Reaping Good Rewards

Russell seems to have turned a corner in the piano practice area. The last few weeks have been very calm and the tears have disappeared. I have watched him react correctly during a difficult song instead of saying he can't do it, it's too hard, etc.

I have been very, very proud of him for doing so well. I don't know if he's doing better intentionally or if he just feels like his songs are easy enough these last few rounds to practice without screaming, but I am enjoying practice times more. I often even leave the room and carry on with whatever I might need to do while he practices.

Here he is practicing for his 10th time, with his present sitting on the piano. Randall picked out the wrapping paper. He wanted green because the toy inside has a lot of green on it.


Russell doesn't seem to notice the coordinating paper and present...


Oh, a car that plays cool music when you "drive" it...


Can't you tell how excited he is...


After a few minutes of playing with the car, he asked if there was a way to turn the music off. It is kinda loud and it doesn't play a complete song, but the little tune starts over every time you move the car. He felt like he couldn't just drive it around because you had the starting and stopping of the music. I can understand how that would be irritating (for everyone involved), so I agreed to take out the batteries.

I thank God for small blessings when piano practice goes smoothly and no one ends up crying.