On terrible, horrible, no good very bad days, I think to myself I am raging with envy that Steve is at work right now.
On those laughter filled, love soaked, memory making days; I pity him.
The last few days I have been in what I call, "Culture Re-immersion Shock". Going away with a dear friend for 4 slow paced, food filled, WORD-filling days at the Greater Homeschool Convention- DIVINE. I came back with my head and heart full and refreshed. Not my body because, let me be real, I am 29 weeks pregnant. There is no refreshed body that is 29 weeks pregnant!
The rapid demands and multiple power struggles and just mach speed pace of this beautiful crazy life is a shock after time away.
And, then you know what heals culture re-immersion shock?
This 79 seconds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiTwWxdfnyU
I can't decide who is the luckier brother?
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Hiking and Hot Doughnuts NOW!
"Children can not bounce off the walls if we take away the walls" Erin Kenny
Today we were overdue to take away the walls! Steve found a short hike in South Carolina at Anne Springs Close Greenway. I WANT short since I am almost 26 weeks pregnant!
Last week Zeke had become engrossed with an Adventure book that explained all about a compass and I had promised him for our next hike we would purchase him a compass. And a promise to Zeke is also a promise to Zadie since we typically read the same books together. First stop ... buy this adorable compass times 2 for $2.99 at Dicks. I love how what looks to be like a cheap little toy is such a source of delight. They were so excited that it was 4 things: a whistle, temperature gauge, small magnifier AND a compass.
I'm daydreaming and hunting for just the right moment to open up a conversation about what is our true north with my oldest Z's! What RICH metaphors to God's word as our true North to unpack...
A resourceful use of my overstuffed purse found an unused pink bracelet (old library card holder) and Zane's old piano badge strap for them to "strap on" their compass so it would be less likely to be lost in the woods.
It was a suspension bridge so it truly jumped and swung! If you know my kids I don't have to tell you which ones started JUMPING to make it swing and sway deeper and faster.
We reached what we thought would be the Nature Center to explore, but it was closed. But how adorable are these tables and chairs? And, why did that car have to ruin my beautiful background?
Finally we hiked down to the lake with Zeke pretending to fall in a few "holes" near the lake with an excuse to use his whistle to ask for a "rescue". And, then I waited with Zeke, Zayden, Zoe and Zadie while Dad, Zach and Zane RAN back over a mile to the car and came to pick us up. The littles and I were exhausted and needed a sit. Zadie grabbed a branch with pine needles and pretended to sweep up our "house". Then Zoe and Zadie were grabbing all the flowers they could find for a bouquet. Zeke, Zayden and I played catch with a tennis ball from our pack. And, Zeke kept pretending the divets in the ground were secret passages to Mario World. I love his imagination!
My Most grateful from todays hike centers on Zeke. It has been a long winter with Zeke. We are learning together how to manage our strong wills and strong emotions. He challenges me in ways that aren't even comparable to his older siblings. I truly am SHOCKED by his behavior sometimes. Zeke is ravenous for information and experiences. Its like his brain is on fire and information experiences, input will settle the fire. Often, I feel I cant keep up! It all brings me to my knees, and for that I will count as joy as it will build my character! And, I am so grateful for an answer to prayer, to see clearly the next right step and strategy with him is to get him outside a LOT MORE. Outside gives constant input that he needs and thrives on even more so than my other kids. So thankful Spring is here!
This boy who wants to push EVERY boundary needs the wide open spaces of outside. And, I found it easy to delight in him outside.
On the way home a good friend texted pictures of her DUCK DONUTS and the baby in my belly instantly cried out for them. Sadly they were already closed but... Krispy Kreme was open! And, our kids have never been IN a Krispy Kreme, so it was quite the experience...
I LOVE how he came in the corner and made this picture that much more interesting!
And, finally photobombing clearly is a family thing! I wanted a selfie with my hunk of a husband in his Krispy Kreme hat. Afterall donuts were NOT on his healthy lifestyle living plan but this man LOVES us well, I mean look at him he put on the HAT!
Today we were overdue to take away the walls! Steve found a short hike in South Carolina at Anne Springs Close Greenway. I WANT short since I am almost 26 weeks pregnant!
Last week Zeke had become engrossed with an Adventure book that explained all about a compass and I had promised him for our next hike we would purchase him a compass. And a promise to Zeke is also a promise to Zadie since we typically read the same books together. First stop ... buy this adorable compass times 2 for $2.99 at Dicks. I love how what looks to be like a cheap little toy is such a source of delight. They were so excited that it was 4 things: a whistle, temperature gauge, small magnifier AND a compass.
I'm daydreaming and hunting for just the right moment to open up a conversation about what is our true north with my oldest Z's! What RICH metaphors to God's word as our true North to unpack...
A resourceful use of my overstuffed purse found an unused pink bracelet (old library card holder) and Zane's old piano badge strap for them to "strap on" their compass so it would be less likely to be lost in the woods.
Off we went to the Greenway! Perfect temperatures and it is amazing how sunshine and wide open spaces are instant fun and renewal.
First stop, port-a-pottys (yuk), then off to the hike. For portions of the trails we shared them with horse back riders which was a delight for us all. Instantly Zoe spotted the directions to "Swinging Bridge", so away we went. I swear it was a moment ago that I was helping her just get the first letter on the signs on our hikes. Zayden (2.5) insisted on walking almost the whole time, its no wonder he is SOUND ASLEEP right now at 6pm. And, they all insisted on finding sticks just the right size to use for walking.
We came to the swinging bridge before too long and I waited on the bench and took a few pix.
Today's sermon at church was amazing. And, the theme was JOY so I REALLY was inpsired to get this amazing picture of them "jumping for joy"! I think I will have to keep trying this one on future outings!
They all spent close to 30 minutes challenging themselves and competing with each other on going up this steep hill. Yes, including Steve! I stood back and worked on converting my lunch into growing a human. We were both exhausted after!
When they play like this: bliss. I wonder if as they play at taking this hill if this builds physical memory for taking future hills. And today I prayed. I prayed that they would always dare to see uphill battles, the important ones, as conquerable. That they would approach the steep hills in their life with determination and resolve and play at conquering them...
They came away with dirty knees and clothes and bottoms, proof of all their hard work!
We reached what we thought would be the Nature Center to explore, but it was closed. But how adorable are these tables and chairs? And, why did that car have to ruin my beautiful background?
Finally we hiked down to the lake with Zeke pretending to fall in a few "holes" near the lake with an excuse to use his whistle to ask for a "rescue". And, then I waited with Zeke, Zayden, Zoe and Zadie while Dad, Zach and Zane RAN back over a mile to the car and came to pick us up. The littles and I were exhausted and needed a sit. Zadie grabbed a branch with pine needles and pretended to sweep up our "house". Then Zoe and Zadie were grabbing all the flowers they could find for a bouquet. Zeke, Zayden and I played catch with a tennis ball from our pack. And, Zeke kept pretending the divets in the ground were secret passages to Mario World. I love his imagination!
My Most grateful from todays hike centers on Zeke. It has been a long winter with Zeke. We are learning together how to manage our strong wills and strong emotions. He challenges me in ways that aren't even comparable to his older siblings. I truly am SHOCKED by his behavior sometimes. Zeke is ravenous for information and experiences. Its like his brain is on fire and information experiences, input will settle the fire. Often, I feel I cant keep up! It all brings me to my knees, and for that I will count as joy as it will build my character! And, I am so grateful for an answer to prayer, to see clearly the next right step and strategy with him is to get him outside a LOT MORE. Outside gives constant input that he needs and thrives on even more so than my other kids. So thankful Spring is here!
This boy who wants to push EVERY boundary needs the wide open spaces of outside. And, I found it easy to delight in him outside.
On the way home a good friend texted pictures of her DUCK DONUTS and the baby in my belly instantly cried out for them. Sadly they were already closed but... Krispy Kreme was open! And, our kids have never been IN a Krispy Kreme, so it was quite the experience...
I LOVE how he came in the corner and made this picture that much more interesting!
And, finally photobombing clearly is a family thing! I wanted a selfie with my hunk of a husband in his Krispy Kreme hat. Afterall donuts were NOT on his healthy lifestyle living plan but this man LOVES us well, I mean look at him he put on the HAT!
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