My full, somewhat entertaining, life as a homeschooling mommy, raising a child with HLHS (Hypolastic Left Heart Syndrome), following Jesus, and being much too camera happy
Don't worry if your job is small And your rewards are few. Remember that the mighty oak, Was once a nut like you.
Raising kids is a tough job, with round-the-clock care and tending to their growing needs. All the monotonous activities of cooking the same meals, repeating yourself the umpteenth time to ears that don’t care, and doing the same thing almost everyday seem insignificant.
I can get into a rut, but I believe there is growth occurring everyday that will ground deep roots, extend tall, and sprout leaves reaching towards the sky: not only in our kids but in our souls as well.
Growing pains is often times unpleasant but essential. And like the poem states, I do feel like a nut a lot of times.
These flower’s subtle blend of colors were pretty to see set against the leaves, but the photo did not bring out the colors as nicely as I anticipated. So I changed the filter and was surprised by how much better it looked. The light and dark contrast highlights the flower petal’s textures.
Different species of trees are all special in their design: deep roots, spectacular trunks, sprawling branches, and assortment of leaves. Trees soften the space they inhabit, probably with the shade it provides and its different shades of green leaves.
I found this unique tree in San Diego Zoo and I didn’t get a chance to note the name, too busy chasing kids wandering around the different animal enclosures.
I searched the zoo’s website and couldn’t find this one. But if you are interested, check out their spectacular information guide about its botanical collections: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/attractions/botanical-tours . Their collection is enormous: the Zoo plant trees and flowers native to the animal’s original habitats. In case you haven’t noticed in some of my posts about this zoo, I really really like this place! It’s a great place to learn about animals and it reminds me of going to the zoo on the weekends with Chris when we were newlyweds living in San Diego. Fond memories.
Tough leaves that won’t bend easily
These tree trunks have sturdy leaves growing in from the sharp spikes. This must be a protective mechanism to thwart animals.
Pretty from afar but must watch out for the spikes up close
Bright to medium shades of green feels so fresh and calm to m e. These shades remind me of nature, wholeness, and health. In 12th grade, my political science teacher always used a green pen to mark up student’s papers. Her rationale: red discourages but “green is for growth.” Also, my late grandmother relished green that had to specifically “cabbage green.”
Unsure but I wonder if the leaves unfurl as they grow taller
Mommy life is full of growing pains along with your kids and it is NOT glamorous. It entails sorting piles of dirty laundry, cooking, cleaning after crumbs, getting annoyed by the sound of your own voice as you constantly tell the kids to brush their teeth, put on their shoes, stop jumping, etc.
Getty Image from TIME Magazine website
One time my friend picked off dried rice pieces from my shirt at a bible study meeting. Last week I got annoyed with Ellis for losing the new nail polish I got from Target. I assumed she misplaced it after tinkering around with it on the drive home. Well, I didn’t expect to find it there but it was chilling out nicely in the fridge next to the carton of milk. As my kids would say in these situations: “doy- yoy- yoy-yoing.”
I thought it’s be fun to list some things I hear most often. Maybe you can relate and we moms can give ourselves a big hug: you’re not alone.
In the ellipses you fill in whatever your kids say most often. Each family dynamic is different and has a lot to do with kid’s and mom’s temperaments.
My list:
Could you..?
Can I…?
I need…
I want…
I wish you could…
I wish we could…
Do we have to…?
I don’t want to…(followed with huffing and puffing)
You always want us to…
You should’ve…
I’m hungry. What do we have…? (I prepare a lot of meals because of Ellis’ medication for weight gain issues)
I pray that today we moms will have enough patience and grace to pick the right battles with our little peeps. I so need to be encouraged that each day makes a difference in our lives and that it’s not wasted time. It is a beautiful thing that kids love us back with those trusting eyes and will forgive so easily even when we are feeling the effects of hanger and exhaustion.
Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Do Everything” lyrics speak to me on those days when I’m still in my pj’s and cooking the 5th meal of the day.
“Do Everything“
Your picking up toys on the living room floor for the fifteenth time today Matching up socks Sweeping up lost cheerios that got away
You put a baby on your hip Color on your lips and head out the door
While I may not know you I bet I know you Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?
Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you Cause he made you To do Every little thing that you do To bring a smile to His face Tell the story of grace With every move that you make And every little thing you do
Another day and praying us moms glorify God in raising our kids and loving them for who they are.
