Music Lessons

For three years now, my kiddos have stuck with their lessons; he's learning guitar, she's learning piano. Sometimes they hate practicing, but for the most part, they keep working at it without too much complaining on his part, and with mostly joy and delight on her part.

I think that we're pretty lucky and definitely very blessed to have found sisters that teach at the same location, and we can schedule the guitar and piano lessons to fit in the same 30 minute time slot. Not only is the location and time convenient, but these ladies make learning music fun. They are so encouraging and positive; the complete opposite from the piano teachers of my childhood who did nothing but critique and point out all of the things that I did wrong. I couldn't be happier to have found them.

The end of the year recital only features the piano players, so Mr. Guitar Man got off easy without needing to perform in front of strangers (which he's deathly afraid of). This being the third recital for our pianist, she was still very nervous, but handled it like a seasoned pro.

She has advanced to the second column of players listed in the evening's program, and it was a relief after all of the fumbled songs before her (the evening starts with the newest players and progresses to the 10th level graduates) when she went up and absolutely killed it. She says that she messed up on the foot pedal at one point in the song, but none of us could tell. I couldn't be prouder of my girl.

Our guitarist has mostly been learning strum patterns and chord finger positioning to enable him to play just about any song he wants, but with the focus being on worship-style songs suited for a church service. The thing that happened this year that made the kids the most excited was when our pianist advanced enough in her abilities to start learning the same on piano. They now have a total of 2 songs that they are able to play together, which is delightful to watch. Maybe some day they'll gain enough confidence to join me on stage on Sunday mornings at church.

Yes, he really IS that tall. Or she's really short... or both. :D

Rock and Roll Christmas

After an yawn-worthy break from our usual in 2014 (sorry all you who love the Nutcracker, we just didn't get it), we returned for our favorite holiday show this year... The Trans-Siberian Orchestra never fails to put on a fabulous show, and this year certainly didn't disappoint. We sat in the Groupon section this time, so we weren't as close to the stage, but we got to look at it straight on, instead of from the side which was nice.

This is pretty much how I feel after an especially rockin' music set when I play with my band. Too bad they don't let me have lightning and flames around me on the platform at church...

Trust me, in my mind, this is exactly the persona I present to the congregation... Oh yeah, baby!

Milestones

It wasn't a big one this year (I passed THAT milestone last year) so there wasn't a big shindig for my birthday but I got to spend several hours with my two sisters, no kids, just us talking and laughing and trying to decide which restaurant/coffee shop to go sit in next. It was really wonderful. For the last three years they lived in California and Hawaii. Now they live a little closer, one in Montana, the other about an hour's drive away. There have been lots of miles and lots of babies in between us for too long. I had thought that it would just be two of us, but the Montana sister was able to drive in for Thanksgiving thanks to clear conditions on the passes.

Thank you Thanksgiving, for falling near my birthday every year.

There was a quick visit with a friend and another with my parents and a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from the Farmboy and big squeezy hugs from the kids and a few other favorite things came my way (thanks, Adele, for releasing your new album just in time!).

And then today, on the drive to my Uncle's house for Thanksgiving, my faithful four-wheeled friend passed her own milestone. We're growing "old" gracefully together.

Lately

A little Mexican Nativity- Souvenir of my Youth, Tarnish and Twinkle Lights, Knit Stockings, Christmas Songbooks, Fun Times with my Band, Low-lit Barn, Forestry People from across the State (award not given for tall-ness), Bitter Cold, Future Holiday Trees lit in the Night, Glowing House and Stars, Crabapples Hanging on despite Winter, Festive Shadows on the Ceiling, and the Girl and I out for a Frosty Walk ("Wook, Mama! My Shadow is almost as big as yours!").

Oh... and you're going to love it... this stitcher, having removed lamp from beside the stitching chair to make room for the Christmas tree, can now be found most evenings, working her fingers by headlamp light... gotta keep those priorities in perspective, eh?

 You can thank the Farmboy and his fancy phone for this picture.

Adventures

If you like a good show, complete with lasers, dry ice, strobe lights, pyrotechnics, and fireworks... If you're a fan of electric guitars, crazy-talented piano players, and amazing rock vocals... If you're a sucker for all things Christmas... Then get you to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra show stat!

The Farmboy and I used to go every other year or so, just the two of us, and have been waiting somewhat impatiently until we thought both kids were old enough to enjoy the show. This year was finally the year, and not a single one of us was disappointed.

Cuteness Overload

I won't bore you with the entire song selection, but simply couldn't resist sharing a couple of clips from the First Graders' debut school musical performance.

There he is, right under the basketball hoop, with his class of 30, along with the two other First Grade classes. I guess that makes about 90 cutie pies all in a row...

First up, a little song and dance...

followed by a group recitation complete with motions...

and if you watch only one of these, by far my favorite, is this one...

The almost-Kindergartener rated the concert "Two Thumbs Up".

I wholeheartedly agree.