The Big Night

The night that Desheng Darling had long awaited FINALLY arrived...Her first concert!

Can’t you just see the excitement  in her eyes?

Doodlebug was also in the concert and played her little heart out. She wasn’t nervous at all and loved the attention she got!

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it on the blog, but I’m taking violin lessons TOO! I know it sounds crazy, but I’m loving it…so… I got to be in my first concert (since high school) too. It was really a lot of fun! And the best part about being “an old beginner” is that you just don’t care too much about what the others think..The younger ones sitting beside you are too polite to say anything rude to the elderly (me)when I miss a note and the other "old beginners” can’t hear very well so they don’t say anything either. LOL

The hardest part of the concert was knowing that DD was seated totally out of my reach, totally out of hearing distance, and totally out of my evil eye controlling look. She was seated right on the outside edge, about two feet from the audience. If you know DD, you will understand my concern. She is SO impulsive. You just NEVER know what she is going to do or say! Except for playing her own little tune while everyone else was quiet, there were no major problems.

Sister and Brother Darling sat with Daddy Darling. The girls were thrilled that they came.

(Doodlebug and Sister Darling)

Desheng Darling is actually doing very well on the violin. She plays so much better than I. It’s pretty humbling at times to be outplayed by a 6 year old. LOL I was practicing the other day when DD walked in. She said, “Mom, remember when you whistled that song? You whistled it REALLY well. I think maybe you should just whistle, rather than play the violin at the concert.” Hmmmm…I guess that pretty much sums up the way she feels about my late in life musical endeavor. LOL

Practice Makes Perfect

On Tuesday night the girls had their one (and only) rehearsal for their first concert scheduled for next week.

This picture isn't very clear, but I think you can see DD's big smile...even through the blur.

Here's Doodlebug concentrating hard on playing the right notes.  Her friend beside her is...well, just playing....Interestingly, they basically sound the same. LOL

Here's the part they ALL love...playing the jingle bells to accompany one of the songs.  The rehearsal was quite revealing.  I found out yesterday that the teacher has made several changes based on the trial performance.  Interestingly, DD will  NOT be sitting by one of her BEST friends at the concert.  Imagine that!  I guess the teacher must have noticed that they were both talking non-stop in between songs.LOL  That could have been why they never started on time and got lost several times in the music.  Oh well, the girls are both excited about their first real performance next week.  Let's hope the seating arrangement change helps!

MLK Day...FUN!

No school today...Just Fun!

Fun at violin lessons!

AR, one of DB’s friends, recently joined her violin class

and came over to play after violin lessons….More fun.

And even MORE fun playing with the new Barbie house that Santa brought.

Doodlebug even thought that vacuuming the play room was fun…Wouldn’t it be nice if she still felt that way in a few years? LOL

Trouble in Paradise

DD and DB are usually the BEST of friends. They play for hours together, day after day, with VERY few disagreements, but every great once in awhile a problem arises. It’s usually Desheng Darling (the oldest) who cries and comes to me. DD tries to avoid conflict and she tries to keep everybody “happy.” She just can’t stand it when DB tells her that she isn’t going to play with her anymore or if DB won’t share. On the other hand, Doodlebug couldn’t care less if DD played with her or not. She’s pretty content to just play by herself and sharing isn’t really a priority for her.

After having a great time outside on their scooters for P.E.,

The girls went upstairs to play with their Barbie dolls. That’s when I heard a little scuffle and DD’s tears began to flow.

This is what happens when sisters don’t share…Poor Barbie.

And this, unfortunately, is what “Time Out” looks like….Poor Doodlebug. I guess she’s going to have to move "sharing" up on her list of priorities.

HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!

Die-hard Cowboy Fans....well, at least that's the mood this week :)

THREE TIMES THE JOY!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year....3 times!!!

First, at our house with our immediate family and

special friends, Ms. Billie and Sandra.

Then, at Nanny's

with  aunts, uncles and cousins.

And lastly, at PawPaw's with more aunts, uncles, and

even MORE cousins!

Thank you all for making our Christmas  special.   We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family.  We love you all.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION...Be back in a few hours

Feeling Close to Distant Friends

When we got DD, we were told that her best friend was adopted by a family in Spain. Our girls lived together and were care for by the same couple. They were adopted on the same day in 2004. We’ve been in contact with this family for a few years. It’s so funny how we feel a special bond with them even though we’ve never actually met. There’s just a strong connection that’s hard to describe. This week we received a special package in the mail from them.

DD’s sweet friend sent t-shirts from Barcelona.

The girls LOVE them.

Here they are acting silly while modeling for me.

She also sent cute little pony-tail holders…thus the ponytails.

We received a beautiful Christmas card, ornaments and even ...

A special piece of original artwork illustrating Christmas in Spain. The girls really liked this. They want to make some special pictures to send back.

My favorite gift, however, was a DVD containing pictures of DD’s friend and her family from Gotcha Day until present. This is absolutely priceless. Thank you SO MUCH sweet friends. Maybe someday we’ll actually get to meet in person.

Signs of the Season

She shopped 'til she dropped!

NEW CHRISTMAS SHIRTS!

Thanks, Aunt Sherry, for the new Christmas shirts!

The girls love them! You are always so sweet to make things for them. DD read hers to several people today while we were shopping. I guess she didn’t think they could read it for themselves. lol

Hopefully, they’ll get to wear them several more times before Christmas.  Thanks again.  We LOVE you!

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

This is a FIRST for Doodlebug.  She usually hides behind DD or hangs on to me.  Guess she's beginning to figure this whole  Santa thing out...if you don't ask him, you may not get it.    It won't be much longer until she REALLY figures this whole thing out. lol  I think DD knows, but is willing to play along. 

Doodlebug Does It Too!

NO CAVITIES!!!!!!!! Way to go Doodlebug!!  I’ll have to admit that this isn't quite as exciting as DD’s recent cavity-free checkup since DB has always had healthy teeth. It IS surprising though, since teeth brushing isn't a high priority on DB’s "TO DO" list. Sure hope her luck continues...

Both DD and DB had appointments Monday.

DB did fine…such a big girl.

DD, on the other hand, had to be comforted after getting sealants for her molars…a seemingly painless procedure....poor thing.  She really hates dental procedures, but I think she enjoys the hugs.

She's Hooked...

Desheng Darling has come a long way since her first violin lesson 10 weeks ago. She’s really hooked on it. She practices almost every day and is progressing very well. She’s currently in the Beginner class, so she was really surprised when her teacher allowed her practice with the Intermediate group. She’ll actually be playing with the Intermediate group for a portion of the upcoming Christmas concert. Way to go DD!!!

Doodlebug? Well, she just likes to go to lessons. She enjoys the theory part of it….naming the notes and clapping the rhythms. She sees no need to really practice. After all, a violin as pretty and pink as hers should be able to play by itself.   I think we're in trouble...lol

A First!

For the first time EVER...DD got a great dental check-up!  NO CAVITIES!!!!Although Desheng Darling refuses to eat gummy type candies, never chews gum or drinks sodas and brushes her teeth at least twice daily...even without being reminded....she's had a very tough time with her teeth.  The dentist even took a second look at the x-rays to confirm NO CAVITIES.

DB busied herself by playing with the giant toothbrush while DD was having her teeth cleaned.  It a shame that she doesn't enjoy brushing her own teeth this much.

Last Saturday, the Chopstick Chics met for lunch, then went to a park to play. We’ve really missed seeing the older girls since school started. I still can’t believe that all of the girls in our original group have started to school. It was great seeing Cheerleader and Snowbunny again.

I tried to get a group picture of ALL of the girls but…

Doodlebug refused to pose without Daddy D, and Desheng Darling was too busy playing “big sister” to the little ones to concentrate on making a good picture.

It was great seeing these three together again.

...Still as goofy as ever. Notice DD’s feet. She DOES have shoes. She just kicks them off every chance she gets….no matter where she is….at church, a restaurant, violin classes, a store…ANYWHERE!

Once last attempt for a group smile… Can you tell that Doodlebug has obviously had ENOUGH of this posing for pictures thing? lol