Harmony.

It’s defined as the pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts. I’d say that’s a pretty good descriptor of what’s been happening around our home on Wednesday nights. Sweet harmony.

And it’s a direct result of music—specifically, singing lessons for the girls. It doesn’t fail that after lessons, peace reigns. Sisters don’t squabble. The whole evening is perfectly pleasant, with extra pleases and thank-yous. And homework time is downright merry!

Such happiness following their lessons.

I’m so intrigued and really grateful for this response.

Curious as to why, I dug a little. Singing helps your immune system by boosting immunoglobulin A (an antibody that fights upper-respiratory disease). Using your lungs is considered an aerobic activity since it increases oxygen in the blood, and breathing deeply from the diaphragm not only reduces stress in the body, it also exercises major muscle groups in the upper body. Singing releases endorphins in the body, which make you feel good, and your posture and circulation are also greatly improved. You’re also more mentally alert. It’s really no wonder that the girls are so blissed out after their lessons.

Ella Fitzgerald said the only thing better than singing is more singing. Maybe that’s why participation in chorale groups and community choirs has risen consistently over the last 10 years. According to Chorus America, 32.5 million adults sing in groups.

So whatever your reason for stretching those vocal chords, you’ll never go wrong. And if you’re looking for a little harmony, just sing, sing a song, make it happy, to last your whole life long …

We’ve finally had quite a few rain showers here on the Palouse, and the girls and I have spent many a recent morning outfitted in our rain boots and umbrellas on our walk to school. No complaints here. I still get a thrill when I stomp through puddles!

I’m careful with my stomping, however; there’s rarely a puddle without an earthworm in it, and I’d prefer to not squash them. On a recent return trip from dropping the girls at school, I spent some time contemplating earthworms and puddles, and I thought, “There must be more to it.” I went right home to the Internet. It turns out, they need moisture to survive and won’t drown like us humans when submerged in water. Scientists believe that earthworms surface during rain storms because it’s easier for them to travel, taking advantage of slick, wet surfaces to move quickly, something they can’t do when the weather is hot and dry. Another explanation is that rain falling on the ground gives off the same vibrations as their biggest predator, the mole, thus alarming the worms to escape to the surface.