It is cool and breezy today, and we have spent the day in unusual physical activity. Two days, actually, have been like that, and it's been oh-so-good for all of us.
Lessons on the fly today while making up (and then checking off- the checking off is the bestest part, don't ya know!) a "game plan" for getting the house tidied and cleaned. We drew a hamper with clothes flying into it. We drew a bookshelf with toys and books climbing onto it. We drew a big toilet with large teeth battling a toilet brush. Yeah, we have fun with it.
The boys both begged to be allowed to "help" and so, with *grave and dire warnings* about how very much trust is involved and how they must be able to follow directions, they got to use (here is where the angelic choir begins to sing and the boys nod in solemn honor of this milestone, this passing into Bigger Boyhood) the Clorox Wipes! Weeebuddies! We have one sparkly, lemony set of bathrooms now! They were so serious in their "proper procedure" for using "chemicals", and it was quite cute. (Not to mention the Hail Mary I said for being one step closer to no longer being the Lone Wrangler of the Toilets-of-the-Home-of-Four-Males!)
We took a break for quesadillas and a movie, then resumed lessons and cleaning. It is wonderful how much can get done when it's not a chore, it's a blessing.
Our neighbors came over this afternoon for a bit. (WOOHOO! Clean house!) The kids played and had a nice time. James is now making jewelry for the girls. I don't know if they appreciate it as much as I do- I just think it's hilarious. John, well, he needed a nap. He was a wee-bit "three" this afternoon. Still and all, he did come down a little and had a nice time.
Now supper- we have pork ribs on the bbq, asparagus steaming and rice settling. The house smells loved and lived in and cherished, which is how I feel about its inhabitants. And this breeze, this cleansing, relaxing breeze. I thought I'd come and visit for a bit.
Rules are important. We endeavor to guide our children and teach them in order that they will learn by observation and teaching rather than from experience. Sometimes, however, they just have to learn through tears. Tonight James learned not to leave his favorite bowl from Granny on the floor. John learned not to wear the bowl on his head and walk around. There were tears. Zorak and I will be holding a family meeting over supper to discuss how bad it feels to injure someone, albeit accidently, by not following the rules. (Although, if you know it's not "ok" to do something and you do it anyway, that's not quite an accident, is it?) ;-) We're hoping to soothe the tears with a renewed strength of heart and desire for obedience among the boys. After all, Grace is important, too.
And, like cats to the can opener, my children have materialized from other rooms, drawn by the soft tap-tapping of the keyboard. They have come to snuggle and sing and derail my train of thought. Time to go play!
Dy
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