By
The highlight of my childhood was making my brother laugh so hard
that food came out his nose.
~Garrison Keillor

When Avril laughed for the first time, it was at Norah.

And, I'll never forget the look in Norah's eyes. It was like a child in a story book who finds out their beloved Teddy is a real bear. At that moment, Norah was given permission to believe in magic.

Now my oldest is intoxicated by the power she has over her little sister. Of her own volition, she makes herself a clown to entertain Avril. "Baby... Baby. Look!" But, she doesn't need to say that, since "Baby" is usually already staring at her, eyes following everywhere she goes, absolutely transfixed.


Norah's adding new tricks to her bag everyday. She's taken to yelling "Boo!" out of nowhere, realizing that if she waits long enough, she makes the baby, not to mention me, think she isn't going to do it anymore. Norah does it so fast. Her sister and I both jump sky high, since we're off our guard. That's when Norah peals over in laughter and after a sort delay, Avril gets the joke, realizing there is nothing to be scared after all and she smiles.

And, as much as I like that they play together, when Norah is doing something childish to get a rise out of Avril, I can't help but warn her to "Be careful." Norah's response is always the same.

"Mom. It's okay. Pleeease don't worry. She likes it! See!"

And, it is always so.

Avril never fails to grin from ear to ear and gush and bring her fist up to her mouth. But, that's usually when Norah strikes again, "Boo!" since that's when Avril and I least expect it.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

By
Image
"...the child should have a set time everyday to read for fun. Begin with half an hour for first graders, and build up to an hour of reading time daily... This is an important part of the child's education: it improves his reading skills, teaches him the habit of sitting still with a book, and reminds him that reading is fun... free reading ought to be spent on literature at or slightly below the child's present reading level so that he can simply enjoy himself. The easier reading will help him increase his speed." The Well Trained Mind: The Guide to Classical Education at Home by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer
Read more

Andrew Peterson's Songs That Celebrate Marriage and Family

By
Recently, I got to go to an Andrew Peterson concert at the Community Coffehouse in Danbury, CT. My dear friend and I didn't realize the show was sold out when we arrived.  But luckily, the lady at the door showed us pity, let us pay for tickets that didn't exist, and go in. We were willing to stand at the back, but we were able to find space on a bench at the back of the hall. I knew a few of the songs he sang that evening, but many of them were new to me because I have a hard time with new music.  I'd rather sing a song I already know by heart a hundred more times than hear a new song through even once. I know it is a problem that I need to work on if for no other reason than for the sake of my poor husband and daughters who have to hear the same albums everyday for a year. No, really. A year. At least. I have been giving myself permission to buy new music for this reason. So I came home that evening or maybe it was the next day and I purchased three of hi
Read more

Astronomer Shoe Boxes for Challenge B

By
Image
  Avril finished her astronomer shoeboxes for Challenge B.   The Challenge B students have all done research and projects on astronomers throughout this first semester.  Now, students choose two (or more) astronomers in secret and provide clues to the astronomers' identities in their shoeboxes.   For instance, if an astronomer made telescopes, sang opera, played piano, discovered binary stars or Uranus, studied eclipses, lived in a simple, log cabin, or made a map of Washington D.C., you might include some of those items to your shoe boxes as hints.  Student bring in their shoeboxes, and classmates get a chance to guess who the astronomers are based on what's inside the boxes.  Can you guess who Avril's astronomers are based on the pictures above?  Hint: Her two boxes actually represent three astronomers total.  
Read more