August 15, 2011 10:18 p.m.

I apologize for being so silent for so long.  I think I have been encumbered by a severe case of “writer’s reluctance”.  This is a condition in which I found myself thinking about many things, but not especially caring to set pen to paper.  I have to admit, as I continue along with this blog, I find I am getting more careful and selective about what I write about.  In the old days of this blog, about three years ago, I would often write about anything I was thinking about with little filtering.  But now I feel a greater conviction about being selective.

Well, I must tell you about a way in which we were blessed this summer, behind the scenes, with little actual effort on our part.   It was truly the Lord’s doing.  But to understand this, I need to refer you to an old post from two years ago regarding a situation that has prevented our kids from becoming direct students at our violin teacher’s studio.  Basically, she has had a no-compete clause with the owner of a certain music school we’ve been part of for eight years now.  This means that we have been stuck paying the high rates of the music school in order to stay with our teacher. 

Things are a bit different this year, though.  Chips and Sweet Girl have now become the only students of Miss S.  who are still part of that school.  All the rest of her students are her “private studio” students.  In addition, she had earlier notified the school owner not to send her any more new students; that she was only going to take private students from now on.   (Corollary: if our children leave the school, this effectively terminates our teacher’s employment by that school).

We just wrapped up the summer quarter at the music school, and I was dismayed to note how high the tuition rates have gone up.  I asked the school owner if this new price would be sustained into the Fall quarter, and she said that it might be lowered some; that summer brought low volume, so they had to make up for that somewhat.  But at least she realized that we were “price-sensitive”.  I also asked Miss O, another teacher at this school who also teaches violin at our church.  I asked her whether or not she would be able to temporarily (legally) take my kids on as students at our church.  After all, seeking lessons from Miss O at our church would save us $26 per hour of instruction time!   Can you imagine how that adds up in a year?  (We get about 90 minutes of instruction a week).

Well, she (Miss O) didn’t answer my email, and she avoided seeing me at church for a few weeks, so I read that as reluctance on her part to entertain my question.  I knew she had a sense of loyalty to our present teacher, and wouldn’t want to take our kids for that reason alone.

What I didn’t know was what she was doing behind the scenes on our behalf.

When the summer term ended, we went to our supposed “next-to-last” lesson with Miss S and told her that we could no longer afford the high rates of the school and would have to terminate our lessons with her for a year until her contract period was over, before we could go back to her.  In the meantime, I had started asking around to find a possible temporary (one year) teacher.  I dreaded this task, but figured we had no other choice.

And then a miracle occurred.  Miss S told us that a few days prior, the owner of the music school had called her and told her, rather “out of the blue”, that it would be okay for her to take our children as her private students.  Just like that.  Her explanation was, “It’s time.” 

And, Miss S also told us that she would even match the discounted rate at our church!  (due to insurance issues, our church is unable to hire Miss S).

All we can conclude is that Miss O had gone to bat for us with the music school owner.

Well, to say we were happy and relieved  is an understatement.  All I can say is that we have truly been blessed behind the scenes.  The Lord, working in people’s hearts, on our behalf.  He took care of us again.  And the resulting cost differential more than adequately covers the new tuition for orchestra and for additional competitions. 

Simple miracles that mean much.  How neat is that?

April 2, 2011 10:01 p.m.
In my life this week...
When I have time, I am cutting and pruning vines, cabbage palms, low hanging branches, and tall weeds in various places around our yard.  This is a never ending job, and even though I spend hours doing it, a casual observer cannot tell I have done anything.  However, I mustn’t let that deter me.

In our homeschool this week...
Sweet Girl completed her third test set in Calvert School’s third grade course.  We made the decision to split her test over two days’ time, and it made everything much more relaxed.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...
Monday evening brings a Mom’s meeting with one of my homeschool fellowship groups.  Tuesday brings kickball (P.E.) with the other homeschool fellowship.  Wednesday brings an early morning chapel performance for Chips and his friend, J, at a local Lutheran school.  They will play the same hymns they played at the talent night and dinner theatre.  Then, hopefully, things will slow down toward week’s end.

My favorite thing this week was...
Seeing the children performing their little hearts out at our church dinner theatre last night (April 1st).  It was an entertaining, hunger satisfying, and exciting time for all who were involved.  I hope to post more videos of this event soon.

What's working/not working for us...
My staying off the internet until one o’clock every weekday has been helpful in allowing us to get done with lessons at a reasonable time.  I have also enjoyed, very much, keeping up with Chips’ literature, history, science, and geography reading, even though they are those dread textbooks.  I am particularly enjoying geography, now, as we are doing some in-depth learning of all the eastern hemisphere countries.  Yesterday, I read about Israel. 
Sweet Girl’s social studies textbook is turning out to be a little more enjoyable than I expected it would be.  When I first saw it, I wanted to barf  was dismayed, to say the least, but I guess it is because I had such low expectations of this subject that I am enjoying it all the more.  Strange…
What’s not working is the internet being “down” when we have extended rainstorms, as we did on Wednesday and Thursday.  We went 24 hours without functional internet service, and it put my students behind on the online portion of their work.  Chips is behind by about 7 videos.   I hate having to rely on a robust internet connection for homeschool, especially when we don’t have such a connection!

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
I am always thinking ahead to the day when we start high school.  And as I think, and peruse websites, the Potter’s School Classical Track is becoming more and more attractive to me all the time.  But I still have plenty of time to make this decision.
I also really agreed with this post over at Old Earth Creation Homeschool blog.  We cannot rely on the magic textbook for the high school subjects.  Our students are young enough that they still need more guidance.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...
None other than our son, Chips, in his performance here yesterday evening.  We still cannot believe what we hear and see, and we are so proud of him and his on stage poise and confidence, no matter the size of the crowd.  The Lord has really given him a gift!

March 26, 2011 7:13 a.m.

I guess that tax refund check we’ve got coming has made us giddy or something.  Because when we did our weekly MalWart grocery shopping yesterday, we decided to blow ten buckaroos on the Bark Off humane bark training device.

Yup – this would do the trick; stop our sweet doggie from waking us up in the middle of the night from barking, instead of using a painful shock collar. 

Yup.  Every time he barks now, it will emit a high frequency sound that will annoy him and train him in not barking anymore.  What a deal!  Imagine, peace and quiet for just $10.

Self-Reliant Man and I pondered this for about five minutes in the store, wondering whether it would really work.  Was it as good as it sounded?  Could it be too good to be true?  Since we cannot hear the sound, there would be no way we could verify if it was actually working, etc.  All these thoughts were bounced between the two of us as we processed this grave decision together. 

Okay, we did it.  It was tossed into our buggy.  We had finally found the barking solution.

But as soon as we got the package open at home, and the fresh new 9-volt battery installed, Chips snapped us back to reality with a simple exclamation:


Hmm.  Didn’t think about that.  Did you, Self-Reliant Man, think about that before tearing open the package?

Nope.

Neither did I.

March 19, 2011  3:48 p.m.

We are happy to announce…

… that the 2011 FSMTA District Concerto Competition winner is……



For exceptional performance in J.S. Bach Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, 1st mvmt.

Now we will be traveling in mid-May to Tallah*ssee.  Yippee!

February 20, 2011 3:59 p.m.


We are now in the throes of music competition season.  Yesterday we had one strings audition for both children, and they did just fine, having both secured the “Superior” ratings they needed to proceed to the state level.


Then yesterday evening, I was advised that we needed to quickly throw together an application for a concerto competition for Chips in late March.  As part of the competition, I had to write a short biography for Chips (in case he wins, for the state newsletter) and include a photo.  To get a feel for how to do this, I checked out prior newsletters to read what was written in the bio’s of other student winners of the recent past. 


At first, I found this task daunting and intimidating, and it brought to the surface all of the insecurities of a homeschool mom.  But now that it is finished, I feel pretty good about it.  What do you think?  Does this sound like a cool kid or not?


[Chips], age 11, has been a violin student of S______ G_____ for nearly five years. He first began to study violin at the age of 3. He has been homeschooled since preschool and is now doing sixth grade level work. [Chips] is no stranger to music competitions. In 2008 [Chips] was Elementary Solo winner for FMTA District __. In 2009 he took first place in O___ Music Club Elementary Solo Scholarship competition; In 2010 he was FFMC State Winner for Medium I Solo. In addition, [Chips] participated as violinist in an all boys’ piano trio with S____ Music Institute (M_____) that was FFMC State piano trio winner three years in a row (2008 – 2010).

When [Chips] was four, he and his family moved out to several acres in the country, where he and his sister developed a love of nature. He and his family have camped extensively throughout Florida, the Southeastern U.S., and Blue Ridge Parkway. His camping experiences culminated last autumn in a cross-country trip across America, touring 13 different states and 7 National Parks. [Chips] is also active in his church, participating in its choristers group. He enjoys relaxing by reading mystery novels, swimming, bicycling, playing piano, and repairing his friends’ digital watches.

July 15, 2010 10:33 p.m.

I have to write about something that makes me very proud.  It is about Chips.  Chips (and Sweet Girl) have both been having a great time at Music Camp and at VBS, both offered through our church.  Chips has been receiving some pretty neat compliments, and I want to share them here.

1. The Chief Musician of our church saw me twice last week (during Music Camp) and commented about Chips.  He had been teaching him in a small tone chimes group.  He said that he really enjoyed Chips, that he has a great smile and that his attitude is positive and very refreshing.  That pleased me.

2. This week, the lady who taught Chips' class at VBS (who happens to be the pastor's wife) told me that she really enjoyed having Chips in her class because he is such a willing participant.   That comment made me feel good, too.

3. Yesterday, another mom came up to me and told me that on the way home from VBS the day before, her 11 year old son told her that he really liked Chips a lot, because "he is really nice, he really loves Jesus, and he always tries to do the right thing".  The mother followed up by saying she was thankful that Chips was in her son's life, that as a peer, he was a good Christian witness to her son.  All I can say about that compliment is WOW!  What better words could I possibly hear?

We are still pretty new to this church, but people are starting to appreciate our son as they get to know him.  Chips isn't doing anything unusual at these events.  He is just being himself.  Very cheerful and happy, very engaging, and enjoying everything he does, big and small.  He also loves to engage adults in conversation at every opportunity.  It is so wonderful to see him growing in Christ in this way!

May 26, 2010 10:15 p.m.

Have you ever been so proud of your kids that you are just beside yourself?  That you are walking on clouds?  This is the way we have felt since Sunday.

Sunday was the annual end-of-year graduation recital of our local music school.  It was stunning.  So many fine students.  The entire time was emotional for me for reasons I will have to explain in a later post (I am not at liberty to write about it yet).

We have been with this music school for exactly 7 years now.  Chips was scarcely out of diapers when we began.  I think back to those early days in 2003 and then watch the children now and I am just amazed.  Of course, there are no miracles here.  It is simply hard work, daily practice, day after day, month after month, year after year, no magic.  But we couldn't be happier with the results.  And if I can't say this on my own blog, where can I say it?  As the owner of the music school said after Chips' performance, "his parents must be mystified!"

Today, I took an opportunity on the phone today to offer heartfelt thanks to our dear violin teacher for the difference she has made in the lives of our children.  They both adore her, more than ever, after four years of intense nit-picky study under her tutelage.  And we have developed a good friendship between us as well, because we mutually respect and appreciate each other for what each of us stand for.

Sweet Girl played Gavotte from "Mignon" from Suzuki Book 2 and played well for a relatively long piece for her to memorize.  Chips played Accolay like we have never heard him play.   It was emotional and bright.  The Trio played Uluru for the last time, also their final performance together as a trio.  Chips' concerto was the final act of the evening, and he brought down the house.  Even our violin teacher, who is virtually impossible to please (LOL!) called his performance "unbelievable" and that's a strong word for her.

Here is the videos for those of you who are willing to tune into them.  You music moms out there know exactly what this feels like!:

May 2, 2010 11:05 p.m.

We are not allowed to take photos or record video in the competitions, so I have merely uploaded the most recent practice session at our teacher's home.  This is Chips playing Kuchler's Concertino Opus 15, mvt. 1.  at Miss S's house last Monday.  She is accompanying him off camera on piano.  It is the piece whereby he won the violin SOLO state competition.  Thanks for viewing!

p.s. to Linda in Scotland -- I am definitely thinking of you and your kids on Monday.  Can't wait to hear!

Sunday, May 2, 2010 2:09 p.m.

Just got the news after church today from Miss S.  Sweet Girl got Honorable Mention at our state competition, too, for her Violin Solo!  Yippeeeee!  She played her piece, short as it was, with such feeling and expression for such a young girl.  We are so proud of her, because honorable mentions are hard to come by.  I don't have any photos of her with her ribbon yet; she will get it next week.  It has been an encouraging year for us and we are truly thankful that her hard work has rewarded in this way.

 May 1, 2010 8:30 p.m.

NEWS FLASH: We got the results in from Chips' state music competitions. We are still waiting to hear about Sweet Girl's competition.

We are thrilled to report that Chips' won in two events. He was the sole winner of the Violin Solo Medium I competition, and he and his buddies were the winners of the Chamber Piano Trio competition. He/they had competed against students who are as much as 5 years older than themselves.  We are all so thrilled. This day was long in coming, and we rejoice!

Sweet Girl also did very well in her Violin Solo but we are still waiting to hear the results of her contest.

To say we are happy, gratified, encouraged, and thankful is the understatement of the year. It is such a sweet blessing to have won these trophies, especially the solo trophy, since it has eluded Chips for so long.

Here are some photos from this weekend...

February 22, 2010 9:04 p.m.

We've got four Federation Gold Cups on their way!

Sweet Girl earned her first Gold Cup this weekend, with a Superior Rating on her Solos!!

Chips earned three Gold Cups this weekend, with his Superior Ratings for his

Solos

Concerto

and Chamber Trio selections.

We are heading for State at the end of April.

February 6, 2010 7:08 a.m.

I am very pleased and proud to be able to bring you video from yesterday's recital. We were extremely happy and satisfied with Sweet Girl's performance. She played everything cleanly, and did every just as her teacher wanted. I can even see Miss S smiling at the end, which really means something. Please indulge me and check it out!




Below is a video of Chips playing the Accolay Concerto yesterday. He was not so content with his performance, primarily because he didn't get through it without a few "flubs" (as we affectionately call them). But we reminded him that he does still have two weeks before competitions, and he will be satisfied then.

I must add, about Accolay, and all other musical choices he has had for the past couple of years, the following comment. Competitions used to get in our way, taking up months of the year for preparation, drilling and drilling the same few pieces until that date in February, then doing other things until April and then drilling and drilling again for a date in early May. This is all fine, I suppose, except if the music you are drilling is relatively simple, compared to what you are really up to playing, then it does feel somewhat like a waste of time. For several years, his competition piece was very easy compared to all his other music, and the competitions did seem to get in our way.

That is, until a couple of years ago, when our dear teacher, upon realizing this, decided to bump Chips up several levels in the competitions until the competition music truly did become challenging stuff! And that is definitely where we are today. Yes, he is practicing, and drilling, but it is no longer getting in our way. He is really learning from it. And yes, when competing at the state level, he does find himself competing against much older kids (some of them even with mustaches, if you recall) but at least the competitions are pulling him up, not dragging him down.

Enough. Please check him out playing what, to date, has been his most challenging concerto yet.

This is a video of our baby girl during a recital last fall, when she was 4, playing French Folk Song. We are so proud of her! She likes performing on stage.

Please note: you need to turn off the blog accompaniment music at the bottom of this blog before viewing the videos, or else you will hear both streams of music superimposed on each other.



This is a video of our little son, the same day last fall, when he was 7, playing a concerto by Oskar Reiding. We were so proud of him that day, and we continue to be very proud of his accomplishments. It is truly a lot of work here at M___ O__ Country School (wink wink) but we are happy with the results.



Thank you for viewing. Praise God for his generous gifts to us parents!

So tomorrow is our "baby girl's" Adoption Day. It is a day that some adoptive parents lovingly refer to as "Gotcha Day". But we call it Adoption Day here.

We asked our daughter what she wanted to do to celebrate. She replied that she wanted to go to a local pizzeria, "and maybe I can bring some money from my piggy bank, and put some in the thingy and turn it and get some gumballs for M[my brother]!"

This is one of the things we so cherish about our little girl. Almost since the day she arrived in our family, her big brother has lit up her life, and she has always let us know about it. She really adores him.

Thinks about him before she thinks about herself. She doesn't accept anything from anybody without first making sure that her brother gets his share. Whenever there is something beautiful to see, she runs to tell him about it. She has been this way every day since she's been a baby. It is amazing.

I don't think a big brother has ever been loved by his little sis quite like this.