This Morning

It was just Annie and I at the coffee shop this morning. (Cole has his first-ever ear-infection and Courtney Lee has some sort of stomach-bug.)

In the last four years that we've been doing this (studying spelling words and Bible verses together once a week at a nearby coffee shop) I don't think it's ever been just Yans and I.

She's actually become quite a student and because of that, I think she's particularly fond of our coffee shop tradition.

She loves homework, loves flashcards, loves getting her monthly reading-log turned in, loves handwriting - she pretty much loves all of it.

But she's also a lot like me.

She's a perfectionist (which us perfectionists and everyone around us know can be both a blessing and a curse.)

So when she misspelled the word, 'notice' again this morning, after misspelling it last night too, I could see the frustration on her face.

It wasn't an incredibly obvious look of frustration, in fact, if the older kids had been there, I may not have even noticed it, because trying to practice spelling words and Bible verses simultaneously with three kids at a crowded coffee shop table doesn't leave much room for motherly observation.

But I did notice it and when I asked her about it, that embarrassed look that always come across her face when she's about to cry showed up and she ran over to my lap, hopped on and quietly said, "I'll never be good at this."

And so I used the only analogy I could think of at the time and said:

You know Annie, it's kind of like photography. If I already knew everything there was to know about photography, then photography wouldn't be any fun for me because part of what I love so much about photography is that I'm always growing and learning.

And I can choose to look at the things I don't know as an obstacle and get upset about them, or I can choose to look at them as a really fun, exciting journey instead.

It's just a choice - not a choice that you make one time, but a choice that you make every single day and sometimes more than once a day.

But you have to remember that knowing isn't the fun, exciting part - learning and growing is the fun, exciting part.

And then I taught her a trick to help her remember her vowels and taught her a trick to help her remember how to spell the word, 'notice' and all was good again.

So I dropped her off at school, stopped by the health food store to pick up some liquid garlic for Cole's ear, and now I'm sitting in front of this computer, trying to get going on a really big project I started last week, but not really even knowing where or how to tackle it.

And I'm trying really hard to let those same words that I shared with Annie sink into my heart, but man, oh man, sometimes I wish this stuff just came easier.

But I guess it's never the easy stuff that grows you. It's always the hard stuff.

So that means it's time for me to quite procrastinating this morning.

Time to get to work.

But not without a few photos first. (I didn't have my camera with me this morning, but I did remember some shots I had taken at the coffee shop a few months back. Ironically, I think Courtney Lee had a stomach bug on this morning too.)

Hope your Wednesday is going good and if not, maybe this will brighten it up.

Ok, after posting that link, I realized that it is actually Thursday. Unfortunately, that means I lost an entire day of my life somehow this week, but I'll just go watch that camel for a second time because he always makes me laugh.

Whoot Whoooooot.

Comments

[Jewels Price]

oh my gosh that is such a great reminder! Life, weather spelling hurtles or huge projects for work, or health or other issuers is just tough sometimes! It always reminds me of how in need I am of the one who brings wisdom, comfort, and strength beyond mine! I am praying that today for you all and for me! :)

P.S. I use the garlic droops the last two nights in my little girls ears! They work like a charm! I also try to take away processed sugars as soon as they start complaining about any ear pain. I will pray for the earache to go away quick!

blessings!

[janel]

And we learn what we teach! You are teaching her so many things that are unsaid,and just demonstrated....the joy that shines in your photography, and the expressions on faces.....and you "noticed" her expression and talked about it...gosh...what a wonderful moment filled mother you are!! Lucky and blessed.

[Judy Webb]

One of my favorite quotes: "I am still learning." Michelangelo. You have great wisdom....

[Michelle]

This is why I love your blog so much. Always such great reminders about things. I really appreciate you sharing all of these little nuggets with us. All of these little tidbits helps me through different moments in my life as well. I hope Cole's ear infection is gone soon. I am pretty lucky. Only my oldest has had them. The other two haven't. I don't know how I have managed that one, but I am very glad that I have.

[heather]

I have a perfectionist Annie, too. I will have to remember your words the next time she gets frustrated. Thank you for sharing! Love those garlic drops too!

[Jen]

I cry when I'm embarrassed and/or frustrated, often for things that wouldn't embarrass/frustrate most people. Someone once told me that I have a tender heart, which has always been a bit of a comfort to me. I think your Annie is probably tender-hearted, too. God bless her! (And I know he already has, because she clearly has a mama who notices, soothes, and encourages her!)

[Michelle (aka mybelle101)]

That's some good advice right there, and something I think we all need to be reminded of. (And, don't you just love it when God puts just the right words in your mouth? I live for those God-moments when I'm parenting!!) Hope Courtney Lee and Cole feel better soon!

Oh, and have you seen this yet? ;)

http://www.spreadshirt.com/hump-day-camel-santa-christmas-2013-wome-C3376A13714207