The Whole Child

Today my daughter was the smart kid who surprised me with how much she knows as we worked to sound out some words.

But first she was the whiny kid who cried (cried!) "Im tooooo tiiirreeeedd" when I suggested we do some work with letters. 

Today my daughter was an artist who drew a great picture of our family walk through the woods.

But then she became the sloppy (behavioral maybe even...) kid who scribbled all over her second sheet of paper.

Today my daughter was caring and helped her sister climb onto the swing. She was nurturing, showing her kindly how to put a toy together. She shared wonderfully even with a 2 year old who didn't quite understand the game.

But at other moments she was a bit harsh and grumpy. She grabbed a toy from her sisters hands. She yelled "I don't want to play thay way!" and stomped away.

Today my daughter was helpful. She jumped in when I was cleaning and did more than her share.

But later when I asked her to pick up her toys? Well ... you can guess ...

My kiddos humble me constantly - they are, perhaps, my greatest teachers. Today this girl reminded my teacher heart that my daughter isn't the only kid who can feel and therefore act about 8 different ways in one day. All my school kiddos also have different emotions - good days, bad days ... Even good moments, bad moments. By the age of 10 most of my 4th graders emotions are a little more subtle, yet they still need help and a bit of understanding love and grace in their weak moments. They need gentle redirecting. And in the good moments, they need praise!

Most of all, all my kiddos need me to see all of them. They need me to see the "bad" and help them process it. They need me to see the "good" and help them nurture it. They need me to not forget about or lose sight of one part of them when we're working through another part, and they need me to let them know it's okay to have both .... and that sometimes it's okay to take a break, and try better tomorrow. 

The Elder

I try to pray for our leaders all the time, but situations such as our world's current one has me praying extra intentionally for leaders everywhere. From governmental leaders to school leaders, they all need our prayers. Prayers for the wisdom to figure out the right, best things and then make them happen. Today being Sunday had me praying extra hard for church leaders everywhere who are trying to help guide their flocks the best way they can amongst the unknown. 

The Elder

He bows his head in silence

And tries to still the thousand thoughts

All the voices and opinions

That are jarring for their spot

He weighs out all the options

Trying hard to see

Where the line between the many

"Need to do"s might be

Striving to be a leader

Who finds the way that's true

To all the big important beliefs

For himself, but also you

And he understands your doubtings

He realizes all your fears

Of doing not enough or way to much

He's been balancing for years

So he hears out your side of things

And then several people more

He reads the laws, both Gods and man's,

And knows all that he's fighting for

Then he bows his head in silence

Praying for the right words

To share whats been decided

To the flock he helps shepherd

And through the weight of the not knowing

Navigating of waters new

He prays to feel and spread the peace of God

And share the zeal for worship too.

All That Is Gold Doesn't Glitter

Ready or not, for worse or for better, most of us have a bit of extra time on our hands right now. Time with our spouses, time with our children, time with our home, and time with ourselves. As I strove this week to create spring break memories that involved our own back yard (and some borrowed family woods), each other, our home, and lots of play time,  I was reminded of this quote from The Fellowship Of The Ring:

 “All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”

This week, and in the ones to come where I am being blessed with extra time with my girls, I pray that I can help them see the wonderful golden moments that don't always glitter and shine. That I can allow them - and help them - wonder and wander their way to new and exciting findings. That I can remind them of the beauty and strength in our tried and true loves, traditions, and family. And, that I can help cultivate for them, with them, and in them, a deep root system of love and family and God. 

There's nothing glittery about all the mud we've tracked in the house, but we've had many golden moments finding the mud. 

My forest guide has done a lot of wandering but always found the way back to the house (and the amount of a 5 year olds wonders  is real too 😳).

We're loving on each other and making good ole' fashioned family fun memories. 

And the root system? Well, I'd say it's growing stronger by the day.

Designing Joyful Spaces

I am not a decorator by the furthest stretch of the imagination, but I've recently set on a mission to create some peaceful spots around my house. I do not mind that a large portion of our rooms are "kidified" but I needed some adult spaces - some spaces where I can look to refresh myself. Having always loved quotes, I fell in love with this chalkboard. The front view reminds me to hold on to my joy for it comes from the Lord ... And the back reminds me of whatever I decide it needs to ... This week that is to practice patience, because, well, kids. 😉

Being home full time is a mental adjustment I make each summer (and now, for these 3 weeks+). I love my girls and am thankful for extra moments and memories with them, but we all have to adjust to decreased social interaction and a change in routine. Lydia misses school, her friends, and her teacher. Raina is potty training and the girls are learning how to play with each other in this new stage (5 and 2 year olds play somewhat differently....) Apparently, I had forgotten how many messes and dirty dishes can be created in a full day at home. The mud + dogs + kids + outside animals = a constant sweeping of floors. None of it is bad in any way - but it IS a change from our norm. With change and adjustment comes a need for patience and a need for reminders of joy.♥️

Last week we were a bit emotional and floundering. We lacked routine and it wasn't pretty. This week the girls may still rock their pajamas more than usual, but we are finding our joy deeper from the Lord and embracing one another and our extra time. 

Psalm 28:7 - "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him."