Happy Holidays 2008

Wow, we are having a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season for 2008! I hope you are also.

The best thing about the season is being able to see and spend some really nice time with your family and loved ones. I and my family have been fortunate to have been able to drive/visit/host several family members over the Thanksgiving/Christmas time.

Next we are on to some New Year festivities in the Dallas area with my brother-in-law and their family, plus squeezing in some more visiting time in with our oldest daughter and her husband and our two older children in the Dallas area.

Talk about a whirlwind.

Our teenage son has been squeezing in some quality time with saxophone practice here and there, plus enjoying so much quality time with his older siblings, who we get to see too little of during the year.

Our littlest is getting into the swing of things with the gifts. He had no interest in actually opening the presents, just set them out for him to play with and explore. I don't think that there was one gift that he didn't actually love. He really got into playing with his new Learning Bus, firetruck and his learning pad.

One of our traditions at our house is to decorate Christmas cookies, my teenage son has loved this activity over the years and we were really looking forward to starting the tradition with my littlest. He participated by standing on the stepstool and eating cookies, couldn't get him to sprinkle cookies or even decorate cookies, but he did stand there quietly eating away. My two younger sons are so....different in their interests.

My littlest did have a meltdown during the experience, he got some frosting on his finger and got very upset until we could get it cleaned off.

Now, I am talking about the kid who on Christmas Day jumped into the dog's water dish with his best clothes on then proceeded to play and roll around in the dirt and eat mud and dirt pies!!! He only had a meltdown when he got cookie frosting on his finger!!! Gotta love it...

Here are a few photos, click on this link to be able to view some more Christmas 2008.

My Teenage Son Has Been Selected As A High School Aerospace Scholar!!!

I had mentioned in a previous posting about my teenage DS agreeing to apply for the High School Aerospace Program.

He received an email today and was congratulated on being nominated by his state legislature for a spot in the program!!!

He is kinda' shocked and feeling overwhelmed when I reminded him that he will need to complete 10 lessons due every two weeks starting in January.

His nomination to participate in the summer onsite program at NASA in Houston will be based on his performance and scores received on the projects that will be due. I hope the projects interest him and he is motivated to complete them.

He loves Science and one of the reasons I thought this might interest him is the advanced challenges that he might be facing with the modules and lessons. He is not always challenged in his current High School academic program and that frustrates him.

He has been struggling lately with trying to see what type of programs in college might interest him. He didn't receive the type of score that he would have liked on his PSAT exam...But the good thing is that it has motivated him to ask to be assigned to work his last period of the day in the library where they have the Kaplan review program for the SAT test. He wants to improve his knowledge and test taking skills to be placed higher in their ranking system.

So he has alot more challenges to face, but I am thrilled that he is being offered this unique learning experience!

Thank You For Your Prayers!!!

Your educational fact of the day, this graphic is a visual representation of the full playing range of an Alto Sax.

Just wanted to get a note off to everyone to let you know that my DS was successful with this tryouts for All Region. After a long and tiring day, he arrived home about 11pm and was very happy to announce that he will advance to All Area tryouts in January.

He received a ranking as second chair of the symphonic band, behind another player from Bushland HS whom he has competed against several times over the years. This is the first time that this player has scored a high level than my son, but we heard from the judges that it was a split for first between the two judges on their ranking. Apparently two were for my son placing 1st and two were for the other boy placing first. But honestly, my son wasn't upset at all. I think in fact, it takes some pressure off of him. Last year, he felt like he was going to pass out when it came time to perform in front of the audience at All Region and he looked like he was going to as well, in first chair he has to sit on the edge near the audience. So, he is just thrilled to make it to All Area for another chance at All State.

My DH and I knew our son was extremely nervous Sunday night, he was beside himself with nerves. So what is a parent to do, we sat him down and affirmed him and prayed with him. I also was able to affirm him on Monday before he left when he came home for lunch.

He said it was the weirdest thing...He wasn't nervous at all and felt very warm and calm. He had prayed, taken a deep breath and remembered our words about how he was to demonstrate his gifts and talents that he has received and to let the Lord handle the rest. It took the pressure off of him.

He also remembered that this event is suppose to be something that he is to enjoy and have a good experience with, so that helps keep things in perspective. So many kids feel so much pressure during these events. He is responsible for practicing, giving it his all for his performance but the results are not left up to him. As far as we were concerned he had already demonstrated his excellence.

But watch out young man from Bushland. Our son is fired up for besting you at All Area and making it to All State... I think the ranking as second might have given him more of an incentive to continue to practice aggressively leading up to the All Area tryouts. The key is keeping up an aggressive practice schedule during the holiday season. Something that is very hard to do for most kids and he has struggled with as well in the past two years. We have heard from the band directors that the kids who are aggressive with their practicing over the holidays are the ones who get the rankings to go to All State. Realistically, at All Area he will be competing against 12 other kids for being ranked in the top two to be able to advance. So a pretty aggressive tryout ahead. Some boys demonstrate their aggressiveness in sports events, our son is very aggressive in his academic and playing skills...I don't think most of the people at his school see this side of him.

A little known fact, our son refuses to get any of the patches sewn onto his HS letter jacket because he wants to plan where his patches will go based on the placement around an All State band patch, which apparently is huge and covers most of the back of a letter jacket. Hmmmm......

Apparently, the young man from Bushland might have received some angry hostile looks from the other kids at my son's school. Our sons peers did not like the fact that he was bested in his ranking and were angry, while our son, didn't even have an issue with his placement. He felt bad about what the other young man might have received from his peers.

In addition he heard from the judges that he and the player from Bushland were so tight in their skills, but the other kids that tried out on Alto Sax were no where near their skill of playing. This other young man is a son of a Band Director and I am sure that he has some pressure placed upon him to do his best. I think it is great for my son to be challenged and I hope this year he might be able to get to know this young man a little bit more. They have competed against each other since 8th grade and my DS always sees him at band camp as well as other competitions.

Congratulations, young man from Bushland!

All Region Tryouts

My teenage DS is in the final stages of preparing for his very important All Region Band tryouts. He has made the symphonic band the past two years and was able to achieve 1st chair last year. His tryouts are scheduled for next Monday the 8th, so I would appreciate your prayers for his musical talent and gifts to show through during this tryout!!!

He is practicing everyday and was busy for about 2 hours yesterday after school and is busy at school playing during his band class.

The top three performers in alto sax at the all region tryouts also automatically advance to the all area tryouts which will be held in Abilene this year on January 10th, 2009.

He hasn't realized it yet, but the all area has been realigned, so he will be competing in a different mix of kids than he has seen over the past two years, don't think I will tell him that, it might add in another level of stress.

Junior Student Of The Month

Wow, I guess I have been kinda' busy...

I have forgotten to mention that my DS recently was honored at his school as the Junior Student of the Month for November!!!

This is what was written in his recognition:

He takes responsibility in the classroom and earns excellent grades. He is very respectful and is a talented member of the Chieftain Band. He is always focused in the classroom.

He is such a joy to have as a son, it's nice to see him being recognized by others as well.

Encouraging Your Child

I guess you could call me a mom who can put on some pressure?!?

I have strongly encouraged my darling teenage son to step up to some challenges. I thought this year academically would be too easy for my son, but it has surprisingly turned out to be pretty intense. He is now practicing his alto sax about 1 to 2 hours per day in preparation for the All Region Band tryouts Dec 3. In addition to that he is active with the NHS and their activities re: the National Election. Plus he is working on his homework about 1 to 3 hours per day depending on the course.

I have been speaking with him trying to see if he might be interested in attending a prestigious christian college in Illinois? (NO) possibly applying for a military academy, you know the tuition would be free and they are the top ranked universities in the country for science and engineering majors? (NO) applying for Harvard, Yale, etc. (NO) So as you can see I am narrowing down the field of choices or directions to investigate based on my extensive questioning...

So I just had to find another opportunity for him in the field of science/engineering/math, possbily an experience that might be of benefit and allow him to narrow down his possible career/major choices and something prestigious to apply for...

This time he didn't exactly say no!!! Whoo Hoo!!! The Texas Aerospace Scholars program!!! He just said he is filling overwhelmed with keeping up with all of his coursework, classes, practices, etc and didn't see how he could add in another set of deadlines, so he was willing to try but just didn't see how...

So I asked him if he would would be willing to try if I acted as secretary. He agreed so I filled out as much of the paperwork as I could, higlighted where he needed to sign, made sure he accomplished the deadlines as outlined, got copies made, itemized his responsibilities of work to complete and broke down the steps so he didn't feel overwhelmed, one letter here, another there(letter to State senator requesting nomination, letter to Principal requesting nomination, etc.) and mailed it off. And he completed everything within the timeframe, and didn't complain, now just the waiting...

It looks like an interesting program, so check it out. Texas Aerospace Scholars Program If selected he will hear by Dec 19th, he will be assigned online work every two weeks to be completed during the year and then he will hear if he is chosen to participate in a 1 week internship at Johnson Space Center this summer, all expenses paid. The other great thing, is that if he is nominated to participate and chooses to continue with this program, there is a possibility for being an intern at Johnson Space Center during his college career!!!

Okay, I will back off and try to calm down. I am just thrilled he agreed to apply!!! I think it would be a tremendous opportunity for him and hope that he is selected, I also think it would help him to understand whether or not, he is interested in being a possible science/egineering major.

It was also interesting to my DS to see how the staff at the high school was jumping through hoops and scrambling to get his transcripts and his letter from the principal just right...An opportunity for a local high school student to be offered a position in this program, would be of importance to the entire community, just one of the items of interest in living in a small town. So he was kinda' surprised about their extreme willingness to help once they knew what it was for...a source of community pride.

The other thing my DS has said is 'no way am I going to be an astronaut and fly in space, mom!'.

I guess we will see, as far as I am concerned 'the sky is not the limit for my DS!'.

Updated Band Photos

Some more photos from a recent HS football game, note to review pictures #65 and #69, not the greatest photos, but they highlight a really cute teenage DS.

Friona Star Floydada game photos

Of note, boy we have to put in alot of hours as band booster parents! Not only do we make sure that all of the band kids receive a snack at all home games, plus drink but we provide the meals and also snacks and drinks at all away games. We have raised over $2000 this year alone and that is before we cook our 15th annual Enchilada dinner the Sunday before Thanksgiving! That should bring in another $1500 after expenses. I also need to say that we don't take out any of the band funds to provide the food for the kids at their events, we have the parents contribute or cook it all as a donation. We typically feed 55 kids each game and tomorrow night we are hosting the 7th and 8th graders for the game as well. So we will be feeding over 85 kids for that game!!! Tomorrow night, I get the priviledge to work the football concession stand with some other band parents. We are able to make $250 for working the stand and this will be our second time this season. What we won't do for money! All for assisting our kids with their expenses if they make the state level for solo/ensemble (pays for Fiesta Texas entry fees, dinners and other fun events) and to offset their trip which occurs every other year. This is not our year to travel but we are full steam ahead for our fundraising efforts. They hope to travel to the Ozarks for their trip next year, now that would be fun!!!

Rite of Passage

It seems like the years have passed way to fast. I guess I was not prepared for this event. My darling teenage son has started the quest towards graduation...

He arrived home yesterday with the obligatory class ring info...

You might laugh, but it is true, I was unprepared and kinda' shocked.

Our son doesn't mind marching to the beat of his own drummer. So we are looking at ring vendors separate from the one offered through the high school. Shocking what rings cost nowadays. Why back in my day...

I guess I am dating myself aren't I.

At least at the moment, he chooses not to drive, he wears his shoes til they almost are falling off of his feet and he really never asks for much in the way of clothes. So we have gotten off fairly cheaply over the years.

I guess you could say, I need to get it together and get geared up for the other events left to follow. Class pictures, college applications, announcements, etc....

Where have all of the years gone?

2008 UIL Marching Band Competition

My teenage DS wanted to make sure that I updated my PhotoBucket with the pictures from the competition this past Saturday. I think the band marched really well, though their scoring didn't reflect that. Check it out for yourself. 2008 UIL Competition pictures.

Sweet 16!!!

I am a little slow in sharing the pictures, here is our DS recent 16th Birthday celebration. Gosh, they do grow up awful fast, don't they...

That's modern times for you, he really, really wanted to have a teeth whitening kit since he got his braces off, my frugal self was delaying it as long as possible, did I mention that I got the over $30 kit for free....still makes for a nice and much wished for gift.

Check out some more pictures if you would like.http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y115/PLNEWHOU/Kenny%2016%20Birthday/

Shocked...

My teenage DS had his UIL marching competition this past Saturday. The band performed very well, but were greatly disappointed to receive a rating of 2, 3, 3.



Okay, my shock was that I looked over to see my son's new private saxophone tutor (head band person at WTAMU) sitting in the stands near us. He arrived at 3:00pm and my son's band was scheduled to perform at 3:16pm. Surely, I thought, he must know someone here in another schools band.


I couldn't believe my eyes, he promptly got up from his seat after my DS band's performance and exited the stands, I had just started over to talk with him and he was gone....


I am still in shock. He called the home this afternoon, to rearrange their private lesson date and time and said that 'yes' he had come just to see my son's band perform!!!


This is a very busy college level instructor who only took on our son about 3 weeks ago as a private student and he took the time to drive over 30 minutes one way to see him perform, in a marching performance that only lasted 8 minutes.


Can you say a big, WOW!!!



Needless to say, our son was practicing this afternoon and evening for about 3 hours on his saxophone for his lesson tomorrow, even he was impressed....


Can you say GO BUFFALOES!!!

Do We Put Too Much Pressure On Our Kids?

My DH and I were able to attend our son's high school open house last night. It was good to get to meet his teachers and interact with them. Unfortunately, we talked so much to each teacher we were not able to get to 3 of his classes.

What I was surprised to see:

• Parents aggressively confronting teachers regarding their child's grades (i.e. Pre-Calculus)
• So few parents attending the open house (for two of his classes we were the only parent to show up)
• Parents expressing their displeasure with their kids academic performance to other parents in public

What my DS has said recently:

• Kids eat too much junk food (my son is not perfect, but compared to others one coke per week and candy bar doesn't seem excessive, from what I understand that is the typical breakfast for his friends)
• DS is shocked that kids seem to eat excessively and continuously, whenever they stop on his band trips the kids pile out to buy junk food galore (my son has always been one who eats when he is hungry and doesn't typically gorge himself, apparently my DS was almost to the point of getting sick when he saw some of what his friends were eating and how much)
• People don't know how to enjoy downtime and just take it easy occasionally
• People don't take the time to be with their families
• People always seem to put too much pressure on themselves
• People are too materialistic
• Girls don't understand how to dress and presents themselves with modesty (such and such would look so much nicer if she removed her make-up and didn't dress in short dresses/some of the latest trendy clothes)

What I heard from my DS today:

• One parent was at school today and approaching several of their child's teachers about their child turning in additional assignments in order to improve their grade (today is the last day of the six weeks and the grades must be turned in today)
• Several kids were visibly upset that they were receiving "B's" in an advanced placement class and afraid of the repercussions from their parents
• That our son is glad that he doesn't have to face this type of 'pressure' from us, he says that we have always expected him to perform his best and if he says that he has done his best then that is good enough for us, no additional pressure (but he does give us a heads up on classes that are going to be grades lower than 95, we always ask if he thinks there is something that he thinks he might need to do differently and we have an upfront discussion)
• Several of his classmates are getting fewer than 3 hours sleep each night because they are overly involved in extracurricular activities and with the AP class demands they are stretched to exhaustion, they are falling out in classes and look terrible
• Our son is heavily involved in band as his extracurricular activity and as he says that is enough to stretch and challenge him in addition to his class load; (some of his classmates are involved in sports, AP classes, cheerleader, 4H, etc and are expected to give 110% to everything)

What I recognize is that I have these type of tendencies. I explained to my son that I could see myself getting this overemotional on his behalf, as you can tell from some of my postings, right!!!
I guess what I am trying to say is that I keep getting affirmations everyday that I am not in control of my life or my son's no matter how much I think so...

I have been lifting up in prayer my recognition of my need to surrender and trust the Lord to direct and lead my life and my son's life each and everyday.

My writings seem to be getting more intense the closer to graduation from high school we come. My DS is scheduled to graduate May of 2010 and we have a ways to go, but it seems to be going faster than I expected. I am full of apprehension and some fear of the future, but at least in stating it, I am taking steps to pray and study the scriptures to assist me in this period of my life. I would appreciate your lifting these concerns up in prayer...

Private Alto Sax Lessons

My DS was able to complete his first alto sax private lesson yesterday afternoon. It looks like he will be able to participate in the lessons each week!!! That means alot of road time, gas money and private lesson fees, but it will be worth it.

It seems like this is the busiest and most hectic year our DS has had in his high school career thus far. He is taking two dual credit classes, (having to get up to speed with online college classes and their formats), Pre Calculus, Spanish IV, Band, an independent study for Trigonometry and also Chemistry I.

He has volunteered to learn the french horn and will participate in an ensemble in order to try and make state level as an ensemble.

Mr. LeFevre stated that our son's talent with the alto sax has outgrown his current instrument. He is recommending that we look into purchasing a professional sax. So far it looks like it would be about $3500-$5000 for a decent one. Also, Mr. LeFevre stated that our DS 'will' make state band. (That is a goal that our son has expressed to us, but not to anyone else) I think that confidence from Mr. LeFevre shocked our son... Our DS stated that he guesses he doesn't demonstrate total self confidence with his playing.

Our DS is debating his recommendation for a pro sax, since he doesn't feel like he wants to make music as a career, why invest so much in a hobby? Our son is pretty practical and he's got a good point... Right now he has decided to try to take his playing and skill with this current horn as far as he can.

A good statement made by our son, 'I don't know what direction the Lord has planned for me career wise but for some reason I have been given a gift with some skills and talent for playing the saxophone so we will see what the Lord wants for me to do...." So we will take this one step at a time.

Our DS is starting to consider possible career choices/majors for college study/colleges for study and is leaning towards the sciences/engineering majors. He is considering possibly architectural engineering/architecture/petroleum engineering, etc. But he also loves to debate his high school band performances in marching and with their performing and 'knows that he could do a better job then his director'.

If nothing else, I think that expanding his skill and talent with playing the alto sax and having such a great private tutor will only serve to improve his confidence and expand his capabilities. It might also help him to decide what direction the Lord is having him go...

I must say that he plays the flute for fun, is really exceptional on the alto sax, is making a good sound with the french horn after only 4 weeks and you should hear him on the piano in the sanctuary when we are cleaning up at our church. He sounds so good on the piano and only had a couple of months of lessons when he was about 7 years old. We don't have a piano at the house, so his only time to 'tickle the ivories' is when we are at church. I know that he didn't get his musical abilities from me....In fact, he says that he knows he has inherited one trait from me, music wise, he absolutely cannot sight read, how do you like those compliments?!?

Band Booster Mom Goes Crazy!!!!

http://www.frionaonline.com/

Check it out. This is our local newspaper and they are great about uploading pictures of events and are very timely. If you click on the link of photos, review the Maize Days photos, especially page 2 or specifically #28 of 135, there is one certain very handsome young man, or otherwise known as my DS!!!

Gotta' love that band!!!

Frustrated with Teachers

Just wanting to ventilate a little...

I am very frustrated in the inability to find a private alto saxophone tutor for my DS. He is a junior in high school and is very determined to make it to the state band this year. He is very skilled and has advanced to the All Area level over the past two years, but just hasn't been able to get to that last level for state. Unfortunately, to reach the state level, it pretty well requires him to have private lessons.

I have contacted six local schools and even have called schools nearby in an adjoining state. I have also called, emailed and begged a couple of well known alto sax instructors in nearby colleges and universities.

Either no response after two to three varied methods of attempting contact or they are too swamped to take on another student.

When my DS requests something, I am always quite determined to try and make it happen and I am not able to get this latest request even off of the ground.

I guess you could say that I am angry as well as very frustrated. I have even sat down with his local high school director with no help or further suggestions for steps to be taken.

Is that all I can do????!?!???!!!!

I have to let you know about how amazing persistent prayer is...I had posted this vent blog two days ago, I have learned the useful tool of scheduling postings...in the meantime, I have received an email from the Director of Bands/Symphony at WTAMU in Canyon, Don LeFevre.

I had previously sent him an email over 6 weeks ago, called and left messages, emailed and called his secretary, etc...with no response. He is an excellent alot sax player and highly respected as an instructor, in this part of the country he is the cats meow ( too old for most of you?!?). He has agreed to take my DS on as a private student!!!! Whoop, whoop, whoop, (do a little dance!!!)

We are now in the process of working out a schedule for sessions.

Did I mention, that I know exactly who to thank for this....Praise Jesus!!!

Did I also thank and praise him even when I wasn't getting the responses that I wanted, yes...I am learning to praise him at all times, not just when I get what I want, but realising that I have handed my life over to him and allow him to be in charge of everything.

Is it easy to praise him during the bad and difficult times, previously I would have said no, but the more you realise how he works in your life each moment of each day, it is not difficult to do. It is called 'surrender', I surrender everything to him.

Have you?!?

F - Forgiveness. We cannot have a relationship with God without forgiveness
(Ephesians 1:7a)
A - Available. Forgiveness is available for all (John 3:16)
I - Impossible. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven (Romans
3:23).
T - Turn. A person must turn away (repent) from sin and follow God (Luke
13:3).
H - Heaven. Heaven is the gift of eternal life now and in the hereafter
(John 10:10b: 14:3)

I would be happy to share my personal testimony with you and pray with you. Please contact me via plnewhou@msn.com.

Band Camp 2008 and the summer hecticness continues....(is that a word?!?)

Our middle DS has been attending band camp this week. This is his second year in attendance and he commutes everyday, so it puts a strain and a drain on our time and gas budget, but it is well worth it. His dad has been a huge trooper and has willingly been doing the commute daily... They leave the house at 7:30am and arrive back at 6:30pm. Yesterday was a longer day and they didn't get back home until 9:30pm.

But our son loves it!!! He is thrilled by the challenge of playing his saxophone and learns so much. He was thrilled to be selected for performing in the High School concert band and feels that he achieved a good position because he is competing against kids who have had private tutors for several years and attend 4A and 5A schools. There are 5 bands that they try out for, 1st Honors, 2nd Symphonic, 3rd Concert, 4th Burgundy, 5th White.

So my son and husband have been getting in some good bonding time together. My husband is a really big trooper because he has predominately been spending his vacation time, just being a driver for our family. Next week he will going out of town on one day for a trip to UTPB to meet with his professors in Odessa, plus one more week of band camp, I don't see how he does it?!? My DH says he is honored to be our son's chaperon and participate and contribute to something that our son loves so much....gotta love him....

The featured guest performer at the band camp this year is a world renowned saxophone player, so our son says he is being very humbled by how much more there is to accomplish in his playing...

We are determined to try once again to find a private tutor for our son. We need to find someone who he can see on a regular basis and who will challenge our son to expand his skills. Our son wants the challenge. He has missed getting placed in state band for the past two years even though he has advanced to Area both years and it is a personal goal of his to achieve state band. It is our understanding that a private instructor will make the difference in his playing level and reaching to new heights in his skills. We have been frustrated with our inability to line anyone up thus far, even after pleading with his band directors, other local band directors and the head band director at WTAMU (who is an accomplished sax player himself). But I am challenged and he wants it, so I will be on a quest...

Big brother time...

Littlest DS and his bigger brother bonding with the birds, little one loves to park his chairs in front of the bird cages and sit and talk with them. We have a cockatiel and a parakeet, now that the baby gates are down (after this photo was taken) he spends quite abit of time nearby. I guess he has been pining to get closer to them and has been as close as the baby gates would allow previously.

Big bro and little one settled in for an afternoon of Lilo and Stitch ...(a new favorite), but we all tolerate seeing it well, at least we haven't seen this movie a hundred times through the years.

Big bro modeling the newest birthday items.