Sunday, November 11, 2007

worldly thinking, among other stuff

We had parent teacher conferences the other night. Unfortunately, the Hermit was away on business, so he could not be there, but otherwise things went well. Very well. The teachers all had nothing but good things to say about my kids. I am beaming with pride, yet I do not understand how I am so blessed with such great kids! Even Mr. Attitude, who is much more "intense" than his brother and sister, got rave reviews from his teacher. I am so darn proud of them all.

Starflower started piano lessons this week. She had had lessons last year, but her teacher retired, and I had been lazy about finding her a new teacher. It just happened that I checked the school Web site last week, and found out that the band teacher was now teaching piano lessons. I called the Community Ed office and got her scheduled in. I am so impressed with the band teacher in this school; he goes above and beyond the call to create a great program with a limited budget. And he is giving his time after school to teach piano. Wonderful. And Starflower has been great about practicing since her lesson.

I have been practicing my musical instruments too. Mostly banjo, on which I have the most to learn, but today I also got out my guitar and octave mandolin. Heads up: I have a video planned, in which I sing and play octave mandolin at the same time. I still need to practice before this becomes a reality.

I have the day off tomorrow, Veterans' Day holiday! I don't know what to do with myself for a whole day off. Maybe catch up on blogging!

8 comments:

barefoot gardener said...

Starflower needs to talk to Big Sprout! I can't seem to get that child to practice at all. She has a recital in 4 weeks, and she just doesn't seem to care...

I can't wait for the new video!

Anonymous said...

Deb,
I remember dancing with my Mom around the kitchen table with Boone and Erickson on WCCO radio and also Arthur Godfry. What great memories! Your kids will have some great memories, too. A house with music in it, is a house with love in it. You should be proud of your kids! They done good.

Cindy

Anonymous said...

I was always astonished that my kids were excellent students, never problems, never hung out with the wrong kids, were involved, high achievers. I asserted that I didn't know how that could have happened since I didn't know any parenting tricks. Everyone assured me that I lead by example and expectation. I guess that must be true since it is obviously true in your case!

Deb said...

Barefoot Gardener- I'm waiting for the novelty to wear off, but I can't help but think the teacher's enthusiasm has something to do with it.

Cindy- Boone and Erickson! Now that brings back memories. I loved their joke show on Saturday morning. My parents had an AM radio playing constantly, tuned to WCCO of course. The old WCCO is a part of the old Minnesota I still cherish.

I just love being crazy and having fun with my kids. And having music. :)

Pablo- thanks. I have no parenting secrets either. I just think honesty, openness, and fun have been some of the tactics that have been successful. :)

R.Powers said...

Love the family dance pic below!
Here's the link to Mark Johnson's banjo site:

http://www.clawgrass.com/

Deb said...

FC- Thanks. I could have probably posted a better one. We had lots of fun.

And thanks for the link. I haven't listened to any sound clips, but his style sounds interesting; a blend of two very divergent styles of banjo picking. I'm all for fusion. :)

RuthieJ said...

You know they're great kids, but isn't it extra special when the teachers say so too? Congratulations on good news at the conferences.

Deb said...

RuthieJ- Yes it feels extra good when you hear the teachers say good stuff. :)