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.

Making History Happen

In Punishment for Want of a Tidy Room

Ice Cream on a hot afternoon--
one of Thomas Jefferson's favorite treats!

The boys enjoying a trial in colonial Williamsburg.
I got to be one of the judges!

A (handsome!) loyalist tries in vain
to calm the angry crowds.

Having spent this year learning about colonial America, it was a joy to pack up the family and make the pilgrimage to Colonial Williamsburg and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia this past week.

Taking a break in Williamsburg.

The problem with history for many people is that it all just seems so . . . old.  Not so for the boys.  Although they each love history for different reasons, they all enjoy the stories that make up our past.  And this week, much of it came alive.

Preparing to meet George Washington

The Local Militia rises up
against the Governor

In front of the Governor's Palace

Denver enjoyed a tour
of the militia's arsenal.

Getting lost in the maze behind the Governor's Palace

Dinner in Williamsburg

George Washington
speaks in favor of independence.

Denver and I enjoyed the colonial judge.

Denver enjoyed riding his "horse"
through the town of Williamsburg.
His horse was less enthusiastic!

Every actor we met-- from the postmaster to the shopkeepers-- was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of colonial America.  We heard George Washington speak in favor of separation from England.  We toured the jail.  We visited with tradesmen and soldiers.  We were involved in four trials at the courthouse, where we learned fascinating facts about the laws of the day-- a.k.a. Don't be a Catholic.  

In the city of Williamsburg, we had the good fortune to visit on the anniversary of an uprising against the governor.  After the Boston Massacre, the governor in Williamsburg took the gunpowder from the local militia.  Upon discovering the theft (and the culprit), the militia and local people rose up against the governor and threatened to storm the governor's palace.  We stood among the townspeople and listened to the different opinions of people, and watched as the angry mob was (temporarily) persuaded to retreat.

Observing the trial of a man for
failure to attend church.

A candlemaker at work.

At Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, we toured his plantation and his home.  We learned about Jefferson's life, and the lives of his family and slaves.  More powerful than books-- which I admittedly adore-- the effect of being at Monticello was profound: walking through tunnels built for the servants; touching the chair where Jefferson last sat; seeing nearly the same view Jefferson saw from his bedroom window; seeing his burial site and a recent wreath sent from President Obama.  Jefferson's life and times seemed more real than ever. 

The boys in front of Monticello.

I know that not everyone has this opportunity to travel and learn as a family. 

Some families do far more traveling. Some do far less.  I am simply grateful for this time with my family.  It is our time to create our own history-- one of love, joy, and togetherness.  Oh yes, and a trip to Busch Gardens where the boys (all FOUR of them) went crazy for roller coasters all day long!

Denver and Spencer in front of Jefferson's gardens.

Enjoying lunch at the foot of Monticello.

Chillin' at the Swimming Pool

Heated Indoor/Outdoor Pool

Escape from Pompeii

My Boys in a Teacup at Busch Gardens

Cheerio!

Spencer and I this morning--
 Ready for the Cheerios Challenge

 "What have you been doing lately?"  I hear this question all the time from friends and family.  

I never know what to say.  I am mostly too busy to stop and think about it.  I usually end up smiling and saying something like, "I don't know" or "Just the usual!"

The truth is we are happily busy. This week is typical. I was in court three days, taught writing at Montessori, and yoga to clients.

I swam.  I biked.  I ran.  I strength trained and did yoga.  I helped guide the boys through their homeschool.  John flew all over the United States, swooping in to change clothes and flying away again. 

And the boys were busy, too!  We had Atlanta Zoo Homeschool Academy this week, and science camp at Charlie Elliot Nature Center, too.  Spencer can tell you all about ungulates (hooved mammals) and both Spencer and Denver can teach you about animal mimicry-- like the way a non-venomous milk snake's color mimics a venomous coral snake. 

Denver and Spencer posing in costume
with some of the weaponry they made
in their History of War art class.

At their LEAD classes this week, the boys completed several pieces of weaponry and were able to bring them home.  Our homeschool room now looks like an armory. 

John Robert had several projects and exams this week before reaching the finish line that is spring break.  He bought himself a new cell phone after an unexpected disaster with his beloved Samsung last week.  

And there is more adventure coming!  Denver has a scout hike this afternoon, and all three boys will go see a musical with their Mimi tomorrow.

On Tuesday we are off on a spring break adventure to Thomas Jefferson's famous Monticello, to colonial Williamsburg to learn more about early America; and finally, to Busch Gardens for rollercoasters.  We are one lucky family.  Cheerio! 

Denver and an alligator snapping turtle
at the Atlanta Zoo.

Up close with an alligator snapping turtle.

Denver and a frisky Timber Rattlesnake.

Denver on a baboon at the zoo.