Taran turns 9

My son has gone to bed for the night, eight years old.  When he awakens, Taran shall be nine.  Nine, such an amazing number on so many levels.  Nine, wow!  That he has let me enjoy nine years with him leaves me honored.  I remember exactly what happened nine years ago at this time - his father and I were laughing with joy and surprise as we rushed toward the hospital; Taran decided to arrive a few weeks early - how not expected.  Already our beautiful boy was letting us know he would not be following anyone else's plans - he would ignore what others expected and go his own way.  So these years have gone and how wonderful they have been.  Taran has helped me see and realize that being your own person and going against the norm has much merit and though it can have some friction, it is full of much joy and love. 

Thank you Taran and Happy Birthday my beautiful son!!!

This one is for you:

This morning I was privy to the scene of Chuck helping Lucy craft a paper sword (including pommel and guard), a scabbard to carry the weapon and a hat to help set off the outfit.  What is so cool about this moment is not the crafting and decorating (though it was v. v. cool to watch - the coloring and the decoration planned by Lucy and executed by Chuck), but the fact that they were willing to honor Taran's desire to stay home.  See yesterday, they went to the Fernbank pirate gathering, but were slow to catch the ship and missed the sword and hat making.  Lucy asked to go back today to make her hat and sword, but Taran did not wish to go with them.  I was not able to offer him the option of hanging with me - I had to hightail it to work; so, the three of them decided it would be pretty cool to make said hat and sword at home.  That is what I love about unschooling - everyone respected and everyone stating a choice and everyone getting the opportunity to make things work.