My Funny Valentine

Dan continued the tradition of taking the girls out to breakfast for Valentine's Day (which is really also a gift to me, as I can get ready by myself for one morning!) They make a pretty sweet combination. I confess, I drove by the restaurant that morning just to peek in the window and see my family.

What's New in the Studio

I'm so excited to continue making changes and improvements to my "little" piano studio, which isn't so little anymore. This month, I was able to launch a website with student and parent portals to track their accounts, assignments and practice habits. You can check it out at http://alainawilsonmusic.mymusicstaff.com/

I was also able to commission a graphic designer to create a logo. I am head over heels with what he created!

Finally, my youngest student (who is also pretty cute) finished her first book!

February in Nebraska

What shoes should we wear in February?

Or how about flannel snowflake sheets hanging in the breeze?

Three days later - a snow day. Welcome to Nebraska.

Gong Xi Fa Cai - the Year of the Rooster

It's been almost twelve years since our little Rooster was born. Dayna is excited that her year has rolled around again. We're in a bit of denial that our girl is almost twelve!

With the exception of Dan getting sick the night before, we had a fun celebration. Dan's dad was able to join us, and Dayna brought a friend this year. China Buffet once again fed us well, and the lion dancers were spectacular. Good food. Good friends. Happy New Year!

Annie passed notes the whole time with her new friend Natalie. It was so sweet to watch them interact.

Chopsticks

This is one of my favorite videos that shows how beautiful the Chinese culture is and how a simple thing like a pair of chopsticks can bring so many people together.

50 years!

Fifty years ago, these two young teenagers stood before God and made a promise. That first year saw basic training, the birth of their first child, and separation by the Vietnam war. They had so many things going against them. But they had God. Since then, they added two more kids, seven grandkids, five great-grandkids, and have opened their hearts and home to more. Their marriage has been an example of love, commitment, and reliance on the Lord. I love you, Mom and Dad!

Bach

We've waited almost eleven years for this moment. The day we met Dayna in China, we played recordings of the Bach Cello Suites performed by Yo-Yo Ma.

This week, she started learning them!