Free time and elephants and randomish thoughts

Sometimes alone is really nice.  

I think, if given the choice, the kids would choose the company and companionship of their siblings, rather than being alone.  In a big family though, there isn't often a lot of choice in the matter.  Recently, an opportunity presented itself for Ellie.  

I tried to secretly grab a couple of pictures with my phone because she just looked so content and happy.  (but she spied me after only a couple.)

It was a really warm day with a gentle breeze and nothing but quiet.  Moments for herself to think her thoughts and create.  

Caleb had given her this Elephant and paints for her birthday.   Just a cloth to protect the deck from paint, and she was off.  Free to paint however she wanted.  

these are the precious carefree days of childhood.  

. . . . . 

Some days I just have to pinch myself. I have a husband who has always valued the impact of motherhood and has never underestimated my work here at home while he works away from it.  God has blessed me with eight children, and the privilege to be at home with them. 
And though there are days where I am weary and worn thin, I am just so thankful to be able to spend my days with them training, teaching, observing, sharing.  

. . . . . 

 Here we are in August already.  There are signs that summer is winding down.  Here in Washington it feels like it has just arrived, which makes saying good-bye to summer oh so hard.   

I'd say, that even though the sunny days haven't been aplenty, we've been enjoying our vacation days.  The moment there is a break in the weather, we make the most of it, a river day with friends, sleeping in the front yard under the stars - finding constellations. Rain or shine we've been thoroughly enjoying the days of no schedule, and not much responsibility.

This month finds me taking care of business - appointments of all kinds (well visits, eye visits, dental visits for all.) and also planning for school - not so much what anymore, but more the how and when.  We'll be starting again in just a few short weeks.  Seriously, the time passes quicker with every year.  I mean September = 3/4 of the year complete.  

But...happily we still have this last bit of summer to savor - and a few last things to check off our summer bucket list.  

~ Carol