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
Posts
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteThere are many days when I feel exactly the way you are describing; you are not alone! I am doing the study guide for Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit, by Teri Maxwell, and it seems to be helping me. I have to keep reminding myself to be more concerned about loving my children than I am about how perfect our homeschooling is.
Beautiful photos! Your youngest is so cute!
Have a great day!
Melanie
It's frustrating isn't it? You go to do something special and then they irritate the dickens out of you. Urgh! I try try try to let it all roll of, but it's so hard sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe best laid plans of mice and men...
I usually don't worry 'bout what they find (the names/species) but will have them draw them or even take a wee sample home. When we get home, we open the field books or search on line. That way they are out enjoying the finds, nature and all it's goodness. We save the technical stuff til afterward. I also like to have them hunt for a Bible verse or poem that can match (not all the time, but whenever possible) the items they found, or one that describes the day they had. HTH
ReplyDeleteSheri
What's in the Box?
We had a day like that recently too. I guess it just comes with the territory as they say. Parenting has those times and I guess in the end, I pray they remember the fun we had together and the good ending instead of the rotten beginning:) You did right to apologize and press onward.
ReplyDeleteRemember the Bible says A just man falls seven times and rises up again. The falling isn't as important as the getting up again!!
Hugs to you, sweet friend!
Christine
I had to chuckle when I saw the similarities in this post and my latest post! Boys do like walking sticks... :o)
ReplyDeleteHow are you??? I know you much feel that I have completely abandoned you. :o(
It has been a long winter and the spring holds much promise. I hope it feels the same for you.
I owe you a nice long email. I hope to catch up with you later this week.
Happy Easter!
Lisa
'Lisalyn'
ReplyDeleteMUST. Must feel, not much feel. *sigh* lol!
Lisa
I love this post! I love your tender heart and how you always want to do what's right. You are such a great example to me and it's not because you're perfect, it's because you are real! We are a lot alike in that we beat ourselves up. Let's try to remember that we are really, really good moms! Both of us! ((hugs))
ReplyDelete