Not Quite Forgotten Moments

Kids Yoga Class with Ms. Eva 

when John Robert was nearly six, 

Spencer was three, and Denver was yet to be.

My darling Spencer ten years ago.  He is now about to be a teenager.  This photo is how I remember him, and I can barely believe how time has passed.  And yet, I am fascinated, too, by the young man he is growing up to be.  Still caring.  Sensitive. Thoughtful.  My Pencie.

 

Laugh Lines are our Reward

John Robert (far right) with two friends-- all of whom are taller than me!

 I remember very clearly when these three guys were three or four years old and attending the Montessori School of Covington.  They went together on a "playdate" to Chik-fil-A where they ran at a frenzied pace-- french fries dangling from their lips-- through the brightly colored habitrail for toddlers while we parents looked on and laughed.  

More birthday party friends

Times have changed; and yet these boys still make us laugh and smile.  They have transformed; we simply have more laugh lines.  

I guess laugh lines are our reward for the worry and sleepless nights and fortunes spent on discarded toys and retirements invested in college savings programs.  I don't even have to pause before telling you it has been worth every moment and every penny.

This past week, John Robert finished his ninth grade AP and end of course exams.  This past weekend, he hung out with friends, went to a movie, and jumped on a trampoline.  He even spent an afternoon with me!  (Okay, I bought him lunch and new clothes for his academic award ceremony) 

The little boy I have missed over the last nine months reappeared in the form of a thoughtful, intelligent, funny, and kind young man.  And he's so interesting!

John Robert high in the air.

On Monday night, our boy received nine awards for outstanding scholarship.  I was sorry court kept me from getting to the ceremony, but grateful my in-laws could be there; and grateful our friends, the Quinlans, shared some wonderful photographs.  

It is an honor and a joy to watch my son grow and change.  He has ups and downs (don't we all?), but he is one of the most gentle, kind, and thoughtful people I've ever known. I'm so glad to be his mom. And I know his dad feels the same.

Although he doesn't LOOK thrilled, John Robert was pleased to receive so many awards this week.

Chemistry, Botany, Biology, Oh My!

I was temporarily replaced last week when John Robert volunteered to teach Denver about atoms.

Denver learned about the periodic table and atomic mass.

It was 10pm on a weeknight. I wanted to go to sleep, but the boys were too loud.  I texted John and told him what they were doing.  "Let them keep going," he replied.  He was right.

John Robert sat down with Denver earlier in the evening, and began talking with him about atoms.  They went from one book to the next, talking about the structure of an atom, the difference between protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how to calculate atomic mass. They watched science videos on John's phone.  They laughed and Denver began making periodic table cards as John Robert brought certain elements to life: 

"Tungsten is super strong and is found inside the filament of lightbulbs.  When you turn on a light, it's like, 'Kachow!'  It is strong and brings light into darkness-- like me!"

Denver plucked two radishes from his garden
this morning!

This week, Denver reaped the harvest from his little garden. Mr. Cory, the Montessori School gardener, had given Denver a little sprinkle of seeds to grow at home.  He and Spencer found a shady spot in our woods, cleared away the leaves, and planted them.  I didn't give them much chance of success.  But Behold, Radishes!

Denver takes notes for his science presentation.

Putting the final touches on their science presentation poster.

Tomorrow, the boys give a big presentation for their science class at LEAD.  They were asked to choose a bodily system, and compare three marine phyla. They chose to compare the respiratory systems of Arthropoda, Cnidaria, and Echinodermata.  Sounds fancy, doesn't it?  It isn't.  They just researched the different ways lobster, jellyfish, and sea stars breathe.  They made a poster and practiced their presentation several times.  Spencer is the knowledge base.  Denver is the showman.  I think they're ready!

As this academic year comes to a close, I am so grateful for all they have learned and all they have taught me.

There is always more to learn and always so much to be grateful for!

Spencer does well organizing his presentation.

Spencer created a new game at Montessori and has been
playing it at school and with Denver.