Six words...

I wanted to start with a link to a very neat piece that a friend recently shared.  It's a great reminder about what's really important.  I think everyone should read this and think about it as you experience different things.  It can be used in many situations and not just when children are involved.  [Yes, I did have tears when I read this the first time... and if/when I reread this I'm sure I'll have them again.]

I think it is challenging, as a parent, to know what is the right thing to say in certain situations.  You want your children to know you enjoyed what they did so much, you want to say something that will make them feel happy, you want to compliment and guide... but, at times, I can see how the desire to say all the right things can make your response way longer than necessary.  This article does a great job explaining a great way to handle these situations and it's with six simple, yet very powerful, words.  I love it!

Six Words You Should Say Today

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Now onto my day today... it was actually a very nice day.  No plans, which is nice sometimes.  Nate slept very well again last night... thanks Nate!  He slept through the night and woke up at 6:30am.  Very nice!  I had a couple cups of coffee and then looked outside and decided it would be a great morning for a run.  Mike was working in the yard, so I decided instead of waiting until he was done to run I'd try to take all the kids with me.  Had no idea how this would work, but decided it was worth a try.  To my surprise, it worked out very well... this time at least.  So, now I have no excuses for not at least trying to get out for a run when all the kids are here.  I was able to run three miles!  The next time I try it'll probably be an absolute disaster! ; )

[Kate and Nate in the running stroller and Rachel and Eli on their bikes]

Here is Kate playing in the sandbox... she just loves it!

[she looks so old in this picture!]

Rachel's friend, Ella, came over this afternoon.  Her friend lives pretty close and rode her bike over... it was an impromptu, but very fun, little get together.  Ella's brother came over for a little while, too.  Eli had a blast playing catch with a football with him.  And, Maggie had fun watching!

After Ella left, Rachel and I went to the grocery store and then we had a late supper.  That was followed by showers and then bed.  The evening went really fast!  Overall great, fun weekend!

Keep smiling... : )