Piano Lessons

I consider my self musical, but definitely not a musician.  I played the flute in 5th grade...but really didn't practice much. I remember watching my music and playing whenever the "F" note came along.  The band teacher was a BIG lady and had very very jiggly arms.  When she would lead...I just didn't want to be there anymore....one day she picked up my flute and played it....Yep...I was done.  Coming from a highly musical family....my love for music was definitely still very much alive.  My years to follow allowed for me to sing in many choirs ending with being able to sing in the Mormon Youth Chorus (left side, third row, second one in) (probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life) In my early years as a mother, I got certified as a Kindermusik Teacher and taught for four years out of my home. (couldn't find my other Kindermusik pictures).  Matt also being very musical and much more of a musician than I am with his music theory background and mad skills on his silver trumpet....and yet neither of us are piano players.  We have decided that piano lessons are not optional for the kids...the benefits way surpass the cons.  As Cody is fast approaching his 8th birthday, I started looking into piano teachers for him.  I had heard about a lady in our ward who teaches traditional private lessons and Lets Play Music (a class I want to put Elena into) I knew she would be a perfect fit for our family.  I also knew she had a waiting list, so I emailed her and was surprised when she happened to have a spot open up that was a hard time for most people to commit to.  Cody had NO desire to take piano lessons.  I tried to explain to him that he would be so good at it, because it is a lot like video games....you use your brain and your hands.  But with no avail...this is the face he gave me as he walked up to his teachers door for his first lesson. After his lesson his first words to me as he he stood smiling holding his new piano books were...Hey mom, it turns out that I love Piano.  Now fast forward three months and you have last night where attended his very first piano recital.  This picture totally shows how Cody felt going into his recital....like he was going to throw-up.  He really did amazing....minus the fact that he played his song an octive lower then he was supposed to.  But I blame ourselves because we have a little keyboard at home, not a real piano. I was also amazed at his ability to not rush his song.  At home I was always getting after him to play his song slower and give each note their proper counts.  I guess he really does listen to me...(maybe even to the extreme in this case.) When I complimented him on this, he said that  he just wanted to make sure he gave each note its counts and make it sound smooth.  Such a cutie!!!  His teacher also had all sorts of fun prizes and certificates at the awards ceremony.  He even got a medal.  His teacher also gave each student a rose to give to their mother...I then gave it to Elena.  That girl LOVES flowers, despite how she tries, they somehow always turn out to look like this.  We are so proud of our kids and the many talents they each have!!! I could not get the video to load, so I broke it into two segments.  Enjoy!!!