Jane, she is a favorite part of my week!

I first met Jane 8 or 9 years ago. 

Fun Girl wanted to learn to play violin.

A friend recommended Jane. 

She even took me to her kiddos lessons. 

Still wasn't too sure about entering the world of music lessons.

I knew in theory, I knew music instruction was invaluable.

But private lessons and the cost of the instrument had me concerned....
well invaluable, means there is a value.

A big commitment.

As always, God has provided. 

Since that day, all but our youngest have gone to Jane for lessons.

Fun Girl started with violin.

Then she added piano as Hockey Player started to play.

Fun Girl has moved on in her interests but to Jane's we go every week.

Hockey Player

Little Princess

Dad's Bud

and maybe one day The Man

Jane's home is one the children adore.

Her yard is something out of the Secret Garden.

Lots to discover,

a tire swing for waiting siblings

daffodils in the spring

cats and kittens lounging in the sun....

in her home...

piles and piles of music...

and she knows where each piece is located.

I believe every she has kept every gift every student has given her.

A testament of the love and respect given to her by all who enter her life.

 

 

Before every recital piece is played, the performer

must stand, tell his name, age, grade and something about him/herself

and the piece to be played.

Meanwhile, siblings are encouraged to get comfortable

and pet the audience.

 

 

garlands of glitter and pizzazz

sparkles and memories

 

 

momentos of a life time of teaching

 

 

When I look around, I can't help but smile.

Piano Lessons.......

He's not taking piano lessons yet.  Waiting can be a drag.  Thankfully springtime is upon us and it is warm.  This past week it was dry.  Can't say that about this week.  But there was no mud to make mom cringe.  There was much to be discovered.  Some pretty ladies......

A tire swing to conquer

....and the Secret Garden to Explore

Ms. Jane's is a favorite place to hang out. 

Another piano student to be.........

He is the youngest.  He has yet to start piano lessons.  But I think it won't be too much longer.

Here he was composing a piece for Mom.

note the pencil tucked behind his ear....we aren't too sure where he learned that one.

Waiting can be so rewarding

Two weeks ago, we welcomed this beauty to our home!  I am so excited.  When we bought our home 14.5 years ago, I knew this wall would be perfect for a piano.  Our baby was only 6 months old.  I didn't play piano, but the wall would be a perfect frame for a piano.  Fast forward a few years...Fun Mom takes violin lessons.  She really wants to take piano.  We buy a keyboard and get started on lessons for her, Hockey Player and Little Princess.  Then we inherit Grandmama's keyboard.  One upstairs, one downstairs and that helps with the competition for time to practice.  Few years later, Fun Mom really wants a piano.   I am overwhelmed by the idea.  How do we find one?  How do we know if it is any good and not beyond being able to tune?  How would we get it into our home?  So I casually look.  Grandpa D finds out and he starts casually keeping an eye out.  We have looked at a few over the years.  Then two weeks ago, our church has their annual garage sale.  Fun Mom loves the sound it makes.  It looks great.  Has a bench and is a price we can afford.  Amazing part is the guys at church volunteer to deliver it.  Hubby works nights.  We don't know anyone who would be able to help during the day.  They are all amazed I know exactly where I want it.  Hubby wants to know what other secrets I am keeping from him.  I have never told him how much I wanted a piano.  Why put a pressure on him for something the time wasn't right for? 
I am in awe of God's tender loving kindness to me and my family.  He has answered the longing of my heart.  Filled the empty spot in my home.  Answered the desires of my children.  Filled my home with music.  Not a day goes by that someone doesn't just sit down and start playing.  When they stop, someone else will drift in and start playing.  4 piano players in my home and we may be adding a fifth here in a year or so.  I am beyond blessed.