Both Thomas and Douglas advanced in scouting. Thomas is now a Bear and loves his cub scout den. The next step for Doug is Eagle, all he needs to do is wait the required time period and complete his Eagle service project. Our boys have been very blessed with Priesthood leaders who believe in the Scouting Program and have supported our den and troop. Our boys have also had great scout leaders like their dad and cousin Ganon.
This month we also attended many musical programs. Twenty-six years ago I was given the promise that my home would be filled with music. At the time, I only imagined a stereo playing beautiful music. That part has come true, but our home is also filled with live, loud, joyful, beautiful music and lots of it. Almost everyone plays the piano and several play a second instrument. The lid to the piano is almost always lifted so that the sound produced projects through the whole house. Matt sometimes looks at me with a twinkle in his eye and asks, "is this what you really wanted?" I have come to love this about my life and because I didn't really anticipate it, it surprises me and makes me stop and realize how much joy it brings to me, truly my cup runneth over. The highlight of the month for me was getting to play a special musical number with my boys at our Stake Christmas program. I played the organ using great registrations including the festival trompette stop, something I could never use in Sacrament Meeting, so so fun. Scott and Doug were on the piano together and a another girl played flute. I know the music was not difficult and we were not anything spectacular, but it was about so much more than the music for me. Working on something together with my boys, laughing together, playing LOUD and seeing who could play the loudest, honestly these are days and memories I will treasure my whole life. I look back and am so glad that Karin and I played flute duets together and I look forward to playing with Tom and Emi. I am so lucky to have a friend, named Julie who encouraged me to play the organ for the program and helped with all the registrations. And I'm so blessed with a sister, Ellen, who let me help her put the program together. I had so much fun working with the youth and she was "so close to fabulous" with them. I wish I had pictures to share, but that didn't happen. Here are a few other December happenings.
Music in our home is played by anyone, any age. Here is Bob's older brother, a mere 92. He has always loved music, always played music, always entertained others. When we lived in Seattle, he and his wife were so kind to take us on their yacht through the San Juan Islands, up into Canada through more islands to some places quite remote and all so, so beautiful. Always he traveled with a keyboard and in every harbor we visited, in the evening he would bring out his keyboard to the deck and play for everyone in the harbor. Of course, everyone loved it.
I love my piano. While I don't recommend going into debt to make large purchases for nonessential items, I do not regret this purchase. My husband is good to me and bought this beautiful piano and it's almost paid for. For me it wasn't about having expensive items to display in our home. We are still using hand-me down furniture and sleeping in the bed we bought at a used furniture store 22 years ago. I know I'll be able to make other purchases when we've taken care of this debt. This was just a very strong desire I had to give my children the opportunity to play a nice instrument. And the blessings and talents developed are so worth it.
I have children that are naturally drawn more to one sibling than the other. These team-ups always occur exactly this way in our home. Scott and Thomas are always together. Doug and Emily and Karin are always together. We were sorry to not have Karin here for the gingerbread house decorating.
Another rehearsal, a band concert, some nutella on graham crackers, a singing performance.
Finally, cookie day. Next to the Christmas Eve party, this is the event most looked forward to by my kids. I can't believe we've been doing it for 18 years. Here is the royal baker, Aunt Marie, I don't think she's ever been in the pictures. We are so grateful that she willingly does all the work, bakes the cookies, hosts the party and does all the clean-up. She is the best. It's been fun in the last couple of years to have other adults join us. For so many years it was just Marie and me and all the kids. But what fun we've had, what great memories, and what great times to come.
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