New Rule

Summer break has officially begun and our last day of school began EARLY today. Our oldest son, Buck, is arguably our most diligent child. He is very focused, slightly rigid and a very deep thinker. Only 9, he often stresses about where he is going to go for college. He's the kid who jumps on a to-do list immediately and loves to help wherever he's needed. He's responsible, sweet, serious, focused, funny, hard working and kind. He's also an early riser who greets each day with glee. He always wakes with a smile, our little ray of sunshine. He's a gem and a joy.

This morning, he decided to combine his diligence with his musical talents - he thought it a great idea to get his music practice in before school. With this, he could have the whole afternoon to play and relax. You see, that's a rule here. No playtime, no games, no ball, no pool, no computer and no TV until they've practiced their music. I have always thought this a clever rule and saw no pit falls with it until this morning.

I first heard him in the kitchen at 5:00 AM. I dozed back to sleep with a smile, happy he is old enough to feed himself. At 5:15, it sounded like the carnival had come to town as he began his accordion practice for the day. He's been playing the accordion for several months and it's really an amazing instrument. It looks like the world's most difficult thing to play - with some 120 buttons on one side, piano keys on the other and bellows in between, which he has to open and close to produce sound. Sometimes, when I watch him play, I actually feel a little anxious. I can't totally explain it, but it's almost like he needs help. A third arm, maybe. But, he doesn't. He is capable and he's good.

So, at 5:15 this morning we all got the accordion wake-up. Our sweet Buck is apparently oblivious that not all of us living here are morning people. We tried to ignore the carnival and continued to snooze. At 5:30 he decided to then knock out his piano practice for the day. This was a little harder to sleep through. His final instrument, the recorder, drove us from bed for the day. If I never hear another rendition of Hot Cross Buns, from any of my kids, I will be a happy mom. It was Hot Cross Buns at 5:45 AM on the recorder that got the house moving. If you are unfamiliar with the recorder, it is a plastic flute-like whistle that you blow while covering holes, with your fingers, to produce notes. It's extremely high pitched and even at the end of the day, it's difficult to really appreciate.

Not everyone at our house woke up happy with the early morning concert, but we all looked forward to the last day of school. After my first cup of coffee, I could smile at all the craziness. Looking back, it's been a great day.....lots of class parties and awards. I smiled when Buck won his class "Responsibility Award". They have no idea.

We are all excited to be home for summer, together, and we have just added a new rule. No instrument practice until noon.