I am constantly growing and learning on this journey of parenthood; not just through watching the three of you, but also through you watching me.
Last week one night, you observed my reaction and mood change after someone had hurt my feelings. Admittedly, I am very sensitive and I realize that I often take things personal that aren't said to hurt me. That evening, you came to me to ask me what had happened. I started to explain to you why my feelings were hurt.
With thought and respect you carefully told me that I wasn't being Jesus like. You also said that it isn't fun to be around a person who is grumpy. You continued to try to share the same situation from another perspective.
By the time you finished, my eyes were filled with tears. I am not only grateful that I was able to see that I wasn't being kind and was insisting on my own way and thoughts, but that you were bold enough to tell me. Often in life, I wouldn't have been able to say what you said. You risked upsetting me, to share what you truly believed in your heart.
It was a great example of how we all need grace. In our home, as we strive to teach you all, I think one of the greatest gifts you can see is humility. I am in need of His grace, just as much as you are. I am in need of your grace and forgiveness, just as you need ours. We all mess up daily, but through love we will grow together.
Today we got to enjoy some time together just the two of us. You asked if you could paint. I bought some stencils and we taped them on the board. You then filled the animal shapes with different colors of paint. You loved seeing all the painted animals when you were finished.
Today was opening day of Gator Football. Daddy took the two of you to the game with Uncle Rusty and the girls. You met Mimi and Popi there. Sadly, the rain and lightening cancelled the game. Thankfully, there will be more games for you to attend this season. Go Gators!
You were feeling much better today after having run fever for the past few days. So happy to see you back to your normal self.
This has been the summer of kayaking. You guys love kayak on the lake with your friends and cousins and explore. Baby sissy is patiently waiting her turn to be old enough to kayak by herself. And a portrait of the three of you is wonderful to capture. Real expressions and all.
Abundant joy, laughter, smiles. I want to look back on my days with you and remember these moments fully. Often, as I lay next to you at bedtime, I let my shortcomings fog my memory of the day. Perhaps, I lost my patience, raised my voice, and didn't listen intently. I could go on, but I won’t. You see, I am so good at giving grace to the three of you. I love you with a total unconditional love, yet I forget to love my self this way.
Today was the last day of soccer camp. I love seeing you all playing this year. It is going to be a fun fall.
Soccer season started this week with a camp. It was so fun to see you two take the field together for the first time this year. You both have watched your sisters from the sidelines since you were born. Now, at almost 4 and 5, it is your turn to play together. (And those shin guards are hard to get of)
It doesn't matter how much we try to sit and linger, to enjoy each day together.....summer still flies by. Trying to soak in every last bit of it.
My sweet girl who loves to sleep in. Waking up is hard.
I LOVE being together as a family, but I think individual time is important to have with each child. This week we have enjoyed swimming at night--just the two of us. It's been such fun and we've had the opportunity for some wonderful conversations. It has been so special to have this time together and hear what is on your heart. There’s really something magical about these summer nights at the pool.
The local schools started back today. You were all a little sad knowing some of your friends would be off at school all day. 3:00 came and you were ready to play. It felt like 100 degrees, so you created your own backyard water park.
Fall soccer season is upon us and you girls are excited and ready to play. The backyard has become the nightly practice field.
Last week Daddy came home to find our sweet lab Buster in the kitchen pantry. He was shaking and laying in a puddle in the dark. He could not get up or walk. We didn't know what was wrong and thought we would be saying goodbye forever that night. After a trip to the vet ER we found out he had vestibular disease. The outcome was not certain, but definitely hopeful. A week later he is doing much better. He has not recovered 100%, but pray in time he will. At almost 15 years old, we realize that our days with him are limited.
It was another fun filled morning in the sun and water with your cousins.
You love getting to help mama with cleaning, cooking, or baking. Sometimes, I have to slow down to let you help, but it is so worth it to see you so excited and into what you are doing.