On Friday evening we had the final proof that the siege of sickness was over and we arrived at that long awaited moment of having jolly music back in the house.
(It was such a momentous occasion I called my mother to hear the accordion through the phone.)
Eliza was overjoyed to once again have live music to dance to.
As I previously mentioned, we are unabashedly still making up for lost time and indulging in the Christmas spirit. Friday was the Octave of the Epiphany, so it actually was quite fitting to have a carol sing around the piano.
While not everyone in the family enjoys singing, some clearly do.
Eliza was thrilled to be singing her beloved Christmas carols with everyone.
On Friday we also received a long awaited package from far away.
I should say Michael and I were awaiting the parcel; its recipient had no idea another Christmas gift was on the way.
Coming straight from Galway, Ireland from the man who made it. For Mary Rose, because she asked for one.
A bodhrán!
It is not typical for the children to receive such an extravagant gifts for Christmas, but Mary Rose dearly wanted a bodhrán and it was the only thing she asked for (other than a brown sweater). We do love having a family that makes music together, and so we were delighted to fulfill her request.
And of course we knew she would share it.
Everyone always takes great interest when there is a new instrument in the house, and so it goes. Everchanging pairs and clusters of musicians can be heard throughout the house as they switch off on the instruments and make merry. Here's a bit of their impromtu jammin' on Sunday evening.
Mary Rose has a clip with Morrison's Jig and more on her post; Josiah has the Road to Lisdoonvarna (and general nutsness) on his.
And no, we're not a bit Irish!
I cannot, cannot, cannot get over how amazing, wonderful, blessed, glorious they all are. Glorious, that's the right word. And exceptional. ;-)
I'm glad you're all feeling better! It's amazing how when a bug hits the family, we all blow down.
Posted by: justamouse | January 17, 2012 at 12:51 PM
You do have the most extraordinary children!!! Love to all...
Posted by: Heather - Doodle Acres | January 17, 2012 at 03:28 PM
All I can say is, WOW. The girls and I have been listening to all the wonderful pieces, and we LOVE them. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Lisa H. | January 17, 2012 at 04:12 PM
Lovely! I can almost hear you folks from here!
Posted by: macbeth | January 17, 2012 at 04:27 PM
How wonderful to have such joyous music fill the home! Thank you for sharing their wonderful little concert :)
Posted by: Holly@ThreeSidedWheel | January 17, 2012 at 06:17 PM
Ah, seeing that really helped to refill my happy hope tank after a sad and stressful weekend. Thank you to you and to them for sharing. Hugs to all.
Posted by: Rachael | January 18, 2012 at 01:55 AM
Great music. I love Irish music (maybe because I'm half Irish and have a red headed son!) and it certainly put me in the mood for St. Patrick's Day, corned beef and a piece of homemade Irish whiskey cake.
I continue to be amazed at the talents of your children. And watching them make music together is a sight that warms any mother's heart.
Posted by: Ellen | January 18, 2012 at 10:12 AM
OHMYHOW deeeelighful!!Pure pleasure to listen to your barrens play their wee instraments ;-) I am the great (times 5) grandaughter of a man who came to Canada with his 4 brothers from famine ravaged Ireland. The brothers who were Catholic choose immigration over "eating the soup" to keep their faith.
Posted by: Theresa in Alberta | January 18, 2012 at 09:52 PM
Oh! A bodhran! What a wonderful gift. Pre-children, my husband and I loved to listen to all kinds of interesting music that included that instrument. (we still appreciate it- just don't have THAT much time to listen nowadays) Such a lovely percussion! Your children are very talented.
Posted by: Ellen | January 19, 2012 at 01:21 PM
Absolutely beautiful!!! Your photos and videos of your children making music always bring tears to my eyes. They are so talented, and the love for the music on their faces so moving. Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Sue | January 25, 2012 at 06:14 PM
I loved every bit of this! Warmed my heart!
Posted by: Kim | January 28, 2012 at 09:38 AM