Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Enjoying the beautiful spring day!

Today I thought we'd do a little something fun.  I had not taken Rebecca to an optional function and was feeling a little guilty.  I thought I'd make it up by treating everyone.  I encouraged them to work to finish their schoolwork and we would go have a picnic lunch at a park.


We worked and then we focused on heading out.  To top off some school frustration, some arguing and not listening was added in.  I felt my frustration rising.  By the time we all finally got in the car, I was really aggrevated with them.  And I let them know it too.  :-(  I had promised to take them out though and I want to make sure I keep my promises.  I will say that I didn't want to however. 


Why is this such a struggle sometimes?  Why can't I just go with the flow, let things roll off my back and not get so frustrated?!  Even yesterday as I was praying, I asked God to help me be more patient and then even clarified that I didn't need additional opportunities to practice patience as the days had enough of those!  LOL


We picked up lunch and headed to the park and it was a beautiful sunny day!  Windy too.  As soon as we stepped outside, I could feel my frustrations melting away and I apologized to my children.  I know it's good for them to have me apologize, but I sure wish I could get things right with them all the time.  I know that I would be unbearable then as this surely keeps me humble.


After lunch, the children played some on the playground.  (I should mention that Christopher stayed home to work, though he was also given the option of coming with us.) 




Then we went for a hike on a piece of the American Tobacco Trail that is near our house.  Its a lovely walk and I hope to make this a regular part of our weeks - hiking, biking or searching for geocaches.  I want to enjoy the lovely weather before it gets so very hot.



Isaiah found this large stick at the beginning of the walk and carried it the entire time!



We saw some beautiful flowers and stopped to get a closer view.



And my camera got me even closer.



Next time we'll need to bring our nature notebooks and make a drawing.  Of course, then I'll need to figure out what things are and I'm terrible at that!  Any suggestions for helping me?



On our way back, Joshua felt low.  We stopped and tested him.  53.  That came out of nowhere.  I'm so glad he felt it!  I do hope that he will get to where he can feel all of them as I would hate for one to go unchecked.


I'm thankful we have the flexibility to go outside and enjoy God's creation.  I'm thankful that God loves me and is quick to forgive me.  I'm thankful that my children are too.  I'm thankful for my precious family and that I get to spend so much time with them.  Thank you God for blessing me abundantly.  Give me your eyes to see and your heart to love that I might live more fully.


Blessings


Leslie