A photo of my little man, once a month, on the last day of each month, in 2016
Reece, what a beautiful spot we found on one of our hikes this month. It was quiet, and calm and provided the perfect back drop for both of us to have a few quiet, contemplative moments. We found a lot of those moments this month, and it has fed both of our souls. Many times this month I have looked out the back door to find you on the swing, going back and forth, higher and higher, a huge smile on your face. Other times I look out and I can't see you at all. I walk from window to window looking for you, and find you swinging in the hammock under the big pine trees, or I notice your little feet dangling from the apple tree. I love that you have your special spots in the backyard where you go to find quiet, and to be by yourself for a few moments, it's a good practice and one I hope you will continue with.
This month has seen us going head to head a fair bit too. You are stretching your wings little man, trying on different things, and figuring out more of who you are. It is at times exciting and interesting for me to witness, and at other times it is rather exhausting. You are pushing boundaries, dipping a toe just outside the lines as you stretch and grow. We have talked this month about making good choices and bad choices, we have talked about not following your friends but instead making a decision about what is right for you, and we have talked about how much I love you. Because in all of this, no matter what, I love you, and I am so very proud of you. You are learning and growing each day, and I am learning and growing right along with you. We are in this together little man, and I can say without a doubt we make a pretty awesome team.
As we move into June, and await the official arrival of summer, I am looking forward to long, slow summer days with you. We have plans to hike a lot this summer, there are a few day trips planned, and lots of gatherings with friends. We have the garden to tend, and chickens to chase. There are sunrises and sunsets to watch, and many nights ahead staring at the stars. It's almost summer little man, and we are going to soak up every moment.
I love when children spread their wings and march to their own drum. My daughter was extremely strong willed and I would get frustrated. Then I would think.....no one, absolutely no one would take advantage of this child without her permission. And that made the going head to head worth while. We are helping them shape into adults but they are their own little beings :) and personalities!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Karen. I can't tell you how many times I have told myself that his strong will will serve him well in the future :)
DeleteIt is amazing to watch as he spreads his wings, and starts to make decisions for himself, and so interesting to see it all unfold.
love to see your love as a team :) oh tha's sounds so good...
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend. xo
Deletewhat a wonderful spot for a quiet rest
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Reece has asked to go back :)
DeleteLove this letter to your little man. I hope you both have an amazing summer!
ReplyDeleteThank you Darcel, I think this summer is going to be pretty awesome! I hope you and your crew have a great summer too!
DeleteI agree totally with Karen, I raised several children with very strong personalities and it have been a great joy to see the adults they have become.
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful to hear Tracey. I so love having you and Karen as my friends, sharing your experience. Thank you. xo
DeleteOh yes! Influences... they are everywhere, but they seem to make more of an impact around this age. We've had maany of these talks (and are till having these talks) with our little miss since the beginning of the school year, but I know that she will find herself and shine. And your little man will too. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes they are :) I think the key is to keep having those talks, reminding them to have confidence in their own decisions. Thanks my friend.
DeleteThey are our biggest source of worry and our biggest source of joy all in one! Their lives are full of choices and I think the most important thing is keeping the lines of communication going with that, which unfortunately only gets harder as they get older, but learning from bad choices at this age could be just as important for the future as making all the best choices. Everything in life is all about balance, and you and Reece seem to be fairly expert when it comes to balance so I think maybe you'll do fine!
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are. Yes, I totally agree with everything you said my friend. Aw, thanks for those encouraging words :)
Deletexo
A beautiful photo. Strength can be quiet as well as loud.. I keep trying to remind myself of that when Panda and I go head to head. Sometimes it helps. Shine
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend. Oh yes, so true.
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