Intention

I hear a lot from the new age movement about Holding an Intention for someone, which basically means to think thoughts about them and those things will come to them.  I don’t subscribe to that thinking, I tend to pray.  But the word Intention peaks my interest.  

My intention is to create opportunities in our home, opportunities to create, to learn, to have relationship, to love.  Here’s where I’m at now.  

Disciplined

I follow through:  When I tell someone I am going to do something, I do it.  This is actually a driving force of my nature.  It is sometimes the bane of my existence, too.  Because I recognize that I am true to my word, I weigh what I say, and be intentional about the things I promise.  This goes with being a disciplined person.  Now, my mom did ask me to walk her dog a few weeks ago and I TOTALLY FORGOT.  The poor doggie sat at home all day with not a person to hang out with.  My intention was good; follow through bad.  Jasmine forgave me.  I scratched her behind the ears for a few minutes.  We’re good. 

Pumpkins!

 I have a daily routine:  I am trying to follow some semblance of a daily routine which makes me somewhat predictable and therefore stable to the kids.  I am intentionally taking time daily to be sure that we have a relatively clean home, good food, and time to share together resting, reading, learning, crafting, cooking. (that’s a whole post unto itself) Of those, my husband actually does the crafting part.  He and the girls made paper puppets last week and they were awesome!  They acted out a little halloween play and had a great time.   He carved pumpkins with them, gardens with them, and draws and paints with them.  

I foster independence:   My oldest daughter is 7, and ready for a lot less mommy control.  She is responsible to get herself dressed and ready for school everyday.  She showers herself, does her own hair (if she chooses to), picks out her own clothes, and gets her own breakfast.  She sorts laundry, picks up the living room, practices piano and does her homework with minimal help.  I am intentional about the time I spend correcting her.  I abide by the Dr’s first ethics rule:  Do No Harm.  Sometimes I ask her why, or let her know what the weather is like so she can make informed choices, but mostly she gets to deal with her own consequences.   

Separation Anxiety

The other two girls are in various stages of separation anxiety and still want some mommy control.  I’m glad to give it.  

I love unconditionally:  There are a few signs around my house- you know some of that cheesy wall art-  one says “Always and Forever, No Matter What”   one says “Hope”  and one says “Peace”  those are the things I desire for my family, and love overlooks a lot of bad.  As we’ve gotten older the bad has gotten significantly less bad, and the good has gotten significantly better.   This family is not all about me and what I can or cannot do.  It's about creating bonds and relationships that will last and be healthy.  
I intend to set the tone for my family.