I want to remember....

These days, I put on my peace-keeper "hat" often.  It's a delicate balance, allowing the kids room to work the conflict out and knowing when to step in to arbitrate.  Today, I witnessed some sweet moments that I want to be sure to remember.  

This afternoon we were in the backyard, I asked Graham to put Camille into the baby swing and buckle her up.  As he was hoisting her cute self up there she said.  "Graham you have super powers!"  To which he quickly responded "Camille, you have "cute-tonium"!  

While on the swingset, I said "Isn't it a beautiful day, guys?"  To which Graham replied "every day is a beautiful day, because God made it that way."  Wise words.  May we truly see God's beauty EVERY day, son.  

Camille was already tucked into bed, Hannah Reece came in a few minutes later and said "I'm sorry it took me so long to come in, but here I am!  Let's go to sleep now."  :)  

I don't think that it's coincidence that on the days I "back-off" a little, usually when I'm having a tired, achy, super pregnant day (like today) that the kids really pitch in and help each other out.  I pray that they will be dear friends for life, loving each other unconditionally.

Hannah Reece's creations

This one just makes my heart melt.  She sang a song she wrote for me called "O Mom, You are love".

Reecie, you are such a precious girl.  You have SO much creative energy, it overwhelms me because it's hard to keep up with all that you are able to multi-task and think about at once!   It's is amazing!   I tell folks that I have the worst memory, and God blessed me with yours.  You are able to remember the tiniest details.   I am so sorry that I can be impatient with you darlin'.  I loved our snuggle conversation at bedtime when you asked me why I am more patient with Graham than you.  It is definitely easier to relate and understand a child who is wired a little more "like" me.  I am so black and white and "by the book" sometimes.  I know it is hard for you when I get side-tracked and forget something that you need from me.  I used to think I had it together until I had you , girl.  YOU have it together.  :)  I love you so, so much. I apologized and we both agreed that we need to work on being more gentle and patient with each other.  We prayed about this together.  Your personality challenges and inspires me on every level.  I love your creativity.  I love your willingness to serve others...with beautiful smile on your face!  I love the way you surprise me with a kind word or back rub when you can see that I'm struggling.  I love the way you lead your sister and (try) to even lead your big  brother.  Daddy and I can see that God has gifted you with the spiritual gifts of service and administration.  What a beautiful combination.  I pray that we will help you to develop these gifts to the glory of God.  You are a wonderfully made, Hannah Reece!

All my love,
Momma

This one at the top says "I love Jesus" over the fireplace.  And the picture frame was my Christmas gift from Hannah Reece.  She made it at Community Bible study, found this picture to put in it and wrapped it up so pretty when we got home.  SO sweet.

D.G. lately

Today was Graham's last "summer" session of swim lessons.  This is his second week and WOW what a difference a great coach makes!  Graham's coach, Edwi, has been awesome with him.  Graham has learned the backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke, froggy kicks, and some side breathing. He is also swimming the length of the pool!  It's been HOT on the sidelines with the sweet sisters but so worth it to see our fella gaining confidence and working hard/having fun in the water. He doesn't want to stop so we decided to keep up with the next session.  Hannah Reece is ready to swim, too.  

waiting patiently for his turn  (he's one of two in Edwi's class)

working hard to keep those toes pointed

Ready for a celebratory-last-lesson-game of Marco Polo!  They let the beginners wear life jackets in case they get fatigued while treading water  during the game.

Graham loves to play the game "Angry Birds" on Dan's tablet.  The last time we were in the Apple store, he played "Angry Birds Space" and since that time, he's been asking Dan if he could download it.  It costs $2.99, so he agreed to pull the weeds/grass that are encroaching on the flower beds around the pool cage.  He was out there for an hour and did an awesome job, not a single complaint!  Here he is, working hard for that new app.  ;)  And he spent his entire "techno" hour on Angry Birds Space today.  The joys of summer!  For a few more days....

happy camper in a tropical storm

Reecie is all broken up about Graham going to camp.  ;)   She had her "take Graham to camp" clothes all laid out the night before.  

 Graham's heartbroken and overwhelmed with how much he's going to miss us...

...can't you tell??  It was so funny to hear momma's whispering last minute warnings and encouragement to their sons; all the while sons were grinning, putting up bunny ears, and I'm pretty sure I even heard a fart noise and giggles before we left.  *sigh*   As we walked out Dan said, "this is just what these boys need, a chance to be boys, away from their hovering moms!" :) ha ha.  He's right! 

Graham with his camp counselor, Josh.  There were four boys in a room with one college-aged counselor.  

Me consoling Graham- he's so sad we're leaving him at camp, ha!

Jill and Johnathon

A road trip is just not complete without a pit-stop at Cracker Barrel....breakfast for dinner with our beautiful girl.

Millie had a big time splitting her afternoon with Nana and Grandma + Grandpa.

When I woke up this morning, I learned that a tornado actually touched down about 30 miles from camp.  So grateful for God's protection!   It was super rainy and windy today.  We spent the morning at the YMCA and then played with our friends Sarah, Jadon and Asher this afternoon.  Despite the rain, it was such a fun day!

Hannah Reece loves to bake as much as I do....chocolate chip cookies.  She's been  wondering what Graham has been doing all day long.  :) 

The wonderful folks at camp scanned and emailed this word from our boy this morning.  We can't wait to see him tomorrow!  

Summa-summa-summa time!

Been thinking a lot about summer lately.  Only 4 more weeks, yay!!!  I enjoyed a conversation with a dear friend today and she shared this article with me. What an encouragement that even just a little planning will help foster an enjoyable summer for all. As ideas pop into my brain, I try to jot them down in my master list notebook so I won't forget.

In our culture,  it is a temptation to over-program our children, sometimes without even realizing it.  I think that the fear of boredom and that somehow our kids might "miss out" on some special activity, camp or experience can be overwhelming. I have felt the pressure even more now that I have two school-aged children. Our parents small group at church is working through this material on maintaining margin. It is SO challenging and encouraging. I highly recommend it if you find yourself struggling in this area.

In summers past, it's been pretty low key around here. (Except last summer when we were in the middle of a move and re-model.) The idea of enjoying a relaxed, steady-paced summer day is so appealing to me. In the busyness of life, I think we all crave some down-time. Even if it takes a couple of weeks of redirecting the occasional "I'm bored!" surely the rest and relationships built will be worth it.   I can tell the kids are ready for some down time, too.  Today Graham said "mom, let's not go anywhere today.  I just want to stay home in my pajamas!"  You got it sugar. 

We have a few activities planned to break up the routine like a short roadtrip, Vacation Bible School, and swim lessons...but other than that we're going to make space for freedom.  Freedom to play, freedom to think, freedom to create, freedom to rest and be.

I fully expect the first week of debriefing from the rush-rush-rush, to be a little tricky. To encourage the kids, I plan to have a list of "what-to-do-when-you-don't-know-what-to-do's" posted on the fridge with ideas for self-directed, imaginative play.  Things like: blow bubbles on the porch, playdough, re-read an old favorite, play catch with Charly, listen to a book on cd . I'll probably schedule in a little mommy-directed activity once or twice too.  For example, when we are cooking together or reading books together. 

Speaking of simpler days, I have to link up to this post.  And these thoughts are also very encouraging as we strive to simplify all of our days and create healthy margin for our families.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21