AnneOnParenting

The New Graduate!

Frankie had her final band concert of her high school years last week.  It was cool that she and Lulu played together in symphonic band and for the all-district concert band last winter.  Both had solos in the first song and I could not be more proud of both of them.  Of course, they should be proud of themselves.  I learned this at a work-related seminar a few years back.  Parents tend to extend praise to their children causing the children to need this outward praise to feel good about their accomplishments.  By changing our words we can teach our children to feel fulfilled from within.   Instead of saying “I am proud of you”, why not say “You should be proud”.  I am not saying you should not express pride in your children, but teach them to find it themselves without external need.  Food for thought.

Yesterday Frankie’s band director called about a performance he would like her to attend.  It requires a few piccolo solos and is a Memorial Day-type of event.  It is not held on Memorial Day, but in June.  And, it pays $25.  Not a windfall, but not too shabby for doing something you love.  Frankie should be proud of herself!  

Mother’s Day started off a little rough yesterday.  DH thought it would be fun to wake up at 5:30 AM and listen to the roosters crow.  Me, not so much.  I crawled back in bed and slept in until around 9:00 AM.  Lulu and DH conspired on my gift - tickets for the family to see Star Trek.  I love Star Trek.  Not so fond of Star Wars, but Star Trek has always held my interest.  This movie was no different.  In fact, I hope they make another.

Then we headed for pizza [take out, of course] and on to home to eat.  Frankie headed over to Wal-mart to pick up a few missing pieces for my gift.  She is very crafty and resourceful.  About an hour later she came downstairs with a collage of memories.  Some were from many, many years ago.  Others were more recent.  I was [am] truly touched.  The best gifts come from the heart and my family never disappoints!

Boy, has it really been over a month since I posted here?  Amazing how time flies.  March was a busy month in our household.  Lulu turned 16 in March.  My little girl is growing up so fast.  She will be eligible for her driver’s license in June.  Then I will need to make a decision on which vehicle she will get to use.  Benny is officially a teenager.  He turned 13 in late March.  Three teenagers under one roof!  DH also celebrated a birthday in March.  And yes, we have three cakes between the 12th and the 21st every year.  All are ice cream and none last very long in our house.

Frankie has gotten accepted into every college she applied; she was worried she would not be accepted into any.  JMU is her first choice, but she did not get accepted into their music program.  Disappointing, yes, but there is always next year.  She did get accepted into Radford’s music program and their honor’s program.  She is leaning this way.  She auditions for Radford this coming Monday.  I know, how did she get into the music program without auditioning?  I asked the same thing.  They looked at her music experience.  Frankie has been in marching band 4 years, IDL 2 years, Jazz band 1 year, made the high school All-District band 1 year (7th chair concert), and takes private lessons - flute 2 years, piano 2 years.  

Next week Lulu and I will be going to Washington D.C. with the History Club.  This is exciting.  We will get to take a tour of the White House and one day will be spent at Six Flags.  Not sure which is more exciting.  We do love a good roller coaster!  Then there is Easter and I may do our famous egg hunt.  Our house sits on 3 acres and it makes for a fun hunt.   We shall see.  Money is tight and we like to put money in the eggs.  I may do it anyway.

Now I will leave you with the IDLers practicing on the bus without their instruments.  Enjoy!

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