I posted this at UB last night:
I am sitting here at my computer tonight, catching up on messages and
Jalen walks in with a bowl of...um.....something.
It looks like milk with all sorts of things floating around.
"I made soup Mom!!" he proclaims proudly.
"Really? Tell me about how you made it." I ask.
"Well, it's milk, sugar, tomato, banana soup." he says, and "taste it,
it's good" as he's sticking his finger in and licking it.
We took it out to the kitchen and he told me how good it was and tells
me "I made it all by MYSELF" proudly.
Yep, I definitely would NOT have thought up that particular
combination kiddo!!
Sierra was inspired by his "soup" and is out there making her own batch.
I love the power of self-confidence and the lovely look of joy,
seeping out of the eyes.:)
Addendum: It actually had watermelon and cilantro in it also. All of the above I wrote before Markus came in and said "quit wasting milk!"
ARGH.
"They're USING milk, not wasting it" I gently reminded.
I think he's still annoyed with me. Oh well. I really wish it was easier for people to see how easily joy is squashed by a seemingly innocent comment. I could literally SEE the light go out in their eyes as they paused, looking at me for confirmation.
He left the room after crabbing a bit and I said "It's ok, he's just concerned about money right now" and they proceeded to happily stir and mix and create.
We talked about using powdered milk next time, for experiments, instead of organic milk! It's really quite possible to make requests and share information without stifling the exploration of the moment. The milk was already USED. What good does angst and frustration do for the milk? Nothing. It only sucks they joy from the child.
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This morning, we're getting ready to go swimming. Jalen's face mask had broken and I was working to fix it. Sierra found a missing piece and we finally got it put back together, much to Jalen's delight. A little while ago (about 1/2 hour after fixing the face mask) he runs up and hugs me and says "thank you for fixing my goggles" then, "and thank you to Sierra for finding the piece".
He's all smiles and hugs as he expresses his gratitude...very sweet. I said "you're just full of thankfulness today aren't you?"
"yeah" he says "that's because my body feels sweet" :)
"you feel all sweet and happy inside?" I ask.
"Yep" he answers.
Sierra says "ooh, you're sweet, yum, yum" and proceeds to pretend eat his arm.
"AAAh, stop eating my sweetness!!" he shreaks, full of joy.
The world (or at least our family) got a dose of Jalen sweetness this morning...it's contagious.
