The Power of One

I had a marvelous day with James yesterday. We had planned our date in perfection, and although we had a couple of tag-alongs with us (Charlton had hurt his ankle on Saturday and wasn't ready to go back to school) and we didn't get to do all that was on our list, what we did we enjoyed tremendously. First, we stopped at Jackson Street Bridge to snap some pictures with the Atlanta skyscrapers as the backdrop. Then, we visited Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. We loved reading about this great man, watching some of his sermons, and hearing his courageous spirit soar as he charged the world with more kindness and equality. This was not a man of just words; his whole life was dedicated to acts of service to the betterment of his people, and to all people. What a transcendent way to start our Black History month! James and I were really touched by the courage and vision of this powerful man. We got to drop in the Visitor Center (my favorite), visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church (Charlton's favorite), pay homage to his tomb (James's favorite), and check out King's home. This was a wonderful way to teach my children the power of kindness, courage, love, and determination, but most of all the power of one! We can all make a difference. When we got home, we delighted in the warm, sunny weather. The kids played outside, and I walked with Illyria. To end our date, James and I read and discussed Emily Dickinson's poetry (he had to read a poetry book for a school assignment) while snuggling with hot chocolate. What a perfect day with a perfect gentleman! In the words of Emily Dickinson herself: "To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.”

 

Illyria the beautiful

This angel of ours turned 17 months on Sunday. I never imagined that adding another child to my perfect four would add so much joy into my life. Illyria is always happy and sweet with all of us, and very mischievous and curious about everything that surrounds her. She has a mind of her own, and tires me out all day by cleaning her messes throughout the house, but oh boy, her never-ending energy keeps me going and her unquenchable inquisitiveness compliments my own beautifully. However, my favorite thing about this sweet munchkin of mine is the hold that she has on her siblings. It is so funny to hear Jefferson, who is very serious about his basketball game, tell Illyria who is getting on the way, to be careful, or to come and get the ball. James as soon as he comes back from school takes her outside to play on the trampoline mostly everyday. Charlton loves reading books to her even though she has no patience whatsoever to stay still. And of course Gillian, who takes care of her more than I do, has this undeniably strong bond with her. At times even Illyria is confused who's the mom ;) This precious girl makes me utterly happy!

 

You had me at ...temple.

I took Gillian and Illyria to a Hindu temple this morning. When I taught High School, one of the subjects I taught was World Religions. I feel it is very important for our children to know the cultures and religions that surround us. As we visited this temple, we met some of the kindest people around. They were polite, reverent, sweet, and very welcoming. I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world. It makes life so very interesting. My favorite part of the visit though was when my husband called me on the phone. He and the boys are at his parents for the weekend to cut some wood (translation - teach my boys how to work hard, something my husband does very well). When I told him that I was at the temple with Gillian, he got so excited and said: " Wow, how did you manage to do that with a baby? Did you find a babysitter? I'm so proud of you!" I had to interrupt before he went on and made me feel extremely guilty. I said it was the Hindu temple we had discussed visiting as a family some time ago, and not our LDS temple. He wasn't that excited after that ;) I'm so grateful that we have our own temple nearby, where my children can strengthen their faith and testimony by learning about the love of our Heavenly Father and feel of the special spirit that resides in these sacred buildings. Now, you know why I married Elijah! He keeps me on the straight and narrow path. And he married me, because I make the journey to that straight and narrow path exciting, Hindu temples and all.