Thursday, 2/25.
Washington is well known for its rain, but it's far less known for its glorious, sunny weather.
This time of year when gray skies typically prevail, we all get a little antsy for spring to come with warmer, sunnier, outside days.
When one shows up, we set aside the books and high-tail it to the park!
Eric recently put together a new board for Dan and spiffed up some old ones for the little ones, so of course, we needed to try them out. :-)
I loved how Ellie put her hands behind her back like her daddy when he races. Seeing that made me keenly aware of how our children watch us and mimic us.
Sometimes Abbie is a goofy-footer, sometimes she's not. Does that just make her plain ol' goofy?
Abbie gave Hannah and Mary a good push...
It felt so nice to get out of house and enjoy the warm(ish) sunshine. Just to move and breathe deeply kind of "clears the cobwebs" and gives fresh perspective. I needed it as much as they did.
I love to hear the children laugh, and see them smile. It was fun to help and encourage the little ones as they learn how to balance and turn.
It blessed my heart in other ways too - to see them help each other.
Hannah gave up her opportunity to skate in order to ride with Mary. They both laughed a lot.
Abbie happily pushed them.
Ellie offered to trade her board for a while so that Abbie could get the hang of steering.
When I called to Mary, who was on her favorite slide in the park, to say that it was time to leave, she cheerfully came without complaint. She said, and I quote, "Can we go home now, and eat lunch and take a nap?" Seriously!
The Lord knew I needed encouragement and he gave it to me in big doses today.
Parenting is hard. I often feel so stretched as I try to know the hearts of each one. Trying to be available for counsel or encouragement for the older ones. Staying on top of direction and correction for the younger ones. I have one foot in the adult-kid world, while still having the other foot in the little-kid world. It's a precarious balance.
The thought of homeschooling for 12 more years is a little daunting, honestly! But I want to "finish well". I want to learn from the mistakes I made with my older children and do better with my younger set, and I want to continue to do the fun things with these younger ones too.
. . .
Psalm 28:6 "Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 32: 8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. "
Awwww it cheers my heart to see my family so happy! And why didn't you call me?! You were so close to my work and I would have GLADLY joined you!!! ;)
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