Strawberry picking at Suzie’s Farm yesterday afternoon.
The 52 Project: A portrait of each of my children every week in 2015.
Obviously keeping up with this “portrait a week” thing is verrrry difficult for me! I’ve only shared here and here, meaning this post makes a whopping three updates. The year is still young, though, so I shall not be deterred… yet!
Week 9
I’ve already shared some photos from Week 9 of Elliott’s return, playing in the snow, and hiking with friends, but here are two more from that week:
Lena: On a whim, I started reading a chapter book (Little House in the Big Woods) aloud to Lena for the very first time in February, and she was totally hooked. Since then we’ve enjoyed multiple chapter books, including one she enjoyed with just her daddy after he came home (My Father’s Dragon). She begs me to read to her every morning, before her rest time, right after her rest time, and before bed. While we read, she frowns thoughtfully, thinking and processing, and you can see the wheels turning in her mind as she absorbs these wonderful stories.
Gil: We were at a local pizza joint when Gil discovered his “pocks” (pockets), and is it just me or does he look just like a future Lawnie with his orange and blue outfit? UVA Class of 2031!
Week 10
Lena: My parents (“Grammie” and “Poppy”) came to visit for a week, and during that time my mom got out the sewing machine to help me with a few projects. Afterwards, she taught Lena how to make bean bags! I have so many memories of learning to sew on my grandmother’s and mother’s laps, so this image is precious to me.
Gil: I wrote about this photo more extensively in this blog post, but it captures such a stage of life for my children. Right now we visit our local nursing home every Thursday, and on this particular day Gil and Lena were both especially helpful with delivering pancakes to each resident and waiting patiently for their turn to eat. They are both growing in patience and compassion at the nursing home, and it is beautiful to see.
Week 11
Lena: Continuing with the theme of chapter books, this photo is from an evening trip to the library because Lena wanted the next installment of Pippi Longstocking as well as “Finocchio.” I laughed and told her she meant “Pinocchio,” because “finocchio” is the Italian word for “fennel.” She continues to call him “Finocchio,” though, and who am I to correct these small touches of the Italian influence on my children?
Gil: On Saturday, March 21, Elliott and I took the kids to the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering downtown. A lot of the booths and displays were way over our kids’ heads (and mine…), but some things were super creative and perfect for them. They had fun with miniature science experiments all day! Both of them got the coolest face painting job ever, and Gil even got to dress up as a mad scientist.
Week 12
Lena: “Mama, when I die,” said Lena this morning, “Jesus is going to say, ‘Come here, little child!'” She has a very real faith, as far as it can be known at age three. She talks often about Jesus loving her and being her friend, and because death and heaven are a frequent topic of conversation in our house, she often speaks of being with Jesus after she dies. It is heartwarming as well as honest and true and inspiring to my own faith. I know things will not always be so simple, so very black and white, but unprompted statements like these give me great hope and peace. God is answering my daily prayer!
Gil: I don’t know about you, but grocery shopping with the kids really tries my patience. Can I get an amen? By the end of our weekly commissary trip, there’s no room for either kid in the cart, and so they are all over the place. It’s times like this when having any more kids sounds craaaazy. But braver women than I have done it before… so maybe one day I’ll be ready!
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What have you been up to these past few weeks? Wrangling children in grocery stores? Playing in the snow? Teaching your kids something fun, like sewing or science or just how to wait patiently while you finish one small task? I’m all eyes! Do tell.
Definitely wrangling children in the grocery store! We went to a college baseball game this weekend (Oregon State Beavers) and the two big boys LOVED it. Currently we’re potty training Eli (he’s doing better than I had prayed) and we put him in a “big boy’ bed! Lots of changes for the little man. Other than that, we’re just learning patience as well in everyday tasks. Some days more successful than others! Samuel echoes Lena’s understanding as well. Just the other day driving in the van, Samuel tells me that when he dies his body will return to dust but he’ll get a new one in heaven. They do understand so much and I can really see how important it is to continue to teach him. Can’t wait to catch up soon. Love your blog (and you)!
The baseball game sounds so fun! We’ve talked about taking the kids to a Padres game sometime here in town. I have always loved baseball since my grandparents took us to games every summer in St Louis, so it would be fun to pass on the experience of a ball field to our children before too long!
I am so glad to hear of Samuel’s faith as well. I hope I can continue to demonstrate a real and loving faith throughout their lives. They certainly challenge me to the core!
Gil has used our little potty a total of two times and doesn’t seem that interested. It’s ok… I’d rather wait until he really wants to and make the process as short as possible. ;) I am so glad for you and Eli!
Love that picture of Lena at the library (and the display!)! I’m also impressed you’re reading chapter books to her already. We might have to start that soon.
The grocery store is a hard one for us, too. I’ve gotten to where I sneak out early on Saturday mornings to try to squeeze it in by myself.
Our Saturday mornings are always so lazy! It would take extra motivation for me to get out the door to grocery shop. I’m impressed that you do that; I am sure it is more efficient and also more relaxing for you!
What wonderful photos! I can’t pick a favorite, they’re all so much fun! But I do love the little milk gremlin :) And the UVA boy :)
Fun story from this week: it’s a tradition in Mexico (and maybe other Hispanic countries?) to wake up the birthday girl or boy by belting out a song called “Las Mananitas.” On my birthday Jorge got Lucie up and brought her into our room, flipped the lights on and started singing vigorously. Poor Gus was fast asleep on his belly in the bassinet. I’ll never forget his sweet little rosy face as he lifted it up and blinked his eyes five times slowly as if to say “WHAT IS GOING ON HERE???”
Otherwise we are just waiting (not very patiently) for the warm spring weather to get here and stay here! Today it is rainy and chilly, so I am extra-jealous of your bright blue California sky and your gorgeous tan in the first picture! We’re headed to Mexico next week and I am pale as can be!
Love “catching up” with you via these photos. Big hugs from VA!
I hope you are having SO much fun in Mexico this week, Abi! You’re closer to us now… maybe. ;) Love you!
I love reading your blog posts. I reminds me of a stage in my life that seems like yesterday, but was over a decade ago. I had a great week with my 2 college age kids being home for spring break. My relationship has moved from protective teaching parent to coach, listener and mentor, but it is really good to see both of my kids working through issues and making their way into this big scary world. We enjoyed time as a family at the beach in La Jolla, visiting farmers market in little Italy, shopping for new clothes and eating lots of great food not always abundant at the college dining hall. So sad when I put them both on planes going in opposite directions. ️Praying always for their protection and good choices.
I love your thoughts about the stage ahead, Jadi. I know those days will be here before I know it! I’m grateful for parents who were also willing to change their role towards me to become a coach, listener, and mentor as the years went by.
I love reading your blog posts. I reminds me of a stage in my life that seems like yesterday, but was over a decade ago. I had a great week with my 2 college age kids being home for spring break. My relationship has moved from protective teaching parent to coach, listener and mentor, but it is really good to see both of my kids working through issues and making their way into this big scary world. We enjoyed time as a family at the beach in La Jolla, visiting farmers market in little Italy, shopping for new clothes and eating lots of great food not always abundant in the college dining hall. So sad when I put them both on planes going in opposite directions. Praying always for their protection and good choices.