The Christmas season started off with us attending our church's Children's Christmas music. Our Nick is on the top row, second from the right (blue striped shirt, wearing glasses). Choirs from age 3 through 5th grade performed that night, and it is a treat even if you don't have any family participating. With Nick in 5th grade, he'll move on up to middle school choir next year. Hayden will then take his place in the 3-year-old choir; now that's hard to believe! The biggest chuckle of the evening came as one of the younger choirs ended, with one little boy clearly stating (right into the microphone), "Now, we go!" It brought the house down.
As always, another one of our favorite times is the Sunday morning Christmas music from the Adult Choir & Orchestra. Of course, having Russ on trombone and Randy on saxophone gives us a 'personal stake' and, not only blesses us, but makes us extremely proud to see that they have continued to use their musical talent into adulthood.
The day ended with us having Sunday evening supper as part of the Youth (Middle School) Christmas play, where Hunter was "Scoop". (We forgot the camera!) The name of the play was Uncle Phil's Diner, and, for us, the best part was when the group sang a 'version' of the 12 Days of Christmas - diner style. Hunter's part came just after "five onion rings. . . . ." and although I never quite caught just 'what' was flipping (probably pancakes), she had to do a 'cartwheel' every time it came to her. By the time they got to "Day 12", she was plumb tuckered out!
Back in late November, Russ & his business partner, were treated to a trip to the Pinehurst Golf Club/Retreat Center by one of their suppliers. He looked right at home there - and had a great time!This year their big projects have been the new addition to the Deer Creek High School and the new Fine Arts Performance Center at Choctaw High School. As I write, they are working on a church in north OKC>
With the tough economic times around us, we continue to be thankful for the Lord's provisions for our boys & their families.
Home remodeling just seems to follow Roger. A few months ago the boys decided to install central heat & air in the old home place. So while all three of the guys were working on that, Grandma Twylah got the joy of 'corralling' Hayden for a Saturday. Thankfully, Hunter was available to help. As you can see, Hayden is at his happiest when big sis gives him her undivided attention.
Hunter can't stay at 'ground level' for very long, for Hayden is gaining on her fast. It won't be long before little brother passes up big sister in size. Think he only has about 25 lbs. to go!His vocabulary continues to grow, and one's heart just melts when he takes his little hand and makes a "come here" gesture, saying "Help Me!" Any self-respecting grandparent would follow him anywhere! Usually the 'help' he wants is to start one of his favorite movies (currently Monsters, Inc. or Wall-E).
At home & at Great-Grandma's house, Hayden has his own chair. So I had been looking for one, but wanted something that would last a bit longer than one of the 'kiddie' ones. I had spotted these small 'miniaturized' recliners at a couple of stores, but did not want to part with the $100+ asking price.
But the other day, while out with Roger trying to finish up our Christmas shopping, we spotted some at the Big Lots store for $40! We put it in the Grandkids Room at our house and, as you can see, Hayden knew exactly what to do. He even has the "Grandpa Roger" pose down! That is exactly how Roger sits in his recliner much of the time, right down to crossing his legs.
Right in the middle of all the Christmas music rehearsals, etc. was the State Pom Pon competition - thankfully here in Oklahoma City. With Mom (DeAnna) working, Dad (Russ) at orchestra rehearsal, Grandma Twylah volunteered to be the stand in cheerleader & taxi driver. No problem you say! Wrong!
She had to be there at 7:00 a.m. (it's not even light yet!), so she spent the night at our house. Now remember, I raised two boys! The next 'challenge' was the 'hair do!' How difficult can that be? Seems her hair had to be french-braided to the 'left'! I never braided my OWN hair as a kid, and 50 years ago we had never even heard of a FRENCH BRAID!
Now, I have always said, you can find anything on the internet, right? And I did . . . and after watching it through several times, I gave up and called on Aunt Shelly! Like a good aunt, she came over and braided Hunter's hair. Of course, then we had the debate on whether "to the left" meant Hunter's 'left' - or our 'left'!
With the hair challenge solved (I thought!), we called it a night. I even dug out an old slip to put over the pillow case so the braid would make it through the night . . . and it did in fine style.
So you can imagine my chagrin - and the knot in my stomach - , when we arrived at the OCU Field House to see not one, not two, but three moms grab Hunter and start redoing her hair. In spite all our efforts, it was going the wrong direction! (Now I know why God gave me boys!)
After it was all over, I snapped a picture of her hair so we would have a 'visual reference' next time!
It was all worth it, though, for our girls took home not one - but two - first place trophies for the Pom Pon routine and their Jazz Dance routine.
Hunter is the first one on the bottom row, left to right (in the hot pink). We finally headed home about 1:00 p.m., with this Grandma resolving NEVER to attend another competition without taking along a 'cushion' to sit on! Field House seating may be nicer than 'bleachers', but they were never intended to be 'sat in' for 6 hours straight!
