Thursday, December 31, 2009

RINGING IN ... 2010!!!


I'M SAD TO see 2009 come to an end because it's been a good year, but I am also looking forward to the coming new year. Blessings to all of you, wonderful friends, thanks for your visits, encouraging comments and support.

HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2010 AND MANY SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL!!!

Note: It is a belief for many, in my country, the Philippines, that having round fruits in the house before the coming of the new year, will bring you good luck throughout the year. What's your belief, if any?

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Winter Concert 2009

IT'S THAT TIME of year again where schools/students show off their hard work and give an excellent concert for all to enjoy. My kids' school is no exception. If you are a follower of my blog you all know that our son loves to play guitar. He is a member of the school's marching band, jazz band, drumline and high school concert band ... that's how much he really loves music. lol Plus he has his own band, Funk Uncle. Unlike bigger towns or cities, our small town's performers are not in formal attire ... just plain or nice-looking shirts for boys, and decent clothes for girls, but their performances are up to par just the same. Here are a few videos I took of their jazz band, sharing it with all of you and especially to our relatives here and abroad who enjoy watching him play. All seniors were featured since this will be their last winter performance, and that includes our son ... and it's kind of sad in a way, if you think about it ... "last performance?" :(
He is the one standing in the back wearing a tan hat playing the first and last solos.

They played, "Six String Shuffle" here.



... in this vid, he utilized his "Wah" pedal, playing "Funky Ol' Saint Nick"



... "Free Bird" and again his "Wah" pedal for sound effects.


After the concert, I heard a couple sitting behind me say, "That kid, Will really is amazing! He can really make his guitar sing!" And of course, hearing those kind of comments from others (besides myself, lol) just makes my heart swell! Listening to all those practices for years, over the sound of the TV at home paid off. ;) It was not always easy, especially when our daughter who plays guitar and trumpet was still living at home ... when they both practice? ohhhh, I thought I might develop an early hearing problem, but hubby and I learned to love and enjoy it! We are those kids' number one fans! ... may it be sports or arts and music ... numero uno! lol ... nothing beats that!

My friends, from my family to yours, I am sincerely wishing each and every one of you a heart-warming, blessed CHRISTmas, and and may the New Year bring us good health, peace and joy! Please stay safe and warm! Love all of 'ya!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

My boy's 18th b'day ...

Have you ever given in to your kid's nagging/pleading?
Our son turned 18 last Wednesday, and a day before his birthday the present we ordered online for him was delivered. Hubby hid the box but for some reason our son found it. When I got home from work that afternoon, I found the box partially opened and plastered with post-it-notes saying, "let me open this today" and "please" all over the box. Apparently, he came home after school, tracked down the package online and found out that's it's been delivered, so he was in a hide-and-seek mode. After he found it, he probably realized that he's not supposed to open it yet, so he plastered it with those notes, and went back to school for extra curricular activities. (there were actually more notes...they fell off from the box)


He came back home while I was making dinner and followed me around with this face, saying, "can you refuse this face?" ... and words like, "I'm so excited to open it now, I won't be as excited tomorrow", "I have to suffer one more night and day?", etc. etc... giving me hugs, and more hugs.


I finally gave in for the main reason that he is a nice kid, getting very good grades in school, has a nice personality and seems to be doing everything right and besides I don't see any point in prolonging his agony! ... hey, what can I say, I'm a marshmallow-at-heart! lol This picture as they say, is worth a thousand words ... look at that smile! ;)


And boy, he got that baby set up in no time! He played for a few minutes but had to go back to school again. He is a member of the "Operation Santa" committee, where, along with classmates, they go house to house asking for Christmas donations ... go shopping ... box them and then they distribute the goodies to less fortunate families before Christmas.

Ahhhh ... kids, you gotta love 'em!