"Lessons" with Connor

So I have begun "teaching" Connor some piano lessons.  I chose to teach him myself because of a few reasons.  One, I can teach him whenever it is convenient for me; two, I wasn't sure any of the local teachers were ready for a TYPICAL 1st grade boy; third, most teachers think 1st grade is too early to start.  So we are moving slowly, but methodically.

They are mostly going well.  But since we teach them into the night (7ish) I know he is tired and so am I :).  So, I should preface this by saying the circumstances were not the most conducive to a good piano lesson.  Nevertheless, I was a bit surprised at what happened tonight.  I try to give him three songs to "practice" two times each day and then play them for pass-off on Mondays.  He was struggling with a song and he started crying.  I continued to help him keep going and continue trying.  He was overwhelmed when he was making mistakes.  This is where I was surprised.  See, I am more of a coach than a teacher, so I tend to REALLY push my students HARD to do the best they can (remember, Mom IS Japanese, so it is in me!).  I got really annoyed at Connor and wanted to push him hard.  But I tried to hold back a bit but keep on encouraging him.  Instead of stopping, I just asked him to play it again and agin until he got it. 

Of course in two tries he got it.  It really wasn't that big a deal , but to him it was SO HARD.  Hmmm... normally people say that sports teach the concept of "never giving up".  I haven't thought of music teaching that same technique.  So, now I will call our lessons- "life lessons" :)- and I didn't even think I would be so frustrated with him... a lesson for me as well.

He did well- we brought Dad and Anna in to hear it and he did it perfectly.  He was proud of himself for not giving up.  It was tempting so let him stop, but making him stick with it helped him to learn that he could do it.  I guess I will be the mother that is demanding and pushy.  But I will try to do it with a smile :)!

We're Comp FREE!!!

I am thrilled that I have finished my comps for the master's program!!! My very patient husband has put up with several weeks of the kids while I focused on classes. I get to graduate August 8- YIPPEE!!

Connor and Anna have had a relaxing summer so far. Connor had a super time at CRS(highly recommended) and Anna has taken over our home with countless tea parties and other social events with Tigger, Snow White, and Elmo. Who knew they were all so close :) ?

I finished grad school just in time to help with our church's Vacation Bible School. We are a small church, but had about 30 workers and 45 kids each night. It was really cool to see so many adults (expecially dads) helping with VBS. I had the 1st and 2ns graders and this was a reminder why I prefer teaching high schoolers!- Lots of energy!

Now I have about 6 weeks before I have to go back to school. Meridian PSD had opted to start much later than normal (aug 24) but we teach until June 15. For now I like the plan (ask me again in June!). It is nice to enjoy a little of summer.

Connor at CRS

So, this is really a big summer for our son Connor who is 7. Right now he is at Camp of the Rising Son (www.campoftherisingson.com) in French Camp, MS. I worked at this camp for 7 summers during my high school and college years. I had no idea how hard it would be for me to take him to camp. Of course he didn't know it. But after I left him, I felt nervous for him. Who would help him get to activities? Who would make sure he is not left out? Is he going to brush his teeth?

Crazy, I know. I used to make fun of "those" camp mothers..... Now I am one. I am really proud of myself- I haven't called to check up on him yet! Honesly, camp will be a good experience for him. He naturally is a follower but has incredible leadership skills. This will be a great way to help him bring that out.

If you want to read details reagarding his football camp, go to Danny's blog- http://buzzardroostus.wordpress.com/. It was tons of fun for him (and Dad!).

Meanwhile, Anna- our precious Anna. She is so incredibly verbal that I often forget that she is only three. Dad is at home with her while I am still taking courses in Hattiesburg. Poor Dad!

Tomorrow our son Connor will go to MSU for the Little Bully football camp. Doesn't that sound fun!?! I am currently at Carey for some grad work (will finish June 30 and walk Aug 8!!) in Hattiesburg so I won't get to see him in action until Friday afternoon. Now I know that a 7 year old is a bit young to go to football camp but I can't believe that I could have taken him to this camp when he was 5!! It will be a neat thing for him.

But the craziest thing is that he gets to go to Camp of the Rising Son this summer as well. It is a SUPER camp in French Camp, MS that lets the kids play in the woods and enjoy Lake Anne with canoes, sailing, fishing, etc. It also has tons of great surprises for the kids all week. This is especially good for me because I was a staffer there for 7 summers during my high school and college years. I am really excited about him going there. Check them out at http://www.campoftherisingson.com/. What a great camp!

Meanwhile Anna is in a wild 3-year old phase- at least I hope it is a phase :)! I am pretty sure she is our strong-willed one. Just like her dad ..... hee, hee!

MUSICAL!!

I have been putting off the inevitable, but this semester I am doing the musical at MHS (well, sort of- there is a super theatre director I will work with but I think I am going to have to be the organizer ...). I loved the musicals I did in TX but I wasn't in charge. In MS I feel more pressure to make it work! My high school hasn't done a musical since the 80's (some say the 70's).

So we are doing SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! Anyone remember those cartoons? It is a small cast and easy plot. Music is, of course, very fun! Auditions are next week..... hope kids come.

Meanwhile, Connor has won 2nd place in the Kindergarten Science Fair! I am so proud!

grad school

YIPPEE!! I just finished my requirements for the grad course I am taking! It is such a relief! I am now half-way through the program. I am in the greatest music ed program at William carey with some of the best people! Most of us are teaching (or have taught) and we compare ideas and work together- it has been really good. But I am SO GLAD to be finishede with this class.... now on to the next class :).
So, life here is good - my parents (mimi and happy) have graciously agreed to stay with us for a couple of days. Danny has responsibilities in Jackson with the Mississippi Baptist Convention and I had this class. That meant that poor mom and dad had to get the kids and get connor ready for a soccer game.... they had a good taste of being a part of our world!
Now I can relax for a few days and then my next syllabus will be sent to me... but for now I am happy!

Calm Day

Today is a bit unusual. Danny's parents came up from Laurel (an hour drive) and watched Connor play a soccer game. Then we went to the mall and then to our house to grill out. It was fun. Connor and Anna played in the back yard with the kids from the Children's home (they call Danny's parents "mom" and "dad"-- we get unusual looks around town sometime). And now we are sitting at our house watching football with our windows open.... Time has slowed down for us and it is so nice. I am quite sure this is the calm before the storm of life :)! But I really should be doing homework or grading some homework... maybe tomorrow....