Some Summer Pictures (taken with my new camera)
.... natured
Lil is driving me crazy with her continued insistence on wearing a hoodie despite the extremely HOT temperatures! She keeps claiming she's "cold-natured." She and Eden were discussing this in the Suburban today on our way home from the library...
Lil: "Eden... you're hot-natured."
Eden: "No. I'm both-natured. Sometimes I'm hot. Sometimes I'm cold."
Have to... want to...
A good "mama" philosophy for me and my children is the "You've got to do what you have to do so you can get to do what you want to do" of "If you don't do what you're supposed to do, you don't get to do what you want to do."
Mama "got to do's" are cleaning the house, cooking, washing clothes, getting kids to school, driving the kids to lessons, scheduling, etc.
Kid "got to do's" are being respectful, obeying parents, keeping their clothes and toys picked up, and practicing their piano, etc.
Realizing there are things that "have to be done" is am important concept for children. If everything is done for them, they never realize the "have to" part of every day living. I think this is where irresponsible adults come from...
In understanding that work comes before play, an important concept of "real life" is taught. The concept of responsibility! Imagine a world where every single person believed they were responsible for their own actions. Imagine a world where the "work before play" concept was understood and practiced by everyone! Imagine a world where everyone (who could) did their part and didn't expect (unless absolutely necessary) someone else to pick up their slack.
Wow... could it be possible? I believe it can be. And it all starts with this simple "mama" philosophy... "If you don't do what you're supposed to do, you don't get to do what you want to do." Try it!
Eve
"No. I won't. I can't. I wouldn't. I shouldn't. I'll just walk by. I'll just look. I'll just...no... don't touch. I can't. I won't... I might. I can't. What if I did? No. I shouldn't. Just. a. touch. Just keep walking. Where's Adam? I need him. No, I don't. I'm fine. I can't. Just a touch. A quick touch. Mmmmm.... it smells good. Different. No. I can't. Oh! I picked it... put it down, put it down, throw it down, throw it away. I'll just lick it. Maybe a taste... just a bite. What could it hurt? What have I done?"
I've...
had some good runs lately. Despite the heat. Despite my own laziness. Despite my hectic life.
But, I've been having some distinct soreness in my right leg. And in my right buttock. (Yes. Be mature. I just used the word buttock.) So, I'm headed to the chiropractor tomorrow morning. I'm hoping she can "fix" me because I've been thirsting for a good, long run. I'm ready to get back into some serious training for another half-marathon. I'm already thinking ahead to my full marathon... when I'm 40. Anyone want to join me?
More back-tracking...
Asher finished the third grade with all A's! I am so proud of my only son. He learns from his mistakes, faces challenges head on, and keeps a positive attitude (most of the time)! Asher was challenged this year with a teacher he didn't "like" and he had to learn how to make the best out of a (sometimes) hard situation. I worried about it but ultimately Asher showed the maturity to handle most of the difficult situations. I love him.
A little back-tracking here...
Lil graduated from Kindergarten. She loved Ms. Matthews and made many new friends. Lil is reading everything she can get her hands on... I have loved to watch her confidence grow over the past few months! She has accomplished a lot of learning in six years. I love her so much.
Needy
I had a low day last week. Dyron had been away for four nights and I was missing him terribly. Asher and Lilli were out of school and still adjusting to the extra free time called summer vacation. I had a messy house and piles of laundry because of a trip to Fayetteville. I had to take the kids to their first swim meet of the season by myself. I was hormonal...
Basically, I was tired. I felt overwhelmed.
I didn't take the time to breathe. I didn't take the time to enjoy my cup of coffee. I didn't take the time to pray. I couldn't turn my mind off and wasn't getting enough sleep. I just loaded it all on my shoulders and I could barely carry the load.
I can't do it all by myself. I need my husband. I need my mom. I need my friends. I need my God.
When I close myself to others, I find it difficult to get through my trials. When I try to do it all alone, I can't.
I guess sometimes I forget how frail I can be... it's good to be reminded...
