Dance Lessons . . .

Who needs em? :-) My kids came with a natural ability to "get their groove on". (He, he.) To think it is only 4 more years until Sammi will be going to Church dances! Yikes! It looks like she will be good and ready! ;-) And watch out girls! Daniel will be searching for dance partners! Oh what fun it will be!

We had just finished watching, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and there was a special "learn how to dance" session at the end. The kids were cracking me up as they were dancing along with the goofy Oompa-Loompa guy. My children love to dance, and sing, and be silly. These are the kind of moments that I love the most. (Yes, even these silly, goof-ball, moments.) As if, for a moment -- life seems viewed through rose-colored glasses and time stands still. It makes it all worth it!

(I could write a whole blog about this movie, but maybe another time, another day!)

On a different but similar "note" . . . today Sammi went to a Phil Harmonic concert with her school class, so they can get an idea of what instrument they would like to learn for band or orchestra, next year. (There is choir, too.) I am curious to see what instrument Sammi decides is "best" for her. She has been doing pretty darn good at the most lovely instrument in the world: The Recorder. (Just love the quality of sound that comes from that thing! Ouch!)

I have never put my children in any sort of extra-curricular activity such as dancing, soccer, music lessons, etc. BUT I have been working with them at home to have the confidence in themselves so they will enjoy doing whatever they choose to do.

I have told them that once they were in 5th grade, they could choose to do whatever school activities they would like. I believe if they love something, they will thrive and do well. We HAVE been singing, dancing, art, playing sports, etc. as a family up to this point. Now, I look forward to soon watching the kid's concerts, games, and watching them as they choose their activities and as they discover what they love!

It will be interesting to see what they choose: Sports or Music. (Or if they want to try and balance both. Or maybe they will love playing for the Chess Club?!) I found as I was in high school that even though I loved playing on the volleyball, basketball and tennis teams -- music was far more important to me, so I dropped sports and sang and danced my way through school. I am glad I did. :-) Music won because it is embedded in my very soul, I could not deny that! I suppose I could have continued doing both, but I certainly do not regret spending my time performing on the stage rather than on the court!

All of my siblings have had to choose between sports and music, and music has always won! It is deep in our bones!!

My sister Beth, brother John, and me, all in choirs at Dimond High School

But who knows? My children may prefer "defense hands" rather than "jazz hands"! :-) Or using their hands doing something else altogether! It is up to them to choose . . . !!

Sports vs. Music (or both, like Troy Bolton.) ;-) wink!

For my children all I wish for is one thing . . . their happiness. I have told this to their school teachers many times when discussing placements, academics, etc. I do not care if they take over the world, or if they are the choir soloist, the star basketball player, the valedictorian, or if they save the whales. I just want for them to be HAPPY! I want their little hearts to be full of JOY.

I believe that happy people are successful people, because true "success" is to be truly happy!

I also totally believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy theory and the "You can do it!" theory. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!" It is amazing what is possible when you believe in yourself! And when you believe in your children! As Sammi exclaims, "I CAN do it!" And it makes ALL the difference when you believe in yourself! No matter what you choose to do with your life! YOU CAN DO IT! Just believe!