Kid Photos

I posted a couple of photos today. One of Elaina just before her school program. She did a wonderufl job!! Also, a picture of LIVY.

MUSIC - what else?

You may remember my piano purge last year. I go through cycles of feeling totally frustrated and discouraged over my own lack of piano progression. Actually I supposed it's my digression that is so painful!

So....... strap in for this story - I will try to sum it up.

My dear friend Melinda (whom I have accompanied on more than one occasion) recently passed my name to a professional choir director in town that was in need of a new accompanist. Naturally, she over exaggerated my musicality and ability to follow. So... this director actually called me and offered me the job (a money making job I might add).

I happen to know exactly what kind of pianist a professional director expects and I didn't feel the least bit adequate. (But I really wanted the experience.) So I suggested that the director meet with me, throw her music at me and determine whether or not I was a good fit for the job.

So we met. She threw her music at me. I did a TERRIBLE job. and........................She gave me the opportunity any way.

I told her that I could learn anything!! Just as long as I could get the music in advance. Well...... that's not how these music professionals work. They are whimsical. So for the first few weeks her accompanist of seven years would show up to sightread and I played only the pieces I had practiced.

Every Tuesday I would wake up in a panic knowing that in the evening I would have to face this director - and this choir. My confidence was almost completely shot as I tried to accept her criticisms. She never offers up positive reinforcements but she manages to be a truly inspiring woman and I always left the practice feeling musically edified.

After two months of blood, sweat and tears (literally) I finally arrived at a happy place. No longer did I need my sister to hold my hand on the way to practice and console me on the way home from practice. No longer did my heart race in a panic the minute I sat on the bench. I finally felt like I could play each piece in a way that was pleasing to her.Once I found my confidence the director felt like she could trust me to pull through for her at the concert and she even asked me to come back in January.

Her son recorded the concert. Perhaps I will buy the cd and upload it to my blog so you can hear and understand what I mean when I say this woman is musically inspiring. These choirs have performed nationally and internationally. This experience got me thinking. You know...... I will probably never be the solo performer that I once was. However, I may be able to turn myself into a darn good accompanist. That would be fulfilling enough for me!!

In January my girls will be in her choir - an arrangement we agreed on in trade for my accompanying and I am so excited about it.

Recycled Shoes

Jenae and I have been horsing around today. We thought we'd try mod podging some of Elaina's beat up shoes. This is how they turned out. They look simply adorable on her. I am anxious to see if they will hold up for more than one hour. She is the lead in a school program tomorrow morning and I figured she needed some red shoes. Can't wait to see her in action.

Toodles

A few Photos

click HERE

Spousal Test 101

THIS IS A TEST. I would just like to see if my husband CAN in fact read and leave a comment on "OUR" blog. How long will this simple action take? The test begins now....... NOV.30th at 12pm.

Oh and Trev........ a picture to inspire you

(a picture of me sticking my tongue out would be a whole lot more productive here...... but seeing as how I take pictures like a normal person - I don't have any!!) :)

Creating the Atmosphere

Do you remember that wonderful talk Pres. Uchtdorf gave at the Relief Society broadcast?

I have been thinking about his words so much lately as I strive to make changes in my home. I sometimes let myself feel overwhelmed at the tasks I must accomplish. I look high and low for opportunities to "do something for myself" (you know....me time) All those attempts seem to leave me feeling more discouraged about my own selfishness and what that attitude takes away from my family.I have often wondered...... how can I find joy and fulfillment in the mundane tasks set before me each and every day? I love my kids- I love my spouse-I'm grateful to have a house.................so finding joy should be simple - right?

Have you ever tried to squeeze in crafting, or play groups, or shopping (just to get out of the house)? I've done all those... and many more as I search for that balance between responsibility and happiness. I'll admit that sewing a new Christmas Stocking for my kids does bring a smile to my face and with it a great sense of accomplishment. But I must be careful to not let those projects drive my schedule and thus take my attentions away from what matter most to me. My family.

I have reminded myself that Pres. Uchtdorf himself suggested that we "create" something. That the cycle of creation would bring happiness. He was spot on....... and although a fun girly project can help, I think I caught the vision of what he was saying this last week when I realized..........(drum roll please - you'll be surprised it took me this long to figure out such a simple concept) Ok..... I realized.......... That for a mom "Creating the Atmosphere" can be extremely rewarding and it makes everyone in the family HAPPY.

Atmosphere? You wonder? Well, this last week I actually realized that through all those mundane motherly tasks we are in fact "creating". It is possible to put a smile on my face, tidy each room, fill my home with uplifting music and sweet smells. I can focus on my kids when they get home and teach them at me knee. I can create a delicious meal and enjoy our meal time interactions. Creating this kind of cozy atmosphere requires no more than the understanding that (as Pres. Uchtdorf so eloquently states:)

"As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."

Highlight of Halloween............... HERE (these are mostly pictures...... not much text)

The Happy equation....................HERE (again..... pictures say it all)