I often go through day to day thinking of how much is not getting done. I see the messes on the floor, the tall grass in the yard, the unfinished projects and the chores I need to do. I’m glad I’ve taken some pictures, though. Because they show me a different story. They show me the highlights, the successes and the things I want to treasure. Here’s a stack of those pictures from March.
One of the reasons I love having a family goal (To care for orphans) is that when I am feeling the pressure from too many things too do, too many opportunities to decide between, I can use the main family goal to help me prioritize. The lawn being gorgeous is not a high priority. Keeping the kids in a bunch of programs is not a high priority. I don’t know… but it helps.
Our giant dog, Ruby, is not much of a handful. Unless you count her shedding.
When Brian works from home, he makes really good use of his fifteen minute breaks. He is master of the power nap.
There are so many things I love about this picture…
My mom and dad together. My daughter snuggled up with my dad. All of us at a Heart Change workshop Sunday morning supporting my Mom. <3
Anna’s swimming lessons – she got quite good and is able to swim on her own in the water.
Maggie in her swimming lessons! She swam without a floatie in deep water for the first time in this class. She can swim without help from one place to another, so long as they aren’t too far apart.
Sadly, I don’t have a great video of Maggie’s lesson.
Carolyn was just adorable in the little kid class. She was very hesitant at the beginning, but by the end, she trusted her teacher to help her float on her back (ears in the water!) and jumped into her arms (even letting her head dunk under the water sometimes!). The teacher was kind and predictable… exactly what she needed.
What school often looks like at our house. This is Maggie playing a speed math game, I think.
I love it when Jordan shows an interest in the dogs beyond their tails. He doesn’t often, which is why I took this picture!
Oh my gorgeous girls and their beautiful baby cousin!
Ohhhhhhh, my heart.
My heart!
Here’s my mommy holding my sister’s littlest bundle.
They were doing ballet or gymnastics “class.” I don’t remember.
Joanna, my favorite therapy friend and Jordan’s OT. She is convincing Jordan that he really can touch food and put it in his mouth and eat things he’s not comfortable with.
Go Jordan! Yeah!
We were both chuckling after the plate licking.
Hanging out in the indoor playground while the other girls are swimming. Usually, Jordan was not with me, but when he was, he did really well at the noisy indoor playground! For him, that means he played appropriately some of the time, avoided screaming or inappropriate behavior most of the time, and lasted quite a long time before becoming overstimulated. It was exhausting, but it was successful.
Oh, I hear ya on the shedding! My horses are done but the dogs are in full swing =)
I can also totally relate to focusing on the negatives or the to-do list, but good for you for finding ways to refocus your efforts and track the progress!
Anna is quite flexible, keep up the ballet & gymnastics 😉
Glad you got quality family time <3
Those pictures will become more precious with the passing of time! It is already a great pleasure to see them.