August 21st
Our day started with Gabriela asking about our dinner time practices, so I plopped a copy of The Family Dinner in her lap. She read and read, shocked at the statistics revealing how little time some families spend together for meals. She was inspired by some of the “rules” laid out in the book, taking many opportunities to read aloud what she found interesting.
Easton requested Duolingo time. I can’t tell if the kids enjoy learning the language or just the feeling of importance from getting to control my iPhone.
8:00 am - Gabriela is testing out a lip gloss recipe she tried making last night with melted crayon. Let’s just say a lot of baby wipes were used.
8:30 Easton and Gabriela are quietly and happily hanging out together in the bedroom. Sibling win! Willow, my independent two year old, is concocting some imaginary recipe in her new play kitchen. Last week I informed my husband that I bought her some “school supplies”. And this kitchen is doing the trick. Willow brought me the baby doll ergo carrier so I could strap her baby in. Apparently, it was time for a walk.
9:00 am Easton is doing Khan Academy. He loves it! I get such a kick out of watching him talk out loud to himself, counting on his fingers, and that lightbulb moment when he realizes he’s figured out the answer.
Gabriela is quietly reading a book about Frida Kahlo.
Willow is running around in circles in the backyard, getting all those crazies out.
9:30 am breakfast time. Gabriela didn’t want what I prepared, so she’s fixing herself something different. I am reading the kids Makoons, the last book in the Birchbark House series, while Willow colors on her easel. “Mama, you reading book not to me?” She asks. I tell her of course she can listen. “No Fanks, Mama”. Gabriela draws as I read to her.
While I was coordinating our book club schedule for this year, all hell broke loose. Willow whacked Gabriela on the head with a wooden hammer, Easton was so upset with her for doing this that he hit Willow. Gabriela and Easton are running around angrily, chasing each other and I’m not even sure why. I may have had a mama tantrum.
Later, Easton helped me do some laundry.
While I prepped lunch for the kids, Easton asked me how old you have to be to get married. We talked about how people changed and grow a lot even as adults, so it’s important to know who you are before you decide to spend forever with someone.
Gabriela has been finding all out Shakespeare books ever since we saw The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. She is reading as much as she can.
We went to the park, which gave us all the fresh air we desperately needed. Gabriela and I left for her therapy appointment. We learned about a very interesting set of cards called Mixed Emotions, which might be helpful to have at home. I’m so grateful for friends who are willing to help us out so Gabriela and I can have this time together. When we returned, another of our book club families was at the park, so we stayed even longer.
After getting home, the kids played out on our rope swing together while I put Willow down for a nap. They decided to prep our Poetry Teatime, which means total secrecy until the grand reveal. I was forced to remain in my room decorating my journals with washi tape, photos and doodles.
I was called to teatime to see proud faces, poetry books, and that they selflessly laid out treats and snacks from our Taiwan Yums Box. Normally, I’d probably get upset that they helped themselves, but they had worked so hard. We just switched between poetry and Taiwanese Trivia tidbits. In the process, I was surprised to learn that Easton remembered trivia from France month (back in February)!!
They are whispering and excitedly huddling, having come up with a “secret” project after asking me how one hangs a swing indoors. I’m a little scared. Not gonna lie.
The kids designed and built a tire swing out of an old wheel barrow tire. Easton broke down completely when Gabriela wouldn’t climb up high in the tree(while holding the swing) to hang it. They are recovering by drawing with water color pencils.
Willow sat on the counter and helped me cook some beans in the instant pot. She always wants to help me in the kitchen.
Lane says he’s not coming home til really late tonight - it’s D&D game night at his brother’s house. I’m glad he’s getting some extra brother time, but a little bummed for me, since the day has already been so long.
I declared it movie night for dinner and we watched Deep Ocean on CuriosityStream.
School doesn’t even officially start until next week, but by taking the time to notice what is going on throughout our day, I realize how much learning is just happening organically. Even though there were rough spots (hello, Mama Tantrum, I’m talking to you),
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