Some evidence that we might be good parents after all

Connor started taking piano in January. (Breanne started taking lessons too, but I pulled her out this month with the hope of starting again in the Fall. Hopefully by then she'll be able to concentrate longer and be willing to practice regularly, *fingers crossed*.)

Anyway. Connor is progressing so well with piano. I am absolutely delighted with his progress! He practices consistently with little prodding. He's learning to read music and this week started playing with both hands at the same time. He loves it because his teacher gives him a chocolate for every song he passes off. Oh, the power of rewards!

Yesterday when he was practicing piano I found him adding some two-handed scales to his practice. His teacher hasn't assigned them, but he's doing them anyway. When he added the metronome I was especially impressed. Then, it occurred to me. He's been listening to me practice piano. (Yes, I've started taking lessons from a neighbor in trade for swimming lessons. It's great and we both get something we want.) The beauty of it, to me though, is to see directly how MY practicing scales with the metronome rubbed off on Connor. He was mimicking me in a good way. I couldn't be more proud.

What a great kid. That wasn't the only example, either. Connor mimicked Ross this week when he chose Gandhi for his biography book report that is due later this month. Ross has been reading a couple of books titled, Gandhi, that he picked up at the library. I think it was just something Ross wanted to learn about. Connor, I think, wants to learn about what his parents are learning about. I was surprised he didn't pick one of his favorite presidents, or a famous athlete, even Michael Phelps.

I'm also feeling suddenly so proud, and grateful, and powerful that we are having what appears to be a good influence as parents. I thought all these kids just did what ever they wanted regardless of how hard I tried.

And apparently, it's the NOT trying that seems to have influence. Who knew that developing ourselves in simple ways could be so powerful?

What else should I be doing? Wait, don't answer that!

The Talent Show Dilemma

Breanne has a dilemma.

Next week during music class she has a talent show. The flyer that came home says she can play the piano, or another instrument, tell a joke, show a picture or craft of her own making, bring in a certificate of something she's accomplished, or even show a home video or dvd of her participating in something, like training the family pet.

The possiblities abound--but that's the problem. She even told me. "I have so many talents I just don't know what I'm going to share." I found her awake at 9:30 pm putting the finishing touches on her unique artwork.

"Yes, that's true. You do have SO MANY talents. I'm not sure what you're going to share either, sweetheart, but you'll have to think about it while your sleeping and get some rest."

Can you promise to have this problem when you're in 6th grade?