Organ 101

Here I was reminiscencing about my need to practice for this coming Sunday as I play the organ for our church meetings. I don't prepare for Sundays as well as I used to...which is a shame. Though I'm sure not a concert organist (far from it), I like to think I could be if I wanted. Years ago I had the privilege of sitting through a performance of The Spoken Word at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, UT. This usually consist of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the organ along with some wonderful inspirational words. I watched the organist and the organ the whole time. One of my dreams is to play on that organ. Just one little hymn...all the verses! Course, I've only ever played on organs with two keyboards--not five. What a challenge...could be fun!

The organ at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, UT

I've been thinking about me and the organ and came up with a few thoughts...all you really need to know to play:

1. The louder, the better (or so I've heard)!
2. The organ is meant for people with long legs!
3. Nobody cares if you mess up--if they even notice (like to see them try it).
4. WARNING: The congregation always sings TOO SLOW!
5. Prelude is really just a warm-up for you.
6. Postlude should be your fanfare...you made it through another meeting!
7. Short legs and pedals don't mix...but somehow I manage.
8. Check your stops...and check them twice.
9. The organ is easier to play than the piano.
10. Don't chicken out!! Play what you practice!
11. Don't be afraid to try something new!
12. The only notes that really matter are the ones written for the melody and the bass.
13. FYI: My favorite hymn to play is Redeemer of Israel (LDS Hymn #6)

My organ experience does not come from years of lessons or even years of practicing. I've been playing in church since 1996...everywhere my family has been, I've played. So, my experience only comes from that. I could not even begin to tell or show you all the things an organ can do. I remember being deathly afraid of it at first but after a while I learned to love it more than the piano. Organists are a rare species who are always needed. To all you wonderful pianists out there who haven't tried the organ...it won't bite. Promise you'll give it a REAL try. You might like it.

Fun in the Sun

This past weekend we enjoyed time together with family, LOTS of waterplay, boat-riding, tons of sun and probably more food than necessary. Our waterplay included HOURS of "banana-boat" riding (though the kiddos had more fun playing on it while it was tied to the pier rather than dragged behind a boat)! Playing in the water!

On the "banana-boat"

And, the most amazing thing about it was the female Mallard Duck, which we named Daisy, that survived it all! She, we finally learned has built a nest for herself under the waterslide on the pier. There she sits on her nine eggs. Though I'm sure our constant play terrified her at times...she did an excellent job keeping her cool. Needless to say, the waterslide was off limits!!

Daisy on her nine eggs

A short vacation

I will be absent from the blogging world for a few days as we are spending this Memorial Day weekend up at The Lake Livingston Lodge (aka my parents' home). While there we'll enjoy some fun in the sun, a birthday party and the company of my brother and his family who are visiting from New York!

The Lake Livingston Lodge

Hopefully, I'll have some stories and pics to share upon our return!

My acrobats!

We have a good park close to our home...it's a shame I don't take the boys more often. Many times we go with someone else because they want to come to our neighborhood park. But, oddly my boys don't play on the play equipment--they'd rather "create" their own acrobatic play on the sandy volleyball court.



Hey, check out these handstands and headstands. I think they stayed up less than 1/2 a second before they crumbled to the ground. But, if I didn't mention that, you'd think they were really good at it.

I was certainly impressed by their determination to attempt such fantastic stunts. Not to mention, it wore them out! And that's always the best part.


Oh, a side note: we headed straight for the showers to rinse off all the sand once we got home!

Engineers in the making

Our all-time favorite toy!!

For all our "Geo-Trax" fans out there (and I know who you are). Occasionally our living room is nothing BUT Geo-Trax. They can be TONS of fun! If you don't have this awesome toy collection from Fisher-Price you should invest in it. This weekend has been a weekend of Geo-Trax. Can't tell you how many different configurations the boys have created thus far!

"Lead Me, Guide Me..."

I knew for a long time that Hunter could sing "I Am A Child of God" (along with many other songs). But, he would NEVER sing in earshot of anyone. So, it was quite a treat for all of us to have him not only sing this song, but sing two verses while I played (only v.2 is posted here). And he was very excited to do it. Certainly was a "goosebumps" moment for me! Now, if I can just get him to sing the other songs while I play.

365 Days

365 Days to Use:

No one has more-no one has less

8,760 Hours

Time is one thing we all possess!

Some hours shine like jewels forever--

Some simply fade with the day.

If we don't use them, we lose them,

We keep only those we give away!

--Linnie P. Gold

Didn't have any real eventful things happen today! No great thoughts, etc. I just recently got word that my Grandma Gold has not been in the best of health--so, she's been on my mind today. My grandmother, Linnie P. Gold is the author of the poetry I post on this blog. She's wonderful with words--she always has been. So, in thinking of her, I shared this one. She is certainly one who always gives her time away! Grandma, our prayers and thoughts are with you! We love you!! Please, we want you to be here for many more years of 365 Days!

Keep rollin' !

So, I was in the process of making some french bread this morning. Hunter was close by asking me all sorts of questions about the proper way to "knead" and "roll" the dough. I left the kitchen for a moment and came back to see this:I guess being on the counter gave him a MUCH better angle to roll the dough--maybe I should try that approach someday.

He also read the recipe and figured out that the dough needed to be rolled 15 and 12 (15 in. long x 12 in. wide). I don't usually measure it, but Hunter wanted to make sure that my measurements were exact...or else!This should be some awesome french bread!

Show me the ropes!

This afternoon (among my busy day) we attended Hunter's Kindergarten Round-up. Don't know why I cleared a whole hour for it. It took twenty minutes. We just wandered around the five kindergarten classrooms here at Timbers Elementary to meet all the kindergarten teachers. Hunter was completely out of his element. So, instead of his usual "monkey in a jungle gym" self, he was actually calm and...pleasant. Aidan was with us as we approached a kindergarten teacher that knew Aidan from last year. The conversation goes as follows:

Teacher: "Hey, Aidan! Are you here showing your brother around?"

Aidan: "Yeah, he starts kindergarten next year!"

Teacher: "How fun. You can be a cool big brother and show him the ropes!"

Hunter (to Aidan): "What ropes?!"

Aidan: (whispering to Hunter) "I don't know what ropes she's talking about."

Hunter: (irritated) "SHOW ME THE ROPES!"

Aidan: (irritated) "I don't know what ropes she's talking about!"

Hunter: (VERY irritated) "I WANT TO SEE THE ROPES!"

Okay, this escalated for only a few more seconds. Had I let it continue, there would have been a fight. Hunter really wanted to "see those ropes"...or else!! I was somewhat entertained listening to these two trying to figure out what "the ropes" were. The teacher finally calmly explained to both of them what she had meant by the phrase. Then the boys were completely disappointed that there weren't actually any "ropes".

Baby Blues

So I've begun working on the "nursery" for the baby coming in August. I still have a hard time calling it a "nursery" because that sounds so fancy. Not to mention, this is the first time my newborn will actually have their own room that I'm allowed to decorate. We lived in apartments before and so decorating a baby's room just didn't happen. I need more inspiration and a little bit of help as my pregnancy limits what I can actually do in there.

I've started gathering baby girl clothes from various corners of the community (mostly yard sales but also from stores). Mothers with little girls...I NOW understand why it's so hard to decide what to buy...everything is so cute!! Anyway, in my journey to beginning a warddrobe for this little girl, I came across some clothes that I wore as an infant. Made me wonder if there are more out there. So, I started looking at some old photos of me...asking my mother if she still had some of these pretty dresses. Course, her comment was, "Don't know--they may have been used for doll clothes back in the day!" Looking at these photos really allowed me to reflect on my "baby days"--not that I actually remember them. But, isn't this little girl adorable??!!

(Remember that these photos are old and are not the best quality)

My mother's day!

Well, I woke up this morning to Jaren telling me that we have a mouse in the house. Might explain a few things...so, I'll be spending some time getting things cleaned up and "taking care" of that mouse. Not the first time we've dealt with mice...just the first time in this house. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift :}

I received a wonderful card from my in-laws. They always send the best cards...usually there are "mice" on them. I collect mice figurines, pictures, etc. But, in know way do I have the desire to house a real one (see above paragraph)!!

Jaren and Hunter gave me a new puzzle!! If you know me, I LOVE puzzles! This one is a puzzle of the Heceta Lighthouse in Florence, OR. Jaren had a keen eye when he saw that picture and realized that we had been there!! The Heceta Lighthouse is just north of the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon Coast which we visited in Aug. 2006. So, it's pretty neat to have it in puzzle form! Thanks Jaren!!

Me and Aidan at the Sea Lion Caves (2006). Heceta Lighthouse is the building on that "hill" at the back, almost center of the picture. The puzzle is of the lighthouse with the Sea Lion Caves in the background.

Aidan woke up and immediately wanted to give me his gifts to me for Mother's Day. I know he's been trying to do that since he got home from school on Friday. I wanted to share with you what he wrote about me, in all his silly words. The words/phrase in ITALICS are his words. My comments will follow...

My Special Mom

My mother is the most wonderful mom in the whole world.
She's as pretty as every flower.
She weighs 100 lbs. and is 99 ft. tall!
Her favorite food is grapefruit.

When my mom was little she used to ride her bike.

I think mom looks funny when she pinches her nose!

I know she's angry when she has a mean face.

I wish mom would play with me EVERYDAY!

I wouldn't trade my mother for a bike.

As fun as this is to read, I must say I haven't weighed 100 lbs. since my early days at BYU! And, the thought of being 99 ft. tall is very comical considering I don't even reach 5 ft. It's nice to know that my son thinks "big" of me. And, yes lately the food I've been eating the most is grapefruit and I always share. As far as pinching my nose--in our house we call that "honking"--we do it to each other lots...we have fun with the "honking". I DO know that one of Aidan's all-time favorite things to do is to ride his bike. He says sometimes, "I ride so well because my mommy rode her bike good too when she was a kid." How I wish that were true. I never was a great bike rider...but if Aidan didn't have his bike the world would be over! I'm happy to know that he loves me more than his bike :)

All in all, I am grateful for my "boys" (that includes Jaren). And how helpful they have ALL been as I haven't been the most "efficient" mother and wife since being pregnant. I LOVE my family!

Happy Mother's Day!

We wish you a "Happy Mother's Day"

And hope it will impart

All the joys and blessings

And desires of your heart!

We hope your year that lies ahead

Will be the kind that brings

An overflowing portion

Of all life's NICEST things!

You are so sweet and thoughtful,

So helpful, kind and true--

And we are oh! so thankful

To have a Mother like you!

You are so unselfish--

Always doing things for others--

We count ourselves as blessed, indeed,

To have the BEST of Mothers!

Days we don't see or talk to you

Are kinda drab without you,

For your very goodness seems to put

A radiance about you!

We want you to know we love you

And appreciate you, too

And thank Our Father every day

For a Mother just like you!
- Linnie P. Gold

*************************************************

A tribute to my mother

As a child I remember our family going on lots of outdoor adventures: camping, fishing (you know with the stick and the string), and most of all....hiking. It seemed that we hiked to get everywhere that was important. Whether it be Yellowstone, Brown Duck, Granddaddy, Mirror Lake, Mt. Timpanogas, Bryce Canyon, etc. Hiking was the only way to go!

I remember not being the best hiker. I completed every hike (okay, 99% of the time). But, sometimes I was behind the rest of the family by several hours it seemed. I just didn't have the endurance to keep up with the pack. Or was it that I had "to smell the flowers"--ALL the flowers--along the way. I just recall taking FOREVER to complete each one. Sometimes I had my mom absolutely convinced that "I can't go that far, Mommy!!"
Despite my rather slow-paced hiking habits, I do remember one thing that was constant with each and every hike. No matter what happened my mother stayed beside me. She never complained that I was too slow (at least I don't remember her complaining). She never left my side. She never told me to stop "smelling the flowers". The outdoors is just great fun!

My mother has raised me to love the outdoors and all the beauty that it offers for all our senses. Each "hike" in my life is a new adventure for me. Complete with curves, hills, bridges... mud...fallen trees...and HOURS of natural sights and sounds. And, I still slow down to smell ALL the flowers. Now, my hikes are slow on purpose. That's the only way I know how to do it. And still today, my mother is right there beside me with her constant encouragement and companionship. I know that I CAN go that far everytime.

Thanks mom for teaching me how to get through my "hikes" and for always sticking with me!

When I think of my mom a few songs do come to mind. Whether they be some of her favorites or ones that just make me think of her.

*The Happy Wanderer
*Going Camping (from John Denver & The Muppets A Rocky Mountain Holiday)
*Edelweiss (from The Sound of Music)
*Beauty and the Beast (from Beauty and the Beast)
*Bring Him Home & I Dreamed A Dream (from the Broadway Show Les Miserables)
*Did You Think to Pray? (LDS Hymns, # 140)
*How Great Thou Art (LDS Hymns, #86)
*Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (from Disney's Song of the South)
*When You Wish Upon A Star (from Disney's Pinocchio)

The ULTIMATE video gamer!

Who says you can't get exercise from playing video games??!!

The boys don't get to play these games very often so when they do, it's quite the treat. I was somewhere else in the room "doing my thing" when I became completely mesmerized by Hunter's total physical (and vocal) enthusiasm of the game while the only thing moving of Jaren and Aidan were the muscles in their fingers! I got a good laugh. It's a miracle that I was able to record Hunter at all without him knowing. Once he learns that "mommy's videoing" he stops being himself and starts showing off. So, this was a rarity.

Here's to smiling!

A smile is contagious -- easily "Caught"--

A smile is true friendship-bait.

A smile is a curve that makes a lot

Of unhappy angles straight!

-Linnie P. Gold

Playing the Blues

Okay, if you didn't already know, I teach piano lessons. I'm kind of a quiet teacher...don't advertise much (if at all) and I get most of my students by word-of-mouth.

Here's my problem. How do I get my students to practice?! It seems every week we practice the same songs over and over again--just so we can repeat it all the next week. Don't they realize that we just went over those arpeggios last week--they left playing it perfectly then. What happens in seven days? It's as if last week never happened. Here are the best excuses that I've had (seriously):

1. The piano broke.
2. My sister used my book (who knows what for).

3. My fingers weren't working.

4. I didn't know that was for practicing!!

5. I practiced...in the car!
6. I had too much homework.

7. Oh, is that what that was for?

8. I don't get it.

9. I practiced...once.

My all-time favorite:

10. You didn't give me anything to practice!

The LDS First Presidency and the 12 Apostles

My sister introduced me to this and I thought it a great way for anyone to learn not only their names but a little tidbit about each member. I could listen to it over and over again!

Time's Up!!

The answers to the Texas History 101 questions:
1. 1836
2. "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!"
3. Nine
4. 1919
5. April 12, 1948
6. Newport News, Virginia

Hunter's Famous Turtle

After some rains at Grandma Gold's House (Spring Break 2008), Hunter made the most fantastic discovery...the smallest turtle he had ever seen! He wanted to protect it...made a "nest" for it and named it Turtley. He succeeded in protecting it...from his fellow cousins that were equally ecstatic. Of course, though, like all wild animals, it did eventually wander away. Hunter certainly loves animals--especially those he can touch and handle!! Bugs especially. However, he's deathly afraid of roaches--a popular invader here in Texas.

His most recent encounter was with live crawfish. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures or video of that experience!!

Texas History 101

Battleship Texas, 1916

How smart are you??

1. In what year was the Battle of San Jacinto fought?

2. What was the famous charge that was screamed by the Texan soldiers?

3. How many Texans died during the battle?

4. In what year did the TEXAS Battleship become the first ship to launch an aircraft?

5. On what day was the TEXAS decommisioned?

6. Where was the TEXAS launched from in 1912?

Quote of the day: "Daddy was alive for the Battle of San Jacinto..." --Hunter, age 5

We ventured down to San Jacinto State Park. I figured it was time to expose my boys (including Jaren) to some Texas History. So, we walked the plank...I mean on board the Battleship Texas. I haven't been there in well over a decade...I remember it being much bigger. Hey, it's not like I've grown any since my childhood! Course the boys were most interested in the artillary and to climb to the highest point possible.

Aidan and the 1st of many tools of weapondry onboard.

Climbing to the top!!

The whole clan! (I'm down below cuz in my condition, I don't do that many stairs). Also with us was a co-worker of Jaren's and her children (Melanie, Morgan and Jared).
Afterwards, we enjoyed an awesome picnic underneath the magnificent climbing trees that dot the park. Okay, I'm embarrassed to say that my boys have never experienced tree climbing. So, it was quite pathetic to watch daddy hoist them up and then they would want to get down 10 seconds later. We'll have to work on that. But, seriously, if you ever need a wonderful place to picnic in Houston, you must go to the this State Park. At least the areas by the Battleship--there's not much picnicking going on by the monument.

Aidan in the "nest" (that's what he called it)Hunter the squirrel

Lastly we buzzed (literally) through the San Jacinto Museum...once again the only thing Hunter cared about were the weapons...the LONG swords and "funny-looking" guns. But, going up the elevator 500 feet to the top of the monument was probably more fun than the actual museum...as rickity as it is. When we looked out over the Port of Houston Aidan was sad that he couldn't see Dallas or San Antonio.

The San Jacinto Monument

Ash and Melanie (not the greatest picture of me)

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/battleship_texas/

All in all, this park is a great place to spend an afternoon. We even used the Lynchburg Ferry to get there--cuts about 20 minutes off your drive time.