recitals

The Primary Presidency spoke in church today, which means I spoke in church today. Admittedly I was not happy about the timing of this talk and tried to use whatever persuasion I had over the Bishopric (Adam) to make this assignment later on in the year, but to no avail. I guess today was as good as any. I tried to see it as an opportunity to practice my speaking skills for Woman's Conference and with that in mind it was really the easiest speaking assignment I've ever had.

Because it was the Primary that spoke we had Bella play the violin and another girl accompany her on the piano for a musical number. I was just happy I was first and didn't have to go after them because it always gets me a little emotional to see the kids express themselves through music.



Speaking of the violin we've heard it a lot lately around the house as Bella and Megan have been preparing for their recitals that were held last week on the 18th. They both did a tremendous job. I'm so grateful for the time and effort they put into their pieces knowing getting up and performing is not the easiest thing.

I never really know what to expect from Megan, she could either be silly or quite serious, from what I can tell she enjoys performing, but this time she put her silliness aside and had her game face on. Much like her sister Bella who focuses all her energy on the instrument and tries to show as little emotion as possible. She enjoys performing with a group rather than on her own and has told me she would love to be in an orchestra one day.



One of my favorite things about watching them perform is to see the relief written all over their face when they're practically running off the stage. It's cute and sweet and I know exactly what that feels like...I felt it today. I love to see Bella's sitting with me (above) with such a contented look on her face enjoying the rest of the recital because her part was over.



Of course if you asked them the best part about the night is the celebration afterward...always a trip out for ice cream.

proud momma

You have these moments as a parent when you're super proud of your children...tonight just happens to be one of those night. Both Megan and Bella had their violin recital and they did a fabulous job. They were by no means perfect, but marvelous just the same. I'm beginning to understand that an instrument is not only good for discipline and developing the mind, but it's also a great lesson in how hard work pays off.

Here are videos from tonight. I know it's probably only something a family member would enjoy seeing, and since Adam missed it, he's still out of town, this is for him. I wish he could have seen the way they shined when it was over and how they laughed on the way to get ice-cream.


Megan's started in the fall of 2008. PS I wasn't thinking when I filmed this. I didn't realize I couldn't rotate my video or else I'm too dumb to figure it out. Aragh!


Bella started in January 2005