Helloooo out there. Um … it’s been a while. What can I say? I’ve had two boys in soccer this spring, two girls in Irish dance, another two in gymnastics … and I’m somehow squeezing in my weekly art class.
I’ve done most of my mom-to-mom connecting lately with my local friends. At the soccer field, on the phone, in the parking lot (oh yes!), and blabbing with our windows rolled down while we wait to pick up our kids from school.
But I’ve missed writing here … and I love hearing from you. Thank you for encouraging me as I’ve done a good bit of soul searching lately.
I’m actually writing more than ever … privately. In my journal. Scribbling with a pen on paper. The other day, I was sitting out in the backyard watching my preschoolers wade in our little plastic pool. The sun warmed me, dogwoods in bloom, pet chicken scratching around the yard, dog and cat lounging in the soft green. It was so good, I had to write.
So I ran back inside to get my journal, and my five-year-old asked, “Mama, why are you always writing in that little book?” I told him, “I’m writing the story of your life.” It’s true. THIS is the book God wants me to write. Recording the days that will someday be my children’s memories of childhood.
I don’t always have my camera, and my camera can’t record my thoughts. I don’t seem to fully experience the joy of the moment until I write about it later, reflect on it, and oh thank my heavenly Father for His precious gifts.
There’s more … so much more. But I’ve become shy online. I’m looking for an editor who will help me shape my scribbles into something worthy of your time.
For now, I’m doing what you’re doing — connecting with those moms who mentor me through local friendships and books.
School’s out in a month here … wishing you a great summer ahead!
That is so beeautiful! I wish I would have done that with my kids when they were younger. Ever since I watched The Notebook I can’t help but regret never keeping a journal of moments and memories. What a treasure you’ll be leaving your kids!
Comment by Alyice — April 23, 2008 @ 10:21 am
Hi Heather! I wish I could keep a good journal for my kids! We do have a notebook for each one where we write funny things they say, special things they’ve done, etc. But I always wish I could do more!
It’s summer here, so hot! When you hit summer we will be back in school. It’s a new phase for us, we’re now going to have a high schooler!!
Comment by Sara — April 27, 2008 @ 3:32 am
Sara,
I didn’t realize your oldest is starting high school. Is that 9th grade where you are? Wow — time flies!
That’s great that you’re keeping a little notebook for each of your children. I wish I were better at writing down the funny things my kids say. I always think I’ll remember, but a few days later … you know, how it goes. It’s the details that we have to grab with our words!
Comment by Heather — April 27, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Heather
Keep writing that story. You’ll refer back to it someday. I have journals of my kids’ early years, and now that my daughter is 14, she gets a kick out of hearing some of the funny things she did and said.
just keep scribbling, to keep practice, to remember what these years are like–ask any older mom, you get amnesia very quickly! record not just what they do but how you are feeling–including the not-so-pretty overwhelmed and frustrated feelings, and the wonder of it all at the same time.
Keri
Comment by Keri Wyatt Kent — April 28, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
Just wanted to drop in and say “Hi” my friend.
Sounds like you have the time of your life. How cool that you are writing about your family “in your little book”. I wish I would have done that when our son was little. Now I have to look at the pictures to recount his childhood.
Comment by Iris — April 28, 2008 @ 11:43 pm
Heather, Those journals are treasures are the golden time you share with your children. About 12 years ago I started journaling and as the kids got older found summer was an easier, less demanding time to keep it up. I also keep vacation journals/notebooks. I recently was invited to write an article for our metro newspaper and it mentions my publishing journey and how much is being rewritten, published, etc. from the journals. Go to www.al.com and in the search space type my name, Lisa Dolensky. There’s a Churchill, Never, Never,Never Give Up headline to go to.
My short story in Tyndale House’s new release, Life Savors For Women, features two opening hook paragraphs taken directly from one of my vacation journals. (See more at book title/author review at www.christianbook.com Best to you! Lisa in Hoover
Comment by lisa — April 29, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Thanks, Lisa and Keri –
It’s a great encouragement for me to see how you’ve turned your journals into published work!
Comment by Heather — April 29, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
Write on!
;-)
Blessings,
Linda
Practically at Home
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY from Practically at Home
Comment by Linda - Nickers and Ink — May 10, 2008 @ 9:50 am
What a cute idea to do for your kids! Your children will truly value that when they become older.
Comment by Jessica — May 13, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
I used to write in my journal, now my journal is online, though I do take tons and tons of photos which need to be put in an album! All in time. I’m looking forward to the lazy days of summer where I can watch my kids frolic (Well, not exactly the right word) in the water and sit by and watch. May be I’ll get my old journal out by then.
Comment by Gina — May 23, 2008 @ 2:56 pm