Knox Idol - Round #3 Katja Sings Again...

Well, today was Round #3. The category was Top 40. The kids could pick any song that was on the top 40 list in the last calendar year. Katja sang "Party in the USA". See song below.

Compared to the other contestants, I felt she did very well and should move on to the next round of six. However, I must admit that I found her singing lacking in energy. She sang this song for me various times at home in the living room with much more energy while dancing and having fun. Today, when I watched her, I felt she was going through the motions but her heart wasn't into it. Later I asked one of her teachers if she agreed with me and she told me that Katja had been acting like she was "out to lunch" all day long at school. We all have those days, I guess.

Chris (her boyfriend), one the other hand, was ON! He sang "Hey There, Delilah!" and dedicated the song to Katja. The gesture could have come across as quite "cheesy", but he was so earnest and passionate in his singing that he moved us all. One of the teachers claimed to have cried. His song is below....

Only six will move to round #4. We'll see if Katja and/or Chris are among them!

Katja Sings in Knox Idol Competition- Round #2

In the second round of the Knox Idol Competition the 15 surviving students had to sing an "oldies" song. "Oldies" to a 12 - 14 year old is a song from the 1980's or earlier. Depressing, that, considering it is when I graduated high school! Oh well, time does not stand still...

Katja had a hard time chosing a song but in the end went with Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time". See recording below:

The day she sang her voice was going hoarse but most people that aren't used to hearing her sing (most everyone judging and/or watching) didn't know that. So, she was able to cover it up pretty well. Now, her fingers are crossed in hopes of surviving to the next round and having time to rest her voice. She is "mouthing" her songs in choir class all this week to give her vocal chords a break. Hopefully, they will be recovered by Friday.

Another reason for me to feel old.... Katja has a boyfriend. When exactly did she become old enough to even have a boyfriend??? I certainly don't recall making an announcement, or giving my permission. Apparently, none was needed. Anyway, his name is Chris and seems to be a very nice boy (major plus if she is determined to have a BF).

Reasons I seem to like Katja's boyfriend so far: (this may, of course, can change at any moment)

1. He seems smitten with her. He has for a looooong time. I can't fault his good taste.
2. He has good grades and good behavior at school. (I have inside sources... ;)
3. He carries her books or viola to the car or door whenever appropriate. Very gentleman like behavior...something you don't see much of among kids their age these days. I know, I am a teacher.
4. He has an artistic side... sings beautifully, plays the cello, and is taking piano lessons.
5. He likes Robbie and does not treat him like "Katja's annoying little brother" (as Katja sometimes does when Chris is not around) = major points!
6. He went with us to the county fair and rode on some of the rides with Robbie, leaving Katja to be the "odd one out" several times so Robbie wouldn't feel excluded. He didn't say anything about this, he just did it. Scored major points with me there!!!
7. He enthusiastically helps with things like the trash and picking up Jack's toys when visiting our house. Great role model for Robbie in that respect. Che-ching! - more points....
8. He treats Robbie like the brother he never had and Robbie verbalizes that he thinks of Chris like an older brother. Sighh... ding-ding-ding-ding-ding= Jackpot!

He and Katja have been best friends all year but finally decided to "go out" together after all their friends pestered them about making it "official". YES, YES, I had to do the trite parental thing and ask "where are y'all going?" And YES, yes, she groaned and found NO humor in my question. It's a right of passage thing. I had to ask. Those of you with younger children will have a hard time resisting when your time comes...

He also sang in the Knox Idol competition and should make it to the next round. His song, Halleluyah (from Shrek) is below:

The next round is "Top 40" (in the past year). Katja hopes to sing "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. We'll see if she and Chris make it to round #3!

Robbie found a new love...

Basketball!!!

No, he does NOT love it more than football. Puleeeeeeeze, as if THAT were possible!?! But, he does enjoy it exceedingly well.

He is playing at the YMCA. I didn't think he was ready for a more competitive league since he hasn't really ever played much...or so I thought. I didn't realize that he's been playing "Knock Out" during recess at school every day for the last two years. Just call me "clueless". Anyhow, he seems to have picked up some nifty moves on the court at recess and has surprised us all. He is one of the top scorers for his team. He is actually pretty good at shooting the ball and believe it or not, he has not gotten more than 2 fouls in any game yet!?! No, I am not kidding!! I know, this is quite surprising considering how physical and aggressive he is! As you can imagine he gets many rebounds. He is also good at stealing the ball. Of course, he does need to work on not "traveling" or "double dribbling". This is were lack of experience gets him right now but he'll figure it out!

A quick shot after making an interception and running the ball back. Yes, he did score!!!

YES, he did make this shot below! I cheered so loudly when that shot went in that I'm sure you must have heard me wherever you were! If out of the blue you heard a faint "That's my baby!" last Saturday...ahem, that was me. ;) His basket was made from FAR away, but not quite far enough for three points. But I didn't care. I just cheered and cheered. It looked great to me! See him in the far right of the picture wearing black with a white jersey on top? That's my baby!

I can't wait for next Saturday's game!!!

Katja sings "Popular" from "Wicked" for Talent Show

Katja sang the song "Popular" from the Broadway show "Wicked" at her school's Talent Showcase last weekend. Warning:

• The recording, which grandma did with her 2nd best video camera as Robbie confiscated her HD one, is not the best quality but the sound is decent.
• A boy (good friend of Katja) played the part of "Elphie" the green witch in order to lend some more humor to the number. At one point even Katja is overcome with laughter in the middle of singing.

Cute, eh? Too bad about the baaaaad taping job! She choreographed it herself and could not help from her teacher as the process included tryouts and therefore the teacher (who was one of the judges) could not help any of the participants in order to remain fair and impartial... Now she's done with that and focusing on Knox Idol. She's already survived to the top 15. I will keep everyone posted on her progress there and will try to get video of her songs from her music teacher to post here. If she makes it to the final three EVERYONE is invited to come cheer her on for her "finals". Each person in the audience will get one vote so we need to get a big crowd for her if she makes it! Stay tuned!

It takes a Village to raise a Musician!

I know I could not make the right decisions for Katja without the the guidance, help, and support of her wonderful teachers. We had a mission this weekend- to buy Katja's first viola. The Mission was accomplished successfully thanks to the dedication, knowledge, connections, experience and love of children and music of her two private teachers. Since all I was good for was driving Katja to San Antonio to the Texas Music Educators' Convention where vendors from all over the US convened this past weekend, I took pictures to preserve the memories. The pictures tell the story.

1. Before we arrived in Town her teachers were busy narrowing down the options.

2. Once we arrived we lost no time getting started.

3. This is only the right side of one of the two the Expo Halls...

4. With thousands of people talking and trying out instruments simultaneously it was impossible to be make an informed decision with regards to tone quality within the hall.

5. It was surprising to me how we were allowed to take valuable musical instruments to a hotel room so we could play them in a quiet environment. Apparently a common practice. It helped, of course, that the salespeople knew the teachers by reputation. I just had to take a picture of Katja walking through the hotel/convention carrying three instruments. No one even gave her a second look.

6. Once in the hotel Katja took turns playing each viola several times while her teachers listened.

7. Her teachers listened to each instrument without looking at it so as not to be influenced by make or looks.

8. Then her teachers played the instruments with their eyes closed to assess feel and sound from the player's perspective.

9. Mrs. Brosvik played each instrument again (eyes open) while Mrs. Meitz listened (still not looking). This allowed us to hear what the instrument would potentially sound in the hands of a pro. (no offense Katja!)

10. The Winner, by unanimous choice was Viola #3 - a 15" Pedersen from Robertson & Sons out of New Mexico. Not a typical instrument for a 7th grader, we were informed, more appropriate for a High School All-Stater. I guess we picked a good one!

11. All were QUITE pleased with the purchase.

12. But we were not finished yet. Apparently, she still was in need of a new bow.

13. So more shopping was on the agenda. Katja did not mind one little bit.

After a physically and emotionally exhausting afternoon and some really fantastic music by some of the most promising young musicians in the state of texas we celebrated over a wonderful dinner complete with steaks and Pinot Noir!

My heartfelt thanks go to Mrs. Brosvik and Mrs. Meitz! It is teachers like you that make a difference in the lives of children and their futures. You are a credit to your profession. I know my child's life is even more wonderfully blessed because of your part in it.

Symphony Portrait

Katja had her first official Houston Youth Symphony portrait taken this year. My baby girl looks so grown up...*sniff*

Her first concert was this past fall. She played for the HYS's String Orchestra (the youngest group out of four ) and sat 2nd chair viola, which translates to "front and center", right in front of the conductor. She was thrilled. Aunt Beth and uncle Robert surprised all of us by purchasing tickets to her concert (before they even went on sale...sneaky!) for the whole family so we all sat front row center of the balcony and had a fabulous view. Afterwards (see pictures below) they had us all go to their house for a little post concert reception for Katja.

My 12 Favorite 2009 Christmas Moments...

(in no particular order!)

#1 - Santa's Helpers....

Jack and Jayce LOVED everything associated with Christmas. At the sight of a camera they would scream "candy cane" and crack themselves up....

#2 - Waking up Christmas morning in coordinating (warm & cozy) holiday "jammies"...

What can I say? It's a tradition that started when I was a child and I've continued with my kids.

#3 - Watching my kids come down the stairs to see what Santa brought them.

They are so good. They actually wait for me to get my first cup of coffee, feed the dogs, and get the camera before they rush to look under the tree.

#4 - Grandma and Papa's annual attempt to get a picture with all of their grandchildren.

This year the grandchild count reached 7 with the birth of Luke to Paco and Kerrie. Unfortunately, Luke did not make it to the picture this year. Maybe next year!

#5 - Spending time with my big brother and his family.

Robert Jr. travels a lot so while we get to see his kids at least once a month, we don't get to spend time with him and Beth nearly enough. Christmas is the one time we know we'll get to spend some time with them.

#6 - Spending time with my baby brother and his family.

We hang out with them all the time as Jack and Jayce are not only cousins but best buddies but having the boys discover the joys of Christmas together made it even more special.

#7 - Spending time with my sister and her family

Michelle and Chris own two stores so during the holidays we barely see them until they close their stores on Christmas Eve and FINALLY get to relax.

#8 - My Kids' Reactions on Christmas Morning to their loot...

Never mind that they are now 12 and 10 years old respectively, I can still manage to surprise them with gifts that they weren't expecting but were thrilled about. For Katja this year it was book #2 of a series she just fell in love with. For Robbie, what else, a new football and kicking tee.

#9 - Finding The Perfect Gift for each...

If you know my kids, NO explanations necessary, right?

#10 - Cousins playing football in the yard

I am saving this picture! I bet they'll still be playing football like this on Christmas ten years from now! Of course, grandma won't have to worry about them running into the street then and they won't be in matching outfits.... ;)

#11 - Robbie Singing Karaeke on Christmas Eve

Robert and Beth got a portable karaoke machine for all the cousins to have fun with. Much to our surprise Robbie was first to grab the microphone and give it a go!

#12 - Katja Singing a Solo (One Candle) with her choir about Peace.

She sang this several times. The first time was during the choir's Winter concert with all the lights off and her lighting the first candle during her solo, etc. Unfortunately, the lack of lighting resulted in a black screen during video taping much to our disappointment. Fortunately, the choir went from school to school during their Winter Tour singing songs from the show and I was able to record her while she sang at Robbie's school. His classmates found her to be pretty. Robbie was perplexed, "Pretty? Dude, that's my sister..."

Hocus Pocus Fun

I love Fall! It is my favorite season of the year. I love the weather. I love the colors. I love the food. And I love all the outdoor festivals and activities that go along with the season.

Halloween has always been one of my favorite Holidays. We always make a big deal of dressing up (adults too..), get lots of candy, get together with friends and/or family and have a good time.

This year I knew I wasn't going to have the kids for Halloween so I made sure to find ways to celebrate the holiday with them beforehand. One of the things we did was attend the Hocus Pocus Pops concert put on by the Houston Symphony at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. This was our first year to go, and I can predict it will become another family tradition. Why did we like it?

1. Entry was free ;)
2. Great Music from Movies like Superman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc. by the Houston Symphony. (My kids actually do enjoy classical and/or instrumental music.)
3. Picnics (food from outside) were allowed so i didn't have to pay $10 for burger. We actually went through the Chic-fil-a drive through on our way to the concert and ate the food on the hill.
4. Fun activities for the kiddos were available prior to the concert. Your kid could carve out a miniature pumpkin and leave the mess behind for someone else to clean.
5. Candy and other goodies were available for the kids.
6. Sitting on the Hill on a blanket (or rental free lawn chair) while the kids (mine and all their cousins) ran around having fun.

Jack dressed up this year as Buzz Lightyear. He's into Toy Story these days.

My mom got all the boys glow-in-the-dark necklaces. Jack dismantled his and used it to conduct the Symphony. He called it his "lightyear". He was so darn cute that I had to try to film him "conducting" even though the light conditions were atrocious. I took him to the stairs between the hill and the covered seats so the safety lights could help illuminate him a little bit. The visual quality is not very good but one gets the general idea.

I love how as the speed of the music increases his little hands move faster and faster until he ends up using his whole body in a frenzy, then slows down again with the music and claps and yells "yeeeeey!!" when the music ends. I better hold on to this clip. If he ends up being a famous conductor it may be worth some money in the future! lol!!!

Katja invited some of her musical friends to dress up and join us. They're all such nice girls. It was cute (and refreshing) to hear them comment on the various musicians, instruments, and songs between talking about friends, school and boys.

Robbie and the cousins were there too but I can find my flash drive with those pictures so I will add them later when I find them otherwise it will be Christmas before I post this October blog entry!

Happy BIRTH day, Baby Luke!!!!!!!

Here HE is...... Baby Luke will celebrate his birthday on October 27th each year, exactly one day before his auntie Millie (who turns 40 in exactly six hours and 18 minutes and not one minute before).

Back to Luke- He's a Monster of a baby by Rivera standards.

• He weighed: 8. 45 lbs
• He measured: 22.5 inches
• He was born with LOTS of black straight hair (When I asked if it was curly or straight Paco said it looked "matted" to him. Hmph! Men!)
• He looks like "The Presgrove side of the family with Paco's nose." (The second pictures illustrates this point better.)

We affectionately refer to this one as the "baby burrito" picture.

Luke has increased the Presgrove grandchildren count to 2 and the Rivera grandchildren count to 7. That is 2 boys for the Presgrove side and 6 boys and 1 girl (aka- Princess Katja) for the Rivera side. All grandparents are reported to be beaming with pride. Luke is having his first bath as I type, and he is pretty sure he hates the experience.

More pictures (these were emailed to me) coming soon as I am off to the hospital to check out and hold my nephew for the first time. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening!!!!

A prayer of THANKS to the Almighty for this safe and healthy delivery. Both mother and child are enjoying perfect health.

Cousins & BFF's

Jack and Jayce may be cousins by blood but they are BFF's by choice. After "parallel playing" for most of their lives they finally "found" each other at last a few months ago and are now inseparable. We get them together at least once a week, usually, so they can entertain each other and burn some energy having fun playing in each other's company. In addition to the usual trek to the park or the back yard they also enjoy...

1. Ending the day taking baths together and playing in the tub before donning they "jammies" and expressing their discontent at the the other's imminent departure for the evening.

2. Playing Naked Basketball just before bath time. Doesn't everyone??

3. Putting together puzzles (without fighting!) :)

...and eating dinner together (sorry, no pic available of this elusive act). It is the only way we can get them to eat sometimes. Somehow sharing a meal with a friend makes the prospect of eating more appealing. Sometimes we wonder how they are still alive. I could feed a small third world country with all of the food I have served Jack and he has refused to eat. Thank heaven for vitamins! Whoever invented Gummy Bear Vitamins has this mother's deepest gratitude.