Surprises!

One of the best way to teach kids about the joy of service is to be an example. One thing my siblings and I did as children was to clean something, weed the garden or make something when my parents left. I know realize how my Mom taught us to do this. Almost every day we do something to get ready for Daddy to come home and "surprise" him. Usually it's just washing the dishes, making dinner, mowing the lawn or even making our beds. By letting the kids help me to surprise Daddy you're learning to surprise me too. We also like to come up with a surprise for Ksenya when she gets home from school. This is a great way to find joy in serving others!

Slumbering Reminders

Take time to sneak in and watch your kids sleep after the house is quiet. You'll probably cry - I usually do. You can't watch a slumbering child without seeing all they are and all they will be, the hope of the future and the tiny hands that hold your heart-strings. It's a simple and quiet recharge and the more often you do it, the easier it is to keep perspective when you're in the middle of chaos. As a side-note, it's much easier if your kids are on the same sleep schedule . . . it's something that they learn based on your persistence, not something that just happens!!!