It was a busy day today so I'll try to make this quick. Jonathan, having been given permission to come visit me any time after 7 a.m., was at the door as expected, and Noah followed soon thereafter. The rest of the household isn't officially up until after 8:00, so this means giving up precious time by myself—time I only have first thing in the morning or last thing at night. But it is oh so worth it to have that time for uninterrupted conversation with my oldest grandchild(ren)!
After breakfast it was time for morning chores and preparation for the Bible study that meets here on a weekly basis. Noah made us tea (there was also coffee) and then while the meeting was going on, he and Faith beta-tested my newest educational PowerPoint shows. Suddenly it was lunchtime, then time for afternoon chores, and soon it was time for the boys' karate lessons. This is a new activity for the family, something Jonathan has been wanting for at least two years. He and Noah are in the same class, which I was able to observe. Noah does very well; Jonathan in amazing in his focus and the grace of his movements.
We didn't quite have time to get dinner cooked before it was time for Faith's karate lesson, so she and I went there together while the rest of the family ate. Hers is a "tots" class, so I wasn't expecting much, but she showed the same determined focus and grace that Jonathan has. When one of the other parents there commented that the "little blond girl" was blowing away the other, older children with her skills, I pointed out that she has the example of her two older brothers to follow. As I said yesterday, the educational value of older siblings is tremendous. Although Joy is not yet old enough for any class at the dojo, she insists that she is also learning karate, at home—and so she is, for her brothers and sister teach her.
Immediately after Faith's class we had handbell choir at church—which is fortunately just across the street from the dojo. They are always gracious and let me ring with them when I come to visit, and I have a great time.
Finally, we were back at home, where Faith and I had a late dinner, and everyone indulged in homemade coffee ice cream (made with coffee left over from the morning's Bible study) smothered in homemade "Magic Shell" chocolate topping.
And now it's late again—but if I'm going to enjoy the privilege of early morning conversations, I need to grab computer time at night. Tomorrow we will enjoy an early celebration of Heather's birthday; those of you who know us both will understand that part of the "celebration" will be staying home!
Noah had yesterday's Quote of the Day; now it's Joy's turn: I love Grandma in our house!
I love being here, Joy! We all miss Dad-o, however.
