Dolfins, Whalse, and Shrcse

We're starting a theme on the Ocean this week. This morning, I asked Emma to write out on the board exactly what she would like to learn about the Ocean. This was her list:

Dolfins
walse
shrcse
see creechrs (<-- this was Charlie's idea)
seegls
fish
see trtls
craBs
manutees
octupoos
see Horse
sTing ray
jeleefish

Every time I have been in the classroom today, I've taken a moment to re-read this list. I am blown away by my daughter. Here is this magnificent, brilliant, beautiful five year old child sounding out words. Making lists. Taking charge of her education. She has decided where she would like this theme to go. Will she always be like this? Will she have this determination with the decisions about her life?

Sometimes, I'm afraid I'm not enough for her. I'm afraid she gets "pushed aside" because of her brother. And now there will be another child here pushing her aside. She is such a radiant child. She sparkles. She laughs so easily and cries out about the injustices she sees around her. She already knows that when she grows up she wants to save the animals. She happily claims that when she rides her bike to art class, "I'm saving the world!" She is shy and tender. She is silly and goofy. She is a loving, devoted child of God.

I worry about her future. The injustices she faces today are nothing compared to what she will face as she grows and matures and begins to understand true injustices in our world. How will I shield her? How will I protect her? How will I teach her to cope, when many times I feel like I can't cope? She has such a tender heart and I want nothing in this world to change that. I want her to always witness the good in people.

I see how she deals with being "pushed aside" by her brother. She joins him. She makes his ideas a part of her ideas. She incorporates herself into his life as well as incorporating him into her life. I see already how she will deal with being "pushed aside" by the new child by how she takes care of her baby doll. She holds her, swaddles her, feeds her, and makes every day for this baby doll a celebration. "Today is her birthday!" "She just started talking!"

Deep in my heart, under all the fear and apprehension, I know Emma will make it. She will be successful in her life. She has so much to give, so much she is willing to give, the doors in life will open for her.

Sometimes, I'm afraid I'm not enough for her.
But I know, I know, SHE will always be enough for her.

Take Care of your Mother

Earth that is. (But you should take care of your Mommy, as well...)

My family has slowly been making strides toward living a more "green" life. A few things we are doing:
*Recycling as much as we can
*No more paper towels or paper napkins, now we use white bar towels and cloth napkins
*Started a compost pile
*Eating as organically as possible
*Replaced the majority of our lightbulbs with the Compact Fluorescent bulbs, and will continue as other light bulbs need replacing.
*Making some cleaning products as well as using eco-friendly cleaning products
*Researching a hybrid for our next vehicle

The biggest reason I have for making these changes? My children. My grandchildren. My great-grandchildren. I want to know I did my best to leave a good earth for future generations.
To quote an Ancient Indian Proverb:
"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."

Want to do something to help?
Go Zero -- allows you to convert your air travel to carbon neutral. You make a donation based on miles flown, they plant equivalent number of trees to zero you out.
GreenDimes -- removes you permanently from junk mail lists, and every month you're a member, plants a tree on your behalf.
Earth 911 -- gives you accurate, local information to protect your community’s environment.
American Forests -- They will plant a tree for every dollar you donate.
Engines Off -- A mom started this site to raise awareness of the poor effects of keeping your car idling while waiting.

It seems in so many instances, our children's safety is out of our hands. If you had the chance, wouldn't you want to change that?

The Rollercoaster of Life

Well, it's been over a month (a month!) since I've written on my blog. I am a bad bad blogger. Well, here's my reasoning... I've been caught in a bit of a loop-de-loop on the roller coaster of life. There are the ups and the downs, but man those loop-de-loops really send you for a... loop?

So, the biggest news right now is the upcoming addition to our family. And no, it's not a puppy. Come October we will be the proud owners of a brand, spanking new 2007 edition baby.
Yep.
I'm pregnant.
I have finally entered the 4th month and things seem to be going well. I'm a little confused as to how I feel about this. Don't get me wrong, I'm not disappointed by any means, I'm just a little.... apprehensive. I mean, it's been 4 years since I've done this. That doesn't seem like too long, but in my life it's been long enough to potty train 2 kids, make sure they are sleeping through the night, and speaking in complete sentences. Now we're starting all over! The kid's excitement is definitely helping me to cope with enjoy this a bit more. Emma has drawn several picture of me with a big belly, written a few lullabies, and is very concerned about making sure the baby's room gets done. I have to keep reminding her we have until October.
October.

I got news today from my father that my grandfather passed away last night. He had been sick for a while, but as my grandmother said today, "Even though you are expecting it to happen, it still shocks you." I feel the same way. I knew it was going to happen, but I am still shocked. I'm so glad I got to see him again- granted it was a couple of years ago, but I got to see him while he was healthy. The kids were able to meet him as well, so we have a few pictures and some video. That makes me happy because we have the memories to look back on- and the memories will forever be of my happy, healthy grandfather.

We're also coming up on the one year anniversary of my brother's death. He died last June, and I don't think anyone in my family has truly come to terms with it yet. Then again, I don't think anyone can come to terms with the death of someone so young with so much life still ahead of him. He was only 37.

So, it seems that I am personally experiencing the circle of life. One life leaves its earthy home, another enters. The loop-de-loops on the roller coaster of life certainly keep things interesting... but I think I may need some Dramamine soon.