Monday, January 28, 2008

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)


12 fellow travelers shared:

Chris said...

What smiles you've provided me this evening! I love this story and your little ones are a delight. Love the "potty stories" too! I remember when my 23-year-old daughter was learning to use the toilet...they grow so fast!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful world.

Quinne said...

Hi Elise :) Lovely, this:

"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."

Love to you, Q

Anonymous said...

Oh honey - wonderful day!! Wonderful!

Hope the sleep was the restoration you needed and that today is a new day with no headaches but just as much love!

~nanashouse~ said...

We also have a basket for our library books. I was missing checking out books to read to my grandchildren when I thought, why not check them out and read them myself? Childrens literature has always been my favorite, especially historical fiction. Why not fill my mind and heart with good literature that I can share with my grandchildren as "told" stories when we visit? Now, let's just hope I can remember them :-)

Kate said...

What a nice day! I am having one of those days today, too. Tuesdays are always our "do nothing" days where I just fold laundry and read to the kids all day. Sometimes we'll cuddle under a blanket and watch a movie together. It's especially fun in the cold winter! Enjoy your restful day!

Sandi said...

Elise,

Thanks for the warm peek into your day and life. I so enjoy your these glimpes into your heart.
I stopped at the library yesterday to load up because snow was coming. It's snowing like crazy as I type....looking forward to stories, snow play and lots of hot chocolate.

A big hip..hip...hooray for the little princess!

Blessings,

Beka said...

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And His song will be with me in the night;
A prayer to the God of my life.


(Psalm 42:8)

This beautiful verse came to my heart as I read this sweet post. I so enjoyed this little glimpse into your peaceful, cozy day at home. Thanks for sharing it with us :-)

And hooray for your little girl! Must be bittersweet, though... growing up.

Sending lots of love your way, dear friend.

MammaMayMiller said...

I love those kinds of days which I call 'pottering days'... Mugs of hot cocoa and roaring log fires spring to mind for the end of such days.
I am envious of your Eliana's desire to use the toilet and her willingness to have clean hands!! I still have 2 of mine to get through toilet training. This year sometime?? Not, however, a bittersweet prospect for me, just extremely daunting and yet exciting all at once!
Love to you, dear special lady

Andrea said...

Love those days!
We need them.
Hooray for potty training!! (Did I just say that?)

Laura said...

So glad you had a restful day after a weary night. And so proud of Eliana-she's adorable!

Inspiration Station said...

So glad you could have a quiet, relaxing day inside, especially with all this crazy weather we're having. So cute of Eliana. My W. is just getting interested in going potty too and gets so excited to just even flush it. Lots of training ahead but I'm not sure if mom is ready yet.
Take care,
Mindy :)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful day. I love the way you write. I love the way you can see the positive in everything. I love the way your gentle spirit shines through in all your posts. I love your blog. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

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