All in a week's work

On Monday, September 17 James and his class learned about our Constitution and celebrated our rights and freedoms that we have as Americans.  On September 17, 1787 thirty-nine participants of the Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had worked so hard since May.  This is a federal observed holiday (albeit not an off-school or job one), but if you had never heard of it, it's because it's a new one passed in 2004 created by Senator Byrd.  It was initially called "Citizen Day," but it was changed later to Constitution Day, to commemorate the signing of the American Constitution and celebrate our citizenship to this great country, whether born or naturalized.  Clearly this is dear to me as a naturalized American and a passionate admirer of American history.  I was very pleased when James's class learned about it.  They made banners and illustrated some of the sentences found in the document. 

Tuesday was busy day for me.  I started by teaching Charlton's preschool.  We had such a great time learning about letter D and number 2.  We read books about art, counting, and dinosaurs. We made dinosaur dioramas and the kids each received their very own toy dinosaurs.  It was so fun teaching these little kids because they are so eager to learn, and just purely sweet.

On Tuesday afternoon, as soon as we were done with Gillian's piano lesson, Elijah drove us to San Francisco to attend a Giants game.  My kids were very excited to see a real baseball game in a real baseball field.  We were kind of early, or maybe people came late, but when we got there the stadium was half full, and as the game progressed it completely filled out.  It was a lot of fun even for someone like me who doesn't have much interest in baseball.  We talked, we ate the good food found in this amazing arena, we shouted, we cheered, we were on TV for a few seconds, we socialized with friends, and I took pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday is their short day at school, but my longest day of the week what with taxing the kids to and from piano, choir, cub scouts, running, playground, library, it is surely a busy one.  

Thursday is a bit more relaxed.  I leave the boys with Elijah to practice piano and do homework, while I take Gillian to voice lessons.  She is learning some fun pieces such as Panis Angelicus, Amazing Grace, etc., and some amazing renditions of religious songs.  I have to say I think listening to Gillian sing those songs is my favorite hour of the week.  On Thursday evening we were also treated to a sweet concert.  One of Gillian's voice teacher's former students, Lindsey Aline, was giving a concert of her own songs at the Lesher Center for the Arts.  She had invited  friends and family, and we were all happy to be there.  Gillian was mesmerized by Lindsey's voice, but she was especially impressed by her confidence and stage presence. The pictures were taken by phone so they aren't very good quality, but I had to put them here for Gillian. 

 

On Friday, after dropping Charlton off at preschool, I dropped the mantel of mom at the door and put on the mantel of personal shopper.  A friend of mine had asked if I could help her refresh her wardrobe, and I couldn't say no to an opportunity such as this where fashion, friendship and shopping are combined.  We didn't have much time, a couple of hours at the most, so I had to pick a store that would supply us with a variety of styles, affordable prices and fashionable colors - H&M came to mind.  We stopped there and shopped till we dropped.  We found great styles on tops, pants, coats, shirts, and blouses.  I was only ten minutes late in picking up my sweet Charlton.  That was a lot of fun, and I didn't even buy anything for myself.  Business is business.

When we got home, I read Charlton some books, put some food in the crock-pot, and picked up the kids from school.  This Friday the kids started their cross-country running meets where kids from around the area race against each-other.  This year it seems there were way more kids participating, something like double from last year.  My kids ran and never stopped till the finish line.  Elijah kept reminding me to be nice to the kids and not to be too competitive.  I don't think I did very well in that, but my kids were very good to forgive me.  I'm really happy that my children love to run and want to be healthy.  I need to remind myself that that's the most important factor of this activity, or any other sports for that matter.

 

Saturday was a relaxing day.  We slept in, cleaned, had the kids play at the gym while Elijah helped me with the ward's bulletins, the kids practiced their primary program parts, we attended a BBQ with friends, Elijah worked on some church responsibilities, and I worked on my RS lesson for the next day.

Sunday was a special day because the Primary children presented their program this day.  James and Jefferson had worked hard to memorize their parts and enunciate well.  Gillian has no qualms in speaking in front of people so that wasn't an issue for her.  I was proud of James for being an example to his siblings for wanting to memorize his part instead of read it.  They followed suit by doing the same for theirs.  I was impressed with their commitment.  They all did a fantastic job.  Gillian also sang a solo in the end of the program - I'm trying to be like Jesus.  The Spirit was so strong throughout the program, but I felt it even stronger as Gillian sang clearly and beautifully:

I’m trying to be like Jesus;
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

Chorus
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”

I love the Primary program.  The children have such a special spirit.  This time I particularly enjoyed listening to James sing all of the songs right on pitch.  Both Gillian and Jefferson sing all the time at home, so I wasn't surprised to hear them sing with feeling, but Jame is my quiet child.  He was seating upfront and I could hear him sing every word.  That was a fun surprise.

Another sweet surprise that I enjoyed out of the Primary Program was the little cards that the music leader in our ward sent to all of the kids in Primary to encourage them to sing well and smile.  That must have taken a lot of time, but it sure was very thoughtful and kind.  Thank you, Janelle, that was really sweet.

What made your week special?

Depending on each other

This morning Gillian felt better and she insisted she went to church. Their Primary Program was going to happen today, and she wanted to participate. When I told her that she didn't have to go, she replied "They are depending on me, mother." We all went and enjoyed the Spirit that children bring with their voices and words. Jefferson and James had memorized their parts and were not very nervous; Gillian gave her talk without any notes, sang beautifully with her class, and sounded angelic as she closed the program with her solo. I had tears in my eyes throughout the meeting; the children, all of them, did a great job and the Spirit was very strong. But I couldn't stop weeping as Gillian sang "Come follow me." As the congregation joined her in the last verses, her words "They are depending on me" came to mind. We all depend on each other. I depend on my husband, he depends on me, our children depend on us, we depend on our parents, our children depend on their teachers, and ultimately we all depend on the Lord. It is important that we follow Him in all that we do, because He is depending on us to bring our family and friends back home to heaven again.

Today my in-laws left for Idaho to see their other three children and grandchildren. My children love their grandparents very much and I'm so glad they have such a good relationship with them. They were sad to see them leave. They kept telling their grandparents to stay till Christmas. They did have a good time with them this past week. Despite the weather being overcast and then rainy in the end, despite Charlton being sick the whole week, the older boys for some reason not getting along, and then Gillian having a concussion, despite all of these unusual events, I think we can all say we enjoyed each other's company. When I asked my children what they liked the best from their grandparents' stay, they all were unanimous in saying that they loved Papa's stories and Mama's rolls. We are sad to see Mama and Papa leave, but look forward to seeing them sometime soon.