Bo And The Violin

Bo started violin lessons a couple of weeks ago. He promptly got sick and out of a week, practiced twice.

When his teacher asked how many times he practiced (after it became very clear he hadn't "improved" much in the week) I felt sheepish as I answered.

Same feelings I had 20 years ago at my own piano lessons.

Give me a break! This time I'M paying for it.

Then his teacher gave him an assignment to listen to a Suzuki violin CD while he played with legos. As he gave this assignment, my mind began to wander, as I imagines just how easy it would be to fulfill this assignment....

I saw Bo coming home from school with a big beaming smile and throwing his arms around me because he was so happy to see me and missed me so much. I did not see him dancing around the house in an effort to get his pants unbuttoned before he wets them. He walks over to the coat rack and hangs up his coat and backpack, and then goes and washes his hands. While he's eating a nutritious snack, I put the CD in to play.

And he kneels oh-so-cutely on the floor and stacks and builds and creates while the lovely violin music seeps into his head and heart and gives him an undeniable love for the instrument. I see him in twenty years, making people happy and his parents rich. And it all started with him sweetly kneeling on our carpet and playing with legos.

Pretty much the easiest assignment ever given.

Today when he came home I had to threaten to tie his hands behind his back for the rest of the night if he didn't get in there and wash them RIGHT NOW!

No I didn't.

And his backpack is still strewn across my couch, papers falling out of it.

And the blocks were already on the floor from 4 hours before when Danyo and I played with them. And by "played with them" I mean, I dodged flying blocks while he laughed hysterically.

Bo griped because the assignment was to play with legos. So I told him to get the legos out. That was too much work. But he still griped about the blocks.

I threatened to call his teacher and cancel his lesson. 3 times.

Suddenly all Avee wanted to do was play with blocks.

Only, she builds crappy cemeteries and can't do anything. Apparently. I'm just taking Bo's word for it. (Should I be worried that what Bo decided to create was a cemetery?)

And there were a few fits thrown.

By all of us.

I hadn't even put the blasted CD in yet. When I did Bo wailed that it would take FO'EVOH to hear it all. Uh. No it won't. Get a grip dude.

Halfway through the first song Bo wandered off to the bathroom to play with toilet paper and toothbrushes. I'm assuming---I mean, what else does one do in there to kill time?

The ENTIRE event was a total and complete hassle. I said to Bo no less than 7 times, "You do realize you are complaining about HAVING TO PLAY!?! Right?"

I want my daydream back, cuz this stinks.

I realized I was getting to frustrated with his inability to JUST PLAY, so I left the room and went into the kitchen to do some dishes.

I hear Bo whine, "No faaaaaair! You get to do the dishes!"

When I didn't respond because I was too busy vigourously rolling my eyes, he came into the kitchen and said, "Why do I have to play with blocks!? Can't I at least wash the dishes or clean the table while I listen to this music!?"

Uhhhhh. Yes.

Yes you can.

And if that's not okay with your teacher, we'll find another one.