My “threenager” and I went on a girl’s date this week! I hope this little sweetheart knows how much I love her.

In fact, I’ve learned that when my little ones act out, they simply need connection, but they don’t know how to ask for it. Consequently, they use their behavior to try and achieve that goal.

Well, between disrupted sleep schedules, sibling rivalry, and a routine that feels like a salad bowl (all of us doing three things at one time), we haven’t had a lot of multi-task-free time just for them. So, Joe and I made a concentrated effort this week to each have special one-on-one time with our kids, and the week has been all the better for it!

The kids also made a new friend:

We live in a small town, so the bug spray company only comes out once a quarter, and we missed their call! Luckily, they offered to stop by yesterday on their way home from a neighboring town, because Mommy was counting down the days.

The kids on the other hand… Let’s just say I have a feeling I’m going to have to explain to a couple of teary children why bugs are dying on our perimeter very soon.

Last item of business – I ran 4 miles straight this week! That’s the farthest I’ve gone in a while. I am working up to a half marathon, with no thought for pace or a goal date (as most of the local races are canceled for the time being anyway). My miles are slow, but the view is spectacular:

Here’s to some good, old-fashioned nature therapy!

❤ Jenny