Taylor Swift

Taylor asked for a Taylor Swift CD for Christmas and was so excited because she got it!  Her cousin got a ticket to her concert.  She was okay with that.  Until the concert got closer and she started hearing about it non-stop on the radio and TV.  Even then, she didn't really complain, she just said things like, "I wish we could go." 

I explained that the tickets were sold out.  She said she heard on the radio that people could win them.  I told her that all contests were only giving away two tickets and we needed at least three so both girls could go.  Emma said she would be fine if just Taylor went.  It was a very sweet comment, but in reality I don't think it would have gone over so well.

I looked on Craigslist at ones that people were selling and they ranged from $300 - $400.  That was impossible for our budget.  I gave up looking.  Then, a week before the concert a deal popped up on my facebook page that I couldn't pass up.  There was great deal on a name your own price website.  I bought three tickets.  This would be a great before-the-baby-arrives date for Will and the girls. 

We kept it a secret until the day before the concert.  They were so excited!  We explained to them how big the arena would be and how crowed it would be.  We told them about being wanded to make sure know one was bringing a gun in their pockets.  Taylor said, "I probably won't even have pockets!"  Then Emma said,"...And, we don't even have any guns!"

I asked them to show me their "excited" faces.

Now, remember, I got these tickets for a super great price - that doesn't mean they were close seats.

They were up so high that Emma and Taylor were a bit overwhelmed and Emma was afraid she might fall.

They were better after the opening act.  Taylor Swift puts on quite a show.  She even did a portion of the concert on a stage that was closer to the cheap seats.

They got home around 10:45 and were filled with excitement.  After telling me about every detail of what she wore and the songs that she sang their heads hit the pillow and they went right to sleep.

These were some of the highlights:
Taylor Swift gave her black hat to someone in the audience.
Taylor's favorite part was everything.
She wore beautiful dresses.
Daddy got them popcorn and pretzels.
Taylor Swift was wearing red sparkly shoes, just like Emma.  Notice the picture below and compare with Emma above.

Some low points:
She didn't sing Taylor's favorite song.
They never found their cousin, Peyton, in the audience.

Kindergarten Music Program

Since summer is finally here,  I decided it was time to document the end of kindergarten.  I'm starting with a post about their end of the year music program.  It was a big deal for several reasons.  First, the performance was at a nearby middle school that had a real stage!  Unfortunately, the kindergartners were on risers on the floor.  They were sad because this meant that the stage lights didn't shine on them.  Second, they got to ride a bus to the school for a practice.  This was their first ride on a school bus.  They were really looking forward to it, and thankfully, the ride didn't disappoint.  I think they'd rather ride the bus to school than me take them.

The concert was a big deal to me for different reasons.  Emma and Taylor love to sing, dance, and put on performances, but they tend to have a severe case of stage fright when other people are around.  I was pretty nervous about how they would handle the crowd.  I had nothing to be afraid of.

 Look at the joy on Emma's face.  This was a far different child than the preschooler who refused to sing last year.  You can read more about that here.

I was so proud of my little girls who didn't seem so little anymore.

Random at the Rock Concert

Last night Will and I went to a Grace Potter concert.  If you like rock music, I highly recommend you look her up.  She is not a christian artist so if you are a person that only listens to christian music, I would recommend that you skip it.  There is the occasional curse word and sexual reference.  You have been warned.

This is not in the "summer blogging" order that I had intended, but wanted to write it while it is fresh in my mind.  First, I want to tell you about an arrangement that we have with some friends of ours.  Once a month their kids spend the night with us.  Once a month our kids spend the night with them.  Its a beautiful thing.  We started this when they were very young.  This means that sometimes they've been up all night with our kids and there have been times we've been up all night with their kids.  It doesn't matter - that one night a month is totally worth it.  We are aloud to stay out as late as we want.  Sometimes we go out and sometimes we stay in.  Sometimes we hang out just the two of us, sometimes we invite friends to hang out - kid free, of course.

Next, I know some of my thrifty readers may say, "concerts are too expensive, why do you go?"  My answer is this.  We love music.  We love supporting the artists that we love.  We love that our area is trying to support live music and we want that to continue.  It really does help our local economy.  I, also, am really thrifty.  I'd say even at times just plain cheap.  I think though, that  if you spend your money wisely, you should be able to do some fun things that are expensive.  We just cut back in other areas.  We go to probably two concerts a year.  I think that if I don't do some things I love, I would start to get sad that all I do is save money.  That being said, if we don't have the money, we don't go.

Okay, now on to the concert itself.  This is going to be an example of how my brain works.  It will be random.  It may seem unrelated, but I promise, all thoughts are strung together by a thread of commonality.
That thread being the concert.

And we begin.

I'd love to be a rock star.
Why did I wear these shoes?  I knew I would be standing a lot.
I don't mind standing near the stage, but I'm positioned inside the speakers.  Everything has a muffled sound.
Wow, her dress is short.  Is it even a dress?  It might just be a shirt.  At least she's wearing some short shorts under there.  Man, I wish my legs looked like hers.  I guess I should work out more.
Is she getting another beer?  I'm pretty sure by her boisterous attitude that she's already had too many.
Can't these people tell this is a quiet, sensitive part of the song?  That doesn't mean its their turn to yell things!  Its also not the time to show us your new, improved, alcohol induced harmonies!
Nope, alcohol does not make you a good dancer.  Your friend told you it did?  They have had too much, too.
Obviously I was much younger the last time I stood near the stage at a concert.
Man, this band is awesome.
Let's move to the back.
Much better.  I get a more complete version of the sound back here.
There's enough room for me to dance.
Oh, people might see my dancing and think that I've been drinking, too.
I love to dance.  Its been too long.  The last time I danced was Zach's wedding.
I wonder how Zach is doing.  I enjoyed seeing Hilary at that wedding.
Oh!  I love this song!
Emma and Taylor would like her dancing.  I hope they went to bed okay.
Maybe I don't want to be a rock star.  I wouldn't be able to put up with the audience.  I need to sing something more mellow.  If you stay calm, the crowd stays calm.
My feet are actually okay, but my right knee hurts.
Wow!  What a concert!  They were incredible!

The Gift of Music

I was laying in bed last night thinking about my favorite Christmas presents.  You know, the ones I actually remember opening, being excited about, and using for years to come.  The only ones that come to mind are as follows.  New Kids on the Block tape when I was 8,  sterling silver necklace with music notes on it when I was around 10,  a radio/CD/tape player when I was 14, and a radio/CD player for my car when I was 17.

I don't still have the tape, but I do have the same album on a CD.  I don't still have the car stereo, it went with the car, but I do still use the other stereo and the necklace.

I have received a lot of gifts in my life (I can't believe I'm 31), but remember very few (which reminds me that what I give my kids really isn't that important).  I believe that the items I remember were important/special for one connecting reason: music. 

I think that music is one of the most wonderful gifts that God has given.  I don't think there is a moment in my life that passes without the involvement of music.  I like all music.  I think each style has an appropriate time and place.  I think music often says things that we just can't put into words.  Most importantly, music is my preferred method of worshiping my savior.  I relate to that little drummer boy.  "I have no gift to bring, to lay before the King.  I played my drum for him.  I played my best for him.  Then, he smiled at me.  Me and my drum."

A lot of people HATE Christmas music, and I understand why, but as for me, I LOVE it!  I get one month - ONE MONTH people, to listen to music that will be put back on the shelf for a year.  I, and other Christmas music lovers, have to take full advantage of this opportunity.

SO...I guess this post has a few messages and reminders in it.  Make your gifts special and memorable.  They don't have to be expensive, fancy, or even material objects at all.  They could be your time, your services, handmade, or bought, just make sure they fill a purpose and matter.  Really THINK about the person you're giving to.

Also, give Christmas music a chance.  Some people really dig it.