Week 4: Virtual VBS and VIrtual Art Camp

Dear Kids, 

I really just have to pause and count our blessings. Considering that we are going through a PANDEMIC, modern technology has allowed us to ... live it up. 

This past week, we participated in our church's virtual vacation bible school (VBS). Normally I would be volunteering, the big kids participating, and Hailey, still too young, would be hanging out in the nursery. Instead, this week, I got to hang out with all three of you and do all the activities with you guys. 

Bethany Lutheran Church did a great job organizing and making the whole experience so easy and fun for us parents. I know many volunteers invested lots of their time to make it possible. 

I'm not going to say much, but will just share all the fun activities that we did through VBS. 

Tantrums were quickly resolved when the music came on. 

Hailey is so cute when she prays. 

Overall, we learned how God is always with us and I hope that you will be able to wear this message around you as you grow older. 

Another thing we did this week was participate in a free Art summer camp, which we ended up signing up for a whole month of classes starting this week. 

On day 1, it was illustration. 

On day 2, it was collages. 

On day 3, it was acrylic (cringe) painting. Surprisingly, you all managed to stay pretty clean. 

Day 4 was all about design

Day 5 was all about story writing. 

Each of these 5 days was a sample of a weeks worth of lessons in the program. I was very impressed by how the program inspires the kids to create quality work and while it gives them some directed instruction, they also get to exercise their creativity. I'm already excited to share what you guys created today, but that will be for next week's post. 

Besides learning about God and creating art, you guys also did a lot of playing. Nathan, you got in trouble for hurting Hannah again, so as a consequence, lost all of your screen time for the week. (I know, harsh) 

Hailey, now that you are taking more risks and such, you seem to be getting hurt more often. You refuse bandaids, but always will ask for an ice pack. You will use it for a second and instantly be healed. 

One morning, I took you guys out to go pick up some books via curbside at the closest library that was open. We then went to the park across the street to play for a bit and then we went out for snow cones courtesy of one of my teammates. You guys got to pick out your own toppings and loved it. 

I couldn't help it, but I just had to get a baby with a watermelon picture in this year! 

The Chinese dragon boat festival was also this past week. It's tradition to eat jong ji, which is rice with other fillings (savory or sweet) wrapped in a bamboo leaf. It's similar a mexican tamale. I made a few batches of sweet red bean and savory pork with mushroom ones. Hannah, you love them all, Nathan, you are not a big fan of the fillings, but will eat the rice, and Hailey, you refuse to eat it if you see that it came from a leaf. I have to scoop the rice out secretly and plop it onto your plate before I give it to you. Then you will eat it without a problem. Sheesh. Toddlers. 

Oh, and another thing I want to not here is that Hailey, you will go on these long tantrums (like 45 minutes) over things like juice and milk. We usually say no to you  if you ask for more after we've already given you a glass , so you are learning to accept "No" from us. It's taking a long time for you to figure out that we are not changing our minds. Hopefully it will sink in soon. It breaks my heart everytime you are screaming and yelling out of frustration. 

With the whole #blacklivesmatter movement in full swing right now, I've been skating in a skate-a-thon to raise money for BLM. I've been educating myself through the reading of books, listening to podcasts, and discussions with friends. Racism today is deeper than overt acts or harsh name calling, it's become systematic. The system set up people of color who mess up, for failure immediately. We all mess up at some point and it's not fair how Black people are more easily targeted and receive harsher punishments. I was shocked to find out that if you were convicted of a crime and get out, you are not eligible for housing assistance or food stamps. Talk about being stuck! 

While I can't do anything to change the system, I'm going to skate and raise money for a group who is trying to make a change. I have 15 miles left and 1 day to do it. The most I've skated in one day was 17, so I'm hoping I will be able to get out tomorrow and finish it all up and complete my goal of 100 miles. 

On Saturday, we went on a family bike ride, and I skated. I love see the effort that you guys put into those petals. It's freeing and inspiring at the same time. 

Until next week, 

Love, 

Mommy