose, unlike the others who run away.

Proving my point...