more bodies in the house - ALL DAY LONG
cleaning more things in the house more often since there are more helpers - a dirtier and more cluttered house because there are more people to mess it up
hours of weeding in the garden
relaxing & having daytime movies
having lots more dirty dishes and running the dishwasher twice a day
more visitors from out of town
eating watermelon and berries
night games with the neighbors
several family birthdays
kids coming and going at various times - both mine and others who are over here to play (it is not unusual to have 9 minors under my charge at a given time)
having time to do the things that can't be fit in throughout the year: playdates, learning new skills, bonding time with siblings and Mom
having a hard time fitting in doing the dishes and laundry
I am grateful for...
two girls who are amazingly good workers and how willing they are to do so much
the inspired ideas that come to my mind to help me manage this altered state of our lives
direction from prophets and evidence from social sciences that say it is so important to teach children to work - because that is what helps me to keep trying to train the little resistant people (seeing how great the big sisters turned out sure helps, too!)
a baby that is such a great sleeper and very content
neighborhood children that help us pass the time and keep everyone from getting bored staying at home all the time
Tyler who spends his evenings taking care of children when I am ready for a break
I am realizing...
it is a struggle to fit in quiet time - or a nap - on a daily or even weekly basis
whatever schedule that I choose to enforce is the only thing that separates our lives from chaos
I am like the conductor in an orchestra - I have to keep everyone at the same place in the song (on the same eating/sleeping/working/playing schedule) or else there isn't much harmony
Wow, I've learned a lot already this summer! We're still working out the kinks but our simple summer at home without activities has been full of hard work, lots of play, and some GREAT learning experiences. I'm lovin' it - most of the time;). School will be here again before we know it!
Summer bonding time - silly Hawaiian sisters
The big sisters lead in lots of crazy dress-up schemes
Drew's birthday
the requested Batman cake decorated by Callie
Yikes! Camden saw the watermelon on our counter in the morning and couldn't wait for Mom to serve it up - I found him thus; he had gotten a knife out all by himself and started to dig in. Angels are definitely attentive and active around our home!
Grandpa R. with his little clone
Story time with Grandma
Emmie's Blessing Day!
Our handsome daddy with his littlest princess
Jacob spends a lot of time creating things
Hannah jumps at any chance to care for Emmie
Emmie the beautiful
1 comment:
that is the first pic i've seen of little emmie's face. she IS a beauty! can't wait to meet her :)
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