Weekly smile: Rock of ages

Driving home from preschool earlier this week, we got stuck in horrible traffic. A semi and car had crashed ahead of us, and we had no opportunity to exit before becoming mired in the standstill. As my car crept along, idling more often than moving, my impatience grew.

Then Peeper started singing from the backseat.

“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,” she began. She paused then added, “Sing it with me now, Mom!”

We spent the rest of the trip home singing Raffi and Christmas songs at the top of our lungs.

A music-loving family

Music has been central to many smiles in the last week. I brought out a tiny toy piano, which has fast become Kiwi’s favorite toy. She’s clearly a virtuoso, as this video shows.

[vimeo 153986401 w=500 h=281]

Tummy time jams from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

Another night, Peeper exclaimed, “Let’s start a band!” The whole family got in on the action—banging drums, strumming a ukulele, tapping piano keys and jingling bells.

If only we’d remembered to break out the mini accordion Nana got Peeper for Christmas!

We’ll announce our tour dates soon. Until then, we’ll keep jamming.

Rock of ages

Trent’s World hosts a Weekly Smile link-up, where bloggers post tidbits of happiness. The internet could use a little more positivity, and I’m glad to share what made me smile in the last few days!

11 thoughts on “Weekly smile: Rock of ages

  • February 4, 2016 at 9:41 am
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    Cool, the family band. Great idea. And very smart Peeper to get you out of your traffic induced funk by making you sing. I think studies have proven that you can’t be in a bad mood while singing Christmas songs, even if it February. And Kiwi really uses her head when playing.

    Music always gives me a big smile. This was a great post full of family fun and music. What could be better? thanks for the smile 🙂

    Reply
    • February 4, 2016 at 9:45 am
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      Peeper’s penchant for Christmas songs makes me think of a line in one of her books:
      “Salty Shelby Scott
      Sings seasonal songs
      Whether in season or not” 🙂

      Reply
  • February 4, 2016 at 1:14 pm
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    It’s so amazing thinking about how music is so much a part of children’s lives early on and how they often enjoy singing, and sad to see how it disappears as they go higher in the education system. Make sure you keep encouraging the family band at home!

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    • February 4, 2016 at 1:54 pm
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      Absolutely! So far none of us is undeterred by the fact we don’t know how to play the ukulele or piano. Haha

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  • February 4, 2016 at 1:28 pm
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    Awwww, how cute! My kids are totally into music as well–the louder the better!

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  • February 4, 2016 at 2:20 pm
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    Loving your little band! And singing in the car is the best. You can get nice and loud and no one cares!

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    • February 4, 2016 at 3:43 pm
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      Totally! And no one notices if I “hm-hm-hm” through the words I don’t know. 🙂

      Reply
  • February 4, 2016 at 4:29 pm
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    I wish I had Peeper in the car with me during my nightly commutes!

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  • February 8, 2016 at 10:54 am
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    Very cute! Last night, while we were waiting for my daughter to come out of Target, the boys and I were outside, riding around in the shopping cart so they wouldn’t be bored. Anderson looked up and said, “Let’s sing, Nana!” So I said ok and he started singing Jingle Bells! We got some pretty strange looks from passersby!

    Reply
    • February 8, 2016 at 1:44 pm
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      Haha! The passersby must not have had kids—or maybe they’d forgotten how much little ones love to sing Christmas songs all year ’round!

      Reply

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