Busy, busy, busy...

Not the most original post title, but it does describe our lives pretty well, especially lately.

Both Justin and Evan had a piano recital, and they played their pieces beautifully. (I took these pictures afterward so they are "pretend playing.")

They have been playing since second grade, and I wish I could tell you that they enjoy practicing and that learning the piano has been pure bliss for them... but who am I kidding? :) Like most things that are worth the effort, it is often difficult to keep motivated and committed.

But I will say that they are now to a point with piano where they can play most pieces confidently and they are finally starting to see this as "cool". I have no secrets or techniques to share about getting kids to practice, but in the last few years I have really backed off in my role as the "piano practice nag".

A few years ago I decided it was time for the boys to take more responsibility with piano, and it has worked (for the most part). They do not practice every day, but they do practice. And they do it more willingly and know that if they don't practice, they won't be prepared for their lessons. ;)

In other news... round and round the sports we go!

Logan and Evan have been playing basketball and really enjoy it! I enjoy basketball because I can watch the games in a warm gym, not on icy cold or sizzling hot bleachers!

And finally, on the always interesting, sometimes bumpy road of parenthood, you can be rolling along quite nicely, when all of a sudden, one of your kids reaches a milestone that brings you to a screeching halt...

This is one of those "screeching halt" moments. What??? Driving? He can't possibly be that old... and I know I'm not ready for this!

Ready or not...

Teamwork

Jason and Sarah have a great relationship. Most of the time they get along really well. This closeness also spells t-r-o-u-b-l-e.

Jason (the boss) orchestrates the adventures, while Sarah (second in command) carries out the orders.

Here they are in action, trying to move Daddy's clock (which you can't see) to a new location.

In case you were wondering what life with virtual twins might look like, here are a few snippets from the last day or so.

Jason and Sarah were bouncing their bouncy balls in the family room (a "no no") and somehow Jason's bounced into our gas fireplace vent. We have no idea where it is, and had to resort to calling a fireplace dealer to come try to remove the ball. (ka-ching!)

Sarah enjoys feeding paper into the paper shredder (can you see where this is going?) so sometimes Daddy lets her shred old bills, etc.

The other day I heard the shredder start up, ran into the den, and Sarah was smiling and shredding to her heart's content.

I know what you're thinking, and yes, I realize a paper shredder is not a good toy for a toddler! Needless to say we have moved it... but in the meantime we are not exactly sure what she shredded. We are missing a tax document, and I have my suspicions as to its whereabouts...

Ah, but they are so cute! Such sweet, innocent faces... with such kissable cheeks!

So it's definitely a mile a minute around here... and I usually sleep really soundly when the day is done! :)

Valentine surprise

On Valentine's Day:

Hmmm... what's this?

Oh!

Wow!

A sweet valentine surprise from my dear hubby! We are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in May!

20 years?? I can't quite believe it myself. "Wow" is right... we must be getting old! :)

Happy Valentine's Day to my very patient, selfless husband...

and I hope all of you had a great Valentine's Day as well!

Happy (early) Chinese New Year!

We attended a Chinese New Year celebration this past weekend with other families with Chinese children. The party was a week early since next weekend is Valentine's Day.

I would not say that I am an especially outgoing person, at least initially. I tend to be a little reserved, especially in new situations, so the thought of going to a party where we might know only a handful of people is a bit daunting.

Sarah, on the other hand, is not the least bit shy. She strikes up conversations with everyone she meets, and all day she kept saying, "Let's go to Chinese New Year!"

So, off we went!

It was a lot of fun, and it was great to chat with other parents who have been there, done that. :)

Our beautiful little lady.

Sarah loves the shoes even more than the dress.

Making paper lanterns (and other crafts).

Trying on the lion dance mask

Jason likes Sarah's hat. :)

A fireworks show capped off the evening!

Gearing up for the Year of the Tiger!

I ordered this adorable tiger hat from Scarlet Threads a few weeks ago. You can read about the Scarlet Threads story and learn more about these hats here.

Close up of the front

Back of the hat with a tail!

Growling like a tiger!