Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Box Turtle

With the start of this new school year, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are three lunches to pack this year instead of the one last year (Adam has decided to pack his lunch instead of buying it this year). There are three book bags to look through, three sets of papers to keep track of/organized/returned to school. There are three kids talking simultaneously when I pick them up at the end of the day. There are three kids who want/need my attention all at the same time. Awana has started back and there are Bible verses to be learned. And there is still the laundry to be done, dinner to be cooked and the house to be cleaned. There is still only one of me. In addition to this, there is the stress of an ex-husband who wants to reduce child support. There is a person from my past who refuses to go away...despite repeated requests for this person to do so...to the point where I am considering changing my email address. Last night, was particularly stressful. There was an AR test at school that didn't go well. There was a spelling test for another that didn't go well. There were boundaries to be set and help to be given. And there was still only one of me.

And then this happened.

Reading 2

Reading 1
Adam sat down and read books to Andrew for his required reading.

And after Abby and Andrew had been tucked into bed, I saw this.

Box Turtle

Box Turtle

Box Turtle


Adam had become a box turtle, and we laughed. Most importantly, I see Adam growing into a fine young man. Loving, compassionate and intuitive. One who loves God and his family.

And the night ended well.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

All you can do is do your best. So far you are doing a good job. Just keep after it, we are proud of you!

Love, Grandma

Kristi said...

My heart fell for you as I read this post. There are days that just my two have me at my wits end...
I pray for you so often and really wish that we were still closer so that Ian and I could be more active with your kids.
Adam is really coming into his own and I know your heart must swell when he steps up like he did.
Love you!

Tricia said...

When parenting alone gets overwhelming, they always do something to remind us it is worthwhile, don't they? Praying for you.

Sunshine Mama said...

What a nice moment you got on "film" to share with us and to brighten your evening. It's amazing what they can do with a clothes basket. I've never seen the turtle idea before.

I'm sorry it's so stressful for you.I finally taught my son his reading class today, and it went great.Just take one step at a time. Grandma is right, you can only do your best.

Aunt Saundra said...

I'm so sorry for the extra stress that you have been under. Know that God will provide the needs for you and the kids....just hang in there and trust. Adam stepping up to help Andrew with his assigned reading just makes me say "Aww". Know it takes all of your time and energy but you are raising three remarkable children.
I praise God for that.
Love you guys,