Talia's Art Party

I've been realizing lately how far behind I am on our family chronicles. But... better late than never.

For her 7th birthday Talia decided she would like to have an arts & crafts party, which, if you don't know her is highly appropriate for my creative girl. And of course the color scheme for anything Talia-related must be rainbow. Thus was born Talia's Art Party. It was a lot of work, but also super fun!

Invitation

We made a gallery of Talia's favorite art projects from the past couple of years

We had stations with different art activities, like watercolor painting

Button mosaics

Each kid painted their own canvas. All of the paintings turned out so cute and unique!

 

We had a drying line for the various projects

She picked this birthday cake from the choices I gave her from Pinterest

The inside of the cake

Girl friends enjoying their cake!

A Painful Lesson In Humility

It has been over a week and I still feel sick every time I think about it. But I am also thankful.

It was Saturday morning and the day my girls had been looking forward to for weeks... their first true ballet recital. Costumes, make-up, the whole deal. And Mima was here to see it! They were so excited!

We got up early, bathed the girls and washed their hair. I brushed their ponytails to smooth perfection, twisting and rolling them into fat ballerina buns. I applied a little foundation, powder, and blush to their shining faces. We even topped it off with a little swipe of glitter on their eyelids and a sprinkle in their hair.

We were right on time. Walking out the door at exactly the time we planned. The costumes were in the car as we scheduled in plenty of time to dress when we got there. With a smile I even tucked a last minute tube of lip gloss and bottle of shimmery body spray into my purse. Everything was perfect.

We got to the recital hall just as planned. Seth was going to drop us off and take Benj to go pick up some roses for the ballerinas while they dressed. They would be back in plenty of time to get great seats. I opened the back of the van to retrieve the costumes...and that's when it hit me.

I had forgotten the ballet bag.

The bag that contained their ballet shoes, tights, and extra costume pieces (including, but not limited to the feather trimmed gloves that were Leila's absolute favorite part of her costume.) Yes, that bag. I was horrified.

Suddenly our perfect morning was thrown into chaos. Seth sped away leaving my mom and I with the girls and costumes. The gravity of the situation began to hit me. We live 35 minutes away, at best. There was just an hour until the recital began. Not even enough time for him to get home and back, not to mention to dress the girls. Right there on the sidewalk I burst into tears. "I'm so sorry, girls," I choked out.

Knowing I had to pull it together and be the adult, I decided we would get them dressed so at least they would be as ready as they could be. We dressed and prayed for Daddy to get back as quickly as possible.

We went upstairs to the backstage area where I explained my colossal mistake to the teachers, telling them that there was really no way Seth would be back before the recital started. They assured me that it probably wouldn't start on time and that they would adjust the order of the routines, if necessary, to give as much time as possible to get the needed items. I spent about half an hour with the girls, trying to reassure and encourage them. I put on a smile and told my sad Leila that Daddy was bringing her gloves. Our friends showed up and had an extra pair of tights that fit Leila, which I put on her. I saved seats in the auditorium and then, even though I knew it was way too early, I went to wait out front about 15 minutes before the performance started.

My stomach was in knots. I felt physically sick. How could I let my girls down so badly? How could I be so stupid as to go off and forget nearly everything they needed for their special day? I'll be honest, that bag didn't even cross my mind that morning. What was wrong with me?

In my heart I cried out to the Lord. Over and over I begged Him to somehow save the day. "Please, God. Don't let me let my girls down. Don't let me break their hearts.... Please ease Seth's way.... Please help him to get here in time.... Please.... Please.... Please, God." I was pacing and wringing my hands, a nervous wreck. As I paced and prayed, it hit me.

Only the day before, as we were preparing to go to the dress rehearsal I had been so hard on Talia because we couldn't find her ballet shoes. They weren't in the bag. I had called the rec center where we go to their lessons and they didn't have them either. I lectured her about responsibility and keeping her mind on what she's doing and how sooner or later irresponsibility is going to cost her. "Now you don't have ballet shoes for your recital," I had said with an air of superiority. (We later found that her shoes had gotten into her friend's bag and received them back at the rehearsal.)

Now it came to my heart. No. NOW she didn't have shoes for her recital. And it wasn't her fault, it was mine. I had no grace for her mistake in not keeping track of her shoes when we still had a whole day to find them and now I was begging for God's grace to cover MY mistake in completely forgetting them (and a whole lot more) when it truly mattered. I knew in that moment that I never wanted to forget the pain of that realization: that I expected perfection out of my little girl that I could not even deliver myself. I had no grace for her mistakes, pridefully expecting that somehow I was bigger and better than that.

The truth is no matter how much I plan, no matter how "on top of it" I feel, all my best efforts are not enough. I am not better. I am just the same. I am a mere human being with faults and limitations, with good intentions, but a finite ability to carry them out. The expectation my kids should exhibit the values I have taught them to perfection is ridiculous. And the idea that being a "good mom" equates with perfectly ordered rows of ducks is categorically false. In truth, the better my plans work out -feeding my pride in my own abilities- the worse mom I tend to be. I fight, trying with all my might to keep all the balls in the air, to keep everything under control, to be everything, do everything. And I forget my need.

Quite simply, I need Jesus. I need his strength to accomplish the most important tasks each day. I need his peace to quiet the anxiety in this season of our life that some days threatens to overcome me. I need his Spirit to control me, giving me life-giving words to say, wisdom to teach and correct, love to spill out over my children. I need his grace to cover my gross inadequacies, even when I am too prideful to admit they are there.

And so I prayed that God would never, never let me forget that day, but use it to humble me and remind me to give mercy, grace, and compassion to my children, remembering that we all need those tender gifts.

Around 11:15 Seth pulled around the corner and thrust the bag out of the driver's window into my hands. I ran into the building and up the stairs, searching through the bag as I ran, rummaging for shoes and accessories. I entered the backstage area and literally threw Leila's shoes and accessories at her feet. Another teacher ran up to me asking for Talia's shoes, telling me that her class was in que to go on-stage. The recital had started on-time, at 11:00 and all the classes had already performed except for Talia's and Leila's classes.

I hurried into the auditorium and down the aisle to my seat as Talia's class was filing up the opposite aisle onto the stage. A second later, as the teacher arranged the girls on the dark stage, Benj slid into the seat beside me. Seth had found an open parking space in the closest lot to the recital hall and had come in right behind me. Right on cue he whipped out the video camera as the stage lights went up.

Talia was tights-less, in shoes she borrowed from an earlier dancer. But her face lit up as she saw her Daddy and brother. She danced beautifully.

Next Leila's class filed onto the stage. Leila was leading the line, fully costumed, gloves and all, with a radiant smile. She was clearly tickled pink with the experience of performing and danced with adorable charm.

I am so thankful. I am thankful that God redeemed my mistake, allowing it to be a beautiful memory after all. I am thankful for the sweet spirit of forgiveness and even compassion my precious girls extended to me in my weakness. I am thankful that Seth and Benj (and Channah) were safe during their hurried trip. I am thankful that none of us missed even a moment of the performance. I am thankful for the way the teachers extended grace to me and cared so sweetly for my girls. And so much more. But most of all I am thankful for the painful lesson in humility that reminded me that the measure of a mom is not a standard of perfection, but rather a rule of love, compassion, and grace. Lord Jesus, help me never forget!

My sweet ballerinas, post-recital

Christmas in Minnesota

by Talia

Have you ever been on a long drive in the car? Our family has! Our family went to Minnesota at Christmas time. It was a long, long drive. It took one whole day. We left early in the morning and when we got to the hotel it was late at night. When we got to the hotel all the kids were sleeping.

The next few days we met lots of family. We met aunts, uncles, and cousins. Happily, even Mima and Papa were there. We went to Aunt Donna's warm house for a little bit every day! On Christmas Day the whole family was at Aunt Donna's house. We ate dinner there. Then Santa Claus came! Santa had a huge bag on his back which was full of presents for different children. Everyone got plenty of presents. I got to talk to Santa and even sit on his lap. When we weren't with family we were at our fun hotel. We got to watch TV, eat breakfast at a special restaurant in the hotel, and swim.

One day we woke up early. Mommy and Mima dressed us and then we got in the car. It was terribly cold. Then we drove the long, long way home. When we got home it was past bedtime. I missed our wonderful family, but it was good to be home.

Hanging Out at the Hotel, Drinking Hot Cider

Breakfast at the Hotel Restaurant

Santa & Leila

Santa & Channah (not crying!)

Santa, Benj & Talia

Family

Children of the Cousins

First Ballet Recital

Our girls have been taking ballet for the first time this semester. Last Saturday, November 16 was their first performance. They were both so excited to perform and both did an excellent job remembering their steps.

After ballet each week Leila would come out of class and immediately show me her new moves. Her favorites are passe and plie. She was sick the entire week leading up to the performance so we were thankful she was feeling better by Saturday and was able to give a lovely performance. 

Leila's class was first on the program. In the video Leila is the one closest to the teacher, all the way to the left side. 

Talia took ballet very seriously. She practiced at home and wanted to remember all the names of the various steps she learned. I was so proud of the way she worked hard to perfect her posture and form. I think you can tell in the video that she is concentrating hard on doing everything just right. :)

Talia's class performed immediately after Leila's class. In the video Talia is 3rd from the right. (She starts out in the back row and moves to the front after a few bars.)

Here are a few pictures of the budding ballerinas:

Before the Performance

Leila watches Mrs. Hannah

Talia concentrates

 Daddy and Benj gave the girls roses

 The ballerinas on stage

 Ready to go home

 Leila loves her rose :)

Back to School

It's hard to believe but the summer has flown by and we are back to school once again. For the first time I was not completely ready to give up the freedom of the summer for the (different kind of) fun of the school year, but now that we are into our second week I am finding enthusiasm for our journey ahead.

Unlike other years, I didn't have a clear vision of how everything was going to flow this year. We are adding quite a bit of new curriculum which impacted the flow of our days quite drastically. In addition, I am slowly gaining a clearer vision of the bigger picture - my philosophy and style, what I (we) want our school to look like, our goals, and even my attitudes as a mama and teacher. I have been challenged to the core this summer in various ways to step... no, leap! out of my comfort zone and really question my methodology in light of what I believe will reach the hearts of my children and give them a foundation for life-long learning. That all sounds very philosophical and trite as I try to summarize it, but it is a fascinating and amazing process to really think through the possibilities of home education. I'll leave it there for now cause I could go on for hours! (But I may pick it up again later....)

All that to say, we started school this year because it was time to start school, not at all because I was ready (logistically or otherwise). But despite the less polished atmosphere we have had a (mostly) good first week and a half.

Benjamin is in 2nd grade this year. His passions are Star Wars and LEGOs (I'm not sure which to put first). He goes through stacks of paper drawing various combinations of Star Wars, LEGOs, superheroes, and other favorite characters. He is a fantastic artist and can illustrate nearly any topic that comes to his creative mind. If he's not drawing an idea he's building it out of LEGOs. His creations could take up an entire blog post of their own (in fact, I intend to post pictures of some of my favorites soon), but features such as sliding doors and hinged box lids come to mind. This kid is a master! He is very protective of his sisters and quite gentlemanly towards them most of the time. He has recently been "promoted" to family laundry manager and is doing a fantastic job of keeping up with the never-ending cycle (he usually requests help with the folding, though. :) ) He is very thoughtful and wants to do what is right. I'm so proud of my young man. He is growing up so fast!

Talia is in 1st grade this year. Her newest interests are sewing, "fancy" hair styles, baking or cooking with mama, and learning pretty much any new skill she can. It's difficult for me to create a list describing this sweet girl cause she is pretty much just passionate about LIFE. She flies high and crashes hard. She is one determined, driven little go-getter. She is a joy to parent because she engages eagerly in EVERYTHING. She also exhausts me. Her enthusiasm, never-ending questions, dissatisfaction with pat answers, and drive to try everything keep me on my toes (and knees). She loves bright colors and wild patterns. She is always on to the next thing and dreaming big, but also deep. She loves to help and is usually the first one to chime in "I will!" when I ask for a helper to set the table or pick up a mess. As Benj works on the laundry, Talia has become my "kitchen manager" (a title she greatly prizes, by the way. She loves to be in charge!) She does a great job keeping the dishes rotating through the dishwasher, the counters wiped, and the floor swept. What a blessing this girl is to me!

Leila is taking on Pre-K this year. I have come to not put a huge emphasis on preschool so we just go with the flow, incorporating her into our school day as she wants to be involved. Despite my de-emphasis on academics last school year, she completely surprised me by suddenly starting to read a few weeks before her 4th birthday. She is now reading quite well and taking after her brother and sister by pouring over books in much of her free time. We have also started, on an inspiration from my mom, what we have dubbed "Skype School." During three of the last several school days Leila has been Skyping with Mima for a bit while I work with the older kids on their school work. They have been reading to each other and talking about various other topics. I'm not sure I've ever seen her this enthusiastic and talkative! She loves it! Besides reading and Skyping, she spends much of her time in imaginative play with her "friends" (stuffed animals) and various sets of favorite toys. She reminds me so much of Benjamin at this age! She spends hours setting up our Little People animals and dollhouse and there is no end to the backstory she creates about her little schemes. She is generally a happy, sweet little thing, eager to please. She is also a sensitive little soul and takes both affirmation and correction very much to heart. In many ways I feel like I am still getting to know my third child. As the quietest member of the family she is easy to put in a box, but I am finding lately that she doesn't really fit in there. :) I am thankful for my sweet girl and her sensitive soul.

Channah is the class clown and troublemaker. :) Last year at this time was super difficult because she cried all the time and I am definitely thankful to be past all that stress. At the same time, this year definitely has its own challenges. She wants to be where the big kids are, but her noisy, independent, impulsive nature gives me quite the competition for their attention! Sometimes they can't hear because she's screeching too loudly, sometimes they can't see because she's in and out and everywhere in-between, and sometimes they can't focus because we're all just laughing too hard at her crazy antics. But any effort to re-direct her attention or thwart her intentions to grab everything in sight leads to loud protest. And heaven forbid I put that child in a pack-n-play! She wants her independence! I'm sure she will settle into a routine like the rest of us, but it definitely hasn't happened yet. Despite the challenges we are all completely in love with our adorable, precious, littlest family member. She talks and babbles in recognizable words and phrases and not-yet-recognizable paragraphs. She has also recently discovered the joys of walking, which came on kind of gradually, but has definitely become her main mode of transportation in the last week or so. (Yes, on time! at 15 months!! without physical therapy!!! Major milestone in this house!) She is also sprouting teeth left and right and now sports a cute little 9-tooth smile. She makes me crazy sometimes, but I'm still crazy in-love with my littlest lady.

I am looking forward to another year of teaching my little brood and the new accomplishments and challenges it will bring. Happy 2013-2014 school year!

Milestone Catch-Up: Talia Turns 6

We made it! We are officially on summer break!

 

To celebrate I have a series of posts planned to catch up on some of the major milestones of the past few months, beginning with Talia's 6th Birthday.

 

I love this shot from the morning of her actual birthday. She is enjoying her cinnamon roll with rainbow sprinkles to the fullest. :)

 

For her party this year, she had her first sleepover. We had a great time making & eating pizza, watching the newest Tinkerbell movie, eating cake, and of course, whispering and giggling until waaaaay too late at night. :)

 

Here are a few of the highlights:

The girls with their pizzas 

We attempted to construct a magical sleepover tent (which ended up falling down, bit by bit, over the course of the evening... oh well :) ) 

Talia requested a Tinkerbell & Periwinkle cake 

 

What's a sleepover without fancy manicures?

And fancy hairstyles

The girls all swapped princess pjs

Each of the girls received a pillowcase with a note written by Talia, but what she didn't know was that she was going to have one too, with notes from her friends

 

In bed, but "too excited to sleep" for another couple of hours. The last holdouts didn't fall asleep until midnight (and were up by 7:00)!

 

After the girls left the next morning our whole family took naps. What a fun (although exhausting) introduction to the magic of sleepovers. I'm sure it was the first of many!

First Day of School!

I think it's safe to say that I would have been a complete mess this morning had I taken Benjamin to Kindergarten to drop him off this morning. I have been emotional enough as it is! Yesterday was "promotion Sunday" at church and between seeing "K and 1st Grade" on the door and having multiple people comment on his pew-sitting in church (at our church Kindergarteners sit through church with their parents), I got teary several times. I can't believe how much my little boy has grown up!

Fortunately for me I'm not only the mama of a Kindergartener, but also the teacher--so I got to keep my big boy here at home this morning for his first day of Kindergarten. We had a great day!

Our morning actually started out a bit rocky. While Benj was beyond thrilled to be starting Kindergarten at church yesterday, this morning he had a bit more of a poker face about the whole thing. I'm not sure what was going on there, but thankfully his attitude improved after breakfast. Talia, on the other hand, was as happy as can be about her first official day of Preschool. Happy little Leila was just along for the ride. :)

Over the weekend Seth and I were sharing memories from our first day of Kindergarten with the kids. Seth specifically remembered that both of his parents took him to school. He wanted to be there for Benjamin's first day of Kindergarten too so he went into work late this morning.

After breakfast we went outside and took our "First Day of School" pictures.

We also got some of the teacher with her class. :)

At lunchtime I asked the kids what their favorite parts of school had been so far. Talia liked her new pencil box (chock full of new school supplies :) ) and our handwriting lesson, in which we played games with the Wood Pieces she will use to learn to build capital letters (to help her learn the names for each piece). Benjamin also loved Talia's games with Wood Pieces--they motivated him to finish his independent work quickly. :) Benjamin's other favorites today were learning about dinosaurs via our internet-linked Children's Encyclopedia and reading our new chapter book, The Boxcar Children.

We had a great start to our new school year! I can't wait for tomorrow. :)