The family attended a surprise birthday party at Krazy Karaoke the other night. The everning turned into so much more than I had expected. I mean, I expected to have fun… but I didn’t expect the rush of love I would feel for each of my children as I watched them belt out tunes into the microphone.

My kids throw themselves into everything they do. Zaffron exudes zaffiness. Her sister, Mgazi, oozes gaziness from her pores.

Zaffy takes everything very seriously. Here she is with Mgazi and our friend, Lisa (bless her heart), singing Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” Zaffy is so earnest. You can see her pain… if only we could all “make that change.”

Mgazi is confident, mischievous and flirty. We had to wrestle the microphone from her several times during the night. Here she is with her sister singing “Say Hey (I Love You)” by Michael Franti & Spearhead. (Hey Gazi, I love you too!)

It may be fantastical thinking, but I think that if these two stick together, and Russell and I don’t completely mess them up, they can conquer the world some day.

When I was in 6th grade, I auditioned for the school Christmas Play. I was singing O Holy Night, when the music teacher stopped me and said, "Boy, you sure do sing with your mouth wide open, don't you?" The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Mgazi: Flirty. Zaffron: Serious

I am very grateful for this night of karaoke and the opportunity it gave me to experience my girls simply being themselves! Thanks Jen, for throwing the party and inviting us. Thanks Brian, for growing old *smile*! Thanks to all the guests at the party who good-humoredly wiped pizza grease off the microphone (when they were successful at wrestling it from Mgazi’s death grip). You all rock!