Well, we've had some amazing days- emotional, happy, sad, stressful, invigorating. Amazing.We celebrated Hayden's and Hannah's birthday, and also recognized Hannah's passing from this life to her next phase. I have a really hard time putting into words the awesomeness that accompanies this experience. The friendships around it all. The love felt through the people. The sadness, yet happiness in the memories. All so amazing.The ceremony I held for us was beautiful and seemed to be exactly what we all needed. I'd like to share one part that was really sweet. We were all offering to Hannah parts of the earth that we would want her to have with her for her journey. For example, I said "I am the beautiful sunrise. I offer this to you Hannah." Other things included were the fire, birds, flowers. When it was Alec's turn he was a little hesitant, not sure what to say and then he said "I'm a rock". Diana and I looked at each other with tears in our eyes. Amazed that he would think of that. Alec was wondering why were in such awe.Alec didn't know that Hannah's last words were,,"don't worry Mom, I'm a rock".This life is amazing. It can sometimes be sad, difficult, and even outright sucky,, but if we can step back and see the awesomeness that is present. What a gift. Diana always talks about how she's so blessed; I have to agree. I am also, so blessed. :)
That's what's written on Kyra's Bratz calendar today. Its a happy day today because Hayden and Diana are coming up to stay with us for a couple of weeks. We are all excited about it, been counting down the days. :) After those couple of weeks, we're heading down to Albuquerque for the http://liveandlearn.org We're sooo excited. Also on Kyra's calendar are 2 gifts drawn on the 22nd and 23rd of this month. Its Hayden's birthday Tuesday and Hannah's on Wednesday. We're going to do some special things with Hayden on his day, then have a special ceremony for Hannah on her day. We'll have fun on Tuesday and then on Wednesday we'll be remembering and honoring Hannah. I found an amazing book called Ceremonies For Real Life by Carine Fabius. Its full of beautiful ceremonies to have on special days. "Passing Onward:Making Peace with Death" is what we'll be doing, outside around our fire ring. Hannah loved the fire. :)
Tim's happier. He's still doing the same job, but is finding joy in other things. I truly believe that this is a gift that our children have brought to us.
Alec has really brought Tim a lot of joy lately, especially over Yu-Gi-Oh. Big time bonding over that interest right now. :D
One night they were dueling each other and I guess Tim was looking particularly serious so Alec said, "smile, Dad". lol We all had to laugh. Competition can be an issue sometimes. One might feel it and the other will say,, "can we just have fun?" And vice versa, it comes and goes. But its been a good ride, the Yu-Gi-Oh experience.
Alec will read and read at the computer about different cards, strategies,decks.. all sorts of things. Most recently he's been learning all about e-bay and bidding. They've been building different decks, which have different strategies, (different attributes) so they've been looking for particular cards to complete these decks. Its been great finding the cards at E-bay, some have only been like $3.00 and no shipping. :D He's figured out how to bid at the right time, I've offered to set the timer on the stove so we remember when to check but he hasn't needed it.
*******************************************************************
Its such a switcheroo,, this unschooling thing. :)
A LOT of people would think that you need to guide your children to what they need to learn/do. What a paradigm shift. That you can actually follow what your child likes/wants. I'm not saying that we don't offer things too, making suggestions; a partnership. But the world that our children has brought to us is startling. So awesome....so inspiring.
My deep down inspiration right now is -- Alec, Abbi and Kyra. :D
Yep, I have quiet time.Don't always know what to do with it though. *g*Kyra is in Moorhead for a few days with Tim. She loves being able to see her friends and cousins over there. Tim's work brings them there so it works out well. She packs up all her Bratz and Yu-Gi-Oh cards and she's off.We've had some busy weeks, lots of driving here and there. My dad had back surgery so we went to Moorhead one weekend. (He's fine :) and feeling much better than he was. And then last weekend we had a wedding. My niece Natalie got married! It was a beautiful wedding. An outdoor garden venue, which was just heavenly. The girls had a blast dancing at the reception/dance, while Alec was happy to get down to the cities to also visit some card shops. Always thinking about those Yu-Gi-Oh cards ya know!I've been doing some reading, crocheting, henna tattooing and learning Yu-Gi-Oh too, phew, its really complex. But I did duel now,, wahoo. We are getting ready for our trip to Albuquerque and the Live and Learn Conference -- So Excited! And Diana will be coming up here this next Monday so its getting close. She'll be caravaning with us down there. Following the conference, we'll be taking in the Grand Canyon with the Lovejoys -- adventure is a comin'.I'll blog more later when I get my other computer back. The one computer that I can download pictures from is in Fargo getting worked on by the Geek Squad. Our video card choked so we HAD to get that fixed,,,MUST--HAVE--GOOD--GRAPHICS. *g* We're such a gamin family. :D
