Had the neatest experience in the car on the way to the girls' school the other morning. For some reason, I was contemplating the trials that my sweet little Ella has experienced in her life. When I was about 6 months pregnant with her, Alfredo and I were in a car accident. We were okay, but as a precaution, since I have the Rh factor and some of her blood had mixed in my bloodstream, I spent a night at the hospital. Then at four months old, we found out she had a hole in her heart. She had many chest x-rays, echocardiograms, EKGs and at 19 months old, she had open heart surgery. Her speedy recovery was such a blessing. Then a month later, she got Influenza B and RSV and was hospitalized for 3 days. At about 2 1/2, she rolled off the bed in the middle of the night and broke her clavicle. Ella is also my kiddo who seems to always have cavities despite the fact that I'm quite conscientious about her teeth brushing. She is also a tender-hearted little girl who is quite sensitive to stimuli. She gets easily upset and hurt.
I was reflecting on this as I was driving the girls to school. For only being six years old, she has already had some pretty difficult trials. Some how, as I was thinking about this, I was reminded of Joseph Smith and the trials he had beginning at a young age. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by the spirit telling me that Ella, too, has a strong spirit and an important mission on this Earth. She is strong enough to endure difficult trials and remain faithful, if we as her parents do our best to teach her the gospel and instill in her a love for the Savior. She does have such a sweet love for the Savior already and each day she prays to know and remember that He loves us. The spirit was so strong that I began to cry as it testified to me of this truth.
It was such a powerful moment because while I dearly love Ella, I often feel that I am not well suited as her mother. At six years old, she still has more meltdowns than her 3 year old sibling. That really worries me at times, and frustrates me at times. I recognize that this aspect of her personality is both a blessing and a trial because the same part of her that leads her to melt down and overreact easily also leads her to be very aware of other people's feelings and to be very compassionate and caring. But it can be exhausting and makes me feel at times like I'm failing as a mother. But as the spirit washed over me, it was confirmed to me again that it is not my job to try to change or rid her of this part of her personality but help guide her so that she can learn to control it. If I can be more effective at building her confidence and at really establishing a "house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God" (D & C 88:118) then Ella will be able to fulfill her divine mission here on Earth and we will be an eternal family in the eternities.
Interestingly, as I was flipping to the Doctrine and Covenants to make sure I typed that verse correctly, my scriptures fell open to Moses 3. Moses 3 talks about how Satan "sought to destroy the agency of man...to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will" (verses 3 and 4). At the bottom of this chapter I have written, "If you help break a baby chick out of its shell, it will die. Satan would remove our shell and make us go back to God, but without our strength. Christ leaves our shell and helps us gain the strength we need to break our shell and return to God." This just really seemed to fit with my thoughts about Ella...she needs to continue to overcome trials to become strong to fulfill her mission.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Giving Thanks
Today my kids had a couple of friends over playing. At one point, Ella and her friend were drawing pictures. Then Ella decided they should write what they were thankful for. Ella started making her list, stopping several times to help her friend (who is in kindergarten) write/spell the things she was thankful for. It made my heart happy to see Ella counting her blessings, completely on her own, not with any prodding from me. And to see her helping her friend to write. I love that girl.
Just now, as I'm typing this, I heard her friend say to her, "You are my best friend forever. You were my first friend and you are my bestest, bestest friend in the whole wide world."
Just now, as I'm typing this, I heard her friend say to her, "You are my best friend forever. You were my first friend and you are my bestest, bestest friend in the whole wide world."
Disney on Ice
On Saturday, November 12, we took the kids to Disney on Ice. We went with friends, Leo and Annette and their kids as well as Justin and Heather and their kids. We met Justin and Heather at the Gateway first and had lunch together. It was a cold, snowy day.
I brought my camera, but when I pulled it out to turn it on, I realized that the last time I used it, I had accidentally left it on and the batteries were completely dead. So alas, no pictures. Alfredo tried to take a few with his cell phone, but they turned out terribly.
The girls loved Disney on Ice. It was the first time we've ever gone. And since we had just been to Disneyland, it seemed especially fun. The girls loved the princesses such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Aladdin. Aladdin was Michelle's favorite. I really liked the Lion King...I liked the costumes and I've always loved the movie The Lion King and really enjoyed seeing the highlights performed by skaters. (Someday I would love to see the Broadway version of The Lion King). I have always loved figure skating...and then to see favorite Disney shoes acted out while skating...such a happy thing. It makes me feel a little like a kid again...in awe and wonder about how talented the performers are and full of hope and happiness.
Ella loved seeing the Incredibles. Gabby's favorite was Peter Pan, specifically Tinker Bell.
Gabby must have been tired, because right after the intermission, she curled up in my arms and fell asleep and missed the whole second half...which is when all the princesses came. But she still enjoyed the first half.
It was so much fun! Thank you Alfredo for organizing this fun outing and for talking friends into going with us.
I brought my camera, but when I pulled it out to turn it on, I realized that the last time I used it, I had accidentally left it on and the batteries were completely dead. So alas, no pictures. Alfredo tried to take a few with his cell phone, but they turned out terribly.
The girls loved Disney on Ice. It was the first time we've ever gone. And since we had just been to Disneyland, it seemed especially fun. The girls loved the princesses such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Aladdin. Aladdin was Michelle's favorite. I really liked the Lion King...I liked the costumes and I've always loved the movie The Lion King and really enjoyed seeing the highlights performed by skaters. (Someday I would love to see the Broadway version of The Lion King). I have always loved figure skating...and then to see favorite Disney shoes acted out while skating...such a happy thing. It makes me feel a little like a kid again...in awe and wonder about how talented the performers are and full of hope and happiness.
Ella loved seeing the Incredibles. Gabby's favorite was Peter Pan, specifically Tinker Bell.
Gabby must have been tired, because right after the intermission, she curled up in my arms and fell asleep and missed the whole second half...which is when all the princesses came. But she still enjoyed the first half.
It was so much fun! Thank you Alfredo for organizing this fun outing and for talking friends into going with us.
Violin Concert
(My goal is to finally catch up completely on blogging during this wonderful, long Thanksgiving weekend!) Michelle had a Violin Chamber Concert on Thursday, November 3 at Day Murray Music. Linda Montgomery is her amazing teacher and the concert was amazing. Michelle played Fanfare by Laurence Lyon, Pachelbel's Canon, Indian Drums by Lyon, Mozart's Sonata, London Towne by Lyon, and Orange Blossom Special by Rouse. Other songs were played by some of the more advanced students, including both Spring Music and Winter by Vivaldi. It was a wonderful concert.
I know that practicing violin daily is not always easy for Michelle. Learning in two languages at school, then staying in the afterschool program, practicing piano and violin, and completing homework and reading mean that she does not get as much play time as she would like. She was nervous for this concert...it was hard work to have all five songs memorized and polished. But she did a wonderful job and was so proud of her accomplishment. And Aunt Suzy was here staying with us and was able to attend the concert with us so that made it more special. Good job Michelle!
I know that practicing violin daily is not always easy for Michelle. Learning in two languages at school, then staying in the afterschool program, practicing piano and violin, and completing homework and reading mean that she does not get as much play time as she would like. She was nervous for this concert...it was hard work to have all five songs memorized and polished. But she did a wonderful job and was so proud of her accomplishment. And Aunt Suzy was here staying with us and was able to attend the concert with us so that made it more special. Good job Michelle!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Dance
A friend talked Michelle and Ella into joining their school's Ballet Folklorico group this year. (I had tried to convince them and they said no, but once Zoe asked them to join, they signed right up.) They practice right after school on Wednesdays and will have several performances this year. (This is perfect for me because they would love to dance at a nearby dance school, but I just can't add one more thing to my already busy life.) The group is much bigger this year than it was when Michelle was in first grade.
The Day Riverside Library had an event for El Dia de los Muertos on Tuesday, November 1. El Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday (although it is celebrated in other countries as well) that takes place on November 1 and 2...same days as the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is a day to remember your loved ones who have died. They visit cemetaries and they make altars to remember their deceased loved ones. They often cook the favorite foods of the deceased.
So the Ballet Folklorico performed at Day Riverside Library.
The first grade group performed first.
Then the beginners (grades 2 and up) performed next. They did the Old Man Dance.
Finally the advanced group performed.
The Day Riverside Library had an event for El Dia de los Muertos on Tuesday, November 1. El Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday (although it is celebrated in other countries as well) that takes place on November 1 and 2...same days as the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is a day to remember your loved ones who have died. They visit cemetaries and they make altars to remember their deceased loved ones. They often cook the favorite foods of the deceased.
So the Ballet Folklorico performed at Day Riverside Library.
The first grade group performed first.
Then the beginners (grades 2 and up) performed next. They did the Old Man Dance.
Finally the advanced group performed.
School Spirit Week
October 31 - November 4 was school spirit week for my kids. (I'm still playing catch up, but getting closer!)
Monday they could wear Halloween colors. They both wore Halloween shirts.
Tuesday was Mismatch Day.
Wednesday was Crazy Hair Day. Even Gabby decided to participate in this one by spraying her hair purple. :)
(And I don't know why they have weird smirks in several pictures... They seem to like to make silly or grumpy faces when they are having their pictures taken.
Thursday was Culture Day where you dress up in something from your culture. Ella wore a dress from El Salvador. Michelle decided not to participate.
Friday was "Teachers Wear Uniform. Kids have Free Choice Day." They thought it was fun that the teachers all had to wear uniform since usually the kids have to but teachers can wear "regular" clothes.
Monday they could wear Halloween colors. They both wore Halloween shirts.
Tuesday was Mismatch Day.
Wednesday was Crazy Hair Day. Even Gabby decided to participate in this one by spraying her hair purple. :)
(And I don't know why they have weird smirks in several pictures... They seem to like to make silly or grumpy faces when they are having their pictures taken.
Thursday was Culture Day where you dress up in something from your culture. Ella wore a dress from El Salvador. Michelle decided not to participate.
Friday was "Teachers Wear Uniform. Kids have Free Choice Day." They thought it was fun that the teachers all had to wear uniform since usually the kids have to but teachers can wear "regular" clothes.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Halloween festivities
Our Primary had a fun activity on Saturday (October 29) that Michelle went to. Ella woke up feeling all better, but as she had vomited on Friday night, I made her stay home as a precaution.
On Saturday evening, we carved pumpkins. My sister stayed with us for several weeks while she was looking for a place to move into up here (Hooray! Soon she will live less than an hour's drive away!) so she participated in the pumpkin carving. My daughters thought it was hilarious that they put two of the pumpkins together and made them look like they were kissing.
On Sunday, we painted faces (just for fun.....after church of course.) Michelle painted Gabby's face and Aunt Suzy painted Michelle's face and Ella's face.
We also made caramel apples.
On Halloween, our dear friend/babysitter made us dinner and then the girls and I went trick--or--treating with her family and another friend. It was fun for the kids to trick-or-treat with friends. It was so nice for me to not have to cook after working all day. And I love Halloween. I loved seeing my Sunbeams dressed up in their costumes (I saw 3 of the 4 while we were trick-or-treating.) I love seeing so many neighbors and ward members either out with their kids or as we go to their homes. I have a sweet tooth, so of course I love raiding my kids' candy bags as well. I love stopping by Laurel's house for hot chocolate and scones. Michelle is always thrilled to go to the Gustafson's and go through their spook alley which is an annual tradition. It's fun that the young men in the neighborhood have a fun way to spend their Halloween and many of the kids love it...and for those who don't, the Gustafsons also have cotton candy. What a great neighborhood I live in!! And this year, the weather was nice so it was even pleasant to be out walking around. It was a great night!
On Saturday evening, we carved pumpkins. My sister stayed with us for several weeks while she was looking for a place to move into up here (Hooray! Soon she will live less than an hour's drive away!) so she participated in the pumpkin carving. My daughters thought it was hilarious that they put two of the pumpkins together and made them look like they were kissing.
On Sunday, we painted faces (just for fun.....after church of course.) Michelle painted Gabby's face and Aunt Suzy painted Michelle's face and Ella's face.
We also made caramel apples.
On Halloween, our dear friend/babysitter made us dinner and then the girls and I went trick--or--treating with her family and another friend. It was fun for the kids to trick-or-treat with friends. It was so nice for me to not have to cook after working all day. And I love Halloween. I loved seeing my Sunbeams dressed up in their costumes (I saw 3 of the 4 while we were trick-or-treating.) I love seeing so many neighbors and ward members either out with their kids or as we go to their homes. I have a sweet tooth, so of course I love raiding my kids' candy bags as well. I love stopping by Laurel's house for hot chocolate and scones. Michelle is always thrilled to go to the Gustafson's and go through their spook alley which is an annual tradition. It's fun that the young men in the neighborhood have a fun way to spend their Halloween and many of the kids love it...and for those who don't, the Gustafsons also have cotton candy. What a great neighborhood I live in!! And this year, the weather was nice so it was even pleasant to be out walking around. It was a great night!
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