This past week has been extremely different to the usual everyday..
The Papa was home for an entire week plus an extra few days to 'take care of me' and 'take care of me' he did.. And then some..
For a man who has been emotionally scarred since early childhood for being made to do jobs like washing dishes has suddenly been healed by such a crises resulting in a sudden out pouring of practical hands on help.
Dishes done, kids made to do jobs, good attitude charts filled to the brim and ready to be redeemed, an assortment of other domesticated household chores completed.
Practical hands on learning done by most of the children in the joyous occasions of life..
Like the wormery, gardening, chooks and ducks, exploring the pine Forrest, mini-4wd expedition, cooking experiences and reading. Doing maths by rolling a dice for a six and taking ones turn at the chocolate eating table until the block is gone. Spending around 5 minutes playing duck duck goose with 3 small children in a mini-lounge because it is one kids Favourite games... Apparently.
Or hiding behind a pine tree while playing hide & seek with a bunch of cheaters ;)
Some of the most amazing times have included asking where the baby is cos she'd been a bit too quiet for a bit too long to discover that one-mini-mummy-aged-4-yrs has changed a poop nappy, smothered pajamas upon her, filled up her night time bottle and plonked her into bed.
Or watching a series of home videos from when we had one child, two children and three.. Wow!! Two kids was HARD WORK!!!! It was that third that came and mellowed our family out and blessed us beyond measure.. Evening out the chaos with a peacefulness unique from a sweet child. In stating that my first was a head strong toddler... Kinda like a pig headed man bent on getting his own way no matter the cost to those around.. But waay cuter!! The second a clingy, demanding, independent, high-needs child.. Who eventually became 2... Then 3... Before finally settling down around 4... 2 yr olds have nothing on 3 yr olds I tell you!!!
I got to witness the driving abilities of one very young child.. At age 6.. Who talks of being a speedway driver when he's bigger..
See wild horses in the bush for my first time IN Australia (only seen em in NZ), a line up of 18 spitfires crossing the road and watching hubby attempt at starting a fire using sunlight and the bottom of a convex tin can because SOME body (not me) left the gas burner behind and we had no matches..
Our dog received a giant bone as a special gift of being a good hungry dog.. And fresh meat daily!! What's with that! And what's with trying to be an inside dog after all this time of being an outside dog?
I enjoyed getting Miss 4 to prepare lunch but was astounded by how much one asks if this is 'ok' and 'what about this?' and 'I want this here' reminding me of the vast differences from child-to-child.
Overall it was an enjoyed time with hubby, papa & the rest of the family...
Until next time..
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