Learning to Live {Peacefully} With Kids Part 3

To go back to the beginning of the story, click here. 

 Our day was winding down and the kids were wearing out.  Even though we had a beautiful view, and a wonderful day, the thought of the distance we were from the car was overwhelming.  It would be a good hike to get back to where we needed to be.   Learning to live with kids lake mineral wellsWe left the beauty of Lake Mineral Wells and turned back towards the car and began the tedious part of our hike.  Littlest girlie wanted to be carried, middle girlie was stopping at every other tiny flower to fall in love with it's beauty, and big brother was carrying all of the backpacks by now.  I wanted to give up.  I wanted to yell, "Stop whining! We have looked at enough flowers today!  Brother, can you walk any faster up there?!"

  • I had no idea that I signed up for a marathon and not a sprint.  I always say I can do anything for 15 minutes.  How in the world would I be able to survive all the way through high school?
  • Advice to self:  Conditioning.  You're not going to be there now, but if you are faithful in the little things, you will increase your capacity and slowly you'll be stronger than you were the day before.  It won't come instantly.   

Learning to live with kids pricklies

On our tired trek back, we had to be extra careful to avoid the cactus that sprinkled the path.  I had no idea that the bugs were on the flowers until I zoomed in with my camera.  They were ugly and beautiful at the same time.

  • I had no idea (but I should have) that I would run into so many hardships (and things that bugged me):  curriculum that didn't work as planned, critics that didn't think I accomplished enough, and life that wouldn't stop changing.
  • Advice to self:  Remember that trials are guaranteed in this world.  They have a purpose to sanctify me.  They are a result of a fallen world.  They require me to trust fully in God alone.  

learning to live peacefully with kids son

This kid.

His heart.

I want to be with him.  I want to know what thoughts are hidden behind that sweet smile.

Learning to live with kids protection

This face.

This girl.

I want to be with her.  I want to experience life with her.

Learning to live with kids sillies

Oh this one.

I want her face to stay this bright.

I want to be with her, and kiss her, and squeeze her, and let her giggle ring off the rocks.

  • I had no idea how much I would love spending every possible day I could with my kids.  
  • Advice to self:  It passes by so fast.  You're going to blink and six years will be under your belt, and you'll only be able to count the years you have left with your son on one hand. 

Looking back to this first stretching of my homeschool wings, I see how far I've come, and how much I've learned. Amazingly I still feel like I'm just scratching the surface of all there is to know and learn.

If you could go back to the beginning and talk to your rookie homeschooling self, what advice would you give yourself?

1 Comment

  1. […] The conclusion of our adventures in tomorrow’s post! […]

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