We had the pleasure of having two of my nieces come stay with us Friday evening.  Usually there are many fun things to do on our place for kids not accustomed to farm life.  They like collecting eggs, taking hikes in the woods, and/or playing on the hay bales.  Unfortunately for my nieces it rained the whole time they were able to visit from Friday through Saturday afternoon.

Isaac is so excited about his bedroom.

Regardless of the weather, our family had a great time with my nieces.  We enjoyed their company.  I immediately included them in our lives.  As the time for dinner was nearing, I had my daughter, Kyla, and Sarah, my niece, prepare dinner.  Together they made gluten-free pizza crusts.  Then they topped them with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.  I made the salad.  They did an excellent job because the two pizzas disappeared.

After dinner while the rain had let up slightly, my nieces and Kyla ran out to do all the animal chores.  They fed the rabbits, chickens, sheep, and goats.  They filled up the water bottles for the rabbits.  The rain had already completely filled the other water troughs.  The girls were able to collect the eggs after all.  They came in wet, but breathless, rosy cheeked, and smiling at the same time.

All three dried off and changed into their pajamas.  I asked them if they would like to make some popcorn, which they enthusiastically agreed to do.  Kyla got out the air popper, kernels, and butter.  Soon the kitchen was filled with the sound of the kernels exploding into a fluffy, edible treat.  This sound in addition to the smell of the butter melting and the sound of the girls giggling made our home feel warm and cozy.  We had the most enjoyable evening.

Andrew really likes the new yellow walls, too.

On Saturday morning, I began painting my youngest sons’ bedroom walls right after breakfast.  I was not having much fun painting all by myself.  Then I heard a voice behind me saying, “Can I help?”

I turned around and saw all three girls staring at me expectantly.  I asked if they knew how to paint, knowing full well my daughter did.  Hannah answered, “Oh, yes.  We painted a picnic table once and we paint pictures all the time.”

I showed them the two extra rollers I had and asked Kyla to show them how to paint.  They were soon painting up a storm.  Two girls painted while the third rested.  It was a good process.  Soon the room was done.  It is now a beautiful, bright shade of yellow.  Isaac, my son, came in and literally jumped for joy at the sight of his room.  We all laughed.  We felt good about our accomplishment.

I think my nieces had as good a time at our house as I had with them.  I did not let them just sit in front of the television; I included them in the “work” of our family.  I think that many people do not include or involve children in work.  Usually it is easier to have them watch a movie or play video games, but it is not better.  Adults need to bond with children.  Kids need to feel included.  I think that it is really important to tie strings of fellowship with others.  I highly recommend involving and including children, even if they are not yours.  I know that my nieces and my daughter made a rainy day as bright as the walls in the freshly-painted bedroom.  Thank you, Sarah, Hannah, and Kyla!!

Tags: bonding, children, family, strings of fellowship

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 7:16 am and is filed under Homesteading. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.