March 20, 2008 - First Day of Spring/Passover

Today was a reminder that as home school moms, we are called to hold the joys as well as the sorrows. We are called to supply creative ideas for celebrations and learning, as well as to stop the "plans" and tend to the needs of our children.

Today was Holy Thursday and the first day of Spring - two occasions worth celebrating. After morning jobs, we read from Scripture about the Passover Meal and the Last Supper, and the kids asked many questions. It was wonderful to answer them and see their eyes filled with wonder. We then made bird nest cupcakes and the kids all went outside to put bird seed in our backyard bird feeder. It was the first day of Spring after all, and we could hear the birds chirping in the back yard. The kids got out their bird book, watched birds and looked them up. They were so excited, using loud voices and showing me all of their finds. My excitement spurred up right with them...
Then we had an upset. I listened to my son as he shared his frustration with his sister not playing the way he wanted her to play. Flexibility is one of his challenges. We discussed his feelings and possible ways of dealing with them…and we learned together in this moment. I learned how to stop what I was doing and listen closely and he learned how to deal with his emotions and be open to something different. We then created our own Passover Meal at home…making veal, and pita bread, and fruit and veggies with dip, and all took part in preparing the table - from the 8 year old to the 4 year old. The kids decided that they wanted to wear towels on their heads like they used to in Jesus' time. We then washed each others feet and talked about the verse, "Do this to others as I have done to you." We then had an enjoyable meal, and ate our spring cupcakes. The intent then was to let my son, who is to receive his First Communion next month, practice and try wine for the first time.
But just then, my four year old began to feel sick. She said she was going to throw up. She dry heaved and peed on herself all at the same time…and right on me. The cupcake perhaps? I don't know. But at any rate, I was called to lay down my plans and tend to her. We lay down together in her bed and I comforted her as she fell asleep. The older two downstairs took care of their baby sister during this time.

Finally, Ben could practice for His First Communion and have wine for the first time. It was hard for him to wait, but he learned about patience and caring for his sister, and priorities all at the same time. We then practiced receiving First Communion with bread and wine. It was fun, although he hated the wine…(good!).

The rest of the afternoon was spent doing things on their own…reading, drawing, playing outside and being open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in themselves and in one another.

So, as I continue on this home school journey, I learn that flexibility and caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of my children must come first. When it does, the learning will follow. It always does.