she's a new picker

This is exactly what I posted on Instagram today,

"I'm so incredibly proud of this girl and I've never wanted to rush out and buy a classical guitar as much as I do right now.  Wow!  This recital was just perfect and these kiddos are all super talented.  Also, I had that teary eyed proud mom feeling especially when she sang.  I'm such a sap."

The last 6 weeks of 5th grade the intermediate school kids get to take guitar lessons in music class.  Layla has been curious about guitar for years and she has done amazing learning and wants to stick with lessons.

Today us parents were invited to a recital during the school day.  They put on a nice show for us and played and even sang several songs and then ended with the 6th grade orchestra joining for the last few songs.  It was an awesome recital and their music teacher has done some wonderful instruction.  What a talented bunch!  

Layla saw the pictures of herself and said, "Gosh, I'm glad I didn't wear a dress with my legs all sprawled out, but that is how I'm supposed to sit with proper posture."  I'm proud of my guitar playing soon to be 6th grader.

doin' a little pickin'

I am super duper proud of Layla and her sudden love for guitar.  She has a six week music class at school and they are learning to play.  She is loving it and yesterday she rushed into the house after school to play me a clip of this song!

She also has a very important decision to make between now and Monday.  She's had a few weeks to decide her elective next year for 6th grade.  She can pick art, choir, orchestra or band.  Last week she was leaning towards band and playing the flute, but now she is leaning towards choir.  She's hoping to also take private guitar lessons too.  I'm thrilled for her to have so many cool music choices.

    Gary has wanted to learn to play guitar for years and she is teaching him a few things here and there!  It's cute to see them learning together.  

I'm so bummed I can't get the video to work. Grrrrr!  

fourth grade musical treat!

This morning Gary and I went to see Layla's music performance at school.

She made me giggle.  She was all business.  She sang every word and barely cracked a smile.  The group of kiddos were so cute and they put on a great show!

I'm thankful for some of the great kiddos Layla hangs out with!

The Good Stuff

Tonight was one of those nights...it was simple but great.

I was in my kitchen, cooking a meal for my family, having a glass of vino. 

I am so happy to be cooking again and meal planning.  Summer time was just crazy and I wasn't in the meal planning mood.  I bought a bottle of wine at Aldi and was shocked that it's tasty. Good inexpensive wine makes me happy!

The windows were open and the sheer curtains were blowing in the breeze.  I could hear the kids giggling and laughing  and the dogs barking outside the kitchen window.  My iPod was on random and with great tunes blaring.  It was just one of those simple evenings I'll never forget.

The kitchen is my happy place.  I'm happy to be back in our school routine.  I love helping the kids with their homework.  I love having dinner ready when Gary gets home from work.  I'm a simple girl and clearly routine makes me super happy.

Tonight the song "The Good Stuff" came blaring through the speakers.  I got tears in my eyes while listening to it and quite honestly it shocked me.  But it made me realize that no matter what life throws at me I try to always remember the simple things...the good stuff.