Taking the Time to Look in Their Eyes

Everyday is a whirlwind in my home.  School, Bible Study, errands, food, cleaning up, fun, fighting, laundry (oh the laundry), the list never ends.... it NEVER ends.  A home school mom can stay busy all day without sitting down one time.  I know, I've done it!  But is this the role we should play in our homes? Is this the example we should set for our children?

As the Lord directs our steps we should listen carefully to the step of not stepping!  Take the time to stand still, slow down and look into the eyes of your children.  Show them that you are their mom first and foremost - that the things they say or do matter to you... in a good way!  I have to mention that because I've struggled with finding a good thing that they do some days - it feels like my home is a zoo crossed with an iron man competition. And let's face it... there are days where I discipline more than any other type of interaction.  This too is so hard! Where is the balance between snuggles and spankings? I try to get in as much time as possible loving them, but it seems like it is never enough. My children are growing before my eyes - changing from one day to the next - especially the little ones.  The last thing I want to do is spend this precious time at odds with each other. 

My life is exhausting, but the most we can do is look to God for direction - in scripture and through prayer.  We can also lean on the wise counsel of other moms - or just let them hear your thoughts out loud to confirm: "I'm not going crazy!"  I hug my kids and much as possible, give them to the Lord each day and set the boundaries of their young lives in hopes they will set strong boundaries with eyes fixed on their God-given purposes in the future.   

Summer Fun

There is an inherent fun about summer.  Pool days, lazy days, relaxing at home all define the summer.  This is also a time for home school families to work! In a place like Texas the summer days can be insufferably hot.  We take the opportunity to use the flexibility of home school to get some unit studies or special interest activities completed so that the beautiful 'two weeks' of fall and spring can be spent outside without the pressure of staying on task.

This summer we are participating in several free days at the local museums, mornings at the zoo, Vacation Bible School, completing a summer reading list of Newberry Medal Books, more board games than I can count, art projects, helping grandparents with home improvements that include special overnight stays, robotics camp and Microsoft coding camp.  The little ones spent lots of time in the pool, playing make-believe in a pirate world and taking turns as 'I'm Daddy at Work Today.'

          
I'm not suggesting that summer should be overly structured but I encourage you to think deliberately about the precious days before the 'official end' of summer and enjoy every moment!