Milestones

Today was a big day for both of our kids. The kind of day you look forward to with anticipation. The kind of day where you hold your breath in the morning and don't breathe until everyone is home and sharing every detail until you can say, "I'm so proud of you."

Kristen started playing the drums last October. Within weeks she was playing in the youth worship band. Her first drum teacher, on more than one occasion, threw his drum sticks in the air and called her disgusting. Before long she moved onto another teacher. In confidence we asked him what he thought of her talent. Did she have a shot at her dream of touring with a Christian rock band some day? "Absolutely, if she makes the right contacts." In May, just before school was out, she auditioned for the Praise & Worship band at school for the 2007-2008 school year. The band director took her through at least 30 minutes of different songs. She stayed right up with him, changing her beat and the parts of the drums that she used, each song different. He was convinced she was good enough to be in the band. So today, during Chapel at school, she got to perform for the first time. She was nervous but knew this is what she had waited for. Jake said she did well. She though she did well, didn't mess up once! Two teachers and many students told her how well she did. Whew, it was over. I asked her if she was going to be nervous next week. She said no. Yeah!

Today was Mark's first day of college. I can't believe I'm even writing this. Just yesterday he was in his cradle, with that baby smell after his bath, sleeping soundly. Today he drove to college, went to all his classes, picked up a few supplies he still needed, then went to work. Now he's home, doing his Chemistry homework. Each problem has to be on it's own separate index card. You can't hand them in at the beginning of class. You have to meet with the teacher during her office time and spend 15 minutes with her as she looks over your work. Yikes! College sure has changed. And so have the prices! Books for one music class were $165. He has 9 classes! You do the math! We found out that he needs a tux for 5 performances this semester alone. Do we rent? Do we buy? We'll have to figure that one out. I hadn't considered saving for tuxes all those years but hopefully the college funds will pay for wardrobe too.

One more milestone to report. Yesterday Mark got his first 'gig'. He has been asked to play for a wedding in October. How cool is that? I'm going to make business cards for him, because you never know who might want him once they hear him play. It would be a great way to supplement his income.

I told him this morning before I left for work, "Good luck on the first day of the next 4-5 years of your life." He said, "Uggghhhh".