Tessa's Englishland Christmas Concert, December 20th

I spent nearly two months preparing for the Christmas concert with my kids. After trying a variety of songs, we decided on 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas', Frank Sinatra's 'Jingle Bells', 'Silent Night' with handbells, and then I had them all ask 'What is Christmas?' and they each gave a one word answer individually. Tessa was going to make them wear elf hats and shoes, but I kindly asked if they could just wear slacks and dresses. I should have known that my mothers would compare notes on clothing but was still shocked to see my little boys show up in matching tuxedos and the girls in matching dresses. They were unbelievably cute--way cuter than in elf hats. The 'Silent Night' handbells were the highlight of the Kangaroo Class performance. Even Philip, who stood mute and petrified through the rest of the songs, rang his bell to the delight of the crowd. They all did a great job.

My new keyboard

Well, it's not completely new. I think I got it in May. But it's been WONDERFUL in light of the fact that for the previous year and a half I had nothing. I've dusted off the Mozart and am slowly working the rust out of my joints. Of course I would prefer an actual acoustic piano, but it has weighted keys and a nice real-piano sound, and it takes up less space and cost less money than a piano. I don't have much to play for right now, but just playing for myself has been great and is something I needed back in my life.

String Quintet

The mother of my morning kinder Sarah is the first violinist in a string quintet, and Friday she brought the group to the school to do a mini-concert for the kids. It turned out to be mini indeed, as they only played two full length pieces, but what they did play was beautiful and very enjoyable.