When it comes to our two littles, Tate and Eliza, Family Camp was such a great opportunity for them in so many ways. We have been in a state of cocooning – in some way or another – for over two years now, and our world has been pretty small for their sakes. I was so excited to see how they would do away from home, with different sleeping arrangements, and so many people around us all day long!
I am not surprised, really, at how AMAZING things went! The Lord has really, really blessed our efforts with Tate and Eliza!!
There were two beautiful afternoons at camp where I took Tate, Eliza, and the first afternoon Lane, over to the playground after nap time. I sat on a bench in the shade the first day, chatting with another Mom, while keeping a close eye on the kiddos.
My heart was SO full watching Tate just go after everything his brother and sister did, with a huge grin on his face, and no question in his mind that he would not be able! This boy has taught me so much.
It was when Eliza came over and told me she wanted to go barefoot like Lane and Tate that I thought my heart might burst. I was telling her “No, sweetie, you really don’t want to do that! Do you see you are standing on grass right now?” (what in the world is wrong with me?!?) But she insisted – took off her shoes and socks, walked back to the playground like she was walking on sharp nails, stepped into the soft sand like she was walking on broken glass…….but kept pushing and pushing herself…..and in about one minute she was running all over that sand with a huge smile on her face!
I kid you not. I am embarrassed to say I did not think she could do it. The Lord is truly blessing our efforts in ways that are so humbling.
Pretty soon Lane was off with his big brothers, and Tate and Eliza had settled on a slide that they just kept going up and down and up and down. I moved into the shade where I could see them, and enjoyed watching them SO much. So, so much!
Tate could not keep up with his sister, at all. It never discouraged him, and Eliza always stopped to not only check on him, but to encourage him to keep climbing. “You can do it, Tate! Just follow me!” Oh my heart. I just love thinking of the Lord’s plan for these two precious cherubs. How He knew they would need each other. And they do.
My view from my chair, besides watching my littles, was this. Yes, it was a great afternoon – one to remember.
We played on the playground again another afternoon, and there were LOTS of other kiddos there that day. It was SO sweet to watch Tate and Eliza interact with them!
Tate did come to me that day crying and told me that he was told by another child that he could not possibly be five because he is way too small. Sweet boy. Mind you, he was standing next to a three year old who was much bigger than him! I asked him “What does Mommy always tell you?” and he knew the answer right away, “I was made by God just the way He wanted me.” Yep. I told Tate just to say that truth when another child questions the way he looks!
We came home from camp late on Friday afternoon, and have not had any behavioral “aftermath” from our time away. This is amazing in itself as well!
The last two years have been all about a new way of parenting, a different level of protection than we have had with our older children, and constant purpose to try to help Tate and Eliza overcome all that they must…..but I am here to tell you, it has been so, so worth it.
Our precious cherubs deserve nothing less.
And it is an honor and a privilege to be called their Mama.
The photo on the slide where they are holding hands almost overwhelms me. God is incredibly good.
Yes. God is SO good. Just look at them!
Your posts always make me smile. I love the way you enjoy living in the moment. You are one amazing Mom and have done such amazing job with Eliza and Tate
You are so sweet, Lucie! Thank you!
A beautiful post, my friend.
You are sweet, friend. It’s from my heart ❤
Oh I love this so much! Let me start by saying WOOHOO Eliza!!!! I can so relate to thinking they are capable of less than they really are – and what a joy to watch them prove us wrong!
And as the mom of another tiny soon to be 5 year old, I love your little Tate and his sweet heart. 🙂
Thanks, Jennie! It is a joy to watch them prove us wrong!!
Comments are closed.