Talents & Such

We haven't updated the blog in over a month, but that's because it's been springtime, when a young mom's fancy turns to HOLYCOW I AM SOO BUSY AARGH! Finally, though, school is finished and summer is here--and with it, a little more free time. Here's my proud kindergarten graduate, with her equally proud mama and kindergarten teacher:

Yes, she looks a little crazed. But happy! I can only guess at how much she'll wear me out this summer...

However, despite our busyness, we've been (mostly) enjoying ourselves. Many of the events on our calendar have been our various extracurricular activities. Nate's had a few including his work on the Town of Sahuarita's Planning Commission and his church calling as Elder's Quorum Secretary. I've had a few "extras" lately as well--I hosted a Pampered Chef party for the first time in Sahuarita, and I held the end-of-year recital for my four piano students.

Teaching piano is a little tricky with 3 young kids, but I've had a great time doing it, and I've really enjoyed working with the kids. I have definitely become a better teacher as the years have gone on, and I think in the long run, that will make me a better piano player as well. It's also made me weirdly possessive & proud of my students' accomplishments. A few weeks ago, the local intermediate school held a talent show, and my longest-tenured student performed one of her pieces. Even though my kids don't attend that school, I snuck into the audience just in time to watch my student's performance. I was so proud of her!

If I get that excited for the performance of my piano student, then you can believe I have been pretty invested in my own daughters' extracurricular activities this year. This is the first year we've really tried out any out-of-home activities for our kids (that weren't play-dates, that is). Lorelai participated in a "Kinder-Choir" in the fall & winter (see their bone-chilling Halloween song here), and this spring, she finally got her long-awaited chance to play soccer:

(ahem...yes, her shirt is a little big. Her uniform order was screwed up and so she had to wear one of the coach's shirts that day)

It has been interesting seeing Lorelai participate in sports for the first time. For a kid who loves running around as much as she does, she has a hard time keeping track of the ball and kicking it while in motion (to be fair, the same can be said for most of her team!). She really loved playing goalie, though, and she got the intense "bear stance" crouch down pat--not many goals got past her when she protected the net!

Okay, true--her team is made up of kids 6 & under, so it's not the most "organized" sport you'll see. And the first couple of games were really painful to watch (for me, anyway); their opponents scored many many goals, while Lorelai's "Team Narnia" never even made it to the other side of the field. However, it always made me smile at the end of each game when she came up to Nate & I and asked, "Did we win today?" I'm glad she's still having fun out there, even if she doesn't know the score (update: they did finally get a win, as well as a tie).

On the more feminine side of the spectrum, we have Celeste, who started her Creative Dance class in January. Long story short: she loves it, so much so that I'm probably signing her up again in the fall. It's a fun way for her to get some wiggles out, as well as sashaying, twirling, singing, and generally acting like a princess--which are all things Celeste really enjoys doing. Plus, it was all worth it for me to see her adorable costume for her spring recital, which took place over Memorial Day weekend:

Seriously...this is why all you parents put your kids in dance class, isn't it? The almost overwhelming cuteness? I just wanted to grab her & shower her with kisses when she flounced around in her little tutu!

Watching 3-year-olds do a coordinated dance is amusing, to say the least. Not too many smiles on their faces, just looks of vague concentration as they attempt (and mostly fail) to stay coordinated with their instructor and with each other. But it's all good (by which I mean cute); check out their take on "Itsy Bitsy Spider" (mine is the little spider on the left):

And then, to come full circle on this "developing our talents" theme--Lorelai asked me to start teaching her how to play the piano this summer! I know it doesn't always work out when a parent tries to teach their child something like this, but I so want to do this for her! I hope that, if we take our time, we can make beautiful music together:

I've been reminded of the many different activities in which my parents enrolled me when I was young (dance, soccer, viola, and finally piano). It will be a busy (but exciting) journey as I see my children develop their talents & abilities, and grow to reach their highest potential. I can't wait!