Crystals

This year Sabrina participated in her first Science Fair. After much research and contemplation she decided to grow a crystal garden. I love that she loves science! Since I didn't care much for science, it never really bothered me that we didn't do much in grade school. Now that I have a child in grade school, who loves science, I realize how little they get to do, explore, experiment, etc. These days, with the lovely CA budget, I realize that more science in the classroom is just way too much to ask for. :)

Sabrina was extremely patient with her experiment. I so wish I could same the same about myself. :) As I was working with her I had very clear recollections of my first science project in 3rd grade. I vividly remember my dad trying to explain to me what "yeast" was..... and my dad "trying" to be patient and "make" it a fun and positive experience. Lets just say that it took several more years for me to understand what "yeast" was and how it worked. Because of this memorable experience from my childhood, I wanted to facilitate a positive experience for Sabrina. You notice I use the word "facilitate" since I have come to realize that I can not "make" it a positive experience "for" her. I can only do so much, as could my dad. I guess this is one of the many realizations I have and have yet to encounter along the unpredictable, hard, yet rewarding road of parenthood.

Sabrina along with all of the other children who did experiments, received a medal and award with gift certificates to restaurants. We were so proud of Sabrina! I personally loved that there were no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, honorable mention type awards. Well, Sabrina didn't feel the same way. She didn't like that there was no "winner". I am noticing a clear theme with Sabrina after events and adventures. The following saying sums it up. "It is not what I expected" said by Sabrina with an attitude and/or tears. Let me note that there is never a lack of explaining, talking, and/or preparing her for things and events. This one statement has led me to several deep thoughts and questions. What makes kids disappointed? Is it a learned behavior? Note...I am on a learned vs. inherent behavior kick these days. Do we come to earth naturally focusing on the past or what the future might hold? During one of my moments of deep thought I remembered a book my dad gave me years before I ever had children. I used this same book in a talk I gave at church right after Sabrina was born and gave a copy away to a friend whose son had cancer. It is called The Precious Present by Spencer Johnson. The following blurb sums up the book really well. "The precious present is not something someone gives you. It has nothing to do with wishing. The richness of the precious present comes from its own source. It is about Who I Am Just the Way I Am....Right Now."

I have related this book to my life in many ways. Mainly it is to remember to live in the present, not forget the past or the future, but to appreciate the here and now.....The Precious Present. So I go back to the questions. Do we have to learn to appreciate the present and not focus on the past or hope that the future is bigger and better? It seems like a science, to be able to balance the past, present, and future. How can I teach my girls this important lesson? Have I learned this lesson?

Boy oh boy, rather in our household, girl oh girl this parenting thing is teaching me A LOT! But I wouldn't change it for the world!