Wednesday afternoon, poor Ana had a panic attack at school. She has never had one before, and it was not dealt with very well. The staff with her were lovely, but they took her word that she was ok, and put her on the bus home. She wasn't ok, and when I finally managed to get to her, she was in a lot of distress. But I know how to handle stress. Tea! Well yes, breathing properly, but tea does seem to fix most things. We were also pleased to find spectacular post from daddy (maps and stories and letters) and a beautiful Ridvan gift. The panic attack was alarming, but seemed to be in response to physical stress and pain,and we now know how to deal with it and what to expect next time. Still, I kept her home with me Thursday to make sure.
Friday afternoon and all day Saturday were heavy-duty gardening days. Things are growing so swiftly: the lily of the valley and tiny star flowers are blooming in the woodland bed, the artichokes are appearing, the kale and winter carrots and beets all had to be pulled out.
Early Saturday morning, the garden club had their yearly sale. For $24, I bought 3 ferns, 3 solomon's seal, 3 columbine, 2 red currants, a violet and a snowball bush. Thank heavens Mum came down shortly! We got it all planted (except for the snowball bush), the vegetable beds uncovered (except for the one corner reserved for the tadpoles), new carrots and beets sown, two sinks full of kale to deal with, two hanging baskets up, the catmint in, and the thyme redistributed between the freshly weeded flagstones. The children helped a lot, too. Especially Asher! Although he kept disappearing to lie down on the warm gravel between the beds.
We got to eat some of the fruits (vegetables) of our labour, too, which is always good.
Saturday evening we went to a friend's concert of Leonard Bernstein music (he is part of the master chorus). It was great fun, with wonderful music! The children were completely engrossed, and Asher got to inspect the kettle drums during intermission. Ana had to come home and pratice her guitar despite it being past bedtime.
Today we spent a slower morning folding laundry and playing tiddly-winks. Tacos for lunch. Then Mum had to head home to visit Dad and the children and I went to Philomath for Ruhi Book 5. We stopped on our way to pick up things for a picnic dinner afterwards, though. I love that my children are adventerous eaters: baguette, sheep's milk cheese, watercress, tangerines, ginger beer, sweet potato crisps and almond pastries. Yes please.
We stopped by the wetlands on the way home. What a glorious place!
The children dabbled and explored and discovered and ran back and forth to their hearts' content. The sun was warm and the birds were singing continuously. Especially the redwinged blackbirds.
We had our picnic supper closer to home. The park was an absolute sea of daisies. Bella showed Asher how to make a chain. She is a bit of a funny one, that Bella.
I know what panic attacks are like, I am 38, and have had them for quite awhile now. I can totally sympathize with Ana. My son and daughter(11 and 13)have them as well. I will remember to pray for her. I really like how you are doing a day to day sort of journal for your blog. I enjoy reading, and seeing the beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing!
christina in Texas
Posted by: christina | 07 May 2012 at 08:46
My heart hurts for your Ana. I have had panic attacks and they are just awful. My Mom gave me some lovely chamomile and lavender oil to help promote calmness. I think it helped a bit. I will be thinking of you sweet girl.
Posted by: Crystal | 07 May 2012 at 16:29
Ah what a beautiful dip in to your lives. Ana - you'll get over those, mind over matter. I used to go that way a bit and I think this is just part of your body growing up...
Bella I can't wait to show Hannah your pictures! I love the daisy chains... Asher, I am jealous of your running around with bare feet already. Its FREEZING here in the UK, cloudy and wet, and I still have the heating on! We're having the wettest drought on record... that sounds like a tautology but it's actually correct! Can you all work out what it means? Love Nicky
Posted by: Nicky Robertson | 09 May 2012 at 03:03
I love the pictures. I love the last one of Bella and her daisy chains. I've got a picture of me just like that when I was about 6 and granny showed me how to make a daisy chain. I also liked the one of Asher lying between the flower beds. Ana I love the short hair and it was nice to see all of you in the pictures.
Love from Hannah xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Nicky Robertson | 10 May 2012 at 11:22
I'm sorry Ana had to experience one of these. I've had a few in some very stressful times of my life. It is scary and so uncomfortable. When it is over, you're absolutely right, it is essential to try & identify the cause, and see what can heal should there be another one ( I've not had one for years & for me there were worse if I was alone )
Wild daisies surely suit to pretty Bella :)
Posted by: un arc en ciel dans le lavabo | 10 May 2012 at 18:35