Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Our last Saturday without Sophia?
Probably not. We still have at least one more, I'm sure. But I've been thinking that way for weeks now.
Ryan spent all of his free time building closet storage systems...in every bedroom in our house. I won't post them all, though Maya's and ours are pretty impressive too.
But I've been obsessing over this one for weeks.
Now that it's done...sometimes, I just go look at it.
Ryan spent all of his free time building closet storage systems...in every bedroom in our house. I won't post them all, though Maya's and ours are pretty impressive too.
But I've been obsessing over this one for weeks.
Now that it's done...sometimes, I just go look at it.
Friday, March 14, 2008
in Sophie's room
...or Ian's room.
It's all ready now. Maya loves to go look at it.
This morning, one of the first things she said was..."Baby...comin' out soon."
I hope her intuition is right.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Kindergartener: "Mrs. Corbin...."
"...my Grandpa died."
Me: (stunned, concerned) "did this just happen? I'm so sorry."
Kindergartener: "It's okay, Mrs. Corbin. I still have another one."
Another Kindergartener: "Yeah. It's okay, Mrs. Corbin. Don't worry. I got a new scooter."
Me: (stunned, concerned) "did this just happen? I'm so sorry."
Kindergartener: "It's okay, Mrs. Corbin. I still have another one."
Another Kindergartener: "Yeah. It's okay, Mrs. Corbin. Don't worry. I got a new scooter."
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Just in case I didn't tell you...
...and you are one who might want to know.
My student violin, viola, and cello recital is next Thursday, March 13th at 6:00 PM in the Rotunda at Calvary.
Maya won't be performing this time... but she does have three talented cousins who will be (Emma, Liam, and Samantha).
You are welcome to come and listen. It should be (mostly) enjoyable.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A fragmented post
One of the happiest moments of my day...
Watch more of Maya's violin lesson here.
Some other happy moments...
Arriving to work early after an eerily calm morning... without rushing. Early enough even for a rare visit to the Starbucks drive-through.
A couple of my little violinist girls were patient enough (and happened to have good enough timing) to feel some surprisingly powerful Sophia/Ian kicks while I tuned their violins.
Hearing my beginner strings class celebrate so enthusiastically as we attempted each new song in their books today.... "Pepperoni Pizza," "Hot Cross Buns," and "Au Claire de la lune."
Dinner at 6:00 with Ryan and Maya...and the sun was STILL shining. hope. spring.
Cookie dough ice cream.
For me today, life and beautiful things kept happening...but part of me felt like everything should stop. Mostly, it was a very heavy day. And I haven't really allowed myself to feel the full weight of it. It just isn't something my mind can process, but I'm aching still.
My school day ended in a circle on the floor with my fourth graders, listening to another teacher carefully explain to the class why a Grandma had come to get one of their friends earlier in the day. She came to bring her home and to tell her that her father (who had just celebrated his 41st birthday with her yesterday) suddenly, without any explanation (so far) or any warning had died this morning at work.
As Ryan and I sang and tucked our Maya into her bed tonight, I couldn't stop thinking of my little red-headed girl who won't have her daddy tuck her in tonight or ever. And who never imagined that this could be what today would bring.
I love this little girl so much. Maya adores her too. She plays with her while she waits for her violin lesson to start each week. I will miss hearing her play Boccherini's famous Minuet tomorrow. I hope she is sleeping now.
Watch more of Maya's violin lesson here.
Some other happy moments...
Arriving to work early after an eerily calm morning... without rushing. Early enough even for a rare visit to the Starbucks drive-through.
A couple of my little violinist girls were patient enough (and happened to have good enough timing) to feel some surprisingly powerful Sophia/Ian kicks while I tuned their violins.
Hearing my beginner strings class celebrate so enthusiastically as we attempted each new song in their books today.... "Pepperoni Pizza," "Hot Cross Buns," and "Au Claire de la lune."
Dinner at 6:00 with Ryan and Maya...and the sun was STILL shining. hope. spring.
Cookie dough ice cream.
For me today, life and beautiful things kept happening...but part of me felt like everything should stop. Mostly, it was a very heavy day. And I haven't really allowed myself to feel the full weight of it. It just isn't something my mind can process, but I'm aching still.
My school day ended in a circle on the floor with my fourth graders, listening to another teacher carefully explain to the class why a Grandma had come to get one of their friends earlier in the day. She came to bring her home and to tell her that her father (who had just celebrated his 41st birthday with her yesterday) suddenly, without any explanation (so far) or any warning had died this morning at work.
As Ryan and I sang and tucked our Maya into her bed tonight, I couldn't stop thinking of my little red-headed girl who won't have her daddy tuck her in tonight or ever. And who never imagined that this could be what today would bring.
I love this little girl so much. Maya adores her too. She plays with her while she waits for her violin lesson to start each week. I will miss hearing her play Boccherini's famous Minuet tomorrow. I hope she is sleeping now.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Finally, a birthday dinner...
....to celebrate Mom (Corbin's) birthday. It was really on the 8th. But the snow kept foiling our plans to celebrate with dinner. We'll never repay her for the 101 meals she cooks for us every year, but her birthday is a good chance to catch up a little.
After dinner, we went upstairs to visit with the other birthday guests (via our Mac).
And Maya ran wildly back and forth between the bedrooms as Nana and Papa entertained her with puppets!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
have you seen...
...ryan's new posts?
He's been 'blogging' all weekend...just not on his blog. You'll have to visit our new mac page.
He's been 'blogging' all weekend...just not on his blog. You'll have to visit our new mac page.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
We're happy to be home today. I love snow. Especially when it gives me an extra long weekend.
Today at breakfast...
Maya: Sheep who?
Me: What, Maya? What do you mean? Sheep?
Maya: (patiently explaining again) Momma. Knock-Knock.
Me: Oh!! Who's there?
Maya: Sheep.
Me: Sheep who?
Maya: Cow.
She learned this new concept of 'knock-knock' jokes from her friend Ryan (also known as "Ry-rhine"), but I haven't heard one in a few days so I wasn't expecting it.
Maya: Door. Knock-knock.
Me: Who's there?
Maya: No-No
Me: No-no who?
Maya: No-AH! (erupting into giggles)
Later...at lunch.
Me: Maya, you should tell Daddy one of your "Knock-knock jokes"
Maya: knock-knock
Daddy: who's there?
Maya: Ry-rhine
Daddy: Ryan who?
Maya: No-AH! (running away to hide her proud smile by burying her head in the couch cushions)
Friday, February 01, 2008
sorry i'm so slow chris o.
So, my friend Chris (who has always been one of the friends I most enjoy conversations with and one of the smartest people I went to high school with) tagged me to post this book survey thing....a while ago. I was very flattered. But not sure I could live up to his expectations... Despite my anxiety and procrastination, here it is...
01. One book that changed your life
Hm... I think I have to pick two...or twelve. Okay, just two.
First. Traveling Mercies, by Anne Lamotte
I don't think I'd even put this one on my top ten list of favorites, but it did change me.
I read it during the summer after my freshman year of college at Cedarville University. (And though now I find that after reading too much of her 'voice' I'm exhausted and annoyed by her cynicism and obnoxious ranting)...for me then, at that point in my life...her stories painted a really beautiful picture of Christianity that wasn't so...white and conservative and narrow...predictable and based on following rules and fitting a certain mold.
It helped me to see a far bigger picture of The Church...and it was surprising and refreshing and exciting.
Second. Walking on Water, by Madeleine L'Engle.
I've quoted her already here.
"...chronology will teach me how to be more aware, open, unafraid to be vulnerable, involved, committed, to accept disagreement without feeling threatened (repeat and underline this one), to understand that I cannot take myself seriously until I stop taking myself seriously--to be, in fact, a true adult.
To be." -Madeleine L'Engle
My forever struggle of finding (or accepting...or continuing toward) my 'place' as an artist, a musician, a wife, a mother, a follower of Christ...feeling mediocre and disappointed sometimes...those feelings were validated in her words. And yet her wisdom and honesty made me feel more content somehow...inspired and motivated...yet also at peace. Even her fiction makes feel more hopeful about the world.
02. One book that you’ve read more than once
Several of Jane Austen's novels.
03. One book you’d want on a desert island
I think I'm gonna have to steal the survival book idea too. It just seems wise.
04. Two books that made you laugh
Bridget Jones Diary. I laughed out loud often.
Russel the Sheep, Go to Sleep. We read it every night for a month, but it was still sad to give it back to the library last week.
05. One book that made you cry
A Severe Mercy. My favorite book last fall. Ryan even started reading it too, just because he loves me.
06. One book that you wish had been written
I wish I'd been journaling more during this pregnancy. When Sophie (or Ian) gets old enough to see the inequality of my two pregnancy journals...I'll have some explaining to do.
07. One book that you wish had never been written
hm... ?
08. Two books you're currently reading
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Out of the Silent Planet
09. One book you’ve been meaning to read
Some of C.S. Lewis that I haven't read yet.
Harry Potter.
War and Peace.
and so many classics...
(with no pressure, of course...it took me about two months to follow through on this assignment) I tag...
Rachel Beach and Katie Rose and my mom (maybe she'll actually start blogging again! I know you've been reading some good books, Mom.)
01. One book that changed your life
Hm... I think I have to pick two...or twelve. Okay, just two.
First. Traveling Mercies, by Anne Lamotte
I don't think I'd even put this one on my top ten list of favorites, but it did change me.
I read it during the summer after my freshman year of college at Cedarville University. (And though now I find that after reading too much of her 'voice' I'm exhausted and annoyed by her cynicism and obnoxious ranting)...for me then, at that point in my life...her stories painted a really beautiful picture of Christianity that wasn't so...white and conservative and narrow...predictable and based on following rules and fitting a certain mold.
It helped me to see a far bigger picture of The Church...and it was surprising and refreshing and exciting.
Second. Walking on Water, by Madeleine L'Engle.
I've quoted her already here.
"...chronology will teach me how to be more aware, open, unafraid to be vulnerable, involved, committed, to accept disagreement without feeling threatened (repeat and underline this one), to understand that I cannot take myself seriously until I stop taking myself seriously--to be, in fact, a true adult.
To be." -Madeleine L'Engle
My forever struggle of finding (or accepting...or continuing toward) my 'place' as an artist, a musician, a wife, a mother, a follower of Christ...feeling mediocre and disappointed sometimes...those feelings were validated in her words. And yet her wisdom and honesty made me feel more content somehow...inspired and motivated...yet also at peace. Even her fiction makes feel more hopeful about the world.
02. One book that you’ve read more than once
Several of Jane Austen's novels.
03. One book you’d want on a desert island
I think I'm gonna have to steal the survival book idea too. It just seems wise.
04. Two books that made you laugh
Bridget Jones Diary. I laughed out loud often.
Russel the Sheep, Go to Sleep. We read it every night for a month, but it was still sad to give it back to the library last week.
05. One book that made you cry
A Severe Mercy. My favorite book last fall. Ryan even started reading it too, just because he loves me.
06. One book that you wish had been written
I wish I'd been journaling more during this pregnancy. When Sophie (or Ian) gets old enough to see the inequality of my two pregnancy journals...I'll have some explaining to do.
07. One book that you wish had never been written
hm... ?
08. Two books you're currently reading
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Out of the Silent Planet
09. One book you’ve been meaning to read
Some of C.S. Lewis that I haven't read yet.
Harry Potter.
War and Peace.
and so many classics...
(with no pressure, of course...it took me about two months to follow through on this assignment) I tag...
Rachel Beach and Katie Rose and my mom (maybe she'll actually start blogging again! I know you've been reading some good books, Mom.)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
someday...
...I will learn french.
Just before Maya was born, two years ago, Ryan and I took a conversational French class at the Community College. To say that I was an (obnoxiously) eager student would be a gross understatement. I wrote down everything the teacher said, asking for clarifications constantly. Each week, I had my homework done…and more. Just for fun (and extra study) I made laminated flash cards of all the french words and phrases in our textbook with pictures I had cut-out and collected from catalogs and magazines. Whenever we went to the gym, I’d bring one of my rings of cards and study my French while I worked out on the elliptical. Which brings me to another possible entry about something I want to do… exercise.
and my french? Je regrette….C’est pathetique.
Just before Maya was born, two years ago, Ryan and I took a conversational French class at the Community College. To say that I was an (obnoxiously) eager student would be a gross understatement. I wrote down everything the teacher said, asking for clarifications constantly. Each week, I had my homework done…and more. Just for fun (and extra study) I made laminated flash cards of all the french words and phrases in our textbook with pictures I had cut-out and collected from catalogs and magazines. Whenever we went to the gym, I’d bring one of my rings of cards and study my French while I worked out on the elliptical. Which brings me to another possible entry about something I want to do… exercise.
and my french? Je regrette….C’est pathetique.
See more progress on: learn french
Friday, January 18, 2008
a fun google search
So I googled my friend Heidi Kok's name to see what shows she's been acting in lately. And I came accross this old page of pictures I made in college. It was at the top of the google list for Heidi's name. Sorry Heidi. She has some far more sophisticated and beautiful pictures on the web now.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Me: "are you my cuddle bear?"
Maya: "mm, hm....hold chee [hold me]" (snuggling her face into my shoulder, squeezing me tighter, occasionally offering gentle pats on my back)
This picture is a few months old, but it captures one of my very favorite feelings.
Ryan and I have been covered in kisses and requests for hugs and kisses this week.
Can I somehow make this part last forever?
This picture is a few months old, but it captures one of my very favorite feelings.
Ryan and I have been covered in kisses and requests for hugs and kisses this week.
Can I somehow make this part last forever?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
saturday date night
After we left Maya with Nana and Papa, we aimlessly wandered the aisles of the deceptively not-that-great-closeout-sale at Elder Beerman hoping to find a really incredible something we've always needed...for next to nothing. We didn't find it.
We did see lots of parents with loud 2-ish year old children in strollers. As we passed them, we felt a vague sense of familiarity and empathy with their expressions of urgency, exhaustion, distractedness...
With an hour still to fill, we drove through a few parking lots to Barnes & Noble where we conducted a thorough but unsuccessful search for a Moleskin 2008 calendar for Ryan. Happily, we did find one frappuccino and one hot tea.
Then...we saw Juno. (With every middle-school student in town?) And it was beautiful, funny, satisfying. I sat there shaking with sobs of happiness and just so much feeling...even while the noisy student section giggled and whispered.
We did see lots of parents with loud 2-ish year old children in strollers. As we passed them, we felt a vague sense of familiarity and empathy with their expressions of urgency, exhaustion, distractedness...
With an hour still to fill, we drove through a few parking lots to Barnes & Noble where we conducted a thorough but unsuccessful search for a Moleskin 2008 calendar for Ryan. Happily, we did find one frappuccino and one hot tea.
Then...we saw Juno. (With every middle-school student in town?) And it was beautiful, funny, satisfying. I sat there shaking with sobs of happiness and just so much feeling...even while the noisy student section giggled and whispered.
Monday, January 07, 2008
i really should have blogged sooner...
... so many thoughts have been accumulating. Too many to post now...or maybe ever.
There are so many things that I want to record about Maya's fun personality right now, lots of great pictures & memories from Christmas, thoughts about Sophia's quickly approaching arrival (only a few more months!), going back to work after a very long Christmas break...tomorrow (ugh).
A lot of other things are on my mind.
I wish I were more motivated to communicate reflectively right now. Or even communicate at all.
Hopefully soon.
Usually I try to make up for my poor emailing/phone calling/ letter-writing/friend habits by at least posting updates here. Lately I've even been a delinquent blogger. I'm so sorry. Things will be better soon. I promise.
There are so many things that I want to record about Maya's fun personality right now, lots of great pictures & memories from Christmas, thoughts about Sophia's quickly approaching arrival (only a few more months!), going back to work after a very long Christmas break...tomorrow (ugh).
A lot of other things are on my mind.
I wish I were more motivated to communicate reflectively right now. Or even communicate at all.
Hopefully soon.
Usually I try to make up for my poor emailing/phone calling/ letter-writing/friend habits by at least posting updates here. Lately I've even been a delinquent blogger. I'm so sorry. Things will be better soon. I promise.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Let There be Peace on Earth...
The months of November and December bring so much anticipation and happiness. I love singing Christmas songs with my students; decorating my house with warm lights, gold ribbon, and deep red cranberries. This time of year also gives me an excuse to spend extra time (and money--which is also fun) thinking about the people I love and trying to find thoughtful gifts to show them how much they are known and loved. I'm feeling childishly silly anticipating my brother's family coming to stay in our new house with us, my parents' house filled with many of the people I love most, all of the Corbins sitting around the Christmas tree in our red flannel pajamas...awaiting our presents and our Christmas morning feast, Bing Crosby singing 'White Christmas', burning candles, Lynn's cookies, Marianne's Finnish Coffee bread, wrapping paper and ribbon....
And this year, Christmas has also brought new joys...telling Maya the story of baby Jesus over and over again as we open the doors of our 'house' (Advent Calendar) each day, hearing her walk around the house talking about the 'babies'(always plural) the 'sheep' and the 'shep-sheps' the 'WISE' and 'Mare-mare' and 'Jose.' She particularly loves the Angel that is known as 'Do-Do' (also the name of her beloved Grandma Go-Go). I think the angel in our nativity set got her name for the song she
is always singing...."Glo----------ria, in excelsis deo...' Maya has also picked up on the Santa/ St. Nicholas Christmas themes....marching around yelling 'HO, HO, HO, Merr--.' She loves filling in the blanks as we read...
"Twas the night before __________,
and all through the ________,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a _______!
The _______ were hung
by the ______ (she thinks it's 'chin' and she points to own) with care..."
But November and December also bring a lot of chaos, stress, and extra work. I'm right in the middle of the long string of Christmas performances (and this year, I also added an overnight Choir trip last week).
This week will bring the last of the performances... Thursday night, my Elementary choir will sing, the strings will play prelude in the hall, and my High School and Middle School Choirs will perform. Saturday, the West Shore Symphony's Home for the Holidays matinee concert at the Frauenthal will end the chaos for me.
And then, peace?
There's other chaos too. Deeper, darker worries. People. I guess relationships and communities hold far greater destructive and wounding potential than responsibilities and full calendars could ever hold. Those work 'stresses' seem light and silly this year... in the shadow of so much loss and pain and disappointment around me.
But I do have hope. I think that's the point of Advent. Waiting, feeling the depth of our need. Recognizing the hopelessness... and still hoping because of Jesus.
And this year, Christmas has also brought new joys...telling Maya the story of baby Jesus over and over again as we open the doors of our 'house' (Advent Calendar) each day, hearing her walk around the house talking about the 'babies'(always plural) the 'sheep' and the 'shep-sheps' the 'WISE' and 'Mare-mare' and 'Jose.' She particularly loves the Angel that is known as 'Do-Do' (also the name of her beloved Grandma Go-Go). I think the angel in our nativity set got her name for the song she
is always singing...."Glo----------ria, in excelsis deo...' Maya has also picked up on the Santa/ St. Nicholas Christmas themes....marching around yelling 'HO, HO, HO, Merr--.' She loves filling in the blanks as we read...
"Twas the night before __________,
and all through the ________,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a _______!
The _______ were hung
by the ______ (she thinks it's 'chin' and she points to own) with care..."
But November and December also bring a lot of chaos, stress, and extra work. I'm right in the middle of the long string of Christmas performances (and this year, I also added an overnight Choir trip last week).
This week will bring the last of the performances... Thursday night, my Elementary choir will sing, the strings will play prelude in the hall, and my High School and Middle School Choirs will perform. Saturday, the West Shore Symphony's Home for the Holidays matinee concert at the Frauenthal will end the chaos for me.
And then, peace?
There's other chaos too. Deeper, darker worries. People. I guess relationships and communities hold far greater destructive and wounding potential than responsibilities and full calendars could ever hold. Those work 'stresses' seem light and silly this year... in the shadow of so much loss and pain and disappointment around me.
But I do have hope. I think that's the point of Advent. Waiting, feeling the depth of our need. Recognizing the hopelessness... and still hoping because of Jesus.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
our holidays are full of music...
Sometimes, the Rudds may ever so slightly resemble that family from the movie, 'Dan in Real Life.'
Okay, maybe the resemblance isn't all that slight....so some of the in-laws are saying....
I'm not suggesting that we actually have 'shows' at every holiday, or that we all sometimes might just break out into 4, 5, & 6 part 'harmony' by the piano....
It might happen though.
Either way, here are some of the most beautiful musical moments from the holidays so far (Rudd and Corbins alike)...
Okay, maybe the resemblance isn't all that slight....so some of the in-laws are saying....
I'm not suggesting that we actually have 'shows' at every holiday, or that we all sometimes might just break out into 4, 5, & 6 part 'harmony' by the piano....
It might happen though.
Either way, here are some of the most beautiful musical moments from the holidays so far (Rudd and Corbins alike)...
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