Today is going to be a great day… I hope! Crazy, but great. I have some work to finish in the morning but for the most part I’m trying to take it easy. 

At noon the girls and I head to Sewickley for our last day with the Creative Summer Experience camp kids. It’s been a wonderful 2 weeks with amazing kids. But that drive! Ugh, I can’t. 

Today is the end of camp showcase where the students will show the art they’ve created and the music they learned on the steelpan. I’m so excited for them because they have done such a wonderful job and because they get to perform with my band mate, Brett, on drums. They are going to rock it!

After the show we pack up all of instruments and head over to Squirrel Hill to set up for our own Pan Camp next week. 

Friday night I’ll spend putting the finishing touches on bridal shower centerpieces for my dear friend Emily. It’s incredible that we’ve known each other for so long. We lost touch (I wish Facebook was around 15 years ago) and luckily reconnected. I’m so happy for her, so proud of her and excited to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I haven’t been able to be there for every special moment but I am so happy to contribute to her shower and celebrate with her. 

Saturday
Saturday’s are for showers. Yay Emily!

Saturday evening believe it or not we have no plans. Wait do we? That doesn’t feel right at all. If I’m supposed to be somewhere, please let me know.

Sunday

Sunday morning we are definitely heading to mass. We need to reconnect as a family. Sunday afternoon we’ll have brunch as a family. Then it’s time to wrap up any loose ends for Pan Camp. I’m looking forward to hosting our own camp. We have worked so hard the last few years building Barrels to Beethoven. It’s a blessing to see our work reach so many in such a positive and impactful way. 

All in All

I have to say, I’m so proud of myself. I am actually impressed by my own perseverance. Starting a business then shortly after launching Barrels to Beethoven has not been easy, not for one moment. We have sacrificed so much and worked so hard. We’ve missed out on a lot. 

However, strangely in the last two days, I’ve been told randomly that I was a great mother. Those words from people that I respect dearly are so powerful, yet somewhat hard to hear. Sometimes I think I’m a great mother because of the children I’ve raised this far. They are truly wonderful. But I fear I’m not a good mother for the people they may turn out to be. Is that weird? Either way with all of the mixed feelings, strife and worry of motherhood, those compliments really made me feel good. 

Being a good parent takes lots of sacrifice, we all know this. So I sacrifice a lot. In turn, have get a lot a whole lot. I get love, because I give them love. I get admiration because they see my work, and how hard I work. I get support because I support them in everything they do. And I get the occasional dance party in the kitchen. Well, I mean you know. I can dance.