Once Upon a Time (Part two)

My January 2007 post gave a link to my web album of old pictures. Now there is a new feature that lets me upload the pictures into a slide show. Enjoy!

"Blow'n" Away!

The 2008 ALPHA Junior High Band

photo touch up by Sheila Flickinger (THANKS!)

Have I ever mentioned that ALPHA has a Junior High Band? :) Ok, I know you are probably getting tired of hearing that, but I just have to tell you about the really cool thing that happened...and it was even for the second time.

Last year some friends came to visit us and spend a few weeks helping us in the church and Christian school ministries. Part of their ministry was to bring some badly needed accessories for our band instruments. They took the list to the music store, told the manager what they needed and why. Then the store proceeded to donate a good portion of the items. Cool!

This year, the same friends were in that same music store and were asked if ALPHA didn't need any more supplies and accessories. Oh, boy! I don't know who has adopted whom, but we are thrilled that these friends have taken us on as their project.

ALPHA has had 20 instruments donated by friends in the last 6 years that we have slowly put into service. This year we were finally able to put all of them to use. With all the supplies we received, it was possible to outfit ALL the instruments with cleaning swabs, valve oil, reeds, polishing cloths and even some new cases to replace the old worn out ones.

Our heart-felt thanks!

Practicing for our first presentation on March 31st...a mini concert for the parents.

Battle Pants

Ok, so I know that title has got you wanting to know the rest of the story, but, just like Paul Harvey, I am going to leave you in suspense and save it for the end.

Anabel with a couple of her gifts and her absolute favorite cake.

Wednesday, March 19th, was Anabel's birthday. She is thrilled to be among the ranks of all other 8 year olds. And it is about time...after all, 366 days (no, I don't have bad math...it's leap year, you know) is a long time to be 7 years old.

Anabel has a way of keeping us in stitches. The other day she was standing in a line at the bank with Ken. There are these yellow lines and arrows on the floor to show you how and where to zig-zag through the bank lobby till you get up to the front where you take the next available teller.

Well, Anabel, who is always noticing things, discovered that the 30+ people waiting in line were not following the "instructions" on the floor. She proceeded to tell them which direction they had to zig-zag (no cutting across those yellow lines...you gotta go all the way down to the end) so they were all in the right order and going in the right direction. And you know what? All those people listened to her and did what she said. I still don't know if I should laugh or be embarassed.

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

And now for page 2.

The 2nd grade class is getting ready for a skit to present next week on the International Day of the Woman. Each of the little girls in the skit will be dressed up to fit the part of the profession that they are representing. Anabel is the narrator and already has her lines memorized. She was telling me what everyone is going to wear. There will be a little girl dressed as an airplane pilot, one as a doctor, one as a truck driver, etc.

The name of one of the professions alluded her, so she thought she would describe the type of clothes her friend will be wearing instead. Even this was a bit of a challenge. It is sometimes confusing just not to know what to call something in either language. Never to be at a loss for words though, she just plows on ahead and makes it up as she goes. In Anabel's terms, one of her classmates is going to be wearing "battle pants" (AKA army surplus britches).

And there you have it...the rest of the story. Good day!

Happy 15th Jessica!

Jessica and the poster (made by Uncle Ron and Aunt Ranelle) of pictures of her first 15 years.

In Brazil the 15th birthday is a landmark for girls. Many celebrate with super elaborate parties that look more like a wedding than a teenager's birthday party.

We've always celebrated birthdays with just the family, but since Jessica lives in Fortaleza now and doesn't get to see the people she has grown up and gone to school with much any more, we decided to throw a party in her honor...including inviting the church family, her old classmates, teachers from school and conservatory friends. Over 100 came and enjoyed music courtesy of our string ensemble (that Jessica and I have played in for over 3 years), a meal prepared by friends, and two short "challenges" for Jessica's life given by two of our ALPHA teachers.

An electronic version of the invitation.

Never having made a cake this big (3 very large sheet cakes with sweetened condensed milk and coconut filling) I was a little overwhelmed. It took two of us to carry it! The candle never did light (too windy outside!) so maybe I can re-use it when Alicia's turn comes along.

Hair, dress and makeup...what else could a girl ask for?

And finally all of us together. Happy Birthday Jessica!