Portrait in Linen

Not quite sure what I’m getting us all into. In the name of individual strengths and interests in extracurricular activities, I’ve opted to go with investing in each child’s unique passions and talents. Instead of putting all the girls in dance–which seems to be the tried-and-true American tradition, I’ve made the convicted decision to put Prissy in voice class, Bunny in gymnastics, Moe in acting, Pipsqueak in dance, and Rocky in art.

These are not randomly chosen occupations. I’ve paid close attention to these kids over the past few years, and I’ve noticed the things that inspire them, the things they tend to talk about, dabble in, want to do when they’re feeling especially expressive. And I’ve noticed their God-given talents for certain things. In the end, these things seem like the natural choices for them–rather, their natural choices.

I know it’s not going to be easy. Five kids, five activities, five locations, five time slots, five registrations and tuitions, ten trips each week. Madness? Probably. But I’m convinced it’s a very good decision, and the kids will thrive.

Besides, it’s not like I have any other place I have to be, anything else I have to work for other than the family. God gave me excellent organizational/logistics management skills for a reason. He blessed us with a van, so I’m going to use it.

I’m rather excited for them. I think they’re going to shine, in their individual “things.” I love it when all of them are involved in something together, but they definitely need that one thing they can pursue alone, without having to be mindful of or compete with a sibling. They need that opportunity to be “the only one” in something, to be able to enjoy their unique identities, separate and apart from the collective.

That’s not to say I believe the most healthy situation is for there to be a 50/50 division between time with family and time alone. On the contrary, I believe The Family is the place to be for the vast majority of the time, especially in the younger years. But on the other hand, I’m not afraid of or against them participating in activities that take them outside the circle for a while.

..off the soapbox..

I do have a concern about Bunny having to wear a leotard and shorts for gym. I’ve already explained to the girls that gym is one of those instances in which I feel it’s okay for them to wear such attire. I have to say I cringe when I think about the necessity, and I hope I’m able to keep my cringes to myself when I actually do see her in her uniform.

But that’s purely internal, purely personal. I doubt Bunny will bat an eyelash at the inconsistency. She’ll be thrilled she finally gets to wear shorts again. And I won’t make a big deal of it, within the context of gymnastics. I will put my foot down if she expects to wear shorts outside of that activity, and I won’t feel the least bit bad about it.

My biggest concern is for when she’s older. I’m told the younger girls are allowed to wear shorts over their leotards, but I think the older, more advanced athletes are required to wear leotards only–no shorts, no tights, nothing else to speak of. That bothers me.

Granted, that’s the standard of the sport. I wouldn’t think to buck that. I understand that particular convention of the sport is not inherently negative. The negative comes in things like portrayal, presentation, etc. I have confidence I’ll know if things begin to go awry, and I’m sure it won’t be oversimplified, like “shorts equals evil.” Certainly not. It’s the attitude and intention that turns things south. I am just not too enthusiastic about opening up that can of worms. Or at least sticking that can on the shelf.

But on to other things.

M. told me I could have part of the playroom to turn into a sewing room. I’m not at all happy at the prospect of having to climb the stairs to the second floor to work, but having dedicated space…it would be worth not having to full-on set up shop each and every time I have to sew a seam.

I’ve been dreaming about all I could do to make the space mine. I’m thinking of setting up along the length of one wall, leaving the rest of the room for the kids, the other end of the room for TV and video games. And there is a nice bay window right there to allow in natural light, a nice view.

I’ve already decided though…to make it work, I’ll have to have a new cutting table–the dining room table has been an absolute God-send, with its 90-degree angled grooves, perfect for measuring and cutting fabric. No cutting table will be as nice–or as large–as what I’m used to, but it’s a small sacrifice to make in order to have everything else easily accessible at all times.

And I’ll need a coffee station upstairs. I WILL NOT travel up and down and up and downstairs to refill my stinking coffee cup. (Great excuse to buy a new coffee pot, all my own! Maybe I’ll even get a PINK one, just because I can!)

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All in all, I have no complaints whatsoever. I don’t understand why God has sent such a windfall of blessing and contentment. I’ve done absolutely nothing at all to deserve His favor. I remain thankful, and ever aware of His amazing grace.