I started reading lessons with Helena. She surprised me by writing her name in various places, with all of the letters in the correct order, which I took as a sign of readiness. I was hoping to wait a little longer. Although the book I have used with the other two is really easy in the early lessons, which means it only takes about 10 minutes out of my day. She is pleased to "do her school" and I sometimes remind her that "her school" is everything she is doing, all the day long. This is what she looks like when she is winking:
One day, I overheard Hudson reading books to Helena in the bathroom while she was taking care of Bathroom Business. It struck me as a very sweet and tender moment. I thought better of photographing it, but I took a picture in my mind. One thing not so sweet and tender about Bathroom Business at our house is that it can NOT be accomplished expediently. We will be walking out the door, usually already running a little behind, and one of them will announce Bathroom Intentions. I will say, in a patient and benevolent tone (naturally), "Well, HURRY UP," then a few moments will pass and the child in question will reappear, having carefully gathered at least half a dozen books to take to the bathroom, yet still not having taken care of Bathroom Business. At which point I will say something (in a patient and benevolent tone, naturally) like, "There is a time for reading, and a time to REFRAIN FROM READING! THIS IS THE LATTER!" Then the kid in question will scurry away and, without the entertainment factor, things go much faster.
I am truly sorry for things taking such a scatological turn, but writing that story down just reminded me that one time a couple of years ago (I am 100% certain it was raining out) the husband saw Sasha acting suspiciously on the carpet. He boomed, "SASHA DON'T YOU DARE POOP ON THE CARPET!" Alas, she was undone by fear. Out came the poop. And then we were undone by laughter. It's pretty funny to see a figure of speech come to (smelly, disgusting) life like that.
Harper made a card for our friend Ethan a couple of weeks ago. We all love Olivier Dunrea's sweet illustrations. Harper chose Peedie for this card. While she was drawing it, I wondered aloud if Dunrea had started out as a child doing reproductions of illustrations he admired. She asked if he got paid to write and illustrate children's books. I assured her he was compensated, probably handsomely, for his work. "THAT," she said firmly, "is what I am going to do for money when I am a grown up." I would not be at all surprised.
We were at my parents' last week, and there was the putting on of the costumes, and the meeting of the cousins at the church festivities. I present to you L-R: Tinkerbell, a ninja, and Louis the swan from Trumpet of the Swan:
Harper had made her own Louis costume to wear for Dress as Your Favorite Character From a Book day at our co-op a couple of weeks ago. It involved a white trash bag and required her to hold her hand straight up by her head because her arm was the swan neck. I persuaded her to use her own head this time, and we traded the trash bag for a white t-shirt and some bandanas.And yes, Hudson's taekwondo uniform makes yet another appearance. He actually wanted to be Bilbo Baggins, but a velvet cutaway was more than I could commit to.
More to come. Sooner, hopefully.
2 comments:
Wow! I'm so impressed with Harper's drawing! That's a great idea Ill have to borrow. We're still working on Ilive's letter sounds. I can't seem to keep her still long enough. (Wink.)
I had time to read these top 3 latest ones-- Do you know how funny you are?!? And yes, Harper’s drawing is amazing. As are your expressions and your capitalizations and your life stories. I noticed it’s been awhile since you have had time to write-- pray all is well with your sweet family.
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