There are so many beautiful things in this world of ours-so many things that we want to teach our children, so many things we want them to experience. Sometimes it seems like one lifetime couldn't possibly be enough to do all that. But despite the busyness of it all, the holiday season gives us ample opportunity's to teach our children.
Here are some of the lessons we've been able to teach them this past month.
We went to a Cresh in Palo Alto so we that we could show the girls Nativities from all around the world. Here we were able to teach them a lot of things-leading up to it, we had been listening to lots of songs, reading lots of books and spending a lot of nights teaching our children about Christmas and how while Santa is fun and wonderful, Jesus is the true reason we have something to celebrate. While there, we were able to see art of all different materials, from all different origins. We hope this taught them that beauty can come from anywhere, and should be sought after-not just temporal beauty but the kind that makes us all unique and different from one another. The different kinds of art that were there were astounding and we loved it. We also taught them patience & sharing. There was a kids room with costumes, and hands on activities that all the kids wanted to use. Although it was hard for their little eager hands, they had to wait their turns and when they did, they made others happy and in the end they got to be happy and take a turn to. I am sure this will be a much repeated lesson of course, but still it was good to see it in action. And of course we taught them to believe in wonder and miracles, like the birth of our Savior.
Another chance we had to teach our girls was when we got to attend Hanukkah at a friend's house. Her family was gracious enough to allow us to attend one night when they lit the Menorah. We got to listen to the beautiful Hebrew words and traditions, play dradel and eat with them. With this we hoped to teach them to value good friendships, surround themselves by good people, appreciate and respect different belief systems, and to seek out truth. While we will always raise our girls teaching them our beliefs which are at the core of who we are, we don't want them to do the same just because its whats they are used to. Of course we hope they will follow in our footsteps, but if they do we want it to be because they chose it and they believe it, not because we made them do it. I think my parents did a good job with that, and its something we hope to repeat.
Speaking of friends, we also we're able to have some fun frosting a lot of sugar cookies recently with a few of them. My Auntie approached me a while ago about wanting to do some cookie decorating, and I was more then happy to do the baking, while she was nice enough to host and make the frosting. It was so fun to spend some time with family and friends and we thoroughly enjoyed it. While this may not be the most important lesson of all, we think this was yet another lesson that food brings people together haha-I know thats silly, but some of the most important people and parts of my life were around a table. Its a hobby and a part of life that I love, and I hope my kids will enjoy it too [in health and moderation of course!]
We also thoroughly enjoyed a special date with our sweet Addy when we went to see the Nutcracker [courtesy of a family friend-thank you!] I think Lester and I always thought we'd do Mommy/ daughter or Daddy/daughter dates with the girls, but I really loved the chance we both had to spend time with our first girl focusing on just her. I would like to do this more often with each of them. In doing so, I hope to teach them how that they are important and unique, one of a kind individuals with specific things to offer the world. They are worth getting to know, as part of a group, but also on their own.
Yesterday, we had a the chance to return to the scene of some of the most important times in our lives. The LDS Oakland temple-it was here as youth we spent so many hours for pageants, youth activities, etc. It was here that we committed to each other for eternity, and later made the decision to open our hearts and homes to our sweet children. And it was here that we returned with those two most important little blessings that night. Every year they set up beautiful lights and host programs that center around Christ and his birth. Although cold, it was a lovely, clear night and the girls loved it. We even got to see some old friends, so all in all it was a great night. With this visit, we hope to teach them to seek after personal revelation, and to make the temple a goal. Addy called it 'a palace' and told us she wanted to go inside to see where Heavenly Father and Jesus live-we told her someday when she's older, and in the right circumstances, we hope she will do just that.
Then today, we went to Star Wars and it was amazing haha. I guess the only lessons here were that Star Wars is awesome, and that its important to always make time for the people who matter [like we did today for a date!]
We also have enrolled the kids in swimming lessons, and it has been such a blast. I do the toddler class w Isla while Addy has her own class and teacher. I'm impressed w how far they've come in such a short month and a half! Lester and I made a list a few years ago about the 'mandatory' activities we want to have the kids do, and the optional. The only ones on the mandatory list are swimming, bc this is a life skill and we want to teach them to be aware of their surroundings while still having fun, then an instrument [which we'll probably start round age 4 or 5] and we want them each to at least try a team sport. After they've tried one season of it, they can choose whether to continue or not, but we think its good to learn to work with others and enjoy being active. On the potential hobby list are things like dance [we'll probably start soon w ballet], judo, sports, art, you name it. We think its ok if they try a few things until they find something they like and then they can stick w it if they want.
As far as other blog worthy lessons go, we've made a 'countdown Christmas chain' at the beginning of the month. Every day we break off a ring and whatever activity it has we do. Some of them have been outings, like the ones listed above and others are simple home things, like read stories, bake, or a craft [like writing to Santa, or making a birthday card for Jesus]. Its been fun and given the kids something to look forward to every morning, while helping them see the progress of the shorter chain- I suppose with this I'm just trying to teach them patience, and to be anxiously engaged and enjoy life even when you have to wait. We've also taken a few walks in between the storms, winds and rains. While no where near what Oklahoma had to offer us, we've finally gotten some serious help with the drought and the waves have been celebrating and knocking everything over in sight. When the rain has stopped, we've gotten our sunshine and exercise walking by our cliffs and beaches. The girls loved it as much as we did and we hope it helped increase their love, respect and appreciation for nature.
So this has been us and our life lessons lately. Tomorrow starts the week of Christmas and New Years fun, and we have a million more wonderful things awaiting us as a result. Gosh, I love the holidays!
