THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE TERM “WEEKEND CONCERTS” MEANT THE BANDS I WENT TO SEE OVER THE WEEKEND, BUT NOW AS A PARENT IT MEANS SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT. I think I’m enjoying this phase even more. William’s school chorus had their holiday concert at a beautiful local church. He looked so mature standing there with all of his friends singing. The complex harmonies of young voices filled the air and echoed off the walls.

And then we went straight to our church to get ready for the Children’s Christmas Concert there. Grace did end up wearing an angel costume, but this was the first year William has not been a Shepard or Wise Man. (The following photos are by Julia Elliott Photography. She’s a very talented photographer who also happens to love all the kids at church.)

I absolutely love watching this program each year. The kids at our church are just adorable and sometimes funny. It’s a joy to watch them grow up together. William is one of the big kids on the back row  of the group photo. Grace is below him.

About a month ago I found out that Grace had volunteered to do a solo for Silent Night. Eventually she talked her brother into singing it with her. At the practice two weeks ago he decided that he did not want to sing with her. So, I had assumed that discussion was over. Grace sang alone at the final rehearsal and it sounded great. I was completely shocked when they BOTH stepped up to the mics and sang Silent Night together! It was a sweet moment.

All the rush and preparation seems worth it when you see them accomplishing something special up on the stage. It’s a milestone for them as they grow and even more of a milestone for me as a parent.

Getting the chance to see them stretch themselves and experience new opportunities…well, I realize that in those moments we *are* doing something right. These are the things I dreamed of them doing in their lives. That’s magic.