always something there to remind me

A few last things... pictures from my phone. Even though I miss the quality of our other cameras, sometimes it's nice to have the phone as a back-up. Enjoy!

This is from a month or two ago when Stephen and I were hanging out in Deland and went to the Original Music Festival. This band was called (I think) Earth Sky Orchestra, and they were actually really good. I was playing around with my phone settings and acheived this cool looking photo. The guy second from the left is also playing the dijeridoo. (I have no idea how to spell that.)


I wonder about the reason for the obsessive need to celebrate/notate/witness digital counters rolling over. Well, whatever it is, I couldn't resist when my good car recently reached a milestone. Sorry it's blurry, I was driving on the interstate.

Here's another shot of the Jags game we went to. You can see how we were thisclose to the action! Woo Hoo!

And finally, the cutest thing I've seen in a while. Aw, look at my family. :-) Lucky me!

happy holidays!

Well, it's that time.... Chrsitmas! Things have been hectic in the music world with Christmas music programs here, there and everywhere. But, admist the rehearsals, I have had some time to just enjoy the season.

This is the Jacksonville Children's Chorus Training Choir (that I direct) right after our holiday concert last Monday. The kids did well and were understandably hyped-up after that!




Susanne, my co-teacher, put on a Christmas musical with the 2nd and 3rd graders. It was soo cute, and a lot of people were there... all the students, faculty, parents... and of course these folks: (Mary and Joseph!)


Then, my 5th and 6th graders led our holiday chapel service and provided all the music and scripture readings. 5th grade played recorder, 6th played guitar, and they all helped out with various percussion, singing, and Orff intrsutment parts. They did very well and I was very proud of their hard work.

The other night I went for a long walk/run with Bella in our neighborhood. I wisely took along the camera, and I was sooo glad I did because the night and the lights were so pretty! Here's a cool shot of Downtown Jacksonville looking up the river. It was such a clear night, this picture barely captures how pretty it was!

Here's a classic River City Christmas tree for ya!

And another one lighting up the pretty Oak trees!

This is a very cool dove made of Christmas lights that is suspended from a tree. It hangs right over the street and it is big!

And of course, Have a Happy Florida Christmas!

Once Upon a December

I can't believe I missed November entirely! That's crazy... there has been a lot going on... and I have been trying to take lots of pictures. Because I'm making up for lost time, I'll just post as many fun ones as I can and hopefully not overwhelm you with information. Thank you for your time. :-)

So, it finally happened. Stephen and I got a dog! Right before Thanksgiving we adopted her from the shelter and her name is Bella (given to her by her foster family). She's doing great and we've been having a blast with her!

She rides pretty well in the car. Especially when...

.... she goes to sleep! :-)

She's ready for her extreme close up! Hahaha.

She has started hanging out the window when we ride. We only let her do it in the neighborhood and on small roads, but she loves it! The smells in her nose, the wind in her... ears!

During Thanksgiving we had a lot of great family time, and Friday night we went to Orlando for a Magic Game. It was FUN!

We went with Stephen's brothers, (from left) Stephen, Evan, Rob, Camden, and Dani. Good times!

Me and Shelly at the game.

Then on Sunday, Steve and I went to a Jacksonville Jaguars game (we were given free tickets). And it turned out that the seats were on the THIRD ROW! It was great!!! Here's the picture of Steve and his friend Hardy right before the camera died.

Well, that's all for now. I'm going to make another post or two with more updated content...