Category: Musings on Life and Beauty

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.

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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

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

I love the way lacrosse players hold their sticks up in the air when they do their team cheer.   So fun.


The season is over.    It’s funny how I always look forward to the end of a sports season, relishing the time I’ll get back, the hours I won’t have to spend in the car, thinking of the routine we can re-establish when it’s done.


Then the last game is upon us.  I stand on the sidelines in beautiful weather and watch my children do what they love to do.  That’s when the sadness hits.  All of a sudden I wish it could go on just a bit longer.  Spring seasons are especially like this, since summer and fall will bring tryouts, new teams, new coaches.  I realize we’ll never get back to this place and suddenly I miss it.


There is a great deal I don’t understand about lacrosse.  In my mind it’s a hybrid of several sports, but really I guess it’s all it’s own.  What I do know is that my son loves it.  It’s been good for him.  I’m so proud of him for being unafraid to try something new, for committing himself to learn things he’s never done before.

I am grateful, as well.  Grateful for the great friends he has made.  Grateful that, by some miracle, he seems to have landed with some good kids.  Grateful for the excitement with which they have won, and grateful for the grace with which they have lost.  The camaraderie  of this team has been remarkable.  They have won and lost together .  They have cheered for each other.  I am proud of them for developing these essential life skills along with athletic skills.


Most of all, I’m grateful for our son, this soon-to-be 14, turning into a tall young man, size 11 shoe, boy of ours.  I’m grateful he puts up with me.  I’m grateful for the moments when I get a glimpse of who he’s trying to become.  These years are so hard, but he’s trying, and I love him for that.

HH