movin’ shakin’ and tryin’ to sit too.

Things are moving all around here. We’re keeping things cleaner, I’m moving much of my vintage goods into a warehouse space, Drew is working steadily, the girls are changing and growing rapidly–particularly the babe, if I stop to think a minute I become completely overwhelmed by the list of things that need to get done. I see a light at the end of the tunnel, a place where things will calm and the restlessness I’m feeling right now will settle…it helps to read By the Shores of Silver Lake

Eliza goes to sleep around 6:30 every night. This was due to the advice of this book, which has also helped a great deal with reestablishing a sleeping rhythm for her. We had a few very trying weeks, moments of feeling like the worst mother on the universe, and days of delirium on account of her difficulty sleeping. BUT, after diligently pushing regular nap and bed times, the girl seems to have found her cycle and we are ALL better for it.

Anyway, back to the reading. After Eliza is in bed the other two need something to distract them from acting like wild gorillas playing king of the mountain. They need an activity that quiets their minds, and with the business that has filled our days lately, it’s a difficult feat to convince them that calm is good, that peace does not equal laziness.

We’ve been reading the Little House series for years, particularly in the winter months they are the perfect evening family activity. Sometimes we mix it up with a little Roald Dahl or other book of Drew’s choosing, but we all feel so comfortable with the Ingalls. Since Naomi has taken up violin, the descriptions of Pa’s playing for everyone, the breaks in the story for introduction to old fiddle tunes is something we all look forward to. Not to mention the quiet. Their life was so quiet. It was so full, but of love and awareness. In this day and age it seems as though technology is such an interruptor. Often rudely it intrudes on those intimate moments that can only be achieved after some silence, some stillness…we are certainly guilty of letting it disrupt.

So, while I am thankful for the bounty of good things to-do we have in our lives, I’m also grateful for these books, and for the evenings we have to sit quietly, calmly, peacefully remembering these role models. I’m grateful for our weekly sabbath, which also is a great salvation in times like these, when the world seems to be spinning around us. It is an anchor, and these evening respites are little mirrors of it. I truly believe demanding rest in our lives is as important as nutrition, and I’m sharing that now because the blessing it offers has been at the forefront of my mind during these crazy days.

*photos are from our recent trip to Asheville where Drew had to take a certification class, and we took advantage and rode along. just one of the busy events in our life.

1 Comment

  • Joy Posted February 28, 2012 1:42 am

    I know what you mean. We are reading By The Shores of Silver Lake right now too. (And before that it was James and the Giant Peach. Apparently we are on the same wavelength.) I'm always so amazed by how competent those girls were at a young age and how vivid each description is. I especially enjoy Laura's descriptions to Mary. I'm more on Laura's side with the fantasy descriptions. 🙂

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *