Boys, Boys, Boys ... BREATHE

Abe's primary teachers went on a month-long excursion to Europe and Jimmy and I were asked to be the substitutes. So today we forged through our first week.

That class of 5 year olds had SEVEN boys ... and no girls. And Max (who couldn't do anything but scream his lungs out in nursery) joined us to make 8 wiggly boys.

It's quite amazing what boys do to entertain themselves when they are bored. We saw lots of nose picking, lots of chair tipping, lots of poking, some hitting, squishing nostrils together and trying to make them stick (this one was Abe).

There were moments of reverence and I could tell some were really trying to stop wiggling and learn a song or two during singing time.

Mostly, I just think little boys sure are energetic and interesting to watch. I hope I am blessed with enough energy to handle the 3 boys I will have.

After coming home from church and getting Max to his nap and the kids to quiet time, I read the Zen blog which gave me a great tip with mothering (or teaching primary kids).

Zen Habits - Breathe by Leo Babauta

Breathe.

Breathing can transform your life.

If you feel stressed out and overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.

If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to the present.

If you are discouraged and have forgotten your purpose in life, breathe. It will remind you about how precious life is, and that each breath in this life is a gift you need to appreciate. Make the most of this gift.

If you have too many tasks to do, or are scattered during your workday, breathe. It will help bring you into focus, to concentrate on the most important task you need to be focusing on right now.

If you are spending time with someone you love, breathe. It will allow you to be present with that person, rather than thinking about work or other things you need to do.

If you are exercising, breathe. It will help you enjoy the exercise, and therefore stick with it for longer.

If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.

So breathe. And enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.