Vignettes

Our slow, quiet day began with breakfast "in bed" for Daddy... we failed to deliver said breakfast before he had showered, but he kindly hopped back under the covers and munched on granola mixed with peach yogurt, an english muffin buttered and smeared with apricot jam, and a glass of cold apple juice. The boys so wanted to thank him for allowing them to sleep on our bedroom floor for a portion of our weary night. Then Micah hastily scrawled a drawing of our family sans Eliana- notice Mama's giant feet? They're my pink, fuzzy slippers! He slipped it to me as an afterthought, for, after all, I shared my bedroom too.

Music from this precious CD played softly in the background as I switched laundry, gathered snacks, and read through our entire library pile throughout the morning. Our headaches faded as we drank water and played at whispering instead of hollering through the apartment.

School hours found Corban sailing the seas, searching for Moby-Dick. He gripped the book tightly, his eyes wide and mouth forming the words silently; I couldn't bear to stop him. Seven chapters later, Ishmael began swashbuckling through our tiny space, his harpoon suspiciously akin to a cutlass, but, as I was gently reminded, I'm just a girl. What know I of such things? ~smile~

The snow fell- rather, it blew so fiercely we could not see past the parking lot below- and we shivered happily inside our toasty home. The wind brought with it a reminder of the long night before without power, and the noise it made as it whipped around outside the bedrooms made us pause to pray for a peaceful rest tonight.

Eliana followed me to the bathroom all day long- a new habit- and as a result, she was successful several times today. I think she is more surprised than I am! My heart overflowed when the only reward my baby girl requested for going on "My potty!" was a brisk washing of the hands. As she held her little body above the cavernous bowl, she had to be reminded to hold on tight- "Yes, precious, you may wash your hands when you finish- don't let go!" And I made a mental note to change my bathroom cleaning schedule to a daily wipe-down- little hands gripping the toilet seat makes this a neccessity.

Two chapters from Prince Caspian and numerous drinks and bathroom visits later, the children are bedded down, and I am preparing for a hot shower and an early bedtime. Daddy is at a meeting and will be home late, so we are praying for safe journey for him as well.

I am thankful for a quiet day at home. Thankful that I had nowhere I needed to be today- my work was here. Thankful to be caught up on most housecleaning duties due to company this weekend past. Thankful for a basket overflowing with library books to cuddle around and warm ourselves by with each other's presence. Thankful in advance for a good night's rest that may not be given, but the peace I carry into my night will lift me over and above, to awaken tomorrow, Lord willing, and begin all over again. It is enough. More than.

You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety. (Proverbs 4:7-8)