The Littlest Pianist

I've been playing the piano since I was...well...as long as I can remember. I didn't take lessons until I was 11. My first teacher was a little green and since I had a pretty good ear, I'd ask her to play my upcoming song, thus allowing me to ignore the notes and play what I had heard my teacher perform for me. By the time I was 14 and found a new teacher, I had formed many bad habits. The Lord was so good to me when he brought me across Mrs. Nebel's path. She had my number on day one and she set me straight in no time! At the time it was a bit intimidating but on this side of it, I can't begin to say how thankful that I am for her vast wealth of knowledge and every slap of her stick on my poor hands! (just kidding...she never beat me with a stick...but her unsaid words were all over her face...the look that only a teacher can give that cuts right to the heart of the matter) While I love playing the piano, I find that I'm not the best teacher in the world. While I have a few students right now, I couldn't bring myself to torment my own kids with my painful teaching abilities. I was delighted when one of our church members introduced me to Mrs. Anderson! Kent had his first lesson with her in October and I'm thrilled to see his progress in just a few weeks.

Isn't she the cutest little piano teacher?

Mrs. Anderson has many students and even has a coat and hat rack just for her little people. Kent, being the cowboy that he is, utilizes the entry supplies.

Kent learned how to ride his bike without training wheels at the end of the summer. His great Aunt San sent over a new big boy bike for him.

She also sent this wonderful toy - the perfect gift for this very active child of mine.

Drive By Shooting

My good friend and fellow photographer hopeful, Paulette, and I headed out Saturday night on a drive by shooting at sunset. Paulette and I have been collaborating on our future PSC (photography as a second career. Or as the case may be with one or both of us...third or fourth career). In an effort to continue to develop our skills...and decorate our homes sporting our very own works of art...we have many a drive-by shooting in our future plans. Lest you fear for the safety of others during our continuing education, have no fear. Paulette's D.H. is an officer with the Omaha Police Department and he keeps us within our legal limits on our excursions.

Below, you will find a couple of my favorites from our drive by as well as a couple from around my house.




The aspiring macro photographer...Paulette!

And, sneaking a peak at our project from a birds eye view...
Never fear, ladies and gents. I shot them.



As Paulette so cleverly labeled it, "The Road to Damascus"

Our family frequently found ourselves driving long distances as I was growing up. With four siblings in the car, we had to find something to entertain ourselves with something that would keep us out of trouble. One of our past times was deciding whether the poles for the power lines were dads, moms, or kids. This particular power line would probably have fallen under the "mommy" category. Why? I dunno. It just looks like it ought to be a mommy power line.



This next pictures if not for the faint of heart. It is painfully corny and you may walk away from this blog entry very disappointed if you work up the courage to take a look.

We Heart Photography!

My little people.

The past 8 weeks have been a blur of activity! My editing and uploading have taken a back seat. My camera hasn't had a break, however. I can't wait to get back in the groove after one last conference next week and flood my blog with photos!
(crossing my fingers)



I'm a perfectionist. My daughter thrives on messes. She and I are actually so much alike.

How did she miss the perfectionistic gene? Take note of the marker on her hands.


For the purposes of the static electricity, I was compelled to upload this image larger than life. This is Arielle - in true form.


My kiddos are so patient with me. Sometimes. Kent has learned a fake smile that I can rarely break through.

Even "stinky, smelly alligator breath" doesn't cut it anymore.


And this is our snob. What they say is true.
"Dogs have masters. Cats have staff."
Sybil owns us.


See what I mean?