Precious Moments

I am writing this post to the strains of a children's movie in the background. Owen is curled up on the couch, watching the story and playing with a balloon he received at church this morning. Isabel is sitting on the ottoman and playing with her lollipop stick while intently focusing on the screen. Eva is laying on the floor under her favorite blanket and looks ready to fall asleep.

It is a peaceful moment.

Lately, those seem to be few and far between. Ever since the girls started elementary school, parenting seems to have gotten a bit harder and peace seems harder to maintain among the siblings. I keep hoping it is just another phase ... and I keep praying for patience!

On the positive side, it does make me appreciate the precious moments of sibling closeness more when they do come! This picture was taken at the same time as the two below. I think it's my favorite ...