I just have to get this out of my system and then I can go on... I hate technology. Not all technology, just the progress of technology. I guess I should have lived in pioneer times. This Christmas made it very evident how behind the times I really am. Yes, I take credit for all the things that didn't work properly. Here is just a tip of the ice berg:
1. Tyler got a DVD set of Ocean's 11,12 and 13 except it was in HD DVD format and we don't have an HD DVD player. (Apparently few people do.) Of course I thought it meant HD TV which we do have. I sent it to my brother who is trying to sell his HD DVD player.
2. The set of cymbals for Rockband were not compatible with our new Rockband. They only work with Rockband
2. I sent those also to my brother who does have a Rockband
2. 3.
Another Rockband problem is that there is a lag in the response time because wii's are slower and that we have an HD tv. (Who bought that cursed tv anyway? Not me.) This we will have to live with unless we buy an PS3. Yah right.
4. Sophie got Zoo Tycoon with several expansion packs that had 3 setup disks. It came with two copies of disk 2 and no disk 3. I did know that this was a problem but it was supposed to be fixed when we received it. This was fixed with a phone call and Sophie checking the mail every day for a week.
5. Steve got a an ipod and some great head phones so I can listen to books while I quilt. The first book I tried to download gave me an error message. Zach id all the coputer magic tricks that he knows and it still wouldn't work. I checked with the library and they told me who I needed to contact. I came home and tried it once more and it worked! Now, what was all of that about!
6. Now my computer is the only thing that needs troubleshooting because it has frequent temper tantrums and it shuts down by itself. My local tech support (Zach) does not know how to fix it. If I could fly my brother here I bet he could fix it.
We did have a wonderful Christmas, especially having Kayla home. We got to meet her boyfriend and his entire family on New Year's Eve. Stay tuned...
We all secretly wish for our 15 minutes of fame. Well, Tyler got his Saturday night at an amateur club with his band that was born in our garage. I really wish they had somewhere to practice where no one would hear them. Just before their "gig" a realtor came over and asked them not to play for the next two hours while she showed the house two doors down that was for sale. If they did she would bring them a pizza. They said, "No thanks". They were serious about getting ready for their gig. I hope the house will sell before they start practicing again. That won't be until Tyler passes off two more merit badges and has his Eagle project planned. I guess the realtor will have some time... 
Zach gleefully holding the Spirit Award which was the biggest trophy at the competition.
Hair - it's a drummer thing. I finally cornered Tyler and cut his hair just before going to a band party. There was crying and carrying on by the other drummers because Tyler's beautiful locks were short. I told him I didn't know that his hair was legendary. Not that it would have made any difference about getting it cut.
Their band won 1st place at one of their competitions as well as best music and spirit award. It was quite a big deal. Their show was great this year. It was a little sad at their last football game knowing that Zach is all done and Tyler will lose his tenor partner Parker when he graduates too.
Zach's saxophone buddies at a rainy competition. Holly is his best "buddy".
Tyler and Parker think headbands and hair (as long as their moms will let them wear it) complete the drummer look. Let me tell you these drums are heavy! I got to carry them at Parents Night. Tyler's been to the chiropractor to help his back recover, but don't even think about taking away his drums. He'll be doing it again next year!
These two quilts I pieced and quilted. The Halloween one was especially fun. The red, white and blue one is for Zach.
