Mi familia

Today I had the opportunity to volunteer in William's classroom at school.  I was not looking forward to it only because I have so much on my plate these days, I don't feel like I have a spare moment.  Two and a half hours of school for William means more checkmarks on my task list.  I went to class feeling a bit ruffled (after backing my car into my girlfriend's brick wall along her driveway) but as the time unfolded I began to feel more at peace. 

That begs the question, how can anyone find peace in a classroom full of 4 year olds?  Well, in this classroom it is possible.  I was assigned to oversee 4 children at a time watercolor paint a cornucopia picture.  They use these super cool intense watercolors at school that I have always liked.  I pulled out a blank cornucopia and began painting with them.  As each child painted we would discuss all sorts of things like "What color is a grape?" and "Is this a plum or a peach?".  We'd also talk about anything they wanted to discuss.  I find that when a child is engaged in a project like painting you can solicit some honest and funny information.  For instance, I found it surprising that Amelia had visited another planet last weekend (and come back) and that Eli's mother never sings in the house but Jack's mom sometimes does. 

As we painted and chatted I relaxed completely.  No more thoughts of cabinet colors, wall measurements or tile.  Sigh. 

I'll try to scan in my picture so you can see my finished product, not bad for a gal out of practice. 

Here is the real picture on the wall that brought a smile to my face today.  I love that he included Grammy & Pa in the picture of his family.