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The Surprise!

About a year and half ago Al received a keyboard for Christmas.

I think at the time Brent and I figured it would gather dust, and even though Al said she wanted one... well kids say they want many things.

After a few months, Al started asking for piano lessons, and so she started piano lessons.

Again, Brent and I figured it would just be a matter of time before she lost interest. In September, Al started with the first book, by the end of October she had moved into her second book, and in April, she moved into her third book.

Much to Brent’s and my amazement, Al practiced. She practiced daily without being asked. When it was time for her first recital, she chose a hard song. A hard song! Our Al chose a hard song! A song that I felt was way above her abilities.

It is hard to describe the transformation Al has went through this year. Piano is only one of the areas that she has impressed Brent and I. Her grades in school have improved dramatically and her motivation to do her best is off the charts.

Al’s first recital has come and gone. Somewhere on my flip camera, among the other end of the school year events, is a recording.

 I think she did amazing! I told you the song was hard. Also, I have a mama’s ear so everything she does is amazing! She does not feel the same. However, a large part of the mistakes she made were because Al practiced her recital piece on a keyboard and performed on baby grand piano.

I’m told there is a huge difference. Brent and I have talked about buying a piano, but with braces hanging over our heads we just didn’t know how we could afford a piano.

When we found out that there was not going to be braces we decided to go look at pianos.

It just so happens that the day we went to look for a piano is also the day that our local university was having a piano sale. We went to the university where we found a piano in our price range.

It is not a new piano but it is a pretty piano with a pretty sound. The fun started when we found out that they could deliver the piano the same day.

The boys were with us when we bought the piano so they knew it was going to be delivered that day. Brent went to pick S. up from school and let her know what was going on. Everyone, except for Al, knew it was coming.

I would like to tell you that when Al found out about the piano she was overcome. That is just not how Al rolls. She is much more low key than that. We did however get a “cool, and a thumbs up.” Which is about as close as Al gets to a freak out.

Well that and she has played nearly every day.

Here is our new piano or as A. likes to call it his braces. 

P5236987

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