Sunday, March 13, 2011

A moment in time


"Three baby dolls and two vacuum cleaners" by Mama Casa

Today was an 'all day in the house' day for the Girls and I. My inspirational Cousin [who is a Teacher & Mom to 4] gave us this idea -- to help calm our kiddos. It seems they've been on the go too much, and that led to being tired. You get where I'm going here, I'm sure. Yesterday, both girls looked like they had just finished a WILD hockey game. One with a black eye. One with a sassy attitude [and a brand new missing tooth]!!

Well.

The funny thing (or NOT) about following through with consequences is that I'm finding it's almost more of a punishment to John and Me, and the girls' cousins who they were supposed to see. Big lessons on respect going on in this home, today! However, I admit, I got really bored sometime around 9:23 am. It was about 65 degrees and sunny out. Glorious. It was a long day in. But, looking back it was worth it and parts of the day were very sweet. Definately much needed.

Reading books to my girls is my absolute favorite thing to do with them; this was our main activity today. [No clean up! Yeah!] I love the conversations. Seeing their eyes light up. And tapping into their humor. Also, reading story's about other charactors who made the same poor choices THEN good choices that my Girls just had. Berenstain Bears is one our favorites.



Back in January I was flipping through radio stations in the car. I stopped at the local Christian station. The host was encouraging the listeners to pick one word as a reference point/goal for this year -- to put at the forefront of one's mind on hard days.

The word I chose: Intentional

in·ten·tion·al   
[in-ten-shuh-nl]

–adjective
1.
done with intention or on purpose; intended: an intentional insult.
2.
of or pertaining to intention or purpose.
3.
Metaphysics .
a.
pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.
b.
pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.
c.
pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.
Origin: intention

—Related forms
in·ten·tion·al·i·ty, noun
in·ten·tion·al·ly, adverb
sub·in·ten·tion·al, adjective
sub·in·ten·tion·al·ly, adverb

—Synonyms
1. designed, planned. See deliberate.

—Antonyms
1. accidental.


So.

John and I spent the first part of today explaining and feeling the heat from the consequences. Then the second half getting the girls pumped for a better tomorrow...


Sadie's 'Get Well' Letter to Great Grandpa.

1 comment:

Lynn said...

*Big sigh* I am so calmed and encouraged. I have learned so much from you over the years, Jen. So much about love, about life, about parenting. I do thank God, from a full heart, for bringing you into my life.
And.
You are a fantastic mommy.