Julia's 1st Piano Recital

I meant to post this video back in February, when Julia had her first piano concert. It was a good experience for her and since then, I think she likes learning piano more. Although I have never read "Tiger Mom," I've read articles and heard interviews about it. I've thought about it often while helping Julia practice piano this past year and a half since she started taking lessons. Whether it is a good or bad book, I do not know, but I do appreciate thinking about our reasons for pushing or not pushing our kids. With piano, it started with just exposure to music. And it's become about valuing practice and learning how to practice and developing patience to practice. Six months ago, I was about ready to have her quit. How long she continues will depend on her own passions, but for now, piano has developed into a nice bonding time for us. How long will that last?

Wes Boogie

Our guy likes to dance. I think it looks like Tai Chi meets Aerobics, or something like that. For his 3rd birthday, we got him a kid-friendly (no earphones required) and adult-friendly (volume control is hidden from kid) mp3 player. He's holding it (the blue thing) at the end of this "reel."

Conversations Around a Pumpkin

We've been snacking on the yummy pumpkin seeds Wayne roasted. He had help gathering the seeds from his two little talkative helpers.

CA Trip 2011

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Kindergarten Done

Julia doesn't look that different from her first day of school. And I don't think that she is much different. Of course, she knows more now than before. She's learned to read (both words and musical notes) and to dribble a ball (both soccer and basketball). She knows about worksheets, homework and school socials (without parent accompaniment). But her temperament, personality and interests have not changed that much. She's still a combination of shy, serious and goofy, silly. She's still really into arts and crafts and not as interested in computer or video games. I think this could be her forever - it is amazing how formed we already are when we come into this world - but I know there are friends, teachers and events that come or happen and change you from time to time in your life. I'm curious what it will be when it happens and I hope I remember and find the time to consider who she is becoming and why.

Some of my favorite discussions with Julia this past kindergarten year have been about her Night Time School. Her made-up universe that often parallels her real daytime school. It explains why she's tired in the morning. It explains why I'm wrong (her night time school teacher is smarter than me). She's talked about this convincingly enough that a few parents have asked me whether Julia really goes to a night time school. She learns all about the planets and stars there. She learns baby language there as babies also attend night time school. She's been on the fake cell phone planning play dates and sleepovers and has even been heard gossiping about others! After the Japan tragedy earlier this year, she cried about one of her classmates who she said lives in Japan and has not been back to school. I'm really glad she goes to Night Time School. She already graduated from nighttime kindergarten a couple of weeks ago as she had finished all her worksheets without writing any numbers or letters backwards (unlike daytime kindergarten). So two kindergartens done, looking forward to first grade!

Two Punches Duck

Although Wes is not yet old enough to be part of the Little Ninja's program, he's learning on the side with Julia. They take turns holding the pillow for each other and no one gets hurt :)

Karate Princess

Julia's grandpa called her that when she got home from her first karate lesson and she liked it. She pointed out that it's different than Mulan, who is a warrior princess. We've been thinking about enrolling Julia at our town's karate center for awhile, but perhaps just a little reluctant to be "over schedulers." Several friends have strongly recommended the place and it just seems to offer so much of what we hope for Julia. Focus, confidence, strength, the ability to protect herself. And of top of that, they seem to try and teach them to be good citizens of the earth.

They have an ad in their window with a picture of a child and the statement, "I don't always listen to my parents, but I always listen to the DoJo." Luckily, they say the same thing. (Or something like that). Well, before Julia had her first lesson, they gave us a log and she was supposed to record 10 acts of respect performed. The log had an explanation of respect and where it said, "Showing someone respect is to treat them as you would want to be treated," her eyes widened and she said, "That's what you always say." And I closed my eyes and wished very hard that the ad will be true for us.

Here is some video of her first lesson. I believe this will be part of a great movie made later down the line that shows how much Julia improves :) Listen for Wes, thoroughly entertained, counting with Julia.