If you are looking for 365 days of Martha Stewart, you are not going to find it here. You will find 365 of reality – intentional, purposeful and meaningful – but reality. Today, this was mine:
Mr. Man has been really out of sorts, so I took him to the doctor today, and he has a pretty bad ear infection in both ears. So, that’s reality. Don’t get me wrong, I hope to have some Martha Stewart moments. However, I won’t be able to build working submarines out of toothpicks or knit together purses out of dental floss every day. So, we do the best we can. I am trying to do well with these little blessings even on the hard days. I also hope to bring in ideas to help you function on “those days.”
So, today’s activity was simple. Teach the older ones to play with and care for their brother. The girls took turns coming up with ideas that would keep Corban happy. The ideas included car rides, giving him water, playing with a pig that pops out balls, playing with his popper toy, entertaining him with his tools or cars or balls. Abby even thought an interpretive dance might help. We would play one thing until he became upset again, and then we’d switch. It kept the crying down and taught the girls a good lesson in thinking of and caring for others. I also have times where I say to my girls, “Can you two play with Corban for 15 minutes while I clean up the kitchen?” By modeling it, they will be even more effective.
Feel better, Corban!!! Watching siblings love and take care of each other is such a gift even during the frustrations of an illness. Hope you all rested last night.