Family update

It has been a while since I posted something about my family, so here goes!

Fenella continues to tirelessly be the mother and provider our family need. I do not use the word "Tirelessly" lightly! Fenella is so involved in all the girls lives and keeps all of us organized and updated on where we should be and what we need to be doing. She is a devoted mum :) As if running after the 5 of us was not full enough, she works three and a half days to make sure we are not too much of a burden on the churches that are supporting our ministry. Fenella rarely takes time out, but on a Thursday night she enjoys being a part of the Haddo Coral Society and can be found sitting at the computer singing along to the various music pieces they are preparing to perform. It may well be that the girls do get their love for music from their mum.

Amy is getting ready to return to life in Edinburgh - she loves it! Amy's life is full of music and beauty. Although University has been out for the summer we have seen very little of her at home due to being involved with various Choir's and Operatic Society's. Amy went to France on tour with the Edinburgh Chamber Choir and has the joy of performing in Lyon, Paris and . She was involved with this years Edinburgh "Fringe" Festival in "Hero's and Villains" which was excerpts from various opera's including, Hansel and Gretel, Marriage of Figaro, Cunning Little Vixen and Nixon in China. We were able to be there and enjoy her performance :) We were back in Edinburgh for Amy's singing with the National Youth Choir of Scotland who performed with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. This was still part of the Edinburgh Festival and stole the headlines with 5 star reviews! It was something special!

Beth is in her final year is Secondary school and is preparing to audition to music colleges later this year. She will travel down to Glasgow, Manchester and London in the hope that she will be accepted to one of them. Off course, Fenella and I know that she will have her pick because she is an amazing oboe player, we just hope that the auditioning panels see what we see in Beth. Beth is a dedicated student and loves her oboe! We have come to terms with Beth being away from us through most week days and in a way it reminds me of when I was fishing and the anticipation of heading for home at the end of a trip. It is always a highlight when Beth walks through the front door on a Friday!

I know that music takes up a bunch of Amy and Beth's life and, as their dad, I love that. However, I am more delighted  looking at my older daughters as they grow in character and grace. It always brings a glow inside when I hear teachers or poeple comment about their character and their moral standing - I love that they love music, but I love more that they strive for godliness :)  

Holly is as creative and social as ever! Ever since Holly was a baby she has craved being with people and enjoying company! As she grows her love for art is growing and this is evident in her interests. Holly tried music, but it was not for her! She has a lovely voice and has musicallity, but does not enjoy the practicle and theory involved with it. Holly loves drawing and creating new characters and story lines. She loves sitting doodling and coming up with new "Monster High" Characters. One of Holly's favorite TV programs is "Ace of cakes." Again she loves watching the design process and the creation of something cool or beautiful. She dreams of one day having her own cake shop :)

Hannah is a home bird, but gets on with everybody! Hannah loves being at home and with her family. Hannah has a soft spot for Fenella's mum and dad who are deaf. Hannah is really good at sign language and takes a lot of time Jack and Alexa - they love this! Hannah loves adventure and is a keen Dr Who fan! She is following in her older sisters musical footsteps and plays the violin and piano. Hannah is really good with music and reads it very well. She loves reading her current books are the "Ellise Collection" and "Dr Who." Hannah is a caring soul and thinks she may one day become a teacher or maybe a physio like her mum :)

Holly and Hannah are now in P7 and will be moving up to the High School next year! It is so hard to comprehend that! With Amy at Uni and Beth through in Dyce most of the time it is nice to give Holly and Hannah the attention that Amy and Beth got when they were young. They are growing into fine girls. When Amy and Beth are home it is so lovely to see them sharing advice and wisdom to their younger sisters - I love that :)

We are blessed!