Paige was accepted to BYU a few days ago. In the next few weeks she’ll let us know which school she has decided to attend: BYU, Utah State, or University of Utah.
That’s all for today. Oh, wait. Is THIS what it feels like to exhale? Wow, that feels much better.
Last night was my favorite piano recital so far for our children. They each played so well. I could hear improvement in the areas they have focused their pratice this year, whether it is in expression, strengthening the hands, or dexterity. I thought I’d share a small part of my experience at this recital, even though it only focuses on one child. They ALL made us proud.
Daniel sat down to play at the grand piano at the small recital at our library. The room was full of young boys not far into their piano study. When they heard that one of Daniel’s songs had the word, “Wizard” in the title, there were excited whispers among the youngest of boys.
I smiled, knowing exactly what the notes were coming, having heard him play them for months. I expected that Daniel would play well and I trained my attention to the rows of children behind me and how they would respond.
However, when he began to play, I learned that my attention couldn’t be shared. The music drew me to it and I could think of nothing else. Daniel’s playing was affecting me in a dramatic way. When the dynamics soard in Grieg’s Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, I saw briefly the boys in my peripheral vision respond to its power, but my eyes filled with tears and could see no more that that. I realized that I was probably the one benefitting most from this music played by my son.
The phrases of music felt like a blessing, a benediction, a celebration of his years of work. I swept away tears with my fingers and applauded when he finished. I am wondering if it’s time to just embrace the tears that come more freely with the years, or to continue to try to hide them. Do I really want to hide tears of happiness?
Last week Timothy hinted meekly that he was playing in a concert during school. I wasn’t sure if he wanted me to be there so I asked him on a scale from one to ten, how much he would like me to come. (Helping him avoid having to say the awkward, “Please don’t come, Mom.”) To my surprise, he said, “8 or 9.” So I went and I was one of four guests, three of whom were clearly grandparents. In other words, I was one of the privileged few. He even let me take a picture.
He is growing up but he still lets me be in love with him.
Last night Paige and I hosted the salad course of a progressive dinner at our house for the Young Men and Young Women in our congregation. We entertained 3 groups of 15 youths and leaders. Timothy and Daniel were in one of the groups together, but Tim didn’t depend on Daniel, nor did he sit by his dad who is now one of his youth leaders. He sat beside the new boy. I was glad to see it.
This girl received two scholarships this week and she went ice skating for the first time. She even falls gracefully.
Good for her!
I haven’t taken any pictures of the kids lately. I spend all day with Mark and when the kids come home it’s pretty nice to just be together. I haven’t taken a picture of the college admission letters Paige has received, nor the project in the garage where Richard wired for some outlets and a light. Timothy has joined us for youth activities on Wednesday nights and joined the jazz band at school. Daniel is a class officer at school and has been introduced to the world of school responsibility and some of the perks that go with it. He has been our plumber, fixing our broken sinks and his hair is getting long but I haven’t taken the time to cut it. I had a little cry in a parking lot the other day as a new level of reality set in about Paige leaving our house this year. I am happy and sad. I write and read and sew and try to create order in my lists and stitches and words as my little people spin into their own beings. It really does feel like a spin, this emergence of their individuality through all of the activities and study, milestones and challenges. It’s difficult to capture a picture of someone who is spinning.
We love this boy.
I’m trying to compile pictures for 2014 and I’m relying on lots of sources to do it. There has been a big exchange of photos among my sisters, a brother, and friends. These are some of my favorite finds this month.
Our friend Susan came to our home to take some pictures of Paige to be featured in a mini film for From Cumorah’s Hill. These are some of the shots that she took.
Timothy was honored in a school assembly for his academic work, leadership, citizenship, and general awesomeness. Here is what was read to the audience to introduce him to the student body.
This young man plays a lot of baseball. He is most often chosen to be catcher, which means that he is dependable, quick, smart, and focused.
He is the third child of four in his family and was born in Austin, Texas.
He has played the piano for many years and he also plays the trombone.
He is interested in nature and animals. He was put in charge of his family’s tomato garden this year. He also took care of an neighbor’s lawn over the summer.
He has a great sense of humor and makes funny home movies. He loves to ski and read and can build amazing things with Legos.
His family is so proud of him for being diligent in school and being such a great son and brother.
A spotlight followed him as he emerged, surprised from the audience. How great is that? Good job, Timothy!
Tonight is closing night for Les Miserables. We’re so proud of these two.