Learning from kids

These little kids teach me things when I least expect it. Case in point: Bella's prayers. So each morning we sing prayers together, or occasionally she sings them herself. The other day I cam downstairs scurrying around in the morning trying to rush through my morning routine of preparing her lunch, giving Alec and Bella breakfast, making my coffee, making my tea for my ride to work, and checking my blackberry for morning emails.

Anyway, I arrive downstairs and she was already ready with her sneakers on (sometimes a very long battle), brushed teeth and breakfast prepared (thanks P). That morning as we left the house I reminded her that we should say prayers. Well, she happily informed me she already said three of them. Wow...I was speechless. One is great, but three?

So later that day, Pieter told me that when he picked her up from school, she was very thrilled that her day was really good; so good in fact that she was not "in trouble" during circle time for talking. She told her teacher too. Her teacher said "yeah, you were good today..." Isabella told Pieter that she prayed for 3 things: ...One: that she wouldn't get in trouble today; two: that Mommy wouldn't be grumpy in the morning; and three: that Max would get better.

When he told me I was floored (for non English speakers, this phrase conveys awe and surprise) I was amazed partly because it was so refreshing that she could see a positive consequence to her prayerful attitude and state of mind; and partly because I could not believe she prayed that I wouldn't be grumpy. Hearing that was so humbling and led to some serious self-reflection.

I am a night person, and love to stay up late (hence the blogging at midnight etc.) So in the AM I am more focused on getting done the things I need to get done, without excess chatting, and frankly with as little distraction as possible...Am I happy? No. Am I a nice person to be with when I get up? Sadly, no. My best mornings are when I get up after a good night sleep, practice some yoga in the morning, drink some green tea and then carry the rest of my day with grace instead of restlessness. Uhhhh, how often do I do that?? Too embarrassed to mention and frankly too rare to even count.

I did however learn some lessons:

Lesson 1: Stop being so focused on myself and being grumpy. My little girl notices.
Lesson 2: She is amazing
Lesson 3: I love these kids more than I ever believed I'd have the capacity for...

I don't know how long it will take for me to unwind in the AM and get my restful smilely face on, but looking at these little kids sure makes it easier. (I'll brew some stronger coffee too)

Oh yeah, and the lesson from Alec? He is so full of love and affection I am at a loss for words. But he is not!

We were at the Pediatrician a few weeks ago for his 2 year check up (he was 26 months but who is counting?). Since Alec was only saying 20 words rather than 30-40 his doctor was a little concerned. So anyway, he tells us to wait until September, track his progress and then we will see if his slower speaking stage is caused by something else (such as hearing although we immediately thought that was not possible as Alec can track a plane with hearing the slightest sounds in the sky. My Mom is convinced he will be a pilot)

So as soon as we leave the doctor's office and every day since then... What happens? Alec starts saying every single word we say, Belllllla, Appl, Boooowl,caaar, two, mellllon, bottttle, cookie, weh weh (oh yeah, that is still not a word, but his word for licorice which he LOVES) and he doesn't stop.

Just when you think you know the stage they are in, they surprise you. I am beginning to really enjoy Motherhood. (did I actually just write that?)

Cool. (and Bon soir...)

Mirroring worlds

Here is a common Sunday afternoon, the fan blowing since the humidity has reached a real high point. I am viewing our verdant garden from our library, and things seem really nice.

Listening to Madeline Peyroux (very smooth stuff) and drinking raspberry seltzer with a splash of lime. Cool.

While I am sitting here though, I am wondering how the world is handling these recent implosions. Haifa was bombed, which is the World Administrative Center of the Bahai Faith, the place where close friends of ours live, visit and serve. But it doesnt stop there, North Korea talks are at a low point while the UN tries to muster enough objection to prevent a veto from China; 25% of all children need pills in summer camp (yup, check the NY times,kids at camps need pills for treating their ADD, psychiatric problems or mood disorders... this is our America folks); Beirut is being bombed extensively and for some it is payback, for others it is unjustified tactic; US & Moscow falter on their recent trade talks; oil is going up, pricier and yet another pinch on the global economy; and the world keeps on spinning.

In my little microcosm of a world, I had some nice news this week. It started while we visited Max and his family at their home, while Max is recuperating and living on the outside. It was great to see this little man, giving life a try and still pushing each moment through, with smiles, playing, watching "thomas the train" and extending friendship to Bella and Alec. I also spoke to Samira's family, adn heard that Samira's son Ellis is doing great and Samira is better, still grappling with her limitations but getting on okay. It is still miraculous that she is okay and I am so encouraged by her survival.

Oh yeah, I also got promoted from Area Counsel, Director to Vice President Senior Counsel. I really appreciate that part of my life, as I have great people to work with and I do believe that a part of me, the true me gets expressed through my work; both from the spirtual sense and creatively. I am thankful for that, and love the extra pennies it adds to our monthly purse strings.

But through this all, the world affects and worries me. How can I better be part of the solution, rather than add to the complaining, worrying and the do nothing folks? I need to think about it...

Until next time, peace, really.

how i spent my vacation

Green Acre

A place for friends, poetry, light and fulfillment

Meeting new souls with like minded hearts, so inspiring

Stories new, stories old over tea by the moonlight.

Children laughing, rolling down the greenest hills.

Sharing, encouraging, and strengthing our paths

As we all gaze at our Beloved, detached and knowing

That all will be all right, within His Trust...within His Trust.