Lessons with GG

November 19, 2009 By

We all call my grandma, GG, standing for Great-Grandma. Have I mentioned that? I’m sure I have. I’ve probably also mentioned how incredibly special GG is to us. She’s one of those people I’ve never seen grumpy, or impatient; who always has something kind to say or love to share.

Zeb’s always enjoyed plunking around on the piano, creating his own songs or following along in our Teach Yourself Piano book. Until just a couple weeks ago, when he decided he wanted to really learn but didn’t exactly like the thought of “lessons” with a stranger.

That is until I mentioned asking GG to teach him. His face lit up and his eyes sparkled and he loved the idea. We called GG, who agreed if he was ready to learn that she would love to teach him.
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Piano with GG
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His first lesson was today. He had some basic knowledge of the keys, and showed her some of the songs he already knew. She worked with him on finger placement, scales and taught him the difference between “Every Good Boy Does Fine” and FACE. He listened intently, followed her fingers and later told me he intends to practice daily. (Even if our piano is slightly out of tune.)

I sat and soaked up the moment. It was just too great to see her pass on her piano knowledge to her grandson, encouraging and smiling and enjoying each other.
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Piano Hands
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I recently commented on Idzie’s blog post Teaching vs Learning about how I wasn’t opposed to the word “teaching” when it’s not used to describe coercive learning; when it’s about that “passing on of knowledge” from one wise person to an eager learner like I saw today. It’s the true definition of the word, in my mind, regardless of the sometimes warped definition we see today.

I don’t know how much Zeb will choose he wants to learn. I don’t know whether he’ll practice daily, as he says. I don’t know that he’ll take this anywhere. I just know that he was happy to share the experience with someone he cherishes so deeply. I know his Grandma is in full support of him having fun and leading the way. And I know he’ll remember his lessons with GG forever.

(This post is part of the Moms’ 30-Minute Blog Challenge. Can you believe it?)

Filed Under: Organic Learning, People I Love Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Thursdays with the Grands

February 12, 2009 By 6 Comments

GG and Birthday Flowers

Every Thursday after golf we spend the afternoon with my grandparents, GG (Great-Grandma) and Grandpa, as they are right around the corner from his lessons. I love my grandparents more than I can describe and a whole afternoon with them all to ourselves is the highlight of my week.

We missed last week. I don’t even remember the reason but I’m sure it had something to do with being “busy”. I almost made the same mistake today. More rain is due this weekend and I wanted to get the last little bits of the yard finished before the cold front it brought with it. I felt horrible about calling and cancelling our “date”. It felt so wrong to wait a full week to see them, especially when they don’t live as close as I’d like.

GG, Grandpa and Zeb

Then I remembered it was GG’s 71st birthday. And it clicked. There will always, always be things to do. There will always be tasks nagging at me that I want to finish. A never-ending pile of dishes or a messy yard to keep me from being where I really want to be.

But I won’t always have these moments with my grandparents. How many times must I remind myself that at the end of my life, I’m not going to remember digging out sprinkler heads or scrubbing the pan I burned. I’m going to remember these moments, playing Sequence, listening to Flying Purple People Eater for the 174th time and laughing with my Grands.

Playing Games

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Coco’s 8th Birthday Party

April 20, 2008 By 2 Comments

What started out as plans for an easy cake with the three of us, turned into just another way to celebrate and spend time with loved ones. Guests were invited, plans were made, decorations hung…heck, we even cleaned the house. Highlights from the day:

The birthday “dog” helping make his cake:

The birthday dog’s very loving owner, carefully measuring ingredients:


I’m telling you, we only bake to lick the bowls:


Decorating with our newly finished banners:


My first loaf of bread in my new bread machine (thrifted off of Craigslist for chump change):
With 17 (seventeen!!) guests for Coco’s birthday, we had a full day of cooking homemade lasagna (which I’m happy to report I got tons of compliments on!) , spinach salad, and bread not to leave out my Mom’s yummy Caprese:Oh. Gee. Can’t leave out some Xbox playing. Even for an afternoon.
Z helped Coco open his gifts. Yes. Our guests actually brought gifts for Coco. Do we have a great family or what?
Z and his friend C, holding Coco and C’s stuffy, Don:
My Grandma (GG), Z’s Gramma A., and my aunts crowded onto one couch because …

The other couch was full of other party guests:Coco was very happy with his yummy homemade chocolate cake:

Z and Coco with 8 candles to blow out:
My mom, and aunts Teddi and Toni My Grandpa scowling at his apparent lack of geometry skills:

We had a great night, surrounded by family and friends. We’re so very blessed to have some of the most wonderful and understanding family members who appreciate how important this event was to Z. Although he was tired and not feeling well for part of the time, he felt very loved and had a lot of fun. Not to mention, Coco plans to share all his birthday presents, including the twenty dollar bill! That’s what best buds are for!
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