“Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.”

– William Martin

A friend shared this quote which echoes my focus for my children – embracing the extraordinary ordinary.  Ordinary life is extraordinarily beautiful to me.  

I saw in my facebook feed this morning that another of my favorite writers, Kim John Payne of Simplicity Parenting is hosting a free video series this week about bringing peace and balance to family life.  I recommend Simplicity Parenting often.  It may seem a paradox because while I embrace the message wholeheartedly, we do enjoy extracurriculars.  But we are also home living very simply during the school days so the balance of in- and out-of-house activities comes out to be the same as he recommends. This isn't about a formula but a balance, about living with margin. I am anxious to hear what he has to say in this series which is a follow up to the book.  

Meantime, it has been a warm weekend spent outside.  There is a nice semi meatless lenten paleo menu on board for the week. (not the contradiction in terms you might think ; )) We are ready to jump back in to another ordinary day.