Evenings and Mornings

As I typed that title, it reminded me that maybe there is a book with the same title but opposite, Mornings and Evenings.  So I googled it, and this is what I found.  It seems perfect to add, as I feel it reflects the season we've been in lately... thankfulness and joy.  That's not to say we're not exhausted most evenings but the overwhelming sense is that we're in a sweet spot, on lots of levels.  The kids aren't so little anymore but they aren't too big yet either.

But there is the annual sadness that daylight is creeping away.  

"I will praise Thee, O Lord."—Psalm 9:1.

PRAISE should always follow answered prayer; as the mist of earth's gratitude rises when the sun of heaven's love warms the ground. Hath the Lord been gracious to thee, and inclined His ear to the voice of thy supplication? Then praise Him as long as thou livest. Let the ripe fruit drop upon the fertile soil from which it drew its life. Deny not a song to Him who hath answered thy prayer and given thee the desire of thy heart. To be silent over God's mercies is to incur the guilt of ingratitude; it is to act as basely as the nine lepers, who after they had been cured of their leprosy, returned not to give thanks unto the healing Lord. To forget to praise God is to refuse to benefit ourselves; for praise, like prayer, is one great means of promoting the growth of the spiritual life. It helps to remove our burdens, to excite our hope, to increase our faith. It is a healthful and invigorating exercise which quickens the pulse of the believer, and nerves him for fresh enterprises in his Master's service.

{crab walking}

There is an extra sense of thankfulness as we get to see and experience (I think?) a little of the benefits of working hard for Peter for the years before school (and continue to).   I think (and hope & pray!) he is doing mostly well in school!  He is a hard worker, which may have not been the case if he'd been able to glide through.  And God created his personality to enjoy the extra "work" and do it with cheerfulness, mostly. 

{learning good sportsmanship??}

Thankfulness that Mike is so on board and so 'all in' in working for and with Peter.  

These pics are of the evening exercises they did for a while.

{bear walking}

We've been studying Exodus in Wellspring.  This verse is perfect.

10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 

{playing freeze tag}

Our evenings since these pics have gotten a little more crazy.  We've filled our schedule and have an activity most every night of the week.  Peter is doing tae kwon do, which he LOVES, and we try to do it 3 nights a week (!!!) at their recommendation.  Add that to speech and OT, and it keeps us moving!

{more biking practice} 

   

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Mike and Lily have a few special mornings a week.  I head out to walk with Blair after Peter is on the bus and these two have a little 'date' at home.  They both love it.  Clearly.  What's not to love?

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And two randoms:

There was a "walk to school" day early in Oct.  We aren't in the neighborhood surrounding our school so I thought we should drive over, and then walk.  But no.  No compromising.  Mike insisted they walk all the way from home.  They did it and it went well!

 This little girl is learning to function without brother here for part of the day.  She flitters about and is just the joy that she's always been.  She hums and sings as she plays and pretends (or picks berries).  Her little voice and presence fills our house with joy and smiles.