What the kids did yesterday
Mar 29, 2007 Judaism, Parenting
Noah dragged his sleeping bag outside and made himself a nest on the back patio under the over-hang. It was chilly and rainy yesterday so he felt especially snug. He brought out books and snacks and tucked himself under there and then he helped Madison bring her sleeping bag out, too. They spent all day cuddled up in their nests or coming back in for more supplies. I worked at the kitchen table, watching them from the window next to me.
Noah tried to recreate the magic for today but the sun is shining and Madison is less amenable to staying in one place. I got surprise work today (not much, just a couple of quick jobs) but they let me finish so it’s all good. I also got a new client yesterday and my first copy needs to go to them on Monday.
Sometimes I think it’s really weird that Noah’s not in school and then sometimes I don’t. Yesterday it seemed weird. Sometimes the more he’s enjoying himself, the more weird it seems. I don’t know why this is. Maybe it’s because that for me, 10-years old is when school rattled it’s way downhill for me.
Last night we went to Hebrew school so that the kids could give us a demonstration of saying blessings over their meal. Madison ran into the room and flung her arms around Noah. He was proud to show her off but feigned indifference (he couldn’t hide his grin). She flirted with all the big kids and was disruptive in that positive way that outgoing kids can be. You know, like answering the teacher’s questions even when she didn’t know the answer. Like the teacher would say, “Did you know that you don’t use the blessing for fruit for bananas?” And Madison would pipe up, “I like bananas! And celery!” Then later she announced that celery grows on trees. I don’t know why she got hung up on celery because the only vegetable on our plates was a carrot.
Noah’s Hebrew teacher escaped the holocaust as a child by walking through Belgium to get to occupied Paris. Then they went to Jamaica where she learned English before moving to Israel. (I don’t know how old she was when she got there.) She tells the kids stories about this. I know Noah doesn’t really appreciate this now because he doesn’t have a sense of this history yet but I’m grateful that he is having this opportunity.
No word yet on which job will be Brett’s by the end of this week. He’s coming unglued. Don’t tell him I told you that; he likes to play stoic.
March 29th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Ok. I’m kind of new because I’m new to your blog. I’m curious. Why is Noah not in school?
Just wondering?
I hope it’s ok to ask.
March 29th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
That sounds like a great way to spend a chilly, rainy day.
I think I picked up a while ago that you homeschool. But since you don’t write about it much, I haven’t added you to that category in my blogroll. But, if you were so inclined, I love hearing about other families’ homeschool journeys - how you came to it, what style works for your family, any curriculum you use, love, hate . . .
March 30th, 2007 at 12:30 am
What a great image of the kids snuggled up and reading together. My school experience started going downhill at 13 or so. I think I would have gained a lot from home schooling.
Happy birthday to your little Aries girl!
Last thing — I don’t have your password — is there a chance I could? Just thought I’d ask.
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