Reflections of Corning

There are many places that feel familiar to me because I have either lived there or visited often throughout my life, but there are two places that feel like home. Coshocton has felt like home since I was 10. It felt like home even after I graduated from high school, got married, moved to three different states, had children and finally moved back to Coshocton a couple months ago. Small towns don't change much, and I love that. Coshocton is a stereotypical mid-western small town. Everyone farms or knows a farmer. The county fair is the county's biggest social event.This is a fantastic hometown.

The other place that feels like home is Corning, New York, a place where I spent only 5 years of my life. I'm not exactly sure why, though Eric and I have talked about it many times. It is also a small town, though it is a very different kind of town than Coshocton where agriculture and industry take center stage. Corning has a somewhat intellectual atmosphere. Education and the arts are of great importance. In Coshocton I may go to the grocery and have a 10 minute conversation at the deli counter about the nephew of the deli worker (I know neither of them). In Corning I will likely find polite, to the point deli service with no frills, though the people there are equally as kind hearted. The two places have little in common on the surface other than their river valley locations and the fact that I have happily lived in both places.

This past weekend we left Coshocton and traveled to Corning for the first time in four or five years. It has been so long that Ava didn't remember anyone. As our little Campbell house where Lukas first lived came into view from the interstate,  my heart warmed as I recalled wandering through the neighboring cemetery reading the stones of Civil War veterans and chasing the neighbor's calf back into it's fenced meadow. As the church came into view through the trees off the Painted Post exit, I remembered unloading our U-Haul into the Manse apartment 12 summers ago wondering what our new life was going to be like. When we finally got to our destination in the heart of Corning, I was thinking about so many great memories made with the greatest of friends. Babies born. Games played. Celebrations. Heartaches. 

I love this place, not because of the place itself (though it is lovely) but because of the people, the culture, the atmosphere, the gracious church family where so many people still love us...Corning is a place that we will always love, and I believe it will always feel somewhat like home.

It helps that my dearest Mindy lives in Corning, and we got to stay with her and her amazing children while we were there. She spoiled us with time to be lazy(oh, I was so lazy on Saturday!!!!) and great meals and our own personal cake decorating demonstration. Our children had a blast together. Her girls were so sweet with Ava even though she is smaller than they are. Lainie and Ava seem to especially have much in common in spite of the four years that separate them. And the boys? Goodness. I would love for these two boys to be able to spend more time together, and since they are both planning to Skype and keep in touch on-line, I'm pretty sure they agree.

Our reason (more like excuse) for visiting Corning on this particular trip was graduation. Our first graders were graduating from high school, and the Harts invited us to Bekah's graduation. The Harts first invited us into their home when we moved to Corning fresh out of college. They immediately made us a part of their family and even asked us to join them on Christmas Day for dinner when they knew we weren't going to be able to leave town to spend the holiday with family. Bekah was 6, and I believe Katelyn was 3. Bekah and several others we know graduated from high school over the weekend leaving us feeling slightly old since these young adults were the little ones during our first years of ministry. It was a blessing to be a part of their special day.

Sweetening this weekend even more was the opportunity to spend time with the Ernst family. Stacy is another very dear friend of mine. I had such a great time getting to see her in person and getting to see her whole family. Her kids have grown and changed so much. The internet is a great tool for keeping in touch, but there is nothing that replaces face to face time with a friend. Our time was definitely not long enough.

Of course we also got to attend a worship service at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church, the place where Eric served as their first children's pastor, where we were loved and mentored and challenged and stretched and forgiven. Pastor Paul Piraino spoke even though he wasn't supposed to be on the schedule this week. I sincerely hope that their senior pastor has his voice back, but it was quite a treat for us to hear Paul teach in his absence.

Even though our journey to Corning also brought us heartbreaking news from a sweet friend, we were blessed more than I can express in writing. Being able to hear first hand what was happening in this person's life, to be able to pray with her in person and to see her while she faces so much ahead of her meant the world to me.

As we were leaving Mindy's on Monday morning, Bryson told us to "come back every 5 months" to visit. Wouldn't that be nice? That would be much better than 5 years between visits. Reasa followed this up by mentioning that if we waited another 5 years, she would be ready to graduate from high school. Oy. I don't think I'm quite ready to think about Reasa being old enough to graduate. Let's hope that we can visit closer to the 5 month mark than the 5 year mark.

This weekend away was just what we needed. Corning, NY...I love this place. I love the people there. I love seeing the hospital where my babies were born as I drive down Denison Avenue, and I love the eclectic, artsy atmosphere that permeates Market Street. I love the church family that has changed so much in the years of our absence but still has so many familiar faces. I am a blessed woman to know of this place, to have lived there, to have loved there and to still have it be a part of who I am. 

Corning feels like home. I suspect that it always will feel that way no matter how much time passes between visits. I sure hope that it does.

The Revolt of 2020, A Book Review

I am generally a reader of historical fiction, but my dad asked me to read this book, so I decided to give it a try even though it is not my normal favored genre. I was actually surprised by the fact that the content was more captivating than I expected it to be. Even though it is outside my pleasure reading mindset, I very much enjoyed reading the book and even felt challenged by it. That's not too bad for a work of fiction, is it?

The Revolt of 2020 by Dr. Patrick Johnston is a futuristic novel which takes it plot from social, political and spiritual issues that have plagued our nation for decades. Abortion, assisted suicide and homosexuality are themes that run throughout the book. The main characters in this novel (which, incidentally is the first of a trilogy) are pro-life to the extreme, and their intensity of approach takes them to the front steps of abortion clinics and protest rallies across the nation. These Christian fundamentalist protagonists are contrasted with extreme left, socialist characters throughout the book which makes for an intense storyline.

When the building in which the President of the United States is speaking is suddenly blown up during an explosion at a Reproductive Rights rally, the plot takes a turn that causes these protagonists to become public enemy #1 in a situation in which they are presumed guilty even though there is no evidence of their involvement. The Vice President is sworn into office as the new President of the country, and it becomes clear that her socialist regime is ready to take over the country.

Throughout the novel you will find plot twists that involve possible state secession, hostile government take-overs, unjust laws passed for the benefit of the masses resulting in the removal of rights for the individual, rioting, arrests, and more. Does any of that sound familiar? Prophetic maybe? 

While this novel is fiction, it clearly takes its roots in possible future events. I found myself wondering how much of this could and would come true for our country. I found myself challenged and wondering what my role should be in the fight to protect the unborn citizens of our country. Have I been too passive in my approach? Have I done enough? Have any of us done enough?

Obviously, you can tell that this book will make you think. It will do this while captivating you with the twists and turns. I won't say that everything in the novel is 100% believable or that I agree with some of the intentional stereotyping of characters that is thrown about here and there, but I found the book to be interesting and thought-provoking. If you read it, drop me a comment so that I can hear what you have to say!

As far as I know, this book is not yet available in book stores, but you can find it at Amazon.com by clicking HERE.

Keys to a Queenly Castle: A Gabby Moms Review

Ouch. This review topic hit me square on the nose. I don't know if it's because I find myself moving from being completely overwhelmed with my current circumstances to reminding myself that the Lord is managing my circumstances, not me, and, because of that, I can find true rest in His arms. Oh how I look forward to His arms more than ever during this season!

It is true that I am busier than usual, but it's okay. We moved here to be closer in proximity to my parents for this very reason, and I am so glad to be here. Caring for my husband, my children, my home and my parents requires me to be stretched thinner than I have ever been. I am exhausted often. I don't feel like I'm managing or doing anything very well right now. What I know is that the Lord knew I would be listening to this particular MP3 at this point in my life, so He must have intended for me to get something from it regardless of how overwhelmed it caused me to feel at moments. I definitely did get some great, positive points from it.

The item about which I am referring is an MP3 by speaker, Lorrie Flem entitled "Keys to a Queenly Castle." Each point which Lorrie illustrated was completely based on the Word of God. She very clearly stated what the Lord intends for us as wives, mothers and homemakers, and she supported it all with scripture in the gentle yet direct way that she possesses that I admire so much. Even though I am currently feeling a little scattered, I found myself unable to disagree with her unless I dare disagree with scripture, which I shall not do!

What I appreciated so much about this presentation is that so much of what Lorrie said resonates with my own heart. Husbands are the priests of our households and should be honored as such. I need to be joyfully submitting to his leadership. My attitude in doing this and all of the things which I do dramatically effects the atmosphere of my home, and, since I am the queen of this castle, that is something that I need to be taking seriously!

I was jotting down notes as I listened (I am a big note taker since I am a visual learner). Lorrie said, "The way that you do what you're supposed to do changes everything." Isn't that so true? No matter what you are doing, if you are doing it with a poor attitude, then you aren't doing it the way the Lord intended. We actually just discussed this on this very evening with our children during our family worship time. See? God wanted me to understand that point for myself, not just my children, and that may be the very reason that He desired for me to listen to this MP3 on this exact day!

At the end of this recording, I found myself still in agreement with all that Lorrie had to offer, but I found myself even more overwhelmed at my shortcomings(not because of anything Lorrie said or did, but because my castle isn't so queenly these days). I have many. I find myself, even as I type this, wondering how to make my household run smoother in this particular season of life when my floors always seem to need the attention of a broom and mop, when the laundry is perpetually behind and there are still boxes on the second floor of our house that are not yet unpacked (nor are the walls decorated so that this castle looks like it is ours).

Lorrie is an incredible, Godly speaker. Her words will challenge and encourage you as a wife and mom. I am looking forward to hearing more of what she has to say about other topics which are relevant to me as a homemaker. If you are wanting to be challenged or reminded of what God intends for us as women (to be loving wives, nurturing mothers and full-time homemakers), listen to this MP3. I have only given you a little glimpse of what you will hear if you purchase it. Lorrie is amazing.

To purchase this MP3 or another like it, visit www.eternalencouragement.com. You'll find the item HERE in their store for only $6.97. If you prefer to order it on CD rather than an MP3, you can order a CD for $9.97 and have it shipped to you (or to anyone you would like to gift it to).

To read other reviews of this product as well as reviews for another MP3 called Attitude Adjustments, visit the GABBY MOMS BLOG.

Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review as part of the Gabby Moms program. I was not compensated for this post.

The Simple Woman's Daybook #91

Outside my window...on this longest day of the year, dark is falling prematurely as a storm is impending.

I am thinking...that thunderstorms should come before my children go to bed instead of at bedtime.

 
I am thankful for...catch-up days.

I am wearing...the oldest blue capris I own and an aqua polo.

 
I am remembering...the shadow of routine.

I am creating...blog posts.

I am going... to see great friends this weekend!!! 

I am reading...The Revolt of 2020 by Dr. Patrick Johnston.

 
I am hoping... that things slow down soon.

 
On my mind... relationships and how to approach some issues delicately.

From the learning rooms... math and the freedom to create all sorts of things.

Noticing that...my children's imaginations are sparked when they have no choice but to play with each other and all media is eliminated.

 
From the kitchen...whole wheat angel hair tossed with Italian sausage, green pepper, onion, mushroom, garlic and a little EVOO. Watermelon for dessert. Yum!

Around the house...laundry, laundry, laundry.

One of my favorite things... time alone in a clean house in which I can craft to my heart's content (a good night of sleep is a pre-requisite). I remember this happening...once.

 
Praying for...health for those I love.

A verse to share...Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:1

A few plans for this week... laundry, doctor's appointments with Dad and a visit with friends.

A picture thought...

 

She dances all day long every single day, and she posed this herself. She's so beautiful.

If you enjoy dwelling on the simple things in life and want to participate in this, CLICK HERE to read all about it and join us! Leave me a comment so I know to check out your blog to see your post!

The Simple Woman's Daybook #90

Outside my window...birds are chirping as they are enjoying this beautiful 75 degree day as much as we are!

I am thinking...that the Holy Spirit is here in every moment. My God isn't a swooping-in-at-the-last-minute kind of God. He is always with me. If He wasn't, I know I wouldn't be here either.

 
I am thankful for... REMISSION. It's the best word you can hear after months of thinking about stage 4 cancer?

 
I am wearing...navy capris and a brown polo and grass stained bare feet from walking in the cool grass at the park.

 
I am remembering...the feeling in my gut when I realized just how sick Dad was last week.

I am creating...hair accessories.

I am going... nowhere tomorrow. That's right. My kids and I need a day at home. 

I am reading...The Revolt of 2020 by Dr. Patrick Johnston.

 
I am hoping... for continued healing for both of my parents.

 
On my mind... something someone said to me that they shouldn't have. Something no one should say to someone, especially someone they love. I can't get it out of my head. Some people just don't think about how much their words and actions can deeply wound another person.

From the learning rooms... math. I can't even remember what we're working on, but I know we're going to keep going with math this week. Ava should read something too, and maybe we'll finally get around to signing up for the library summer reading program.

Noticing that...my children are two of the most amazing people I know.

 
From the kitchen...pork fried rice (which is not really fried, for the record).

Around the house...three rooms need to be swept and mopped and there is more laundry than I care to think about after not having time to wash anything last week.

One of my favorite things... Ava's enthusiasm.

 
Praying for...provision, abundance and prosperity.

 

A verse to share..."See now that I myself am He! There is no God besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand." Deuteronomy 32:39

 

A few plans for this week... catching up on laundry and cleaning, taking Dad to a doctor's appointment, grocery shopping w/Mom and whatever else finds us and requires our attention.

 

A picture thought...

 

Squash growing in our very tiny garden. This was a few weeks ago. It's getting huge now!

If you enjoy dwelling on the simple things in life and want to participate in this, CLICK HERE to read all about it and join us! Leave me a comment so I know to check out your blog to see your post!

The Road We're Traveling

If you are a Facebook friend of mine, then you're up to speed on the turn my life has taken this past week. Mom called on Saturday and said, "Your dad might want Eric to take him the ER tomorrow." Huh? Tomorrow? Um. Okay. We waited it out, and, sure enough, we had just walked in the door from church when Mom called and asked Eric to take Dad to the ER in Zanesville (better hospital). Mom rode along, and I was stuck at home w/the kids waiting to hear news all day. 

Dad was admitted. It took until Tuesday to really start getting some answers. Pneumonia. Debilitating sleep apnea. Spinal tap to rule out meningitis because he had the most monstrous headache he has ever had in his life as well as other meningitis symptoms. We're still waiting for a culture from an abscess. We may not have that result until some time on Friday from what the hospital staff is telling us. They speak in vague statements. I know they have to do that because they can't really know for sure, but I'd like to hear something definitive, you know? Tell me my Dad's going to be okay and when!!! I've never seen him so weak and in so much pain.

Mom has been unable to visit with Dad at all because he is in isolation until the abscess culture comes back. I've been able to spend some time with him each day, but I've had to wear a mask and gown. I've been glad to be able to be there. I'm thankful to friends, the Bonars, for keeping the kids yesterday. Today, the kids stayed with Mom. This made it possible for me to be able to be where I needed to be. I can't express how grateful I am for friends who are willing to help at times like this. Others have said they would help as well, but we've been okay so far.

God has truly blessed us to be able to be here. Moving was the best decision we could possibly have made. We have chosen this, and I am glad. Even so, I don't think anyone can imagine what this path is like unless they travel it. I love the time I'm spending with my parents in recent days, weeks and months, but it is a new addition to our lifestyle that we still need to figure out, you know? And it isn't as if I can really chat with anyone about it because no one I know has ever done this day in and day out. But...I chose this, and I am so glad that I did. I guess I can't really explain in words what I'm feeling because this stress of helping to care for my parents is so shadowed by gratitude that the Lord allowed us to come here to be able to be there for them. Walking this road is one I will never regret.

This week I have come home with tension in my entire body every single day. I've cried tears every single day. Before that spinal tap? Gosh. Terrible thoughts were in my head. I awoke yesterday knowing Mom was on her way to a chemo treatment while I headed to Zanesville to visit with Dad and await the spinal tap results.  Talk about stress. Both of their lives were on the line, you know? That's not something you can prepare yourself for.

But...

It was a day of good news. Mom's oncologist said that she's in remission, something we only imagined in our wildest dreams and that we only believe possible because she was annointed. So many people have prayed, and Mom was healed! The doctor didn't expect this great of a result. It's a miracle.

And later in the day? Sigh. NO meningitis. Hallelujah!!!!

I still came home with tension in my body thinking about everything. I cried. Again. And again. 

This evening I arrived at Mom's to have dinner. She watched the kids all afternoon and evening. Eric headed that way after his work day, and I got there about 7:30 after spending time with Dad. Dinner was later than planned, and I knew that, so I quietly got out of my van and gently closed the door. I sat on Mom's porch listening to the birds and the hum of law mowers and fell asleep. I wasn't asleep very long, but it was so peaceful. I could sit on Mom's porch for hours and hours. 

Eric discovered that I was there and then it was time for dinner. Since everything was running behind, Mom and I ended up not getting groceries again. That's the third day in a row, but that's the way things work out at times like this. Today I cried because I had nothing in the house to feed my family for lunch. Silly, right? When this much stress is on your plate, I guess anything can trigger tears, silly or not.

My kids have been wonderful this week even though they have seen very little of me and haven't had any kind of routine this week. They're being troopers even though I know they are feeling the tension. This afternoon before we left the house, Ava came to me and gave me a hug and then just stayed there. I held her for 20 minutes. We didn't talk much. We just sat still and quiet in each other's arms. I know she needed that. She's so concerned for her Papa, and she is watching me trying to manage all this (and too often, I don't handle it well). She is a fixer, a feeler, a sweet, sweet girl. I needed that 20 minutes as much as she did. Probably more.

The kids made cards for Dad today using oil pastels. They did a great job. I wish I had taken photos. Ava wrote her first poem, and she did it completely and totally without my knowledge until it was done. She asked me how to spell yellow, but that was it. Her poem, written just for Papa was this:

The sun is yellow,

I love you.

The sky is blue,

Get well soon.

How completely adorable is THAT??? Papa was THRILLED as he is a poet himself and has written poetry his entire life. The cards made his day. It was the next best thing to having the kids there. Tomorrow, I think I'll have the kids call him. That will help to ease their minds and will bless him as well!

Please pray for Dad, Mom and the rest of our family as we go through these next days, weeks and months. Dad also has some eye surgeries coming up (supposed to have a consultation on Monday. I guess we'll see if that happens!). Dad's birthday is this Sunday. I know that I would really like to be able to celebrate that day with him AT HOME. Please join us in praying for complete and total healing!

Dance Recital 2011

Our little dancing queen danced with her Wiseman Dance Studio peers last night for the last time. I had mixed emotions all day concerning this. I enjoy two of the ladies whose daughters dance with Ava so much both at the studio and away from the studio. Before last night, I didn't have to face that little part of our move yet. I have no choice now since we will have Ava take dance at a local studio in our new community. I shed a few tears thinking about it, but that is not what this post is supposed to be about, so let's move on from the sappy stuff!

Ava was beautiful! Her tap class danced to Weird Al's "I Love Rocky Road" since the recital had somewhat of a candy/sweets theme this year. They did a great job, and watching how much Ava learned this year baffled us. She moved from being a silly little girl dancer to becoming a real dancer. She was, by far, the smallest in her tap class, but she held her own (but I have to admit she rehearsed her little hiney off this year!). We were proud of her performance. It was cute, fun and well done!

Ballet was even better. The girls danced to Fallout Boy's "Lullaby" (I know it sounds odd because it is by Fallout Boy, but it's a beautiful song). The costumes were gorgeous, and the girls did extremely well. Ava's progress, as well as the other girls who have danced together for three or four years, was just amazing. I am so glad Ava was moved into intermediate ballet because it is truly what helped her to shine and grow this year both as a dancer and as a person. She learned so much about self-control and discipline through this class. Keeping up with older girls in both of her dance classes this year helped to stretch her. I'm so, so proud of her!

One of our favorite parts of the annual Wiseman recital is the father/daughter dance at the end. Watching Ava dance with Eric is breathtaking, not because they are amazing or anything (not a lot of time goes into the rehearsals for this dance), but because Ava and Eric both love it so much. It shines through them. They are both so happy, and it's a joy to watch. I hope that wherever Ava ends up studying dance in the fall has something similar to this because we'll miss it so much if they don't!

So now the chapter has ended. All of our many activities in Columbus have ended. Our gas tank (and bank account) will no longer be suffering from countless trips to Columbus. We will not miss those trips, though we will miss some of the people and places that we loved. Onto to new things for us...It's time.

Memorial Day Weekend

My posts are out of order. Technically, I could date this one so that it appears before the one I wrote last night, but I just don't care, at least not enough to do that. I almost archived last night's post about Lukas' piano recital until I wrote this one, but, again, I decided that I didn't care enough to do that. It's unlike me. I'm the girl who alphabetizes and categorizes her CDs. Maybe this is a good sign, right? Hi. I'm Kendra, and I have OCD (not really).

Memorial Day weekend was glorious, the best one we have had in years maybe. We spent Saturday getting ready for a picnic (grocery shopping, cleaning, yard work). On Sunday, we went to church and then we hosted a cook-out here at our house. We had an amazing time. This seems so simple, doesn't it? Maybe amazing seems like too much of a word for this to you, but we really had a blast and loved hosting our family and friends for the afternoon and evening. It wasn't anything fancy. It was just people we love spending time together. 

Making our weekend even better was the presence of my Aunt Bonnie and John. I love when they visit and wish we could see them more often. They live in Toledo, and we don't make it up that way often enough. Mom had a great time with her sister, as always. Plus, my kids love Aunt Bonnie and Uncle John.

Uncle Frank, Mom and Dad and our friends, the Bonars, also came for the picnic. The Bonars are a great blessing to us since moving back. If I told the long version of our story, you would laugh that we count ourselves as friends as adults. As teenagers, Stephanie and I were definitely not fond of each other, but now the Lord is blessing us with a friendship with this couple and their kids that makes us smile. They are incredible people, and their kids are wonderful too. It also doesn't hurt that they actually have boys and a girl, which makes for great playmates for our kiddos.

Small town life is good for us so far. Memorial Day parades always feature people you know. Everywhere you go, you see someone you know or recognize. Even Wal-mart is less annoying than it was in the city (I didn't say it wasn't annoying. Just less annoying), but maybe that's because we almost always get to see Uncle Frank when we're there.

 Kids in the sprinkler and filling super soakers.

 Aunt Bonnie and Mom on my front steps

 VERY cool parade float. They stood there throughout the entire parade route!

 Ava with her Papa (and a stove they are getting ready to sell).

I am feeling blessed by our Memorial Day weekend memories and our new small town life. It was a weekend filled with family, friends, sunshine, parades, sprinklers, sparklers, good food, and fun times. I'll take another weekend like that anytime!

Piano Recital 2011

Our boy is a pianist. His skill fascinates me completely, which is likely because the piano challenged me so much. I listen to him practicing (over and over and over) and genuinely loving it, and I find myself in awe that he has this measure of talent. I wonder what he'll do with it. Lead worship? Play for pleasure? Classic pianist? Rock band (this would be his current ambition)? Who knows? He's 9. At this point, I honestly can't imagine what Lukas will do with his talent. I'm just loving that he has it. 

Lukas began working on his first piece, Midnight Express, for last night's recital toward the end of March. He was initially convinced that it was just "too hard" for him. After about three days of practicing it, he decided he might be able to manage it. I can tell you now that he played that piece so many times each day that I sometimes might have been heard saying, "Okay!!! That's enough! I need a break!" But it was always in good spirits. I love that he loves it.  His teacher, Charlotte Catlin, expertly chose pieces that she knew he would love, and he played his heart out learning to play Midnight Express. 

The introduction of the metronome (which I downloaded on my phone. Coolest app EVER!) threw him for a loop for a few days. That's probably an understatement. I think he technically hated it. Maybe not just technically. After one particularly emotional practice session, Eric discovered that Lukas thought he was going to have to perform at his recital with the metronome ticking away. It never occurred to me for a second that he might think such a thing. It was one of those moments where I needed to try harder to think like my child. Once we jumped that hurdle, he was fine. He even managed to play it at the proper tempo, almost too fast.

The other piece Lukas played for his recital was called Boogie Boardin'. He started working on it about a month before his recital. The last week before his recital was a little emotional because he didn't believe that Boogie Boardin' was quite ready to perform, but he pressed on. He really, really, really wanted to practice it all day yesterday. Having been in his shoes before (though not for piano. I'm a terrible pianist. No. I'm not a pianist at all. I'm a piano-was-my-nemesis-in-college kind of girl), I told him he could play through each piece ONCE. Period. Wow, did that decision go over like a lead balloon! Nevertheless, he did what I asked on this one even if he was certain I was wrong.

Last night, when he performed at Graves Piano and Organ (gorgeous recital hall!!!!) on Julie Andrew's piano (just thought I would throw that detail in subtly, but, come on, it was JULIE ANDREW'S piano!!!!), he did a great job. We were proud of him. He was the first performer on the recital, and he got the job done. He was pleased with it. He played both pieces from memory (though he took the music for Boogie Boardin' with him because he just wasn't so sure. He never gave it a glance). This year's piano recital was definitely a success!

And just to be sure, did I mention that Lukas played on a 9 foot grand once owned (and autographed on the inside) by THE Julie Andrews? I touched it. Oh yes I did! I touched Julie Andrew's piano, and my 9 year old played it. And I'm so not one of those people, but Julie Andrews!!! Ava insisted on having her photo taken in front of it as well and said, "You mean, that piano used to be Mary Poppins'???" LOVE it!

Thanks for indulging me on this one, blog readers. We're proud of our boy, and where else shall I record these memories and share them? Stay tuned. We have a dance recital on Friday about which I am certain I will also be blubbering.

 Posing at the keys

Lukas with his teacher

There it is folks. Julie Andrews. Heehee!!!