My Connections to Play

This sums it up better then a quote could!

 

 

       “The end of childhood is when things cease to astonish us. When the world seems familiar, when one has got used to existence, one has become an adult.” ~Eugene Ionesco

        

       My sister and I grew up in a single parent family.  My mom struggled to make ends meet so we never had much in the way of toys.  We even went through a period of time where we had no T.V.  The world became our playground.  All we needed was space and our imaginations.  Our favorite games to play involved horses.  Our bikes or our own legs became the horses.  We created a world of our own and we were always so disappointed to have to stop playing to come in.  We were allowed to ride our bikes anywhere in the neighborhood.  Once we lived near some woods and staked out exotic trails for ourselves, writing our own scripts.  Scripts that looking back were way more exciting than what you see in movies today. 

     Things were so different with my own children.  I could not for safety reasons allow them to ride all over the place with their bikes.  We weren’t rich but they had some of the most popular toys and technology tools.  I remember them complaining a lot about being “bored.”  It saddens to me to think that they missed out on such a gift as play.  True play even in my adulthood is being creative.  Acting out your dreams and visions for life.  True play is getting wrapped up in the moment, where time ceases to exist.

 

Relationship Reflection

I believe I was created to be in relationship with my God and with other people.  Meaningful relationships in my life are built on mutual trust.  We are there to encourage, strengthen, and see the best in each other.   

I have been married for 26 years.  Our relationship has lasted because of a deep commitment, unconditional love, forgiveness, and at times hard work.  I love being married, but a strong marriage just didn’t happen.  We have learned that the key to our marriage is becoming selfless, putting the others interest in front of our own.  Serving and appreciating each other. 

I have two children that I am very close to.  Two simple rules have kept our relationship strong.  The first when raising them is “let your no mean no.” and the second was to spend time playing with them, taking an interest in their lives.  I am happy to say that they are both productive adults and we are still very close.  Our home is a safe environment where they can feel free to tell me how they feel and what they are going through without being judged or condemned.  I don’t give them advice unless they ask for it, but they ask for it often.  I have always given them freedom to make their own decisions and they have always proven trustworthy. 

 

I have two dogs that are a big part of my life: 

Little-man is a full blood Jack Russell Terrier.  He is full of mischief, smart, a hunter and a playful friend.

Lacey is my study-buddy.  She loves to sit on my lap when I work on my computer.  She is helping me get my masters by helping me relax and concentrate.  She was a rescue that no one wanted, so I got sucked in.

They both sleep with us at night, Little man at the foot of the bed and  Lacy under the covers beside us!

My Church Family

 

I have the privilege of having these young people in my life, many of them I taught when they were in Pre-K!  They come to my house every Friday night to hang out and read the bible.  I guess you could call it "church."  I have invested long term in their lives.  Sometimes I get tired, but I feel real meaningful relationships take an investment of time, that means more then once a week, but mid-week phone calls, meeting for lunch, listening, and supporting them.  I have found it to be so rewarding to watch them grow up!

Love sees the best in people- Including children

Assertiveness comes from the Power of Attention.

                                            Focus on what you want to happen.
                                                     -Dr.Becky Baily