music to my ears

It’s well known that Stefan is almost unbelievably kind. OK, leave out the almost.

At one of their many recitals and violin performances Stefan and Xander played a duet. For several weeks Stefan had tutored Xander on an arrangement of “Greensleeves”– a carol which Stefan fell in love with years ago and plays with verve every Christmas. It is his song, much the way that “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” has always been my song (follow that link; you won’t be sorry).

Xander did his best in the performance, but stumbled a bit during the fast sections. Afterwards, as Stefan and I were standing by the cookie table, an admiring member of the audience said to Stefan, “That was beautiful, but must be really difficult to play with someone younger and not as skilled as you are.”

“Oh no,” Stef replied, “Xander’s actually much better than me. He just gets nervous in front of people.”

Yep, that’s right.


You do know it’s against the law to smile when you are playing a string instrument?


Gabe comes along just for the treats,


and maybe the chance to see Santa on the way home.

If you want to read something really wonderful today, please visit my sister’s blog. It made me cry.
December 14, 2009
December 21, 2009

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10 Comments

  1. Mitchell Family

    December 18, 2009

    Oh if we could all be like Stefan. I want to let those who have not met Stefan in real like know that his Mom has not exaggerated his kindness and goodness one bit. Love Mary’s shoes. A Proud Aunt Ruth

  2. jennie w.

    December 18, 2009

    Um, any plans to sell Mary’s old clothes? I want to eat that outfit right up! I’ve got a 4-5t here that has nothing to wear.

  3. martha corinna

    December 18, 2009

    If you don’t sell the clothes to Jennie sell them to me for Rosemary.

    And how come your children always look so perfect? Mine always have chocolate or dirt on their faces and rat’s nests in their hair.

    My mom’s favorite Christmas song is I heard the bells on Christmas day too.

    Yes, let’s meet downtown.

  4. Denise

    December 19, 2009

    Love this post!

  5. Tracy

    December 19, 2009

    Okay, what IS Miss Mary wearing…and how have a missed that in my shopping adventures this season? Hmmm?
    xoxo,t

  6. Michelle

    December 19, 2009

    Who knew Mary’s outfit would attract so much attention? It’s Janie and Jack. It looked really plain on the sale rack but is gorgeous on her. She’s wearing it today too.

  7. Jodie

    December 19, 2009

    I read your post to my teen boys. We always encouraging them to build each other up instead of tearing each other down. It’s doesn’t always happen. It’s so refreshing to see it happening with your boys! You’re a great mom.

  8. Christie

    December 19, 2009

    That confirms it – we are long lost twins. I Heard the Bells has ALWAYS been my Christmas song. Love it so much we put it on our card this year. Merry, Merry, my friend.

  9. Sue

    December 19, 2009

    I love I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Definitely one of my favorites, along with the first Noel. I did go watch the choir link, and it was great.

    =)

  10. Kevin

    December 23, 2009

    Just got caught up. Thank you so much for the link to hear the bells–even Kev liked it :)–and I was crying. I’m glad you are having a wonderful season filled with music and memories. love you

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