A Year of Habits, no. 21



For the first time in almost 18 months my Sunday evening post is late.

It was a crazy week with feelings of relief and urgency mingling in every area of life.  Some things wound down; others revved up.  So many things crossed off the list; so many things yet to finish.  The end of a school year is always like this.

There were a few moments here and there which were wonderful.  I cooked artichokes to go with our dinner on Thursday night and it turned out to be a wise decision.  We were all frazzled and tired, but because artichokes take a lot of time to eat, we lingered at the dinner table, discussing far more than we’ve had time for in recent months.   I sat back and observed as big kids taught little kids how to eat artichokes.  It was a magical moment, a deep breath in the midst of craziness and I savored it.

Friday night we drove to Denver for Memorial Day weekend.    I lay in bed Saturday morning listening as all the children woke up in the same room in their grandparents’ basement.  Their conversation together in the early morning light made me laugh and filled me with joy.  So much of our time spent together is rushed and another great percentage of it is spent refereeing some disagreement.  This was precious.  It was unrushed, uncomplicated, unguarded.  To hear them simply be together, to hear the sleepy (and hilarious) comments from some of them made me bury my face in my pillow and laugh out loud.

We spent the weekend with my parents who are caring for my 90 year old grandpa (written about here ), who had a serious stroke in April.   I’ll never forget some of the precious moments we had.  It was a special trip, one I’ll always be glad we took.

And so we’re back in Utah, back in the swing of the last week of school, with some things off our backs and others bearing down on us with great intensity.   We had a family home evening lesson two weeks ago on finishing strong, working hard right up until the very end so we can look back with pride in our efforts and performance.  I’m trying to set a good example for my kids and keep at it cheerfully, even when at 10:30 p.m. someone informs me of a last minute project due tomorrow.

Just a few more days and we’re done, jumping head first into summer life, which has its own brand of busy.

Life is good.

Jennifer

Highlights



I can think of all sorts of highlights that look good, but this version didn’t go over so well when the shoe’s owner discovered her baby sister’s artwork.

When my big kids learn to put things away (like fluorescent orange highliters) before they leave for school, it will be a significant day in our household.

*

Edit:  I was able to get the orange out of the shoes with some cleaner and gentle scrubbing.  The white’s not as bright now, but at least they’re not orange and at least my daughter’s done crying!

HH

Piano Recital

The end of a school year always raises the pace of our lives to a frenzy.  Trying to maintain ongoing responsibilities in addition to big, wrap-up productions nearly makes us all crazy.  I tend to resent it somewhat, but I’ve done a little better this year.  I’m trying to remember that the frenzy brings brief moments in the eye of the storm that are payoff moments if I’m paying attention.


Four of our children take piano lessons from an amazing instructor.  I feel so blessed to have them learn from her.  Their spring recital was Wednesday night and we cleared the calendar for the whole family to attend.  As I sat and listened I couldn’t help but think of all the collective hours spent practicing in my living room and how slowly, almost imperceptibly, they’re developing.  They’re improving.


I watched this guy and realized how much he’s growing.  He looks a lot like his older brother did a few years ago.


My oldest daughter worked so hard to master her songs.  I love the look of concentration on her face.  It’s a look I see often, a look that reveals how focused she is and how much she cares about things, even when she wants no one to know.


My eight year old daughter was particularly nervous.  It’s been a lot of work for her to juggle two instruments and I’m happy with her progress.  She did an outstanding job.


This guy did an awesome job.  His pieces were really enjoyable to listen to.  He won’t admit it, but he enjoys playing the piano.  He often goes to the piano when he is upset and I’m thankful he finds comfort in music.


As I watched his hands moving over the keyboard I was reminded of a year ago when he was playing with three pins in his finger.  I thought of his broken wrist a few months ago.   He’s had a crazy year but we’re working at it.  I thought of how big he looks and how quickly time is passing.


Above all, I am grateful for music.  Several of the pieces played by various performers moved me.  I love the sensitivity music conveys and hope that with time my children will truly receive this gift and develop habits and skills that will bring joy to their lives for years to come.  We are very blessed.

HH

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