My Spring Piano Recital

From Blog Favorites #3

I think this was my fourth piano recital. (o: My song was "Emma" from my Jane Austin piano book. I keep thinking maybe I won't get as nervous for my recitals, but every time, I just shake and yawn (a nervous habit)and worry about messing up. This time, Sarah and I played a duet together. It was so fun to start with this number - it really helped me relax having my piano buddy up with me. We played a Beauty and the Beast duet. We're starting to learn a few more duets together and really enjoy it!

Love Story Meets Viva La Vida by Jon Schmidt

WOW! I just got a link to this song today from my grandpa and it totally made my day!! Our relief society lesson yesterday (which I wasn't able to attend, but heard/read about) was on finding Joy in the Journey - the journey of life. Music is such a powerful way to incorporate joy into our everyday lives. Sooo incredible - it gave me chills. Click on the link above for an amazing musical arrangement of two great songs . . . someday in the next life, I hope to have Jon's piano talent!! Love, love LOVE IT!

More November Highlights

Fun with dew...

So cute.

Natalie and Sarah have really enjoyed participating in Chess Club at school. Unlike the days I remember (when being on the chess club was kind of nerdy) it is quite a popular club at Patterson - around 100 kids. I think it's a great way for the kids to learn sportsmanship and strategy. I played with a little 1st grader next to Natalie and Lydia and got "schooled" by the adorable boy in glasses who luckily didn't have time to finish a game and kick my behind.

Piano recital. (Heidi I have video of my song that I've thought about posting mostly for your entertainment, but don't have time at the moment to figure it out.)

Sarah and I had our piano recital the Saturday before Thanksgiving - Sarah's first and my second. Sarah was excited and showed no signs of nervousness. Me, on the other hand? I was terrified and I don't know if it was good or bad that I was first. There were a LOT of people there. I did okay, but my legs were shaking sooo bad. I could hardly use my right foot to push the pedal - it was a little pathetic. I was happy when it was over with. Sarah is very lucky to gain so much confidence while she is young. I don't know if I will ever overcome my fear of audiences, I sure hope so. I do have to say, however, that looking back on my song last year - I have improved significantly in my ability to play the piano and that makes me happy. So even though I looked a little dorky as the only adult playing along with several kids who could play better than me, I am still proud of myself.

Thanksgiving - we enjoyed a wonderful meal with Shannan and her family and another great family in our ward that I just love. We had a great time together and I learned to like brussel sprouts. Actually it was my first time trying them! Yum!

Natalie's teacher held a cute little feast between the pilgrims and Indians with her class. Angela and I joined and helped with the festivities.

What is this you ask? Well I wish I had my video camera this night so you could appreciate how hilarious this was. These guys are young men in our ward (16-18 year olds) who put on some very entertaining entertainment for our Senior Dinner. They did a synchronized swimming number that had us all in tears. The Andrea Boceli song they danced to (one of my favorites) made it even funnier - must be the stark contrast of the beauty of the music compared to the silliness of this group of teenage boys attempting to be graceful.

Just a funny random activity I caught Angela and Natalie playing. They dressed up our plastic bowling pins and I think pretended they were babies.

Sarah and Natalie participated in a cute "Reading to the Dogs" program at our local library. Robert, the dog, was very sweet and especially helpful for Natalie to practice her reading without judging if she messed up. Cute idea, I thought.