First Communion!

Dylan took first communion today.

He has been asking for about 6 months when he would get to take communion. And our new church does first communion in October.

He could hardly sit still in church and couldn't stop grinning as he knelt to be served.

He asked me if this meant he was a "big kid" in church. I love when my kids are excited about communion.

The other best part of this day, sharing it with a best buddy.

Dylan and Cade got to experience this milestone together and had lots of fun getting in trouble (only a little bit) during their classes.

My excited boy.

Happy Birthday Alex!

Well I did it again, it's been an eternity, but I wanted to get down some stuff for Alex's birthday!

I am now the proud mom of a 10 year old. How did that happen? Alex has changed so much in the last year. He's grown at least 3 inches. And he's so much more mature.

I thought I'd show some pictures of his favorite things. First, is the summer music camp. This year he had a bigger part and a solo. He did fabulous!

This summer on vacation he got to go for a sailboat ride. And then last week when he was out in OH with mom and dad he was able to take a week long sailing class. He loved learning to sail and on Friday for his test he went out with the instructor, who let him sail the boat on his own.

I even managed to get a picture of him out on the boat.

All the boys got to drive grandpas boat, with a little help. Are you sensing a theme here. Alex's favorite place is out in a boat.

He also loves hanging over the side of the boat and getting wet in the spray. This is the only time we see this amazing look of joy on his face.

Alex also performed in the fun with music program. He loved getting to play the chimes and sing.

And of course he loves to talk to his new baby cousin Lanie.

All in all, I think we have a water loving musician in the family. Boy is he growing up fast.

Happy birthday sweet boy!

Job news

Well, I'm out. And so is my wonderful K. She was told today that they had decided not to accept her application and therefore she will only be working with the band. And that means I'm out. They are looking for a full time director of music and organist. The kicker is the person leading the charge in this is the one trying to tell us that it's not you, but.... "The new person will revitalize the music ministry of the church. because obviously we haven't been doing a good enough job. Just because we've tried 6 ways from Sunday to recruit new people and haven't gotten anyone, that must mean that we're not doing a good enough job. " All I can say is what a load of crap. Can you tell I've moved from tearful to angry. This just stinks. If only the church weren't such a good fit for the boys I'd be out of there! I still might be. Well I'd better quit before I start saying things I'll regret. I have to say Mark has been stewing all day. Those of you who know him know that he doesn't get angry about much. He's as steady as it gets, but this has him very angry. It's been on his mind all day and he just can't let it go. Not so much for my sake, but just how stupid it all is financially for the church. A church that is struggling financially has no business making decisions that will hurt the church and possibly the bottom line of the church. He wants to give M a piece of his mind about it all, but can't because of my involvement. Yikes!

Hoops Night 2011

what a great night Friday was! It was Hoops night again. This year both boys participated in the dribblers routine and were able to get more actively involved in the night. Alex getting his shirt signed by a friend.

Shooting hoops before the game started.

Ball Handlers. The big kids did a great job with their routine.

Alex's teacher and his new baby girl.

During half time, the teachers played survivor in 4 teams. The games included leap frog.

Teacher bowling,

And I'm not sure what this game was about, but it involved pie......

Hmmm! Too bad I missed it.

All in all a great time was had by all.

Me, I missed most of it, but I was in charge of the basket raffle again with 2 friends and so I was busy, but it was for a great cause. We raised a lot of money for the school. Always a great thing.

Mark took most of the pictures. We had to break down and get a new camera, the old one wouldn't hold a charge anymore. He loves playing with it, and it takes pretty good video so expect some videos of the night as well.

Bad news

I'm sitting here writing this knowing that at least for now I won't share any of this, but if I don't get it out I might never sleep tonight. My heart is breaking. I feel like I've lost a huge part of who I am.



I got fired tonight! There I said it, that's not the whole story, but that's the gist of it. Our organist is retiring and we haven't been able to find anyone interested in a part time job, so they've decided to look for a full time choral director and organist. And that means I've been fired, or maybe, at some point in the future, but then again, maybe the person won't want to direct the choir, so then I can stay on. Sounds great for me doesn't it, so I can plan for the upcoming months, but I might or might not be doing them. Yipee!



I'm so hurt and angry right now, I want to quit now and walk away. Of course, that doesn't take into count that we need the money and that wouldn't be fair to my choir. That and I've made a commitment. I'm not the type to walk out on my comitments.

I"m trying not to bitter, but how do they expect me to do my job and do it well with this hanging over my head. Of course I'm not the only one affected. My 2 coworkers who I love to pieces are also going to lose huge portions of their jobs as well.



In a fit of anger tonight I told Mark I was going to leave the church. But, the more I think about it, I might have to. You see I've been the choir director since we joined. That's who I am. or was. I was the blessing that showed up just at the right time. Who will I be now? I'm not sure I can be at our church for a while. I'll be losing my place. I don't know where I will fit if I'm not the choir director.



So, this former choir director might be looking for a new church for a while. That hurts to say, but no more so than the thought of going to church and not belonging anywhere.



All I know right now is I'm so tired. I just want to sleep, but I know that won't happen anytime soon. Grief has a way of doing that to a person.

Birthday fun!

For Dylan's birthday this year we decided to take him and a group of friends to Flabbergast. It's a great place to play. The boys had such a great time. Good thing, too. I was feeling very under the weather. I never would have made it through a party.

The kids all had a blast! And so did Dylan.

Happy Birthday Dylan!

Happy Birthday Dylan!

It's so hard to believe that Dylan is actually 7 years old tomorrow. Time flies by so fast.

He was such a cute little baby and so very sweet.

He has always been such a goofball. Everything about his face was always full of delight and laughter.

I think this is one of my favorite pictures of Dylan, what an amazingly sweet monkey face he has.

Gotta love that first birthday picture. How exactly do I blow this candle out again.

Then we get to this little monkey. He is still the sweetest most loving, little boy on the planet. He has a huge spirit and enough energy to light up a room. We're still working on controling it, but we'll get there.

Happy birthday, Dylan!