Pre-Thanksgiving week news

I had a studio recital yesterday (I think it has been at least a year since I had one).  Here are nine of my fourteen “regular” students.  (If you want to count a lady who comes once a month about seven times a year, then I have fifteen.).  

 

 

 The big banner in the background is because we had it at a piano store that has a room dedicated to recitals.  They let me use the facility at no cost and the Yahama grand is marvelous to play. 

Steve and I went to St. Louis Friday evening  -  along with seemingly millions of other people that clogged I-70 at the same time (probably MU students going home for Thanksgiving).  Thankfully, there were no accidents to bring traffic to a complete stop but there were times when 10 mph was all we could go.   We made it to the 7:30 temple session and then spent the night at Emily’s.  We only stayed until 11:30 Saturday morning but, in that time, we helped Emily prepare for Noah’s birthday party that began at noon.   

 

He had a Minecraft theme so the shirt we gave him as a gift was perfect!

 

 

 Emily created this "punch" game (idea from Pinterest).  The kids punch their hands through the squares and get a prize)

 Joe made the "axes" on the table out of cardboard and duct tape!

 

 Noah's finished cake.

 

I am still sad about not teaching at Oakland Middle School but I am finding so many blessings having every morning open.  I am managing to fill my time with plenty of things to do; some related to Christmas gifts, some related to family history.  It gives me more time to be helpful.  The Oakland situation has also caused me to seriously consider my teaching future and I have officially decided to “retire” when Steve does.  I will finish the 2014-15 school year and be done with that chapter in my life.  Neither Steve nor I have a perfectly clear picture of what lies ahead these next few years (until he reaches 66 and can collect Social Security which will provide us with the additional income for a mission) but this decision feels like the right thing to do.

While we were in St. Louis, Emily and I watched “Quartet” while I helped her make little stuffed “creeper” toys to give to Noah’s birthday guests (see photo of punch game).  The movie was about the people in a retirement home in England dedicated specially for musicians.  I could relate to it on so many levels – musician, being old :)!   And, lately, I have been geeking on Star Trek.  Steve and I watched a documentary called “The Captains” where William Shatner interviews all the captains of the various Star Trek franchises.  It was quite entertaining.  With Sarah here, her Wii is hooked up to the downstairs television and I am watching Enterprise episodes when I have a spare 40 minutes and a project to do. 

I am really looking forward to this coming week!  Elise and my sister, Juli, will arrive tomorrow.  My birthday on Tuesday.  Making yummy food on Wednesday. Eating it on Thursday.  Going to St. Charles and St. Louis Friday and Saturday.  Yay!