The Thursday before Thanksgiving, I made a trip out to San Jose after work because cousin Emily Friesen was the star of her Jr. High Play. It was based on the story of The Princess and the Pea, called "Once Upon a Mattress." Kevin told me over and over that I have to make it to see her because otherwise I "won't believe how talented she is." I thought perhaps her acting was stellar but he said, "that's fine too, but you have to hear her sing."
I'll always be so very glad that I went out that night. Not only did Mer, Wes and Will impress me by cheering wildly for their sister, but Emily was stunning. Seeing her on stage-- the lead out of 30 plus other girls-- was quite surreal. When she opened her mouth to sing, my jaw dropped. She is so talented. I anxiously waited for her after the play to congratulate her, but she was across the room talking to her fans. My throat caught when I noticed her spot her dad, then ran across the stage because it was the fastest way to get into his arms.
Then Kevin and Christine were off on a flight to Cancun where I know that all of you lucky wedding goers got to finally meet Christine. She's such a fun and spirited woman and I enjoy talking with her so much. I can't wait to hear what she thinks about you Friesen's!
Here Kev and Christine and the kids hunt down the perfect Christmas tree. I was not there on this trip. Therefore, I don't have a tree.
So, here is the tree and Mal and have up in our apartment. I hope to have a real one next year.
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I told you earlier that I have been crate-training Sophie. This new venture began with a lot of guilt-- that I was doing the wrong thing and moving in a negative direction. After all, this was how I got to say goodbye to her everyday before getting into my car:
But after much research, and consoling from my facebook friends, I decided that it was time. I have a whole new puppy now. The frustration with 98% of our issues has dissipated. I'm a happier puppy mom and she is just as spirited as always. I mean-- this is not a bad way to say goodbye, either.
(good thing I bought a crate large enough to accommodate her ears!)
Speaking of "Once Upon a Mattress"-- I'd like mine back one day.
My poor nephew was just diagnosed with his second double ear infection in a month. Our happy baby boy is not so happy when he is in constant pain. Mick and Laura are doing everything that then can for them, but as a reformed chronic ear infection sufferer, please pray for our Tommy! (well, both of them, if you'd like...)
