Time moves on . .

I thought I would give you a brief update on what my kids are up to this year.

Samuel has just started Year 11. He is most excited about having six 'study' periods at school this year. His week consists of Representative soccer training and games, Bible Study, Youth, Church and casual work.

Emily will commence her second year at Sydney University in a few weeks. She is just back from her first overseas trip -  two weeks of mission in Thailand. Her week includes casual work two days a week, exercise, Church, lots of reading and Bible Study.

Caleb is half way through his Engineering degree at the University of Technology. He is looking forward to a snowboarding trip to Japan in a few weeks. He enjoys work, soccer, Church, gym, Bible Study and the beach.



Great friends.

Fun people.

Kind hearts.

So thankful.

To be kind sometimes . . .

I had the privilege recently of sharing a house with 15 people for a week.

This included a number of little ones. 

It was a pleasure to spend time with such gorgeous children who were polite, content and truly happy.

The quote of the week from one of the younger ones to another was;

"Sometimes my mummy shows kindness to me by saying 'no'. Does your mummy do that?"

So precious.

So true.

What is most important?

Are you a list person?

I am.

I love to get things done.

Just love ticking off a list at the end of the day and feeling like I've achieved my goals.

Most days though, my list is incomplete.

Some days I don't even start on my list.

I'm okay with that.

As School Chaplain, I can't really plan my day.

I know I will be in the classroom to teach my Maths classes,
but apart from that, my day is always a surprise.

People matter.

Relationships are important.

My priority is people over paperwork.

Always.

As a mum with little ones at home all day, the list was never ending, and so often the same.

Washing clothes.

Cleaning Dishes.

Preparing meals.

Dusting.

Packing up toys.

Bathing bodies.

Bed time rituals.

Over and over.

And over.

Yet the little ones were always the priority.

To help dress dolly.

To attend to the scraped knee.

To sort out the squabble over the toy cars.

To listen to the story.

To  ' ooh' and 'aah'  over their new crayon picture.

To cuddle.

To play.

To read.

To sit.

To be busy and productive and to enjoy each day.

And each precious little one.

Cheerfulness

Cheerfulness - contented,

in good spirits,

hopeful;

bright, pleasant;

willing, not reluctant.

 

 

"It is possible to train your child to be cheerful, pleasant and content, regardless of their natural personality type. Personality differences are very real, yes, but they don't excuse extended moods, contrariness, over reacting and whining.'

 

 

(Terrific Toddlers 2, page 73)

Helpfulness

 

helpfulness - provide with means towards what is needed or sought;

be of service to.

 

  "One aspect of our parenting task is to teach our children to become progressively more independent and to enable them to eventually be able to competently manage all household tasks and personal affairs.

 

Menu planning, budgeting, ironing, washing, minor repairs, dusting, basic sewing skills, scrubbing, maintenance of appliances, nutrition, personal hygiene, baking and cooking are only a few!"

 

(Terrific Toddlers 2, page 67)

Friendship

Friendship - characterisitc of showing, expressing or promptedby kindness;

on amicable terms with.

 

 

'As proactive and positive parents,

we can purposefully encourage and guide our children,

 to not only get along well with each other,

but to develop their relationship into one of being best friends."

 

(Terrific Toddlers 2, page 57)

 

Patience

 

 

Patience - calm endurance of provocation;

 forbearance;

quiet and self-possessed waiting. 

 

 

"Patience may be defined for a toddlervas waiting with no talking, complaining or movement.

 

This changes the abstract concept of patience into concrete, achievable behaviours.

 

As with all training, you will instruct, supervise and demonstrate this virtue over many, many days.

 

Your voice needs to be happy and calm and you need to shower yuor child with praise."

 

(Terrific Toddlers 2, page 99)