Reflections

Last summer as part of the summer piano homework Clare's teacher asked each student to write a song. The littler kids were supposed to pick an animal and write about that animal. Clare wrote "The Butterfly Song".  At the end of the song Holly helped Clare write out her song.  The kids performed their compositions for each other. Holly also encouraged the kids to submit their songs to the school's PTA reflections contest. The theme was "the magic of the moment."  Clare recorded her song on the computer and then submitted it by CD to her school with a statement about her song saying, "there is nothing more magical than seeing a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis."

Her song received a school award and a district award and went on to the county level as well. She was asked to perform her song a couple of different times at the award banquets for each of these Reflections events.  When I told Clare about how her song had won (for her age and category) for the school and for the district she was at first happy, but then when she realized she'd have to play in front of every body she said, "oh boy! Why did I ever get myself into this!" She is cute. She mustered up her courage and did a great job performing her song at these two special occasions.

In Jan she was recognized at a school assembly. She didn't have to play her song, but she did dress up and look nice for the occasion. She got two certificates.

Her sisters are her biggest fans! Lexey LOVES the spotlight and adores her sister so she tires to get a piece of everything Clare has going on! :)

  In Feb, she played at a reception at the SD county district offices (it was too dark for any decent pictures), and then this month at the Poway performing arts center for the district. Clare did a good job. She does not seek the spotlight and so it took courage for her to be in front of people and it is good practice for her to do so.


 Clare wanted her hair to have two braids meeting in the back of her head. This was my attempt at what she described. I am not especially gifted at doing hair but we make do!

There is a reason we have lots of great pictures of Clare at this event: Jessica!  We had a Calvin crisis. I can't remember what the cause of the problem was but Calvin was going completely crazy and wouldn't cooperate. I called jessica and she drove over and met us at the performing arts center. I sat in the parking lot with her two boys - in pj's all ready for bed - still strapped in the car, plus jo in my car and Calvin who was causing a scene in the parking lot. I am so thankful Jessica helped me or we would have either had to miss the performance or Calvin would have caused a scene at the reception. Anyway....such is life. We are lucky to live near Jessica and Pete.

And a couple of extra pictures of lovely Clare. She can be the sweetest thing. When she wants to. Love her!