Does that sometimes happen to you: You get up in the morning, start your routine, check your appointments for the day, just to find out 10 minutes later that it is not Friday, as you thought but only Thursday. It somehow threw off my entire day, and it wasn't even 8am yet. Luckily, I've caught myself again; just need to remember now to change the clock in the right direction tonight!
1. A wonderful long fall walk with the entire family. We walked all the way to the next town and had a snack at the bakery there. It was perfect t-shirt weather, but I could feel just the crispness of fall in the air. We have had a wonderful fall so far, and this is something to be thankful for as well.
2. Staying dry. This Wednesday, we had near constant cold rain all day long, and this was also the day Richard needed to car to get to his German class. Luckily for me, the rain stopped just when it was time for me to pick up Violet from kindergarten and we got home without getting soaked. And just as Lily was walking in the door coming home from school, the rain started again.
3. Spending about half an hour gazing into Calvin's biiiig baby eyes, holding his hand and touching his face. He had been asleep but woke up again and was in that really calm and alert state for a while. He almost drifted off a couple of time, but eventually became fuzzy, so I picked him up and cuddled him back to sleep.
4. A beyond beautiful fall morning. There was very dense fog when I drove shopping with Calvin in the morning, and on the way back home, the first rays of sun pierced through the fog and illuminating the beautiful fall leaves. It was so magical. Of course, I did not have a camera with me, and even if I had, I'm not nearly skilled enough with it to capture a moment like that. So I simply enjoyed it for what it was.
5. Lily being confident enough to stand up for herself against the majority of the class and her teacher. With another friend, who is an atheist as well, she is standing up against the pressure, remains seated during morning prayer and refuses to sing religious songs. Two other atheist girls have sadly caved, one after being bullied by a christian kid in class. Hopefully, we will be able to be successful eventually and ban prayer and religious songs from the regular classes where they simply have no place.
6. A long, long nap with Calvin today. After a somewhat restless night with all three kids joining us in our bed at various times of the night, I went down again for a nap around 11ish, and didn't emerge again until 2:30.
7. Hubby playing another concert in early December. I can never get enough from watching him perform on stage!
8. Lily being on her fall break. She was so excited on Friday to have her first school holidays. On Thursday, she crafted a card for her teacher to wish her a fun fall holiday, it was so sweet. Still, Lily said that she was missing school already.
9. A very, very good friend confirming he's going to come visit us from the U.S. in early spring. He's hands-down Lily's favorite uncle, which is the reason why we're not telling her about his visit yet; but we know she'll be beyond excited!!
10. Enough food on our tables, a warm bed tonight, everyone in our family safe and sound. I am thankful for these every day, but with so many conflicts going on and wave after wave of refugees flooding into Germany, I felt that it was important to spell those out again.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
It makes me so sad that Lilly is having to deal with this. THat her friends were bullied into believing what others believe.
ReplyDeleteYes all the turmoil in the news has made me realize how much we have just with having food and housing.
Lily's friends were luckily not bullied into believing in a god, but - and this is almost worse - participate in a ritual that means absolutely nothing to them. I'm glad Lily's friend found the courage to talk to her parents about it.
DeleteIt is so sad to see how people, who have gone through so much already, have to live in tents or former military barracks, that have been abandoned for years. Definitely makes me thankful to live in a safe country and to have everything we need and then some.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I think if I had a nickle for every time that scenario you opened with has happened to me... I would be living in a villa in France... lets just say a lot! THIS WEEK !
ReplyDeleteIm sure knowing Lily is having to stand up for herself is tough but knowing she is so strong must be a comfort as well... too sad that people cant just be accepting and live and let live...so sad that some poor child had to "cave" because the adults in the situation cant find it in them to accept and empower every child.
I so agree, Zoe! Both hubby and I are so incredibly proud of Lily, and let her know that we are! Sometimes, inheriting the combined stubbornness of two mules can be an advantage. We definitely won't give up, and keep raising this issue with the teacher until she gets it, or Lily moves on to another teacher :-) Have a wonderful weekend, Zoe!
DeleteHa - like Zoe said, your opening scenario also happens to me often. Especially now that I'm self-employed. It sometimes gets a little difficult to keep track of days... and the ADD doesn't help me any, either! :D
ReplyDeleteI am saddened that a "Christian" child would bully another. But that any person - child or adult - would bully and coerce another in to thought or action that is not their personal choice is simply unacceptable. We all believe what we believe for a reason and we all believe that with conviction, at least in most cases I would hope. But accepting that others may choose differently than we do and simply being respectful of that should be just natural common courtesy. Sadly, it isn't. I often think that people act in circumstances like these out of fear. We humans fear that which we do not understand, that which we do not know. A lack of knowledge and understanding sparks far too many problems in the world. We don't have to all believe the same thing to all live peacefully together. I am so sorry that your daughter and others have to put up with that. So not OK. I like what Zoe said - the adults should be the ones showing the children how to be accepting, regardless of differences, and empower each child to be who they are. School is supposed to be a place that is safe, comfortable, and non-threatening. And yet we have to deal with situations like yours, with school shootings, with so many other problems. Honestly, what is wrong with people???
OK, stepping back off the soapbox...
Never wrong to be grateful for our blessings, even those we may not remember daily because we are fortunate and blessed enough not to have to remember them. Does that make sense? But good to stop and remember anyway.
And beautiful fall weather? Who can argue with that! I've had several moments the last couple of weeks where I saw something so stunning that I wanted a photo. Sometimes the photo doesn't do the scene justice or I just can't capture it - like the field of pink and red leaves on trees I saw this afternoon, but was driving and couldn't possibly stop to photograph. I shall just have to carry the memory in my mind and heart...some moments are just like that.
Applause to Lisa on the soapbox :-) I can't believe either that this kid bullied Lily's friend into participating. I'm glad she finally opened up to her mom and they talked about it. I hope that she will be confident enough not to participate in the prayer any more after the fall break.
DeleteIt's sometimes hard not to become anti-christian, because we as atheists face so much discrimination from that side; sometimes I wonder if any of these people have read the bible recently. We are definitely happy that Lily has such a strong backbone and stands up for herself. She knows that she has our unconditional support, no matter what. I am just sad that the teacher has pointed out before that no child is excluded in her class, and now she thinks that exempting the kids from prayer and singing the religious songs is the way to go to create an inclusive class room environment where everyone fells welcome. I have an appointment with her in a couple of weeks and hope to raise that issue again.
There are indeed moments that could never properly be captured in a picture. So saving it in our memory is the way to go :-)
Have a great new week, Lisa!
I am so sorry Lily is having to deal with this in school of all places and not just with students, but her teacher, as well. Definitely not right one bit, but sounds like she is one tough cookie and have every right to be proud of her. Hoping this is the end of it and sending some extra hugs your way this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Janine, we really appreciate it!! We're lucky enough (at times, cursed at others) that Lily seems to have inherited all of mine and Richard's stubbornness :-) We parents just decided to raise this issue over and over again until we're heard. There are alternatives to christian prayer, so that all children can participate!
DeleteHave a wonderful week, Janine!
Oh, yes, that happens to me sometimes, too! In fact, your comment about changing the clocks made me mentally lose a week--and then I remembered that not all the countries change the same day! Here in the US, we "fall behind" next weekend. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I know! This always threw me so off when we lived in the U.S. and my family in Germany :-)
DeleteHave a great week, Kristi, and don't for get to fall back Sunday!
Great for Lily. I'm Catholic, but I firmly believe that people should never force their beliefs on others.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly our point of view, Michelle! Thank you for your confirmation :-)
DeleteHave a wonderful week!!
huge compliments to Lily for the…whatever, (the thing that we find in ourselves), to resist the peer pressure. But even more so, at that age, yow!… you must be setting an amazing example, for her to find it within to not take the 'easy path'.
ReplyDelete(as clarks, we remember and identify with the feelings of being apart, but in the final analysis, taking a stand on principle is always a solitary act…at least to start. you must be very proud of her.)
We are incredibly proud of her! Her extreme stubbornness is definitely a blessing and sometimes a curse. We have both told her how proud we are of her standing with what she believes in. The amazing thing is that despite her differences with her teacher on that subject, she still loves her. She's indeed an amazing girl!!
DeleteEnjoy your week, Clark!
Stay warm, there is nothing worse than cold rain. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThe best cure for encountering cold rain and a gloomy mood: Sharing hot chocolate with cinnamon with the girls :-)
DeleteHave a great time exploring your new home, Jen!
Rock on, Lily! She sounds like Emma. She has been standing up about causes ever since she was in kindergarten. There was a big one in 5th grade, and every kid in the class kowtowed to the teacher except Emma. One other boy was brave enough to join her, but she got the classroom policy changed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fall weather and long walks just go hand in hand, don't they? Glad you dodged the rain when you didn't have the car. I hate getting rained on! For some weird reason, if it rains on me and gets my head wet, I get bronchitis.
Oh, that sweet gaze from a little baby! Add some sleepy eyes in there, and I'm completely smitten!
We are actually very lucky with Calvin! Goes to sleep every night between 8 and 9 and sleeps until about 3am usually. At that time I just take him into my bed and we sleep until the morning. He's such a good, good boy!
DeleteYour Emma sounds like such a wonderful girl herself. So far, Lily's teacher has been very set on her prayer, but we hope to encourage her to create a truly inclusive classroom environment soon!
Funny, I also get sick if I get wet hair in the rain. Not bronchitis but usually a good cold. Weird..
Enjoy your week, Dyanne!
I love all your descriptions of snuggles with baby Calvin.How old is he already? Time goes by so fast. It seems like forever ago you were posting about his birth!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that you are raising a girl ready to stand up for what she believes in. That is important. Good for her.
I love number ten. So simple...but it really says it all.
Thanks so much, Sandy! Calvin is 11 weeks old now, can't believe it! Time runs so fast and I want it to stop, have my sweet little cuddly baby boy forever. On the other hand I can't wait to hear his sweet laugh for the first time and getting tons of sticky kisses from our youngest. Everything feels so bitter-sweet because he's our last baby.
DeleteWe are incredibly proud of Lily, being able to stand up for herself in such a way!! She's sure a strong one :-)
Sometimes, it's important to state the simple, most basic things in life, because the current situation in this world proves that it's nothing anyone should take for granted!
Have a great week, Sandy!
I know you mentioned it last week, too, but this week I can see more of what you are saying. I guess these German schools aren't on the same page as the public schools here in the US. I can remember when prayer was taken out of school being talked about when I was into Christianity (that's how I was raised though me and my husband are not Christians now). I can remember my family being up in arms about this, but what I don't understand is how they can't see that if they were asked to pray to Allah or Buddha how incredibly upset they would feel. (Many in my extended family though they are Christian don't all believe Allah is the same god as their god. Which I understand and they are entitled to their beliefs, but like you are saying, no one should be forced to pray to any god or practice any religion against their will. Even Christians believe in free will so I'm just not understanding this.)
ReplyDeleteThough I understand not all people feel they can do it, this is primarily one of our main reasons why homeschool is such a great option for our family. There are lots of other reasons, too, but it's nice to know that I won't have to be upset because different beliefs and teachings are being put in front of my kids in a way that I'm not comfortable with. Our beliefs are extremely different than most so this is even more important to us. I know parents fought to get prayer out of schools here and it prevailed so I'm sure eventually it will happen there, too. Sorry for the rant. I just wanted to send my understanding and encouragement your way.
In other news- I'm happy you had such a great week. I'm always so enamored with your mentioning that precious newborn of yours since I have one coming into my world really soon. :)
Thank you so much for your response, Brittnei!! Many schools here in Germany don't do prayers, but our state of Bavaria is very conservative (think Texas!), and a lot is left to the teacher's discretion. Lily's teacher obviously loves her prayers.
DeleteI agree with you that I hate having other people's believes shoved into our daughter's face (and occasionally our faces as well), we think it's important for her to encounter people with different opinions and faiths to be able to form her very own opinion on matters like religion one day.
Some thing in my also wants to protect our children from outside influences that goes against what we believe, but we decided that the best defense is allowing those influences in and discussing them with the children. This way, Lily was able at a very young age to decide for herself that she does not believe in gods and therefore is able to encounter situations like those in school more confident in what she believes in.
Homeschooling is illegal here in Germany, and apart from the praying, which again is nothing that's mandated but left up to the teacher, we're really happy with the curriculum that's being taught. Back in the States, we'd planned to home-school as well, just because the quality did not even come close to the quality of Germany schools.
In general, our approach is very much live and let live, but it's getting difficult not to form hard feelings since our convictions are constantly undermined, which sometimes drives me up the wall. But retribution is not an answer either!
Baby Calvin is really and truly a joy, Brittnei! And I'm happy you get to welcome your little one into your home soon as well!
Have a great week!
I'm glad I stopped back over to see how you responded. That's right! Homeschool is illegal in Germany! I remember there was this big case with this German family that was here in the states who wanted to homeschool and didn't want to go back to Germany. Now I get why this was such a big deal...apart from the immigration aspect of it I guess. You explained your approach to teaching the kids really well. It makes a lot of sense. I hope things change a bit though so your hard feelings can subside a little. I know for sure I would feel the same way if it were my kids.
DeleteYes, I remember the case with the family. I was actually really upset that they were granted "political refugee" status in the States. There is a reason why it is mandatory in Germany to attend a state-run or state-approved school, which is to give all children the same opportunity to excel in life. Had these families gotten together, drafted a schedule and founded a private school, it wouldn't have been an issue.
DeleteI would never even think about keeping our kids home from school because of something like a school prayer, because children are sensible enough to talk about the whats and whys. I don't think that simply excluding the non-christian kids from prayer and continuing doing them is the best solution to the issue, and I do hope that we can find a better way in the future.
There are still enough "good" religious people out there that prevent me from going all-out radical atheist :-) Again, our motto is live and let live. I love to learn about other people's belief and respect them for it, as long as I feel respected as well.
I'm glad you checked back on it and left your response, Brittnei :-)
Love that you got to take a nice long nap with Calvin. It's so good that Lily loves school. Enjoy this fall break with her!
ReplyDeleteWe're definitely doing our best to enjoy the fall break, even though all the kids caught a cold :-(
DeleteOk there is nothing more crappy than waking up on a Friday and realizing that it is a Monday...or something horrifying like that :)
ReplyDeleteOh those baby eyes. You can get lost for days in them. Maybe that's why you thought it was Friday?
So this might be the dumb question of the day, but does your child go to a public school? I ask this because my son goes to a Catholic School and a huge part of the curriculum is based on our faith. That's why we send him to a Catholic School.
Public schools aren't religion based. If I sent my Catholic child to a public school, I am fully aware that my child will NOT be learning our religious practises. I respect that. I do not agree that a public school should force anyone to pray. That isn't right. It's a public school, a building full of different beliefs...
And I am proud of your daughter for sticking to her guns. How is that even allowed????
Kimberly: We're in Germany, Bavaria, to be exact. In Germany, the curriculum is developed on a state-level, and Bavaria can be called the German Texas, it's very conservative. Since prayer is not conducted on all schools, and not even all class rooms in our school, I think that it's very much up to the teacher whether they pray or not. I agree with you that sending our kids to a public school, it should be free from religion; if they were at a religious private school, I would totally expect them to pray, go to church service, etc., but from a public school, I expect to stay out of that field!
DeleteWe are indeed very proud of Lily for sticking up for herself and not letting herself be bullied into performing rituals that don't mean anything to her. Sometimes, being more stubborn than a donkey and knowing exactly what she wants is really an advantage :-)
Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful week!
I have an appointment with the teacher in two weeks, and I'm totally going to mention the issue. Unfortunately, the teacher doesn't seem to inclined to stop the praying, and she seems to think that excluding the ahteist kids is a satisfactory solution. I definitely plan on bringing some examples of a "non-religious invocation" to the appointment to show her, maybe it gets us somewhere.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great week, Lizzi!