Yesterday the girls built a tent and played in it most of the evening. I knew the request would be coming to sleep in it. I made one requirement necessary, and with some encouragement, follow through, and help, it was accomplished.
E put music on for the girls to sleep to and, surprisingly, they did. K found her way to our bed sometime in the night, and E found herself somewhere other than when she started her journey to The Sugar-Plum Tree. This morning the sound of their breathing accompanied my quiet clicking of the keys.
Today the tent has remained up and they have spent the majority of their morning in it. Their innocent reverie has been attended by George Winston's piano accompaniment to the audio of The Velveteen Rabbit.
As I pass through the room, I stop to savor the inculpable nescience. I breathe deeply, taking mental snapshots of a smile, record a voice telling me "what this says," and interpreting a masterpiece of crayon art. How I wish to have been able to have experienced such blamelessness. Already by the age of K, I knew too much and felt too sad. In these moments, I try hard to be thankful to God that I can now be a part of it, and to also be profoundly thankful that although my girls are guaranteed sorrows in this life, that I have not been the prepetrator of them.
Posted by Rae at March 15, 2005 02:50 PMRae, I enjoyed the post. With a 19, 14 and 10 year old and each of them having been home schooled from 1994 (starting with the oldest) until 1 3/4 years ago (ending with the youngest); we have had some great moments and memories.
I hope that you have a digital camera to capture some of the moments. We have about 200 rolls of undeveloped film. Occasionally, we grab one of the rolls and have it developed. Very amusing or entertaining for our family.
I love a sheet tent. Especially, with books holding down the corners. I just did a search for canvas garden pavilions, but did not find what I had pictured in my mind. A makeshift yard tent would be fun. Where I live we would be devoured by the fire ants and mosquitoes, not to mention being drenched in sweat because of the humidity, but in your region it might be fun.
Posted by: Ralph at March 16, 2005 10:36 AMRalph,
When we lived in the Midwest, R would seasonal air out the tent by setting it up and then he and the girls would sleep in it.
One year, we decided we would have a campout right in our backyard. We had campfire and roasted hotdogs and marshmallows and had s'mores and sang camp style songs.
We should set-up the tent here, but sadly couldn't do the fire. We are prohibited from doing so. We have been prompted to go camping this summer. With so many opportunities around us, we are without excuse.
Thanks so much for the reminder :D They do grow fast and while I do look forward to their being adults, I do already miss their earlier years.
Posted by: Rae at March 16, 2005 10:53 AMP.S. Thanks :D
Posted by: Rae at March 16, 2005 10:54 AMRae, I remember those times and see those blanket and cushion buildings in my own livingroom from time to time. Even as young as my two boys are it is still sweet to see the joy simple things can bring to a child. Who needs video games. Give them a box and a blanket and see their creativity explode!!!
Posted by: Sally at March 16, 2005 01:24 PM
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HammerHead
