Ezra: What's New?

Ezra finished his first soccer season earlier this month.  In the end, he was still one of the more timid, less-confident players, but I am so glad he had the experience.  He learned to follow a coach's instruction, have fun with other boys his age, be responsible for his uniform and gear, and try something completely outside his comfort zone.  We encouraged him to try and touch the ball at least a few times a game, and he tried.  Soccer starts again in the fall; his coach invited him to come back in September and request to be on the same team.  We will see how Ezra feels about playing another season.

His soccer team "the Force" at their last game 

Ezra was super excited about earning a medal.

The other big event of this month was preschool graduation.  Graduation was Thursday, May 18, and it was actually snowing on that day--in fact it was near white-out conditions on the drive home.  We were supposed to meet at a park and have a picnic lunch, but weather moved us to a local recreation center gym.  Ezra absolutely adored his teachers, Ms. Danielle and Ms. Ashley, and developed friendships with most every member of his class.  This was such a big year for him!  I saw him grow up, increase confidence, continue to love learning, and wow his teachers again and again.  Preschool was a very happy place for him.  The early learning program was filled with engaging activities, lots of creativity, tons of projects, extra-curricular opportunities, and tons of support.  I was so pleased with what I saw, and look forward to giving Maren and Jonathan the same preschool experience.

Ms. Danielle, Ezra, and Ms. Ashley on graduation day.

And, finally, when I was sifting through the stacks of Ezra drawings today, I found this gem.  He sits down almost daily and creates.  I certainly applaud his artistic interest, but I make no comment or requirement on his work; his art is purely motivated by what he wants to do.  His creativity is impressive, his drawing ability is impressive, and his love for Bear is impressive.

Bear wearing an "I love Ezra" t-shirt!

Here's a Keeper

Ezra (5.5 years), Maren (3.5 years), Jonathan (3.5 months)

Maren: Q&A

This recent Q&A session with Maren gives you a sense of what matters in her little world:

"What is your favorite color?"

"Pink and purple." 

"What activity do you like to do the most?"

"Play bakery shop."

"What outfit do you like to wear?"

"My rainbow swimsuit."
"What is something you would like to try?"

"Ballet class."

"What is your favorite food?"

"Watermelon and cupcakes."

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

"A baker in a bakery shop."

"Is there any place you would like to visit?"

"Grandma's house."

"What makes you happy?"

"Playing with my [toy] cupcakes in my bakery shop."

Is she a girly-girl or what!  I love that she is starting to establish her own unique preferences.  She follows Ezra's lead most of the time in the how and what of their dramatic play.  Only just recently has she become enamored with the idea of being a baker, something Ezra could care less about.  She likes to line up various play food treats--chocolate chip cookies, scoops of ice cream, and cupcakes with colorful swirled icing tops--on display in our little indoor play house.  "Who wants to buy some treats," she will call.  "I have sweets at my shop, come see!"

Also in the last month, her art is something other than indistinguishable scribbles.  Ezra fills notebooks with his art, and until recently Maren only had the patience for one quick single-color scribble.  I was surprised and so pleased when she did her very first self-portrait--wearing a fancy purple dress, of course.  And, she has figured out the "alligator" pencil hold and can make very nice letters "m's (or up-down mountains, as she calls them).  

Maren loved visiting the library on Thursday afternoons when Ezra was in preschool for "Mommy-Maren time".  Our public library has a lovely play area in the back of the children's section that has a rotation of themed play areas: vet clinic, fire station, Asian restaurant, doctor's office, and Maren's personal favorites, bakery shop and flower shop.  When I think of a truly content, at-ease Maren, I think of her on a quiet day in the library play area.  Ezra far away, Jonathan asleep, surrounded by favorite play things, and Mommy all to herself.

      

On the Front Lines

The week leading up to Mother's Day was one of my worst in a long time.  I am not sure the reasons, I only know that everyone--most of all me--was thoroughly frustrated, battle-worn, and discontented, to put it nicely.  By the Friday night prior to Mother's Day I was feeling like a complete and utter failure on every possible level.  

Saturday morning after some soul-searching, I proposed a temple trip.  So, we pulled ourselves together, and all drove up.  Dallin let me go into the temple first.  I had a few of his family names ready for their initiatory ordinances.  I had to wait a bit, but it gave me time to soak up some of the peace of the Lord's House.  Somehow, in the miracle of temple service, I left feeling like a layer of worldly sludge had been lifted.  There was no miraculous transformation, but a subtle lightening, and refreshing that gave me hope for future positive mothering.

In fact, my heart was softened and humbled enough that I actually wanted to go to the Mother's Day sacrament meeting.  Thankfully, the speakers were sensitive in their approach.  I was struck by a particular comment a father of five made.  He reminded the congregation of the relationship that Eve and Lucifer had in the Garden of Eden, namely one of enmity.  And then remarked, that mothers often feel the brunt of Satan's attacks because he is so wholly engaged at thwarting their work.  I took comfort in that comment.  Nasty week = warfare with the adversary.  He hopes for my failure, but the temple arms me with power to fight back.  And I do feel better armed for having been in the temple.  The temple saved my Mother's Day.

Sunday afternoon we joined John and Roslyn for a Mother's Day dinner at their house.  I requested a few family pictures to remember the day.

Daddy and His Boys

Daddy & Ezra

Daddy & Jonathan

I love this photo of 3-month old Ezra and Daddy, and thought it would be fun to re-visit the pose with nearly 3-month old Jonathan.  I love all my handsome boys!