We went to visit friends on Vashon Island on the 20th of April. Surprised Todd with an Iceland themed piece of art work for his birthday that I commissioned from our artist friend. It was so great to spend time with them. The piece turned out wonderfully and Todd was truly surprised! Finley had fun playing with their four year old daughter but he was really tired and very emotional that afternoon. Poor guy!
Spent this last weekend, April 25-27, at Samish Island enjoying the 13th annual Fine Arts Retreat. It was strange to not be on the planning committee this year but also a big relief. Wouldn't have been possible anyway with Evelyn and Finley being so young. Anyway, it was beyond great to see my wonderful friends with whom I have grown musically, artistically and spirtually over the past few years. I got to play my violin much more than I thought I would. Plus, thanks to a three hour nap for both Finley and Evelyn on Saturday, they even made it through the concert that night, enabling me to play with several groups. Music therapy! How I need it. I am inspired to start playing more and getting back into my swing music. Todd was the funny man playing the role of the MC for the concert. For a quiet guy he sure does well in front of people!
We got to stay in the new cabins which made the weekend that much more enjoyable. The real beds make all the difference and having a clean floor for Evelyn to explore on wasn't bad either. Finley was in hog heaven playing with the gaggle of four year olds. A bunch of us who went to senior high camp together way back when, ended up having our first child all within about 5 weeks of each other. It is so great to have them all getting to know each other and enjoy playing together so much. What an amazing community... I only wish I lived closer to them.
Here are some pictures of Finley at pre-school today. See this cool puzzle shaped like a sunflower? It shows the kids all the parts of a plant, roots, seeds, etc. The sensory table was filled with potting soil and there were plastic bugs buried in it for the kids to find. Very fun!
Evelyn crawling around and so proud of herself. She can walk her way along the sofa and the bookshelves now. We are definitely in the danger zone now!
I've been frustrated with some of the elements of the co-op experience. When it works it's great. When some of the parents don't understand that they need to be actively helping the teacher in the classroom it's really frustrating. Even on the days I am not assigned to work in the classroom I stay to be with Finley. Last year I wouldn't have had any worries about leaving him because the parents really worked hard and paid attention. This year it seems like there are lots of new parents who don't fully understand the whole co-op concept and some parents seem too anxious to drop their kids off when they aren't assigned to work, even when their kids really could use them there. The teachers have been a little frustrated too, when they don't get the help they need even with five parents assigned to work on any given day! The kids are great and the parents are sincere but there is a lack of communication about the values of the co-op that need to be reiterated, in my opinion. Also, it amazes me that in a class of four year olds there are already some clique issues and mean spirited exclusiveness. Kids are just being kids, but the lack of parental guidance and attention in the classroom are exacerbating the problem. I find myself feeling hyper-vigilent and too controlling compared to the other parent's lack of intervention in what I see, as teachable moments for the kids. I think four-year-olds are still young enough to need adult help with some conflicts and challenges in their relationships. They need to know what is hurtful and how they can make better choices. I'm reading a book by Barbara Coloroso, The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander. It's really disturbing as well as enlightening about ways we can help our kids become healthy, strong, functioning adults in a culture that okays bullying as "just what kids have to go through." Helping our children become fully actualized and responsible adults starts from birth. Many people think bullying doesn't start until elementary or middle school but the roots of it are within the adult relationships they are exposed to.In any case, I am volunteering as the news letter editor for next year. I still believe in the co-op experience and concept. This one just needs some tweaking.
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