Loving our children comes naturally to us. But, we don’t always convey it to our little ones in ways that they feel it – at least not at the moment.  (It take years, and yes, even decades for children to equate your discipline with love.  Although, lack of discipline doesn’t make children feel loved either.)  It is so easy to get caught up in getting all of the chores done, everyone chauffeured to their particular event, and feeding everyone that making an effort to ensure our children FEEL our love is not even on our to-do list.  Don’t they realize that we love them by everything that we do for them???  Well, sometimes, but isn’t it always nice to truly know that you are loved because someone important in your life has shown you in some small way?  I know that it makes me feel like I can take on the world and I can accomplish anything when someone I care about does something to show they love me!

Photo: geishaboy500

In an attempt to make sure that my little ones feel loved, I am going to try to incorporate more of the following:

• Take the time to stop what I am doing and truly listen to them.  Giving someone your undivided attention lets them know that you care about that person and what they are saying.
• Read aloud to them every day – several times a day, if possible!  No matter how old my children become, I am going to continue to read to them nightly.  You can never be too old to be read to!
• Schedule time to spend with each child individually.  Not only do children need to know that we love them, but also that they are special enough to take time to get to know them better by spending time with them one-on-one.
• Touch them – hug them, kiss them, tussle their hair, tickle them – use loving touch to remind them of your love.
• Surprise them with a sweet note in their lunchbox or a specially cut sandwich.
• When they participate in an event -  whether that is a sport, a dance, a concert, an art show, or just a impromptu puppet show – truly watch and pay attention to them.  They are showing their love in their actions, we must do the same!

Visit Mom’s the Word for more ideas to Make Your Home Sing.

There are so many things that compete for our attention – work, finances, chores – that inevitably we lose sight of all the precious moments and wondrous beauty that fill our lives on a daily basis.  So, as I snuggle in to dream about plum fairies, I recall with great joy some of my favorite winter blessings.

Photo: Corin@ 2008

The Beauty of Winter

• The glistening of icicles delicately dangling from the rooftops.
• The peaceful beauty of new-fallen snow.
• The view of little ones enveloped in cuddly, footed jammies.
• The crackling fire flickering its soft, brilliant light in the fireplace.
• The tracks left in the snow by wildlife reminding us that we share this special place and time with other creatures.

Photo: Tiffany Washko

The Joy of the Cold

• Watching the kids play… and play… and play… in the snow until we force them to come in to warm themselves with delicious hot cocoa and mini-marshmallows.
• The warmth of my favorite mug warming my hands while sipping steaming hot cocoa.
• Cuddling on the couch with my husband to watch a movie after our children are asleep.
• The crispness in the air and the crunch of snow under your feet as you traverse through a world where the ice and snow have changed the landscape and life seems new.
• Snuggling with the little ones while discovering new worlds and revisiting beloved ones through the pages of marvelous books.
• The warm kitchen with the scrumptious smell of brownies baking in the oven wafting through the house.

Photo:  Michael Wade

Self-Indulgences

• The excuse that it is simply too cold to go outside allowing me to pursue my indoor pleasures while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors through the windows sheltering me from the frigid temperatures outside.
• My familiar, old, flannel nightgown protecting me from the chill of the cold, dark night.
• Thick, soft, warm socks caressing my feet and keeping my tootsies toasty.
• Being curled up in a cozy cocoon of my favorite throw while reading a great book.

Some of these pleasures are available year-round while others are truly wintry treats.  Even when our funds are scant, our hearts can be overflowing with joy and love as we delight in the wonders and beauty of the season without spending any money.

What do you enjoy during the special time of winter?

This post is linked to Finer Things Friday and Frugal Fridays.

There are so many things that I have to be thankful for!!!  As I look forward to the new year, I am overwhelmed with the abundance that we have.

Photo: annstheclaf

• Our family is in good health with our little boys growing stronger and faster than I could ever imagine.
• Our marriage has grown very strong over the past year with a deepening appreciation of and love for one another.
• Our homeschooling adventure seems to be going well.
• Our children are happy and enjoy life.
• We are blessed with friends to share are ups and downs with.
• We have been able to visit with our extended family who we do not live near.
• We have more than enough to meet our needs.

Our family has been truly blessed!!

I hope that when you sit down to count your blessings you loose track as your blessings far exceed your ability to keep count!  May 2010 bless you with all of your heart’s desires and all of the beauties life has to offer!  Happy New Year!

Who is the Mommy???

Sometimes I think that the boys forget that I am the mommy.

I know that the power struggles are inevitable, but they grow so tiring!  I try my best to remain strong and be in charge.  They try so hard to wear me down.  Unfortunately, sometimes, they succeed.  As hard as the power struggles can be, they are worth it.  In the long run, the kids are learning to respect authority while not mindlessly following someone (at least I hope that is what they are learning!!).

It is such a blessing to watch your child become engrossed in something that they love!  To watch him blossom while playing with other children and stretching himself to be the best that he can be is such a wonder.

Photo: Adriano Zanni

Our oldest son played in his first soccer game today.  It is amazing to me how much ds has grown in the short two weeks of practice.   Of course, he has a better understanding of the rules of the game.  And, yes, he now has better control of the ball.  However, his astounding growth has been in the manner in which he is interacting with the other kids and his ability to focus on the game than just messing around.  We aren’t concern with his level of play as much as him truly enjoying playing soccer and interacting well with the other kids (not just walking around hugging and tickling them – lol!).

This morning was quite magical.  The pure joy of playing a sport that he loved was radiating from him.  To see him growing up while still being little was wonderful.  There is nothing more heart-warming than to watch your little one play so intently while loving every moment of it!  Today was a blessing to all of us!

I just gave my 4-1/2 yo a hug.  The cool part?  He kind of laughed and sweetly said, “I love you, too!” as he bopped away with a smile.

Nothing could be better!

~~~

Celebrate the finer things in your life at Finer Things Friday.