{ life }

how appropriate...

I came across this today, and in the light of my last entry though it was appropriate -

Money can build a charming house,

But only love can furnish it with a feeling of home.

Duty can prepare an adequate packed lunch,

But love may enclose a little note inside.

Money can provide a television set,

But love controls it and cares enough to say 'no' and take the slack that come with it.

Obligation send the children to bed on time,

But love tucks the covers around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs.

Obligation may cook a meal,

But love embellishes the table with flowers and candles.

Duty writes many letters,

But love adds a joke or some pictures inside.

Compulsion keeps a sparkling house,

But love and prayer stand a better chance of producing a happy family.

Duty gets offended quickly if it isn't appreciated,

But love learns to laugh a lot and work for the sheer joy of doing it.

Obligation can pour a glass of milk,

But quite often, love adds chocolate!

Author Unknown (but I'm guessing she was a mother!)

overprotective?

I like to think I am raising independent children, yet ironically I may be the most overprotective parent I know! All too often I have to hear how 'so and so's' parents let them do this and that, and I have learnt to react quickly by clearly laying down my boundaries and explaining why it is that I don't think a certain situation is appropriate for my children. It is probably right about this time that the kids stop listening and venture towards their own rooms, but at least I feel as though I am justified in my response, and it helps me not cave into their subtle pressure and batting eyelids.

Today the kids had to walk home from school on their own. Being the responsible parent I think I am, yesterday I walked home with them to see how they coped. We certainly weren't the only people walking, in fact there were quite a number of kids all walking in the same direction, but I was the only adult. Along the way there were children trespassing on private property because it is simply the shortest distance between two points, children climbing trees that were swaying under their weight and children collecting debris as they walked to keep themselves entertained. Actually, it was quite an eye opener, and I found myself explaining to my children how none of that behaviour is appropriate or safe. Now I know there are those that would think it is all just kids stuff, and think nothing more of it, but I have such deep fears that my kids might one day do something stupid just because their friends are doing it, that I continually try and teach them what I consider right from wrong, and what simply goes along with being a respectful citizen.

So perhaps I am raising good citizens rather than independent children, or perhaps it is precisely this deep ingrained respect that makes them independent. Whatever the case may be I know I will always be nervous for their safety, it starts the minute you meet your new bundle of joy, and I can't imagine it ever truly goes away.

week 7

I decided to challenge myself this year by undertaking a 52 week project. I am endeavoring to capture a small piece of my life through images that reflect some part of my week. Weeks often fly by, and I am really trying to make an effort to observe and capture my life just as it is - even the truly everyday boring bits. Hopefully at the end of the year I will have a cute little visual journal to reflect upon.

This week it's all about comfort. Whenever I have had a long day I look forward to the moment I can slip on my favourite pair of comfy pj bottoms and fluffy socks (preferably ones the dogs haven't chewed a hole through). Everything seems less stressful when you are walking around your own home in baggy flannelette! School started for me again this week. I find the first few days are always difficult and exhausting no matter what the subject matter. Inevitably I struggle to keep my eyes open past 9pm, but I know it is only temporary while my body readjusts, and in the meantime I am ever so grateful to whoever invented pajama bottoms!

trying to find my rhythm

Next Monday I will be back at school. I know only too well what that means when it comes to my relaxation time, so this week I have been trying to concentrate on stress-free activities that basically make me happy for no big reason in particular!

Originally I had planned to scrapbook all week but that idea had to be put aside when I accidentally injured myself.  As my luck often tends to dictate, a minor injury has turned into two courses of antibiotics and a swollen aching right hand; meaning that doing anything with my hand has been out of the question. As frustrating as it has been, it has forced me to slow down and reconnect with myself, which is probably a good way to spend my last week of holidays.

Reading has been high on my list of priorities; a simple pleasure that I look forward to each summer. I have often heard myself tell others that I only read in the summer, which is not quite true - it is that I only read for pure entertainment during the holiday period. Throughout the year I usually gravitate towards knowledge based non-fiction, but I think this year I might have to try and make an effort to continue with a few of the 'quick reads' which have caught my eye as I have browsed the Amazon bookstore.

Right now I am reading Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Those who I know who have read it thoroughly enjoyed it, but I must say I am struggling a little getting my mind in the right place seeing as though I am generally not a fantasy fan. I am only a quarter of the way through so I figure I'll keep going and at least give it a chance. Elijah is excited that I am reading something that he enjoyed so much (he is eagerly awaiting books 3 & 4), and it gives us a little connection for conversation that wasn't there before.