{ erin . mae }

The middles are home from church this morning, mama and Ellie. Ella was up many-a-time last night, unable to breathe through a congested nose and cough. I was elected to stay and enjoy the quiet Sunday morning with her. With a kettle of stew simmering, yeasty bread rising and a cup of coffee steaming beside me, I am grateful. Ellie has listened to several Curious George cds and is now back to sleep in her cozy bed. I am about to continue on with my newest Bible study, Colossians to drink deeply and prepare to gather with church ladies on Tuesday as we ponder this book together.

Curious George read-along

Troy was out of town for a bit this past week and it gave me extra opportunity to have some special girl time with my daughters and also continue on with my house organizing project. I was talking with my friend the other day how it's good to move every few years or at least 'pretend' like you're about to move so everything is gone through and in order. After our first years in the military, moving five times in five years, it's a lesson well learned. My husband has taught me much about generosity during our marriage - passing on items that others can use at the time instead of hanging on to them for the just in case moments. He loves to give to others and along the way, it has become a shared enthusiasm. The girls are also learning that to have less is an easier way to maintain order. They gave away some toys (and added to the garage sale pile) and now are not only playing with everything, they are able to enjoy them much more.

Madelyn and Ella started ballet classes last week. They absolutely loved the first class and even though they have never been to ballet, they followed along well. I'm glad they are close enough in age to be together in the same class as they look out for each other and are learning alongside each other. Their teacher is an English woman and it just adds to the charm as she talks with them. (The accent especially impressed Maddie as it seemed to add credence to the ballet instruction!) Charlotte and I watched by the mirrored window.

I've been thinking much on a mother's interaction with her daughters, probably a good thing to consider since I have three. This week I discovered a forgotten, undelivered 'love' letter written by my oldest to a boy who attends our church. I say love quite loosely as obviously my seven-year-old is a bit young to be choosing a husband. It did make for some lively discussion between myself and my husband.

We have discussed these things with Maddie many a time as it seems to be a common topic with three dreamy girls in the house. :) She loves the idea of marriage and babies. My questions as my girls get older only seem to multiply.

I do know one thing - she will more readily follow what she sees not what she hears. How well am I showing to my daughters the love of Christ and His bride, the church, through my marriage? What are they seeing as my priorities in regards to Troy? Are they being shown a quiet and gentle spirit to imitate? When we speak together, are they convinced of what I say because of what they observe? I would love to hear you thoughts and comments on this investigation of mine.