Chick Fil-A, Office Max and Ross

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Last night the rascals and I decided an epic outing was in order since Daddy was at a show.  So, Chick Fil-A it would be.  What I never expected happened in the play area.  I've never thought twice about having to urge my kids to play, but Jamesey plays differently.  This time he proved me wrong.  He's never shown much interest in the play area but last night my heart celebrated as he explored! He appreciated the texture of the floor, he checked out the slide and the steps and the toddler zone (always darting back to me for hugs).  His hands were always moving, he had such a smile on his face and the giggles -oh, the giggles!!! It was a delight to watch - it also changed my perspective on watching Anna and D play.  It was beautiful to watch kids just BE! It was such a reminder for me that I often underestimate what J is capable of.  He just does things on his own time frame and we don't know what his limits will be, and I need to stop assuming limits to his abilities where he hasn't established them.  The same is true for A and D.  As they read, grow, learn and develop they'll each write their own stories and I need to step back and let that happen.  My role as a Mama is to provide an environment that lets them flourish - sometimes that means enforcing boundaries and sometimes that means letting them find their own boundaries.

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