ABOUT THIS WEEK:
It was a significant time for three reasons: it is our half-way point of Phil's tour in Korea (7 months down, 6 to go), Akychame had her first piano performance (!), and Lvov finally started horseback riding lessons! We agreed that such a momentous week merits celebration, which included a trip to Monte Mare Schwimmbad (the kids' favorite indoor pool).
Akychame's piano performance was wonderful. It involved not only months of dedication and practice, but also learning the basics of showmanship and deportment: what to do if you make a mistake, how to effect a dramatic ending of the piece, how to bow appropriately, etc. She played Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata - a pretty challenging piece of music - and she did fantastic! What an experience. Playing Beethoven in a church in Germany, the altar pushed aside to make space for the grand piano - illuminated by towering Christmas trees.
We also did a lot of Christmas preparations. We trimmed the tree and collaborated on a Christmas family newsletter (each of us contributing memories we felt were significant this year), putting in a real team effort to get the 40 or so Christmas cards and boxes in the mail. The kids addressed the boxes and envelopes and filled out the customs forms. There are definite pay-offs to teaching kids practical life skills - I no longer have to do everything myelf. And, more importantly, I can rest assured that when my kiddos leave home, they will be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to function successfully in the adult world. Very comforting.
We created "ME" journals, too. These were inspired by my father who always encouraged me to have a "ME" wall - but instead of a wall filled with diplomas, he said that I should have a journal filled with my accomplishments (and compliments that people have given me). This would be my little reminder that I'm great (his words), even when I'm convinced otherwise. At first I was worried that this would be an exercise in vanity, but now I see how beneficial it is, especially for young girls wrestling with inevitable threats to self-esteem.
Oh, and the girls baked gingerbread cookies all by themselves, from ground ginger root. Yum!
