I've been thinking a lot about how to frame life at present. On one hand, we're living in a city that's in a declared 'state of emergency', with ongoing political protests that we've both watched roll by (think parade with flag waving, cheering and whistle blowing) and heard from our home. Today's the big election day, and it's been very quiet. In the past weeks, school and work and all things life have proceeded pretty much normally, outside of heavier traffic, the occasional roadblock and the need to avoid certain areas. So we're praying and trusting and waiting and living.
And on the subject of 'living', I have lots of fun pictures waiting in the wings...
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| being 'humans' at the zoo with friends |
Em just ended her soccer season with a Saturday tournament, which was a first foray for us into such things, and it was great fun (although they were NOT big winners). It was a strange season, with several games canceled because of the political situation and teams being unable to travel. But it was a great experience for her to be on a team and to work hard at something new. We hope she'll play again, but we shall see. With those long legs, she's also had a lot of 'you should really play basketball' comments!
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| doing one of the things she loves to do best- draw |
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| she's got an itch to cut her hair...will be very sad to see the Rapunzel hair go, but happy for her to express herself |
Playing the lead in the 5th grade Christmas musical, "Good King Wenceslas". What an experience to see my little girl come out on stage, tall and shimmery and lovely, and sing a solo...she loves drama and I think it will play a part in the school years to come. I love to see this emerge in her, being who she's made to be. I told her recently, "wherever you go, my heart goes, too." Bittersweet, this emerging young beauty. I'm thankful to be alongside and to share such a sweet relationship with her.
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| Emmy Lisa |
Now on to this python handler...He is beginning to chafe against the constraints of apartment life and looks forward to having grass and space to ride a bike at his disposal. He can be found climbing a tree if we're anywhere that has them climbable (admittedly, this is not often). This makes us thankful that we have been where we are for this period, and that in a few months we can move into a setting with both of those aforementioned things, plus friends to play with. God knows our needs. I love it that he's such a rough and tumble warrior boy, yet he still has a tender heart and loves to be hugged and to snuggle. He has a ready smile and is a dear friend to many.
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| an older taekwando picture from his white belt days- he continues to enjoy this so much! |
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Another thing that really defines this fellow is that he is a READER. Never mind that he's in first grade and his reading book still has large print words, he plows through big books like a champ, and cannot get enough. He and his big sister often share books now. Joy, joy.
Have you ever baked Christmas cookies with such an adorable Spidey, complete with heart ring? I mean, really, is it any wonder I am treasuring these days? And I am, keenly aware of the fleeting nature of this sweet time and the greater structure that looms just on the horizon. I know those will be good days, too, but I really am enjoying these days of quiet mornings, costumes and legos and park and library trips and just whatever we want to do with ourselves, then going to pick up the 'big kids'. When we arrive at school, he runs off to play with the many friends he has there...something I love about Ju is that he almost always makes a friend anywhere we go.
He still says that sweetest, funniest things. He remains our baby and gets all the kisses that go along with that position.
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| drawing cats. This was later labeled "Daddy' and "Cub". Keeping that one forever. |
Although we do a pretty limited amount in the way of structured learning activities at this point, this newly-turned 5 year old is showing lots of reading readiness and likes to work out addition and subtraction problems. So it will be fun to begin to channel that before long. The one academic pursuit that is regular for him is Thai 'study', with our sweet friend Num, whom he loves. They are working through a Thai preschool book, they sing songs and play games and it's just a lovely situation that we're so very thankful for.
And some sibling love to close us out...
