Besides doing homework, reading, cooking, doing laundry, keeping up with emails, writing cards to family, making phone calls,vacuuming, playing, and whatever else is needed to keep our life going smoothly, here are some other fun stuff we were able to do this week:
On Monday, I went on a field trip with James and his class. We visited the Ruth Bancroft Garden. I had taken my kids there last spring, and at that time they happened to have an amazing sculpture exhibition amongst the plants and flowers. This time, it wasn't as exciting when it came to seeing a variety of things, since there wasn't an exhibition of any sorts going on, and some of the plants were covered for winter. Nevertheless, we got to have a tour guide taking us around and teaching us new information about various plants. My favorite piece of knowledge I learned on this tour was the fact that Ruth Bancroft started this garden with one small little succulent plant when she was in her early 50's. She worked at it section by section year after year and tried to use plants that didn't need much water, since California has always been in need of water sources. Today, Mrs. Bancroft still lives, approaching 103 years old, and her garden is an example of hard work and meticulous organization. There are about 2,000 succulent plants found in this garden, originating from Australia, Mexico, Chile, Africa, and of course California, and that makes one awesome botanical garden of dry plants. James loved being with me and his friends. His favorite thing about the tour was the fact that he was able to plant and take home with him a small cactus. I really enjoyed being with James today.
On Tuesday, I got all my shopping for the week done. I felt bad that I was spending my time with the younger boys shopping and running errands, but these are necessary things of life. We did find some time, however, to do some puzzles together before I had to pick up the older children and then take Gillian to chorus. Doing puzzles is something that James and I enjoy doing together.
On Wednesday, we slept in. My children had been going to sleep very late these two days, and they felt tired. Being a short day at school, I kept them home. They didn't escape homework however. I had a bunch saved for all of them to do. Plus, they cleaned and vacuumed their rooms, took long baths, read books by the fire, attended the library, and played with friends later on at the playground. When dad came home, he found them raking leaves and playing with them, mostly more playing than cleaning. I love having my kids home. They are so much happier and accomplish so much more with very satisfying results. You can see their happiness radiate from their tender eyes.
On Thursday, I had a quiet day at home, cleaning and cooking, and getting ready for a party I was throwing in the evening. Charlton collaborated and slept for about three hours in the afternoon, and I had the house all to myself. I put some music on, and enjoyed my pondering time while cleaning and cooking. I really need days like this, when I can do mundane things and use the time to think.
On Friday, I accompanied Gillian on her field trip to the Oakland Museum of California. I had never been there, and I was glad I went. There were several exhibitions about the history, art and people of California. Gillian's class, a combination of 4th and 5th graders, is studying California history this year and this trip was just right for them to learn and remember interesting facts about this state's history. Because we were taking a tour, which took most of our time there, we weren't able to see much on the other levels and exhibitions. I plan to take my kids there soon so we can explore some more the parts we didn't get to see on Friday.
The first exhibition we got to see was a picture gallery documenting the 1991 fire on the Oakland-Berkeley hills, which was very devastating on many accounts. Twenty-five people died, and hundreds of houses were burned to the ground. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for those residents to continue a normal life after such a heart-breaking disaster.
Most of our time was spent visiting the History of California exhibition starting with the different tribes of Indians to the creation of Alta California, continuing with Mexico war, Independence, Gold Rush, Earthquakes, the establishment of Hollywood, and many other interesting facts and events that took place in California throughout its existence.
For Gillian, and for most of the other students, the favorite part of this particular exhibition was the Hollywood room. In it, the girls sat down and design various fashion styles, worked on their own animation movie, and tried to get the boys out of the special effect room so they could have a turn making horse trotting noises, punching sound effects and shot gun racket. It was by far the most interactive room and the most fun of them all.
On Saturday, my friend Amy and I took our girls to Ice Skating lessons. It was so fun seeing the girls learning and enjoying this special sport. Mary was graceful on ice, and Gillian was brave and determined to get it right. By the end of the class, both of them seemed as if they belonged on ice. I can't wait to see them become proficient and skate without fear. Sweet!
Later that day, we took the whole family and went to celebrate one of James's friend's birthday. Jack turned 5 on Saturday, and his mother, Jennifer, had thrown this awesome party with a fun big bouncy house and delicious food.
Being new to the church, we thought that he would enjoy a Children's song book with its accompanying CDs. Jack had borrowed one of our books in the past and seemed to have enjoyed learning the new songs. He was very happy to have a copy of his own, especially accompanied by music. The kids enjoyed the party, with Charlton playing on his own at the little play structure in the back yard, with Jefferson and James trying to jump as high as they could, and with Gillian trying to enjoy herself while taking care of every single little kid who wanted to climb the jump house.
The only problem having a jump house for a birthday activity is the fact that no kid wants to leave when it's time to wrap the party up. After two hours of fun, we told the kids to say goodbye to Jack, and then we took them home. I assigned them some more leaf cleaning, while I myself took off on a photography gig for one of my friends. I really enjoyed taking their family picture. The Wiederhold family have one birth child and three adopted children, and seeing them how beautifully they looked as a family, made me be grateful for the sealing power that makes our families eternal. It also reminded me of that special joy that is found nowhere else except in the heart of our families.On Sunday, I had to repent right as the day started. I hate being late to church every Sunday, and so I was trying to get things done on time and leave early. I was right on schedule when I hear my boys asking for some coloring pages to take to church. Instead of saying no and get going, I said sure and sat down and got them some coloring pages. Jefferson was giving me hard time by being indecisive, which made me very angry. As I, by accident, looked at the time, I realized I was going to be late if I didn't leave right then and there. However, Jefferson wasn't being a help. He was changing his mind about which pictures he wanted several times. I lost my patience and scared Jefferson out of his mind by yelling at him. As I saw tears in his eyes, I stopped what I was doing, tried to look outside myself and seeing a witch instead of a loving mother. I sat down with Jefferson, gave him a hug, and holding him tight, I expressed my love for him and asked for his forgiveness. I explained to him my frustration of not being able to get to church on time, as well as my desire to please them. I asked not only for his forgiveness, but also for his help. He hugged me and said that he would love to help me achieve that goal. And then added that with a bit of kindness from my side, he would do anything for me. He might as well had stabbed me. Thank you Jefferson for teaching me a lesson.
We were late to church of course, and I had to offer a heart-felt prayer as I partook of the Sacrament, but at least my son knew I loved him and that I was trying my best. I also prayed for more patience and kindness. I realize that as moms we are seen as perfect beings that never make mistakes, but of course that is not true. To try to be that perfect example to our children, and at the same time to develop those virtues and strengths that are required to achieve that perfection is the hardest thing in the world, and I'm glad the Savior picks up the slack for me. I'm grateful for the Atonement that offers me second chances.
After church, I had planned to accomplish a monumental endeavor, and I was dreading it. I said a prayer on my own, and then asked Gillian to join me in my room, while the boys were coloring and drawing. Tonight, I had THE talk with Gillian. For days and weeks, Gillian and I had been talking about the fact that she is growing and what that means. Tonight, I sat down and explained everything to her as clearly and as straight forward as I possibly could. We started with a prayer, read a couple of books together while stopping and expanding on the meaning of each topic, and then I shared my testimony of the divine gift of our bodies and spirits, and the blessing of a temple marriage. Gillian and I felt very comfortable discussing these delicate issues and she came out of our meeting with a good understanding of the issues that were discussed. I know having the gospel in our lives makes it so much easier to understand how everything fits in the big picture. I know Gillian's understanding was facilitated by those divine principles.
Our Sabbath continued with Choir practice, Tithing settlement appointment, dinner, reading, prayer, and finally sleep time. This coming week is Thanksgiving, and the children have the whole week off. I don't have any specific plans, except that I'm going to be with them the whole week and enjoy their company and love. Awesome!
