Day 16: Seek, Breathe, Play....Surfing Daffodils

Last night I had a dream I was surfing...really surfing. I was out on a long board with my boys and I was catching waves. It was fantastic. I attempted to surf last year, kneed up a few times...and can tell you that I have utmost respect for anyone who surfs! It works every part of your body and is as much of mental challenge as it is physical. I know that my dream was preempted by reading Chasing Mavericks to the boys each night. We read one or two chapters and I promised that at the end of the book I'll go and get the move so we can watch it. There have been several quotes that have stuck with me as I've read the book "You better ask yourself, what do you want to leave behind? The truth of who you really are… or just some words on a page? All that stuff that's burning deep down inside of you, what is that? That stuff you can't even look at because it scares you too much." and "Frosty: What's going on inside of you, Jay? What are you afraid of? You've got a chance to change everything. Take it. This is about more than just surfing. This is about choices you make in life. This is about finding that one thing that sets you free. You need to believe in yourself or none of this matters." and "The ones who push the limits sometimes discover that the limits sometimes push back." - Frosty But my favorite so far has been tonight's quote: "You can fight things head on, or you can observe the laws of nature...Because if you look hard enough, there's always a way through it." – Frosty.....So odd that tonight's quote would come after taking my boys to the daffodil field for a very bitterly cold photo shoot. The daffodils, which normally "under the laws of nature" would follow the sun...but today they all had their backs turned away from the sun. It was bizarre to see and made for a challenging photo shoot but we were able to get through it. It was cold, the weather was not optimal for weeks, ice storms, snow storms...and torrential downpours have kept the daffodils at bay and even now they were fighting to bloom in a sea of yellow. And here comes another storm, more wind, rain, possibly a flurry or two? These delicate flowers have found their way against all odds to burst through the ground and battle whatever has been thrown at them to spread their happiness in waves of yellow stars splashing across the field of green. Why did they turn their back and defy the law of nature this afternoon? Just like in the book, Jay was paddling in the churning surf and was relentlessly tossed back onto the shore instead of looking towards the rocks and seeing the path nature had placed to make paddling out into the waves effortless. How many times in life have you felt that you were paddling and not getting anywhere? How many times have you tried and tried again but seemed to get tossed? How many times have you done things a certain way over and over again and when you finally stopped trying...and when you stopped trying.....you find a way through it. Sometimes you are trying so hard, that you sometimes need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, to see that there was another way. And sometimes, you just stop trying and find what you thought was important wasn't worth focusing on at all. Like the daffodils that turned their backs to the sun...it isn't normal, but maybe they were turning to say hello to the moon? Who knows? Did it make them less beautiful? Absolutely not. Maybe they know more about where they are turning than the ones that that have studied them and determined their natural path is to follow the sun. Or maybe, today, maybe those daffodils decided not to focus on the sun....perhaps, we stood in field of thousands of yellow rebel flowers that said, we don't have to follow anyone...we can stand on our own, even as they stood together ;) Yes, I think those daffodils have found their way through many things, and in the end they found what to focus on. Just a little flora "food" for thought.

Day 15: Breathe, Seek, Play.....Count

Today started off sweet with Krispy Kreme for breakfast, an outing to Sam's, Dagwood Sandwiches for lunch...and a visit from my cousins this afternoon. We played board games and just hung out ♥ I made chocolate covered strawberries and we ordered dinner. We sat around the table and enjoyed a wonderful meal with my parents. We all overate...we were content to sit, chat, and had no reason to rush. We watched a movie with popcorn, and cuddled on the couch. That is how we spent today. Yesterday, my dad gave my boys a big tin full of pennies. The boys eyes lit up when they wondered how many pennies were in the container. They set out to count them, and decided to use their computerized piggy bank to add them up. One by one the coins would fall and .01 would add to their total. Soon they grew tired of repeatedly dropping the coins into the bank and then decided to go back outside to play basketball. Then, my mother, my father and I each took turns placing coins into the jar and at times tried to out do the other by getting them into the jar faster than the next person. We even guessed at how many pennies were inside the jar. We spent the better part of the afternoon placing pennies into a jar over and over again. As it neared the end...my daddy was the closest to the total. Something as simple as putting pennies into a jar brought many things to mind....a family that prays together, saves together....a penny for your thoughts...we talked about how other countries were no longer using pennies, and how some people use pennies (like covering counters, floors, etc) Sometimes an older penny would catch our eye and we'd check to see if it was a wheat penny or how old the date was. What does all of this have to do with Breathe, Seek, Play? Well, it also reminded me of a quote.....“Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once”― Lillian Dickson...Life starts all over again tomorrow, no matter how today was spent. But tomorrow is not promised to any of us...what matters is how we spend it, focusing on what is important. Some may think that a penny doesn't matter, or that they've lost their value...I say time spent together is the the best kind of spare change ....it all adds up like those pennies in the piggy bank, each moment adds to the other and makes a difference, each one is different, some are older, some are new, some are bright and shiny, and some are dull, some are scratched and barely recognizable, and some are unique and rare...if you ask me the best way to spend the "coin" of life is to be with those you love...that is truly priceless!

Day 14: Breathe, Seek, Play.....Music

 Tonight we took my parents to a Street Beat Performance at East Carolina University.   River North Dance Chicago Company danced the night away, giving an example of the period dance for the decades from the 1920's until the present.  It was very interesting to hear the historical and social and how they impacted dance throughout the decades.  To see the dances was an art itself, some were traditional dances and others were more "interpretation" but none the less it was a wonderful performance.  I was thrilled to see a more "teenish" theatre experience for our boys, as I hope they will continue to love the arts and enjoy the theatre.  Even though tonight was centered around "dance"....I have to say as much as I loved that, it was the music that stole the show at times.  The dancers chose various pieces of music for each decade to dance to...some I knew and some I did not.  But I will say when they got to the 50's and it was "Rock Around The Clock", the 70's "Shake Your Groove Thing", then the 80' song choice was "Beat It" it was hard to sit still.  The music moved you, the audience clapped along (even did a hand jive or two) and it was awesome to "bust a move" in the theatre seat!   I have always had a love of music...all kinds.  Songs that I love to sing, songs that move me, songs that make me feel good, and songs that make feel a tad melancholy ....Songs that you play over and over again...Songs that get stuck in your head, Songs that you know the words too by heart, Songs that you make up silly lyrics to....Songs that are your favorite to dance too, Songs that you feel so connected too......but the songs I love the most are the songs that take you back to a place in time...and a flood of memories.  They are the best!  Do you have a song like that?  You know the one you hear on the radio and you instantly flashback in time, remembering with feelings and emotions.   You know the kind of songs that usually reside on a cassette tap, a mixed tape of all your favorite "play over and over" again songs that you never tire of (or in todays terms, the reside on an ipod) labeled "Greatest Hits".  I often have said I felt as if I have a theme song for various days or moments in my life, and some days I need a song to jump start my day or get me motivated, or change my mood.  What songs would be on your "greatest hits" album of your life?  Nicholas Sparks wrote "“Life, he realize, was much like a song. In the beginning there is mystery, in the end there is confirmation, but it's in the middle where all the emotion resides to make the whole thing worthwhile.”  I tend to agree....I say Let the Music Play On!

Day 13: Breathe, Seek, Play..Cuddles.

We had a half day of school today...tomorrow is a teacher's workday. Tonight it is a movie night and cuddles. What's important? What am I focused on? Cuddling with my sweet boys..writing can wait :) I know what is important...and my heart (and arms) are filled with it ♥

Day 12: Breathe, Seek, Play and Play some more

The boys have worked so hard on their school project...today with the weather being so nice we had a play date at our house.  They had two of their friends over and they played in the backyard, had fun on the swing set, played soccer and basketball.  They were having a blast.  It was great to see them having fun and bonding with their friends.  It was fun hanging out with the "moms" and having our "play" time too.  We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, and the boys actually shared how much they had memorized their speeches from their School Wax Museum of Famous Americans.  I was amazed that they nailed them...without any notes or reminders.  In just one day, of repeating their speeches they had remembered every single line!  Tonight we played Trouble.  Usually Elliott wins, every single game...even when he is far behind he seems to have the luck to win every time!  Tonight Cooper prevailed even though there were times when it was anyone's game.  They actually play with great thought, they choose another option rather than taking someone out.   If they have another move to make, they will make it and they will apologize if they have no other choice but to send you back home.  Thinking of today, how they played their "famous person" at the wax museum, then having a play date of fun, ending in a family fun night with a board game...I think it is important we take time out of our days to play, to really play.  Even if it is just for 30 minutes, whether it is with our children or finding something that we enjoy that taps into our inner child.  How important it is that we play.  And, like the speech that the boys played over and over again today at their Wax Museum, it becomes ingrained...memorized..and a part of us.  All we have to do is make the time.  Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "It is a happy talent to know how to play."  I think he is right, when is the last time you played, really played? Joined in on a game with a childlike heart....how did it make you feel inside?  Remember that feeling?  Isn't it worth repeating over and and over again until it is not just a "family fun night" but it is every night...that we take time, we make time to play.  So what if there is a mess?  Who cares if you win or lose?  The memories are in the making...enjoy every moment because there are no rewinds, only flashbacks....what do you want your flashbacks to be? Ours will have lots of PLAY in them!

Day 11: Breathe, Seek, Play....Exhale

Exhale....more like it.  Tomorrow the boys are presenting a Wax Museum Performance.  They have had a few days to research a famous American, write a narrative, and type up a book report complete with cover page and bibliography.  Yes, this is third grade.  The final project is to recite a one minute speech about the famous person you chose.  Cooper chose Thomas Jefferson and Elliott choose Paul Revere....and we are so fortunate that many of our Halloween costumes have been historical figures so we were one step ahead.  We also had a ton of books for them to find more information and we watched education videos on youtube on each of them.  Tomorrow is the big day and they will have a "button" that someone can push and they will have to recite their speech.  For Elliott this will be huge, his anxiety about standing up and speaking is through the roof. I reminded him to just take a deep breath and read slowly and clearly.  I told him about what I felt the first time I had to speak in front of class...face flushed, voice shaking and how after I started reading my paper those feelings go away.  It is nerve wracking for most to speak in public , but for Elliott it is that times a "gazillion".  For him to get into character is easy but to allow his friends to see him get into character may be another.  He has no trouble getting into costume and into character at Williamsburg.  He and Cooper will get into costume and become one with any historical reenactment.  They will recreate a reenactment with their Playmobil and are so excited to learn about history.  This school project is going to be an awesome opportunity for him to get out of his comfort zone.  I think it is a fantastic way for the kids to learn about history in a fun and creative way.  It was a fun project to work on with both the boys...I came up with a Hip Hop into History for Elliott's project..I gave him a verse and asked him what did he think.  At first he thought I was crazy, but then he said he liked it and he wanted to do more.  In the end we came up with A Hip Hop into History of Paul Revere.  Cooper debated on reciting part of the Declaration of Independence but after hearing Elliott's Rap, he decided to get in on the "rap thing".  In the end they didn't "rap" it out but said reading it was more their style.  I think they did a phenomenal job.  School projects can be hair pulling, whine inducing, head banging into the wall events for our family.  This one had moments of all three, but in the end it's a bonding experience for us all, and to see the kids light up when they are learning and when they see the final result of all their hard work...it's beyond amazing.  We are at the finish line, and all the hard work is complete, the fun Wax Museum of History will be their moment to "exhale" for a job well done!   I thought of how this all tied in with our Lent theme.  Sometimes, we are giving things or project in life that are challenges, sometimes we work hard, we get into character, we have to step outside of our comfort zone, we struggle, we do our best...and the most important part is to remember to breathe.  Whether or not it is the breath we take or the breath that we make, something as simple as taking a breath, has the power to make everything feel okay.


And for those of you that would love to read the Hip Hop into History on Paul Revere and Thomas Jefferson....I proudly will share my boys hard work and creativity..who knows maybe they will create an entire series of Raps like School House Rock, and make learning fun!

Hip Hop into History Rap on Thomas Jefferson

By:  Cooper Kleckner

I’m Thomas Jefferson

You may have heard about me.

But I’ll tell you some facts

On how I made history.

I loved playing  the violin

And made lots of inventions

Graduated from William and Mary

loved reading and comprehension.

During the Revolution

Our country needed my brilliance,

So I drafted now very famous words,

Known as the Declaration of Independence.

It took me 17 days,

I wrote both day and night,

About the “pursuit of happiness”

And “unalienable rights”.

I’m Thomas Jefferson

And many years ago,

I built a house called “little mountain”

Which is known as Monticello.

I became our Third President

And much of my success,

Was the greatest land deal

Called the Louisiana Purchase.

I’m Thomas Jefferson

I left quite a legacy,

As a founding father of our country

One of the greatest leaders in history.

My Hip Hop Into History Rap about Paul Revere

By Elliott Kleckner

I’m Paul Revere

And I’m really quite famous

If it wasn’t for me

We might be speaking British.

It started in Massachusetts

Over the taxation of tea

So I got a group of boys

And threw a Boston Tea Party.

I’m Paul Revere

And if it wasn’t for me

The minutemen wouldn’t know

The Brits were coming by land or by sea.

April 18, 1775

I made it perfectly clear,

I didn’t say the British were coming,

I said the Regulars were here!

The ride was at midnight

It wasn’t a bother

I helped to save the life

Of a founding father.     

Samuel Adams

My shout was heard all over

Without even my presence,

It also saved the life

of someone who signed the Declaration of Independence.  

 John Hancok

I hope you learned something

And my message was clear

I am a United States Patriot

Paul Revere!

Day 10: Breathe, Seek, Play..... Grateful

At the beginning of this year we started a Gratitude Jar. Whenever someone feels like writing about something they are thankful for, they'd insert a folded note inside the locked jar. At the end of year we will open the jar and read the messages inside. "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -- William Arthur Ward ♥ Be sure to tell those you love how much you are thankful and grateful for them and what they mean to to you. Be sure to tell them that you love them, in a way that they really know it...so when if they were to read a message you left behind you would never question it. It would only confirm what you've known all along. That is a present that needs to be opened time and time again. To be truly grateful, and to let others know, whether it is a note in jar, a phone call, a message on a wall on facebook, letter in the mail, a smile, giving our time...There are treasures awaiting each of us in our own gratitude jar....when we read them at the end of the year we will only be reminded of what we are truly to be thankful for....go to bed tonight thinking about what are you grateful for and wake up with a grateful heart ♥