School has just begun, and my oldest daughter has discovered this is the year that the school offers band. I played in the band when I was a kid, and I loved it. My daughter plays piano, and she loves music, so I decided she should also join the band. She’s not completely in love with the idea of adding band to her schedule. Despite my conviction that she should only participate in the activities she loves (because we are over-scheduled already), I have insisted she begin this new activity. I’m just sure she will love it, too!

So after “we” decided she should join the band, we had to decide which instrument to play. After much debate, she settled on the flute. (I played the tuba in the band, so was very pleased she chose a small, portable instrument.) The research began as to where to purchase this instrument, and to determine a reasonable price for it. This was easier said than done, but today, I was able to find a good quality flute for a reasonable price – at least I hope it is. To go along with the new flute, I had to purchase a repair warranty, a maintenance kit, two lesson books, a music stand, and private flute lessons. All-in-all, this is a pretty expensive (mother’s) dream!

I hope she loves the new flute. And if she doesn’t, I hope she treats it delicately so her sister can use it when I sweetly suggest (i.e. force) her to join the band!

Tags : band instruments, gifts

Summer is almost over. How sad.

We all look forward to summer vacation. The idea of endless hours to play, read, watch TV, swim, or just do nothing sounds so enticing after nine months of following schedules and watching the clock. Thankfully, we have had just such a summer.

But after three months of play time, I can honestly say, we are all craving some of that structured time. The toys that sat untouched for most of the school year are now all over the living room floor. I am ready for them to be put away. We have watched every episode of every kid’s show at least three times. (Yes, we started out limiting TV time. But like everything else in summer, the structured rules seem to fly out the window with the structured schedule!) I am ready for the TV to have a break. Our bottle of sun screen is almost empty and the chlorine damage to our hair is significant. Our skin and hair are ready for some recovery time and that lovely indoor air.

So, we are now counting the days (some of us are counting the hours) until school begins. And along with it, the lovely rat race of live. Complete with the endless hours of chauffeuring, practice, homework, and schedules. I can’t wait!

Tags : gifts, parenting