Things I've been noticing (more) the last couple of weeks:
Aubrey:
She really likes going to school. I've been surprised at the lack of information unloading she does; I guess I expected her to be my chatty Cathy after her school day. But she has never been that way and I feel a bit like the slow mom in not picking up on that before now. She shares as her heart has had time to process. Like today she told a story about why she didn't know why another girl could do things she couldn't do, even though they are both 5. I thought she would be referring to some feat of strength or something, but as it turns out, this other girl was just being bossy and claiming territory that wasn't hers' to claim. Mother Bear, anyone? So I told Aubs that if she does that again, and Aubrey knows it's something the teacher would be okay with, to just tell the girl, "No, I will do that, too. You aren't the boss of me." And a weight was lifted off my daughter's shoulders, visibly.
Aubrey:
She really likes going to school. I've been surprised at the lack of information unloading she does; I guess I expected her to be my chatty Cathy after her school day. But she has never been that way and I feel a bit like the slow mom in not picking up on that before now. She shares as her heart has had time to process. Like today she told a story about why she didn't know why another girl could do things she couldn't do, even though they are both 5. I thought she would be referring to some feat of strength or something, but as it turns out, this other girl was just being bossy and claiming territory that wasn't hers' to claim. Mother Bear, anyone? So I told Aubs that if she does that again, and Aubrey knows it's something the teacher would be okay with, to just tell the girl, "No, I will do that, too. You aren't the boss of me." And a weight was lifted off my daughter's shoulders, visibly.
We get the privelege of playing at the playground the last 30 minutes of her day with her. She is one of 3 students that are only half-day so we pick her up during recess. The boys like the chance to play at the playground and I like getting to observe how they all interact with the other kids. Aubrey is usually at the swings, either with another classmate, or with a pre-k kid who needs help on the swings. She loves to help. Loves it. She thrives in an environment where she can be a helper. That is not my gift and sometimes it is hard for me to understand, but watching Aubrey on the playground, tender with the younger kids and quiet with the older kids, is teaching me a lot. She has a heart of gentle leadership, of nurturing and tending to those "weaker" than her. She has no interest in competing to see who is the best. In fact, that confuses her and flat out makes her grumpy. I love how she is knit together.
Bryant:
My big boy at home with Aubrey away at school. We try to do a little school at home first thing. He is diligent, something I would not have predicted. But he takes pride in doing something the right way, with encouragement of course. :) He is so quick to welcome Stuart into things; it is an extremely rare occasion for him to want Stuart excluded from our activities. Even when it means one of his markers has been snatched.
We played with playdough the other day and I sat Stuart at the table with Bryant and said, "Now, Bubs, you will need to share some playdough with Stuart." Aubrey would have balled up a tiny piece and handed it to him, hoping it would be sufficient to entertain him. Bryant gave Stuart more than he had, along with the big equipment (they have a pizza making station for playdough). And when he needed a piece he would tell Stuart he was just borrowing it and would give it right back. He's always been this way; I've always noticed this generous spirit in him. It's incredibly fun to see that spirit develop as he grows.
We played with playdough the other day and I sat Stuart at the table with Bryant and said, "Now, Bubs, you will need to share some playdough with Stuart." Aubrey would have balled up a tiny piece and handed it to him, hoping it would be sufficient to entertain him. Bryant gave Stuart more than he had, along with the big equipment (they have a pizza making station for playdough). And when he needed a piece he would tell Stuart he was just borrowing it and would give it right back. He's always been this way; I've always noticed this generous spirit in him. It's incredibly fun to see that spirit develop as he grows.
We have a kids worship CD in the car and this morning as we were driving Aubrey to school, Bryant was belting out, "Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that you're my God!" Aubrey was shushing him, because she couldn't hear the music. I preferred the music of my son of thunder to the veggietales, so I told Aubrey he was just singing along. To which Bryant quickly said, "Yes, but Mommy, I was singing very loudly. I will be more quiet." Generous boy. Generous soul.
Stuart:
Well, to start this week off, we went to the store after dropping Aubrey off to buy Bryant a new pair of shoes. Stuart did not want to sit in the cart. Stuart did not want to walk and hold my hand. "I do not like green eggs and ham." So Stuart, in his losing battle, threw such a huge fit in the store that his nose bled. Fun fun fun. This is Stuart when he is certain things should be a different way.
Well, to start this week off, we went to the store after dropping Aubrey off to buy Bryant a new pair of shoes. Stuart did not want to sit in the cart. Stuart did not want to walk and hold my hand. "I do not like green eggs and ham." So Stuart, in his losing battle, threw such a huge fit in the store that his nose bled. Fun fun fun. This is Stuart when he is certain things should be a different way.
He is also hilarious, charming, and completely snuggly most moments. He loves his growing independence as a "big boy," and relishes any chance he has to drink out of a big boy glass, eat at the table, color a picture, or do anything else that his brother and sister do. And he loves playing games. We have gotten in the habit of doing a few rounds of hide and seek at night. Aubrey, Bryant, and I are on one team and Stuart and Daddy are on the other team. Whenever someone is found, Stuart has the funniest look of pure pleasure on his face that I have ever seen. He has his mouth wide open while yelling, "AHHHHH!!!!!" and then he'll barrel toward me. He just loves being a part of the family doings.
We've been working on a Bible verse for Christmas time. It's a long section, the story of Jesus' birth, and I was blown away when as we were saying the reference before beginning, Stuart put his hands up on his head like a crown. That is the first hand motion we use in our narrative. I am continually amazed at this ball of personhood. He is a wonder.
