Dear Neglected Blog,
I have thought about you many times over the past 6 months and composed many posts in my head, but I haven't managed to sit down and actually write these posts. I began this blog as a way to record the life of my family, print it out, and have it for all time, so I definitely need to do better! I hope this is the first step to doing better.
My kids had less school assignments this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday, so I asked them to write a paper on what they are grateful for and why. I told them I would write a paper too. I will post their papers later when/if they actually write them. :) For now, this is what I'm feeling thankful for:
Being a Mom
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, mostly because it has felt really hard lately and I've been trying to remind myself how wonderful it is and that it is my life-long dream come true! :) I never knew how much I loved peace, quietness, solitude, and order until I had four children and found myself surrounded by chaos, loud noises, wrestling, fighting, poking, teasing, prodding, and messes almost all of the time. It seems I can't even go to the bathroom without someone calling for me and needing me. I often long to be able to work on projects uninterrupted, in a quiet house that shines from being so clean. I long to be able to clean a room and actually have it look clean an hour later. I long to be able to write on my blog, pay bills, cook, practice piano, plan lessons, read a book, and maybe even do some crafting (crafting days are completely out the window) without being needed every five minutes. I'm sure every mom can relate. But the reality is, I wouldn't want peace, quietness, and solitude all the time. That would be so boring and empty! As I've thought about what life would be like if I wasn't a mom, I have felt so grateful for the richness and fulfillment that comes in my life because I'm a mom. My children are so precious and I love each of them so much! It is nice to be needed by them and I need them too. I always have someone to talk to and hang out with; I can get a hug anytime I need one (and I love hugs!); I have a reason to go see Santa, visit Disneyword, play at a water park, make cookies, play games, and do all the fun things I probably wouldn't do if I didn't have children. I can't imagine the holidays without children. I can't imagine my life without children and I wouldn't want to. Watching them learn, grow, and make good decisions is so joyful. Talking with the teenagers and sharing our ups and downs together and learning from our experiences is so meaningful. Watching the excitement of the little ones as they discover and learn new things is so delightful. Yes, there is chaos, but it is temporary. The relationships are eternal and I am so grateful for them.
Ha, I'll never get this done if I write that long about each thing, I'll try to make my thoughts more succinct! :)
Being Married
That kind of feels like an odd thing to say, but I'm thankful every day to be married to my wonderful husband. I'm thankful for the kind of person he is and the kind of relationship we have. Marrying Jason was truly the best thing I've ever done and I don't think I'll ever stop feeling grateful for what we have together.
Extended Family
Most of my life revolves around my husband and four children, but we have a much bigger family beyond our little unit and I love to spend time with them and appreciate their love and support so much. My parents and siblings mostly live in Utah, so I don't see them much, but it is always fun when I do. And of course, I talk to my mom and sisters by phone on a regular basis! Jason's family lives nearby, so we get to see them often and we always look forward to it. We appreciate all they do for us and love to spend time with them.
Piano Teaching
This is something I never imagined myself doing and yet, it is my absolute passion now and I continually feel grateful for the opportunity. I started doing it because we needed the income, but it has become so much more than that. I'm not exaggerating when I say it has taken over my life to some extent, but I love it! It gives me a chance to develop my talents, to be creative, to work with children one on one, to see them make progress, to see them get excited, to meet their families and create friendships, to play awesome music all of the time, I just love it! I love my students, I love their families, and I am thankful every day to be a piano teacher. :)
Basics of Life
This is one of those things I take for granted most of the time, but my kids and I read a lot of historical fiction and non-fiction books where people are suffering from a lack of basics--food, clothing, warm shelter--due to war, disease, immigration, famine, bad government, poor economy, etc. and it just makes me feel so thankful for the abundance we enjoy. It puts into proper perspective the insignificant things we may want but not be able to afford. We are still richly blessed.
United States of America
I am grateful to live in this great country. It is another thing I take for granted, but all of our reading also keeps the blessing of America prominent in my mind. We were reading Red Scarf Girl, the true story of a girl growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution and we were completely appalled. I happened to read it during one of my most stressful weeks when everything seemed hard and overwhelming, but reading this book put my little cares and worries in their proper place. I don't have to worry about people raiding my house, being falsely accused, tortured, or having family taken away. As I was talking to a friend about this, she said something profound that I think about often, "Our worst days are better than most of humanity's best days." Very true. When life feels hard, it helps to remember how blessed I really am.
Good Friends
Because Jason is my best friend, and my kids are close friends too, I often think I don't need other friends, but I do! I need other women to talk to, to share my little troubles with, to have fun with. Because my life is really busy with being a mom, teaching piano, church service, etc., I don't hang out with friends much, but I always love it when I do. My friends strengthen me and add another element of richness to my life.
Being a Mormon
Last, but not least, I am thankful to be a Mormon. I love being part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I often wonder what my life would be like without it. I can't imagine it really. It truly is my greatest source of joy and happiness and I feel grateful for it every day. There are so many things I appreciate about my membership in the church. First, I love the doctrine. I love the teachings, the understanding it gives me about Jesus Christ, the purpose of life, our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness and so much more. Second, I love the relationships and friendships I've made with other members of the church. They are all my extended family and a constant support group no matter where I go. Third, I love the opportunity for growth and personal development. We don't have a paid ministry and everyone is "called" to serve in some way or another. These callings are temporary and our callings change regularly. One year I might be teaching a Sunday school class to little kids, another year to adults, another year I might be planning fun activities, another year I might be the librarian, etc. Often, I am asked to do things I don't feel qualified to do, or maybe I don't want to do. I could say no, of course, some people do, but I've found when I say yes, I grow. I learn how to do new things I didn't know I could do; I learn to love things I never thought I would love (like teaching a rowdy class of 6-year-old boys or learning the cub scout program); I get to work with new people and build new friendships and it all enriches my life. It is time-consuming and demanding at times, but it's a great work to be involved in and I'm thankful for the blessings that come from serving. Mormons are known for proselytizing, and sometimes I hesitate to share my love of my religion because of that label, but I really just want to share it because I believe with all of my heart that it will enrich and bless the life of anyone who embraces it.
Well, there it is. I'm sure there are many other things I could write about, but this is plenty long and I've already been interrupted many times, so I better go attend to those precious people who need me and who I am so grateful for! :)
Family Photo
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Summer Music Camps
Thanks to the wonderful ideas I found on Joy Morin's website here, as well as Susan Paradis's website here, I am offering a few musical camps at my home this summer. If you are interested in registering, please e-mail me at pianowithmarsha@gmail.com. Registration will close when camps are full.
Note: If your child is not familiar with the names
of notes on the keyboard, the musical alphabet, and rhythm basics, it is
recommended that they attend the Intro
to Piano camp before joining Musical Olympics. Update: Since Intro to Piano camp is full, I am offering an "Olympic Prep Class" on Monday, July 21st, from 10:00 to 12:00 for $15.
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Note: This camp is best suited for students who don't mind cutting and who enjoy crafty projects. Students will make 6 lapbooks over the course of the camp, all supplies included. You may also register for individual sessions for $16 each.
*Age recommendations are flexible, slightly older or younger children may also enjoy the camps.
Camps are held at Ms. Marsha’s home in Gainesville, VA
Ms. Marsha’s
Summer Music Camps
Intro to Piano, ages 5 to 13*
$60, June 30-July 3, M-Th, 9:30 to 11:30
This camp is full. If you would like to see this camp offered again in August, please send me an e-mail.
This camp is full. If you would like to see this camp offered again in August, please send me an e-mail.
This camp is perfect for
those who are considering piano lessons, or for those who haven’t taken them in
a while and want to review some of the basics to get ready for Musical Olympics
Camp. I will cover the same concepts I teach
in my first few private lessons—the musical alphabet, names of notes on the
keyboard, how to read finger numbers, basics of rhythm and note values,
familiarity with the staff, and several songs the kids can play on the piano
immediately. This camp will include
plenty of games and hands on activities.
Parents who want to learn the basics are welcome to stay and watch.
Musical Olympics, ages 6 to 13*
$60, July 22-25, T-F, 1:30 to 3:30
This outdoor camp will be
filled with games that involve lots of running, movement, and teamwork. Many of the games involve water as well, so
wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. This camp will reinforce basic musical
concepts through a variety of relay races, obstacle courses, ring tosses, bean
bag tosses, water shooting galleries, and more!
Music History Blast from the Past, ages 7 and up*
$75, 5 sessions; Mondays, 2:00 to 4:00, July 7-Aug. 4
Students will blast to the past each Monday as they learn about fascinating famous composers and different eras of music history. At each session, students will study a composer, an era of music history, and make a lapbook (a scrapbook on a file folder) to help them remember what they are learning and share it with others. They will get to know these famous composers as they listen to their music, hear stories about their lives, and play short snippets of their masterpieces on the piano.
Session 1—Johann Sebastian Bach
Session 2—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Session 3—Ludwig Van Beethoven
Session 4—Franz Liszt
Session 5—Scott Joplin
_______________________________________________________________
*Age recommendations are flexible, slightly older or younger children may also enjoy the camps.
Camps are held at Ms. Marsha’s home in Gainesville, VA
A snack will be provided at each camp.
Registration fee is due by June 30th.
Registration fee is due by June 30th.
All camps require a 4 person minimum or they will be cancelled.
Parents may drop off or stay and watch at all camps, but only registered children may attend.
Parents may drop off or stay and watch at all camps, but only registered children may attend.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Mini-Recitals and Piano Safari Review
Four of my students did mini-solo-recitals for their families over the Thanksgiving holiday and they were fabulous. Unfortunately, I only have video of one of the students. Noah did his recital after taking lessons for only 3 months. Thank you, Noah, for letting me show you off! :)
What is a mini-solo-recital? I give my students the option of doing a solo-recital of eight songs for their families anytime during the year. Thank you Dr. Julie Knerr for this fun idea! This is in addition to an end-of-the-year recital where all of the the students perform for all of the families.
PIANO SAFARI REVIEW
I've been teaching piano for 9 months now and I love it! I have been wanting to write a review of the Piano Safari method since I started using it, but I've hesitated to do so since I'm such a new teacher. What would my opinion mean to anyone, right? I wanted to at least teach through the entire book once before reviewing. Well, I can't wait any longer, I just have to rave about it now!
What I love about the method:
1. The students get the immediate satisfaction of playing songs on the piano through rote teaching (I show them how to play a song without requiring them to read the music). I know there are some out there who wouldn't think this is a good thing, but it is a fabulous way to help students become great musicians, not just great sight-readers. It helps them develop an ear for music; it gives them experience playing more complicated rhythms, making it easier for them to read those rhythms when they are sight-reading; it allows them to work on proper piano technique without being bogged down with reading; and last but not least, it instills confidence and joy in playing the piano, increasing the likelihood that they will continue on with music lessons. Kids like doing things that are enjoyable! There are many benefits to rote teaching, much better explained by experts here, here, and here.
2. It also teaches sight-reading from the beginning. I have always been a fan of the Suzuki method, which my daughter used as a 5-year-old when she started playing piano. She was taught by rote/imitation and I appreciate even more now the complexity of the songs she was playing at such a young age. However, Suzuki delays learning to read music for quite some time, and I always felt my daughter would have benefited from an earlier introduction/focus on it. When I decided to teach piano, I specifically wanted a method that taught sight-reading AND playing by rote (I sought this purely for the joy element, I didn't realize all the other benefits at the time). The Piano Safari method was exactly what I was looking for. Repertoire Book 1 has "Reading Pieces" and "Rote Pieces" so the kids systematically use both approaches. The first two videos below are examples of "Reading pieces" followed by a couple of "Rote pieces."
Old McDonald, one of the early "Reading Pieces"
Ode to Joy, also a "Reading Piece," and a favorite with the kids. Noah is playing this song with his mom, how cute!
Herbie Hippo (aka Peter Piper), this is one of the first rote pieces we learn. I also learned this as a child, but I didn't learn it in 5 different keys! With Piano Safari, the kids get early exposure to transposing as they learn to play this song in the key of Gb, B, C, F, and G. My son even transposed it into other keys! This video shows Gb, B, and G.
3. The Sight-Reading and Rhythm flashcards are fabulous! This is how they work: there are 5 levels of flashcards with 16 cards each. Each card has two lines of notes to be read, plus a rhythm pattern to tap out. The students pass off one line at a time. First they "practice playing it in their brain," then they play it for real. You can see a demonstration of this here. I put a star by each line as they pass it off, then I put a sticker on a chart after they complete the whole card. The kids get to pick a prize from my "big box" when they have passed off an entire level. I usually do 2 to 4 cards at each lesson. This is one of those things I originally did just because the method said to do it, without really appreciating the value of it. Now I have all of my students working through these cards, even those who are using different method books (because they transferred from another teacher). Reading rhythm is such an important part of sight-reading, and these cards ensure that we systematically work on reading rhythm at every lesson.
4. Online resources--I love the Piano Safari website! I highly recommend reading the essays under Pedagogical Resources. These essays were so valuable to me when I started teaching. They are valuable regardless of what method you use. The instructional videos are also very helpful to me in teaching with this method, and the performance and reminder videos are valuable to the students. They are great for inspiring and motivating the students and showing proper technique.
5. Customer Service--the ladies who created this method are the best! I have emailed Dr. Knerr many times with questions regarding this method. She has been so helpful, really going above and beyond in answering my questions and sharing her wisdom and expertise. She has even thoroughly answered my piano -teaching questions that were unrelated to her teaching method. I am so thankful for all of her help!
6. Last but not least, I love the eighth-notes! Some method books delay introducing eighth notes until the third book while Piano Safari includes them right away. They are so fun to play, they make the pieces more diverse, and the kids are very capable of reading and playing them.
When I discovered Piano Safari, I was immediately excited about it, but found myself hesitating to use it because it seemed to be unheard of among my piano teaching friends. I could only find ONE online review about it, fortunately it was a glowing review. :) It is a recently published method, so that explains why it isn't well known. I'm just glad I took a leap of faith on this method and hope others will too. I wanted to add another glowing review to the web; I'm sure other teachers who have discovered it are doing the same.
A few things to consider before choosing this method:
1. It takes more time. At each lesson you work on reading music, work through the sight-reading and rhythm flashcards, and work on a rote song. I teach 45-minute lessons and often wish for more time. I try to include games and activities that help with music theory as well, so that also takes time. Dr. Knerr recommends 45-minute lessons and I would hesitate to do less than that.
2. I find it hard to switch transfer students to this method because the approach and order of information taught is different. For the most part, I have been keeping my transfer students in their former method books because I'm not sure how to make a complete switch. I do use the sight-reading flashcards with all of my students, have I mentioned that I love those sight-reading cards?! I also teach some rote songs and use Piano Safari terminology to teach different techniques and rhythm patterns (i.e. sleeping lion paw for heavy arms).
3. I think that Piano Safari is geared toward young beginners and you will need to have patience with the pace at which sight-reading/note identification progresses if you are accustomed to another method. All of my students are under the age of 14. I have transfer students who are in Bastien, Piano Adventures, and Alfred. All of these methods move to the staff more quickly and move through reading a variety of intervals more quickly. That doesn't mean the kids are always ready to move that quickly, but the teacher may be. :) Piano Safari Book 1 has five units, the first one is reading black keys (using finger numbers), the second is reading white keys, the third unit starts reading on the staff with 2nds (intervals), the fourth unit adds reading 3rds, and the fifth unit combines 2nds, 3rds, and unisons. The student only reads one staff at a time in the first book (either bass or treble), but they play rote pieces with two hands from the grand staff. Also, the focus in Book 1 is on reading intervals with only a few guide notes. Knowing all the note names of the staff is delayed until book 2. This pace seems just right for most of my students, but a couple of them have been anxious to move to the staff more quickly and sometimes I wonder if it would benefit the students to read on the grand staff sooner. On the opposite end, I have seen kids struggle in other method books that move through these concepts too quickly for them and it can lead to frustration and lack of self-confidence at the piano. For me, this slow and steady approach is well worth it, especially for young students. For older beginner students, I use a combination of Piano Safari and Accelerated Piano Adventures (this was recommended to me by Dr. Knerr), and that has worked out really well.
4. It is important for parents to understand this approach. Supportive parents will make sure the kids listen to the CD (for rote pieces) and watch the reminder videos when needed. Some of my parents do this better than others and I can really see the difference in the quality of playing. Parents and teachers should read the frequently asked questions page before starting this method as it will help them understand this approach.
5. It is important to read the online teacher guide and pedagogical resources. The Repertoire book itself doesn't have a lot of instruction for the teacher, but the online teacher guide has a wealth of information on how to teach each piece. I printed out the teacher guide and the essays and had them spiral bound at Staples for easy reference. Sometimes I forget to read the guide until after I've taught a piece and when I do read it, I realize I could have taught it much better. So, don't neglect the guides if you go with this method.
To conclude, I am thrilled with the Piano Safari method! I spent many hours researching different methods and playing through different lesson books trying to find one I could love. I'm so glad I found this method that matched the way I want to teach. Thank you Dr. Julie Knerr and and Katherine Fisher for your fabulous program. Teaching piano has been such a joy!
What is a mini-solo-recital? I give my students the option of doing a solo-recital of eight songs for their families anytime during the year. Thank you Dr. Julie Knerr for this fun idea! This is in addition to an end-of-the-year recital where all of the the students perform for all of the families.
PIANO SAFARI REVIEW
I've been teaching piano for 9 months now and I love it! I have been wanting to write a review of the Piano Safari method since I started using it, but I've hesitated to do so since I'm such a new teacher. What would my opinion mean to anyone, right? I wanted to at least teach through the entire book once before reviewing. Well, I can't wait any longer, I just have to rave about it now!
What I love about the method:
1. The students get the immediate satisfaction of playing songs on the piano through rote teaching (I show them how to play a song without requiring them to read the music). I know there are some out there who wouldn't think this is a good thing, but it is a fabulous way to help students become great musicians, not just great sight-readers. It helps them develop an ear for music; it gives them experience playing more complicated rhythms, making it easier for them to read those rhythms when they are sight-reading; it allows them to work on proper piano technique without being bogged down with reading; and last but not least, it instills confidence and joy in playing the piano, increasing the likelihood that they will continue on with music lessons. Kids like doing things that are enjoyable! There are many benefits to rote teaching, much better explained by experts here, here, and here.
2. It also teaches sight-reading from the beginning. I have always been a fan of the Suzuki method, which my daughter used as a 5-year-old when she started playing piano. She was taught by rote/imitation and I appreciate even more now the complexity of the songs she was playing at such a young age. However, Suzuki delays learning to read music for quite some time, and I always felt my daughter would have benefited from an earlier introduction/focus on it. When I decided to teach piano, I specifically wanted a method that taught sight-reading AND playing by rote (I sought this purely for the joy element, I didn't realize all the other benefits at the time). The Piano Safari method was exactly what I was looking for. Repertoire Book 1 has "Reading Pieces" and "Rote Pieces" so the kids systematically use both approaches. The first two videos below are examples of "Reading pieces" followed by a couple of "Rote pieces."
Old McDonald, one of the early "Reading Pieces"
Herbie Hippo (aka Peter Piper), this is one of the first rote pieces we learn. I also learned this as a child, but I didn't learn it in 5 different keys! With Piano Safari, the kids get early exposure to transposing as they learn to play this song in the key of Gb, B, C, F, and G. My son even transposed it into other keys! This video shows Gb, B, and G.
Cleaver the Beaver, a fun rote piece
3. The Sight-Reading and Rhythm flashcards are fabulous! This is how they work: there are 5 levels of flashcards with 16 cards each. Each card has two lines of notes to be read, plus a rhythm pattern to tap out. The students pass off one line at a time. First they "practice playing it in their brain," then they play it for real. You can see a demonstration of this here. I put a star by each line as they pass it off, then I put a sticker on a chart after they complete the whole card. The kids get to pick a prize from my "big box" when they have passed off an entire level. I usually do 2 to 4 cards at each lesson. This is one of those things I originally did just because the method said to do it, without really appreciating the value of it. Now I have all of my students working through these cards, even those who are using different method books (because they transferred from another teacher). Reading rhythm is such an important part of sight-reading, and these cards ensure that we systematically work on reading rhythm at every lesson.
4. Online resources--I love the Piano Safari website! I highly recommend reading the essays under Pedagogical Resources. These essays were so valuable to me when I started teaching. They are valuable regardless of what method you use. The instructional videos are also very helpful to me in teaching with this method, and the performance and reminder videos are valuable to the students. They are great for inspiring and motivating the students and showing proper technique.
5. Customer Service--the ladies who created this method are the best! I have emailed Dr. Knerr many times with questions regarding this method. She has been so helpful, really going above and beyond in answering my questions and sharing her wisdom and expertise. She has even thoroughly answered my piano -teaching questions that were unrelated to her teaching method. I am so thankful for all of her help!
6. Last but not least, I love the eighth-notes! Some method books delay introducing eighth notes until the third book while Piano Safari includes them right away. They are so fun to play, they make the pieces more diverse, and the kids are very capable of reading and playing them.
When I discovered Piano Safari, I was immediately excited about it, but found myself hesitating to use it because it seemed to be unheard of among my piano teaching friends. I could only find ONE online review about it, fortunately it was a glowing review. :) It is a recently published method, so that explains why it isn't well known. I'm just glad I took a leap of faith on this method and hope others will too. I wanted to add another glowing review to the web; I'm sure other teachers who have discovered it are doing the same.
A few things to consider before choosing this method:
1. It takes more time. At each lesson you work on reading music, work through the sight-reading and rhythm flashcards, and work on a rote song. I teach 45-minute lessons and often wish for more time. I try to include games and activities that help with music theory as well, so that also takes time. Dr. Knerr recommends 45-minute lessons and I would hesitate to do less than that.
2. I find it hard to switch transfer students to this method because the approach and order of information taught is different. For the most part, I have been keeping my transfer students in their former method books because I'm not sure how to make a complete switch. I do use the sight-reading flashcards with all of my students, have I mentioned that I love those sight-reading cards?! I also teach some rote songs and use Piano Safari terminology to teach different techniques and rhythm patterns (i.e. sleeping lion paw for heavy arms).
3. I think that Piano Safari is geared toward young beginners and you will need to have patience with the pace at which sight-reading/note identification progresses if you are accustomed to another method. All of my students are under the age of 14. I have transfer students who are in Bastien, Piano Adventures, and Alfred. All of these methods move to the staff more quickly and move through reading a variety of intervals more quickly. That doesn't mean the kids are always ready to move that quickly, but the teacher may be. :) Piano Safari Book 1 has five units, the first one is reading black keys (using finger numbers), the second is reading white keys, the third unit starts reading on the staff with 2nds (intervals), the fourth unit adds reading 3rds, and the fifth unit combines 2nds, 3rds, and unisons. The student only reads one staff at a time in the first book (either bass or treble), but they play rote pieces with two hands from the grand staff. Also, the focus in Book 1 is on reading intervals with only a few guide notes. Knowing all the note names of the staff is delayed until book 2. This pace seems just right for most of my students, but a couple of them have been anxious to move to the staff more quickly and sometimes I wonder if it would benefit the students to read on the grand staff sooner. On the opposite end, I have seen kids struggle in other method books that move through these concepts too quickly for them and it can lead to frustration and lack of self-confidence at the piano. For me, this slow and steady approach is well worth it, especially for young students. For older beginner students, I use a combination of Piano Safari and Accelerated Piano Adventures (this was recommended to me by Dr. Knerr), and that has worked out really well.
4. It is important for parents to understand this approach. Supportive parents will make sure the kids listen to the CD (for rote pieces) and watch the reminder videos when needed. Some of my parents do this better than others and I can really see the difference in the quality of playing. Parents and teachers should read the frequently asked questions page before starting this method as it will help them understand this approach.
5. It is important to read the online teacher guide and pedagogical resources. The Repertoire book itself doesn't have a lot of instruction for the teacher, but the online teacher guide has a wealth of information on how to teach each piece. I printed out the teacher guide and the essays and had them spiral bound at Staples for easy reference. Sometimes I forget to read the guide until after I've taught a piece and when I do read it, I realize I could have taught it much better. So, don't neglect the guides if you go with this method.
To conclude, I am thrilled with the Piano Safari method! I spent many hours researching different methods and playing through different lesson books trying to find one I could love. I'm so glad I found this method that matched the way I want to teach. Thank you Dr. Julie Knerr and and Katherine Fisher for your fabulous program. Teaching piano has been such a joy!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
January to July, the time does fly!
Oh my, the time does fly! I haven't posted for many a month and many a thing has happened. Let's start at the very beginning...well close to the beginning of the year anyway. Here are a few of the things that have been happening with the LaFroths the past eight months!
LaFroths in the Press
In February, I had the opportunity to be in a Walmart commercial. It was so much fun! They had me go shop at a competitor's store, then they compared it with Walmart prices and made a commercial about all the money I could have saved shopping at Walmart. It was a really fun day and it was especially fun to hear from people I haven't talked to in years who saw me on the commercial. I wish I could do this again, but it was a one time deal.
Kayla was in another play with Gainesville Community Theatre--Bye Bye Birdie. She played the role of Rachel Macafee (changed from Randolph Macafee). It was a fun musical, very well done, and she had a few solos. She couldn't have asked for nicer people to work with in her directors and fellow cast members. I love those people! It was a great production and our family enjoyed watching it multiple times.
Birthdays
Tanner turned 6 in February. My little man is growing up so fast! We had family and a few friends over for a pancake party, followed by a visit to Build-A-Bear. I love my Tan man!
Archer turned 2 in April. Have I mentioned that time is going by so fast? Archer is delightful and entertaining, he is also destructive and exhausting (maybe one day I'll post all the "destructive" photos I've been saving up!). We need new carpet and paint and he has contributed greatly to that need! Well, toddlers are talented like that. I'll miss the fingerprints and messes one day, right? He is smiley, squeezable, full of new sentences every day, and a delightful part of our family.
Jason also had a birthday in April. We won't mention his age since he is age-a-phobic. He is the same wonderful, caring, funny man I fell in love with, I'm so lucky to be married to him. He took the day off of work for his birthday so we could go on a family hike to Chapman's Mill.
Kayla turned 13 in May. Yes, I have a teenager!!!! What a delightful teenager she is. I love to talk and hang out with Kayla as much as any friend. She is often the one giving me sound, practical advice on how to handle certain situations. She started her own pet-sitting business this summer, complete with her own website that she figured out how to make herself! She said it was easy and tried to show me how to do it--it didn't seem easy to me! We went to the LDS homeschool conference together in May and had a great time staying in the college dorms at SVU. I love to hang out with Kayla and feel extremely blessed to have her as a daughter.
Going to work
Jason's company made some changes this year and cut off the overtime we had grown accustomed to the past 10 years. Whew! This made an impact! We are thankful he still has a good job, but we needed to make changes ourselves to work with the new situation. Jason was willing to get a second job at night, but I decided I would rather go to work in the evening than have him gone all the time, the kids would miss him terribly...and I might go crazy! It was a hard decision, but my friend, Angie, helped me find a great part-time job at a chiropractor office. Going back to work was harder than I thought it would be for many reasons, but the learning and growing experience was good for me. I really liked the people I worked with and the patients I saw regularly, but the time came for me to leave that job in favor of my new passion--teaching piano!
Teaching Piano
Shortly after I started working, and around the time Kayla's piano teacher was retiring, my friend encouraged me to teach piano. I immediately dismissed the idea, but as time went on, I couldn't get the thought out of my head. I have loved playing the piano since I was young, but I have been rather a closet player. I never considered teaching before. I ended up doing a lot of research on piano teaching methods and a lot of praying about whether or not it was something I should do. If I was going to do it, I wanted to do it well. I received an answer that I should pursue it, and so I went forth with much faith and not a little trepidation. Well...I absolutely love it! I have always liked teaching children, but piano teaching is especially nice because it is one-on-one teaching, it involves fun and beautiful music, and I get to build a relationship with some precious children (including my own) and hopefully be an influence for good in their lives. I think I've found my life calling! I am grateful to my friend for encouraging me, the many piano teachers out there who have advised me, including those who have shared their creative ideas online, the friends who have referred students to me, and the Lord for always leading me and guiding me. He often leads me down unexpected paths (such as homeschooling), but these paths bless me in ways I never dreamed of and I am so thankful.
Homeschooling
Speaking of homeschooling, we just finished up our 7th year! Wow! I wasn't sure I would last one year when I first began, and now it has been 7! Ha, ha, I still feel new in so many ways. These are some of the things we did this past year.
Kayla participated in the Challenge program with Classical Conversations. Her class met all day once a week, covered 6 subjects, and then the rest of the week she did all of the assignments at home. Kayla loved her teacher and her class mates. She worked really hard and received several awards at the End-of-the-Year-Ceremony. It was nice for me to have someone else do the majority of the teaching, while still knowing she was getting the benefits of a small classroom and more personal instruction. She was able to do things that we wouldn't have done at home--like dissections! It was a great program and I'm so glad she participated in it.
Hunter and Tanner didn't take any formal classes outside of the home, but we did several clubs and co-ops--poetry, geography, history, and five in a row. I was going to share pictures from the various clubs we did this year, but they've all disappeared from my computer! Tanner finished his 100th reading lesson in March. I used the book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons," and every time he finished 10 lessons, he got to pick something from the $5 Below Store. At 100 lessons, he got to go to Chuck E. Cheese. Those extrinsic motivators really help at times!
Homeschooling my children--learning together, discussing, playing, laughing, studying--brings me a lot of joy. Stress? Absolutely! Do I ever feel like giving it up? Plenty of times. I keep at it because the benefits, for me, outweigh the difficulties. Why I homeschool and how it blesses my family is a whole post that I'll save it for another day.
Family Visits and Vacations
We didn't do any big vacations this summer, but we spent a few days at the end of May at a Yogi Bear campground in Southern Va. It was camping in style--a cabin with electricity, bathrooms, T.V. a kitchen, etc. Okay, so it wasn't really camping, but it was a fun place to stay. We made campfires, went swimming, and floated down the river--the drama of which really merits another post, but I probably won't get to it.
My sister and her husband visited us in June with their six children. It was wonderful for me to have time with my sister and for the cousins to be able to spend time together. I wish we lived closer. I'm so glad we have the phone and internet to help us stay connected. I had to work while they were here, so I couldn't join them for many of their excursions, but we did get to have some outings together.
My Reflections
Looking back on this post, I realize I have used the word "blessing" over and over. It's interesting how life appears when we look at it 8 months at a time. Moment to moment, day to day, it feels crazy, stressful, and even confusing at times...perhaps that is why I haven't written for 8 months. It has been a period of time with a lot of changes, adjustments, and feelings of constant overwhelm. To be perfectly honest, I cried quite a few tears as it was all happening, but now I look back and see the Lord's hand in everything and feel overwhelmed with gratitude. As the song says, "Count your many blessings name them one by one...and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." Blessing counted!
LaFroths in the Press
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| Marsha in the Washington Post |
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| Kayla in Gainesville Times |
Kayla was in another play with Gainesville Community Theatre--Bye Bye Birdie. She played the role of Rachel Macafee (changed from Randolph Macafee). It was a fun musical, very well done, and she had a few solos. She couldn't have asked for nicer people to work with in her directors and fellow cast members. I love those people! It was a great production and our family enjoyed watching it multiple times.
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| Kayla's in the red poodle skirt |
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| Kayla hugging Pauline |
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| Oma, Kayla, and Me |
Birthdays
Tanner turned 6 in February. My little man is growing up so fast! We had family and a few friends over for a pancake party, followed by a visit to Build-A-Bear. I love my Tan man!
Archer turned 2 in April. Have I mentioned that time is going by so fast? Archer is delightful and entertaining, he is also destructive and exhausting (maybe one day I'll post all the "destructive" photos I've been saving up!). We need new carpet and paint and he has contributed greatly to that need! Well, toddlers are talented like that. I'll miss the fingerprints and messes one day, right? He is smiley, squeezable, full of new sentences every day, and a delightful part of our family.
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| Hunter with his buddie, Nathaniel |
Kayla turned 13 in May. Yes, I have a teenager!!!! What a delightful teenager she is. I love to talk and hang out with Kayla as much as any friend. She is often the one giving me sound, practical advice on how to handle certain situations. She started her own pet-sitting business this summer, complete with her own website that she figured out how to make herself! She said it was easy and tried to show me how to do it--it didn't seem easy to me! We went to the LDS homeschool conference together in May and had a great time staying in the college dorms at SVU. I love to hang out with Kayla and feel extremely blessed to have her as a daughter.
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| Special birthday breakfast--crepes, bacon, and hashbrowns |
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| Sweet Carolyn showed up to surprise Kayla with a special treat! |
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| Special cookie/cake made by Carolyn with groovy candles! |
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| Birthday lunch at Cheesecake Factory with Olivia |
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| Kayla's favorite--Red Velvet Cheesecake |
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| Me with my sweet girl |
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| Beautiful girls growing up too fast! |
Going to work
Jason's company made some changes this year and cut off the overtime we had grown accustomed to the past 10 years. Whew! This made an impact! We are thankful he still has a good job, but we needed to make changes ourselves to work with the new situation. Jason was willing to get a second job at night, but I decided I would rather go to work in the evening than have him gone all the time, the kids would miss him terribly...and I might go crazy! It was a hard decision, but my friend, Angie, helped me find a great part-time job at a chiropractor office. Going back to work was harder than I thought it would be for many reasons, but the learning and growing experience was good for me. I really liked the people I worked with and the patients I saw regularly, but the time came for me to leave that job in favor of my new passion--teaching piano!
Teaching Piano
Shortly after I started working, and around the time Kayla's piano teacher was retiring, my friend encouraged me to teach piano. I immediately dismissed the idea, but as time went on, I couldn't get the thought out of my head. I have loved playing the piano since I was young, but I have been rather a closet player. I never considered teaching before. I ended up doing a lot of research on piano teaching methods and a lot of praying about whether or not it was something I should do. If I was going to do it, I wanted to do it well. I received an answer that I should pursue it, and so I went forth with much faith and not a little trepidation. Well...I absolutely love it! I have always liked teaching children, but piano teaching is especially nice because it is one-on-one teaching, it involves fun and beautiful music, and I get to build a relationship with some precious children (including my own) and hopefully be an influence for good in their lives. I think I've found my life calling! I am grateful to my friend for encouraging me, the many piano teachers out there who have advised me, including those who have shared their creative ideas online, the friends who have referred students to me, and the Lord for always leading me and guiding me. He often leads me down unexpected paths (such as homeschooling), but these paths bless me in ways I never dreamed of and I am so thankful.
Homeschooling
Speaking of homeschooling, we just finished up our 7th year! Wow! I wasn't sure I would last one year when I first began, and now it has been 7! Ha, ha, I still feel new in so many ways. These are some of the things we did this past year.
Kayla participated in the Challenge program with Classical Conversations. Her class met all day once a week, covered 6 subjects, and then the rest of the week she did all of the assignments at home. Kayla loved her teacher and her class mates. She worked really hard and received several awards at the End-of-the-Year-Ceremony. It was nice for me to have someone else do the majority of the teaching, while still knowing she was getting the benefits of a small classroom and more personal instruction. She was able to do things that we wouldn't have done at home--like dissections! It was a great program and I'm so glad she participated in it.
Hunter and Tanner didn't take any formal classes outside of the home, but we did several clubs and co-ops--poetry, geography, history, and five in a row. I was going to share pictures from the various clubs we did this year, but they've all disappeared from my computer! Tanner finished his 100th reading lesson in March. I used the book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons," and every time he finished 10 lessons, he got to pick something from the $5 Below Store. At 100 lessons, he got to go to Chuck E. Cheese. Those extrinsic motivators really help at times!
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| Tanner's 100th lesson! |
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| This is how I wanted our lessons to go, just Tan and I... |
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| This is what usually happened once we began..the monster attacked! |
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| Tanner celebrating at Chuck E. Cheese |
Homeschooling my children--learning together, discussing, playing, laughing, studying--brings me a lot of joy. Stress? Absolutely! Do I ever feel like giving it up? Plenty of times. I keep at it because the benefits, for me, outweigh the difficulties. Why I homeschool and how it blesses my family is a whole post that I'll save it for another day.
Family Visits and Vacations
We didn't do any big vacations this summer, but we spent a few days at the end of May at a Yogi Bear campground in Southern Va. It was camping in style--a cabin with electricity, bathrooms, T.V. a kitchen, etc. Okay, so it wasn't really camping, but it was a fun place to stay. We made campfires, went swimming, and floated down the river--the drama of which really merits another post, but I probably won't get to it.
My sister and her husband visited us in June with their six children. It was wonderful for me to have time with my sister and for the cousins to be able to spend time together. I wish we lived closer. I'm so glad we have the phone and internet to help us stay connected. I had to work while they were here, so I couldn't join them for many of their excursions, but we did get to have some outings together.
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| LaFroths and Petersons at Gettysburg |
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| Little Emma with Archer, my only blondie |
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| Pretty Girls |
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| The kids had fun with "Just Dance" on the X-box kinnect |
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| Trying on armor at Jamestown |
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| My cute sis with little Emma and baby William. |
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| Hunter and Jared on a ship on Jamestown |
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| Good buddies |
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| Family photo before the teary parting |
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| LaFroths and Petersons at DC Temple |
My Reflections
Looking back on this post, I realize I have used the word "blessing" over and over. It's interesting how life appears when we look at it 8 months at a time. Moment to moment, day to day, it feels crazy, stressful, and even confusing at times...perhaps that is why I haven't written for 8 months. It has been a period of time with a lot of changes, adjustments, and feelings of constant overwhelm. To be perfectly honest, I cried quite a few tears as it was all happening, but now I look back and see the Lord's hand in everything and feel overwhelmed with gratitude. As the song says, "Count your many blessings name them one by one...and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." Blessing counted!
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