Meet The Price  Family!

From our own personal experience, as well as from working with others, we understand the impact that learning music can have on a person. So much can be said—and so much has been said—on the benefits of learning music. Unfortunately, in spite of these scientifically proven benefits, music education has been taken out of public education. We want to stand with the majority of parents and teachers in this country who believe in music’s benefit and we want to fill that gap.

At the root of it all is our desire is to see young people trained in the craft of music, rather than just learning songs. We want all students to reap the rich value that comes with music education.

Chuck plays and teaches drums, guitar, and bass guitar. Betty plays and teaches piano, though she likes to tinker on bass, mandolin, clarinet, and sax. In addition, we have brought on a team of excellent instructors that span over 17 different instruments.

Yes, it is so beautiful to see giftings flourish in our children, each with their own inclinations. Kayla plays the piano, drums, and clarinet. Chloe plays the piano, voice, and violin. Josiah just started on piano. One of our favorite and most fulfilling things to do as a family is to play music together and just “jam.”

4. Would you say that your love for music is a legacy you can pass onto your children? 

Absolutely! And not just our family, but our wider, studio family! Earlier I mentioned that there have been scientific studies completed worldwide on the benefits of music. We just want to share one of the many amazing findings. One study connected an adult male to a brain-scanning device while he was sight-reading a piece of music on his clarinet (meaning he was reading and playing a song for the first time). The scan showed that during this exercise, neurotransmitters (connections) between the left and right sides of the brain that are normally dormant became active. Music really does have amazing tangible and intangible advantages!

Though Josiah is only 4 as of the date of this post and is just starting out on piano, Kayla and Chloe have been learning their other instruments for several years. They have learned quite a bit of music to this point, and perform regularly in concerts, competitions, worship services, and at family gatherings. It can be a struggle some weeks to diligently practice our instruments, particularly during busy seasons. Like all families, we have birthdays, holidays, volunteering, school exams, and other things that make for busy weeks and weekends. But we always get back on track quickly.

 There is one thing we’d like to point out. The idea of the “over-scheduled child” has come to light in the last 20 years. We do firmly believe that if children are to be successful, it is better to focus on a few things at a time and do them well, rather than do many things at one time and do them all poorly. We would encourage all parents to be choosy about what they place on their children’s plates. We have had many students who, on top of a full day of school and several hours of homework in the evenings, have 1-2 sports their involved in, as well as art or other creative classes, and even additional tutoring classes. We don’t want to burn out our children. In and of themselves, these are all great activities. However, if they are all piled on, it is easy to burn out your children and they will be too tired to glean the benefits from what they are doing. To be frank, most parents—especially those who work full-time—would not fill their own schedule with being on multiple sports teams and an art class and music lessons and a tutoring class. It is exhausting. Our sports and active times are done as a family and our children have very limited activities. We would rather them do a few things at a time and do them well.

Even so, our girls admit there are times that they are tired and don’t feel particularly up to practicing; but they have never, ever tried to get out of practicing. They have seen what goals they can achieve with consistent practice, so they understand why they need to be diligent in this area.

 The truth is, if you stop practicing, you don’t just stop progressing: you digress. They don’t like the feeling of losing progress they’ve made on a piece. Quite frankly, the best part is that most of the time they enjoy their practice sessions and call it therapeutic. That is the exact results that come from playing music: it should be relaxing and enjoyable!

by Chuck and Betty Price

cbmusicstudios.com

The meanings in Nathanael’s name are a clear indication of the convictions we had on our heart when I knew he was growing inside of me. “Gift of God – Defender of The People – Priest” are in a nutshell what we aspire for him to realize he already is in and through Christ Jesus as he’s growing and embarking on his own journey towards manhood. Even at his tender age, Nathanael is exhibiting attributes of an honorable and valiant gentle-man. When he sees me sad he runs to me and throws himself in my arms wetting my cheeks with his kisses. When he sees his little brother’s diapers on the nursery floor he gathers them and takes them to the trash (even when I don’t ask). He does other little favors for us too- like organizing our shoes (out of order) and helping load his clothing in the dryer. Nathanael’s favorite toy is Thomas the train. I’ve learned the theme song just for him! You should see his eyes open up wide with excitement when I sing it-  he then runs into his room, finds Thomas and brings him to me. He is truly a gift!

My favorite part of the day is bedtime- he kneels down at his bedside, holds his precious hands together and peeks up at us while daddy prays over our family. I know this because I peek at him too! It brings so much joy to my heart when I hear my little boy repeat “Amen.”

Cristiana Popa

He’s just a cub now…

Leonidas is destined for great things. The full meaning of Leonidas’ name is “Bold as A Lion, Peace/Comfort, and Priest”- in a nutshell the attributes and purposes we aspire for him to realize in and through Christ Jesus. Since I knew Leonidas was growing inside of me I was determined to raise him into a man who would hear God’s voice and surrender to Him. Jesus said, “my sheep hear my voice…”

I’m so honored to raise this precious baby into a god-fearing man; one who will boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus and bring comfort to others with the good news! A man who will be a priest in his own home and use all the talents God has given him to live a fulfilled life- looking forward to a city built on a sure foundation, whose author and maker is God.

Nathan picks flowers, points to the ducks, and listens to the birds. My husband and I stroll hand-in-hand soaking in the slow paced moments we have together.

Our Weekdays are very busy- most people can relate- but for a long time now, my husband and I have made it a point to re-connect with each other and our kids after a long week of schedules, deadlines, and pressure.

It’s on long walks like these that I ask my husband where he sees us in five years, and talk about the goals for our kids and ourselves. Sometimes in lieu of discussing plans or achievements, we laugh… a lot! We crack jokes and we reminisce.

Most days, my husband brings his guitar, and he serenades us- this part is my favorite. We get so many glances and smiles from people who admire the way we enjoy each other’s company.

I guess I can say it’s part of our family legacy to seek time away just for ourselves. We feel so refreshed and recharged after we take time to unwind and reconnect with each other again. If we’re in the mood we’d have a picnic and spend a whole day away to catch a pretty sunset.

I’ve recently been involved in a project with an excellent company that specializes in senior care. “A Five Star Residence For Seniors” owned and operated by my husband’s parents, Gheorghe and Aurelia Popa, has celebrated its grand open-house event last week, bringing in excited prospective residents and their family members to tour the brand-new facility.

A FIVE STAR RESIDENCE FOR SENIORS

A Five Star Residence For Seniors is completely dedicated to providing personalized, professional and compassionate quality care in a luxurious, home environment for your loved ones, giving you comfort and peace of mind.

Aurelia Popa’s original oil and acrylic paintings which are show-cased throughout the home add warmth, elegance, and sophistication to the grand estate.

A Five Star Residence For Seniors boasts a spacious brand new facility equipped with state-of-the-art amenities including safety alarm, monitors, and fire-sprinkler system throughout the house.

Gheorghe and Aurelia Popa understand that their beloved seniors deserve a home environment that stimulates and encourages independence and functional mobility in a warm, friendly, and safe, loving-family environment. Their on-sight chef serves three balanced and nutritious home-cooked meals exquisitely prepared three times daily as well as between-meal snacks. Modified diets are provided at the recommendation of the resident’s physician or dietary consultant. Fitness and exercise programs are available to stimulate and encourage strength and mobility.

SPACIOUS PRIVATE BEDROOMS

Each bedroom is equipped with a unique bed-side intercom system; residence need not wait for the caregiver to pass by the room to observe their needs. Special Attention to: Monitored medication administration, distribution and secured medication storage. Furnished private bedrooms and a semi-private suite with housekeeping, linen, and laundry service. Assistance is provided for bathing, toileting, grooming and dressing.

Contact The Owners:

Aurelia Popa – ADMINISTRATOR

Gheorghe Popa – LICENSEE

A Five-Star Residence For Seniors

License Number 347004659

(916) 910-9977 – Phone (916) 910-9977 -Fax

a5starresidence@gmail.com

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The fresh breeze created the perfect ambiance to the already highly-energetic atmosphere. A combination of Destiny’s spirited personality and Debora’s contagious joy promised a fun-filled and exciting photo shoot!

Navigating through complex camera settings for out-door portraits became a thing of joy with someone as lovely as Debora beaming in front of my lens. She is a true beauty to gaze upon, and if your’re not careful, you can find yourself getting lost in her deep blue eyes.

While tracking Destiny’s movements through my viewfinder, I had to remind myself to breath. The rare elegance in her stride coupled with powerful muscles beneath her luxurious coat,  gave her the appearance of a royal steed. She took my breath away.

Shooting portraits outdoors proved to come with a package of opposite obstacles of that indoors. For instance, afternoon-sunlight can cause strong contrasting shadows on the subject. I was able to combat this by using a technique known as fill flash. Using the flash in bright daylight may sound counter intuitive; however, the flash softens the shadows resulting in a more evenly exposed image.

Once in uniform, Debora maneuvered Destiny with an athletic determination and led her through a series of motions which further accentuated the horse’s prominent muscles. I was on my toes the entire time – trying to keep up with this powerful and swift mare.

In order to capture Destiny in action, I had to employ various techniques for optimum image results. Panning in Release Mode with a relatively fast shutter speed of 1/800 second allowed me to completely freeze the action in this scene; hence, the horse’s legs and background are clearly visible. 

This unique photography opportunity made possible by last-minute, perfect-weather proved to be a ride with destiny after all.

By Cristiana Popa

Meet Suzann.

I met Suzann when she unexpectedly visited me at my office. Who was this tall, beautifully sculpted women coming to see me?

God’s love radiates from this precious woman whom I have had the joy and privilege of calling friend for nearly four years. She has been my dear diary, three-hour phone call, and let’s-meet-over-coffee confidant who the Lord has strategically placed in my life for a reason, a season, and a lifetime.The Lord had graciously arranged for Suzann to be a part of my life for the reason of washing me in His word. All friends may offer advice, but those who offer God’s word are more precious than gold  because His word will never pass away.

 It was during a season of testing, tearing down, and rebuilding again, that the Lord had used this beautiful, strong, joyful, and peace-loving woman to help me recognize His gentle hands at work in my life. He had allowed painful circumstances to release me from things I held onto to tightly in order to usher in fresh opportunities and a love for His will.

It will require an entire lifetime to reap the abundant rewards from the godly instruction Suzann has invested in me. She lead by example through her humility, gentleness and obedience to the Lord. It is the value of her godly instruction and love which will leave a lifetime impression on my heart.

Like Suzann always says, “some people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.”

By Cristiana Popa

This photo shoot began with a lot of surprises; I was privileged to select Elizabeth’s and Ethan’s outfits for the day! I was getting that “I want a baby-girl” feeling as I pulled dresses and ribbons out of the closet for Elizabeth. Going through Ethan’s clothes reminded me of the simple joys of raising a boy; however, I couldn’t help but admire Elizabeth’s ribbons and long hair throughout the afternoon. During the photo shoot, Ethan’s eye for photography was surprising and delighting me. He’d say, “let’s take a picture like this” and “how about the tall grass over here? Each of the kids were encouraged to bring along their favorite personal-item for the photo shoot. I totally approve of Ethan’s selection! Elizabeth did really well at being herself. There were thoughtful moments, shy peeks, and bursts of delight on her face… especially when we got busy talking about princesses and puffy princess dresses. What more can I say? I went home blessed!

]]> http://www.loveandlegacyphotography.com/168/feed 0 http://www.loveandlegacyphotography.com/92 http://www.loveandlegacyphotography.com/92#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:37:20 +0000 Cristiana http://www.loveandlegacyphotography.com/blog/?p=92 Continue reading →]]> Photographing Courtney was like opening a window on the first day of spring. She had a soft peace and joy within her which radiated from her laughter, her gestures, and her smile! I was tremendously blessed by her contagious energy which illuminated an otherwise dark and rainy day.