I have noticed it before, but today I got a mental hook on something that Grace does. If someone comes to visit, or if we go visit, Grace is often very clingy and quiet, just wanting to be held by us. She gradually warms up to the situation and people and sometimes there is a moment when she breaks through and really settles in to the situation.

There are two examples in particular that I can think of. One was today while Jason and Em were visiting. Grace knows them well but we have not seen them for a while, so Grace was very quiet and needy. Grace gradually eased into it, but at one point Em and I were holding a rope between us with a small plastic hoop on it. I lifted up the one side and the ring went sliding down the rope like a zip line. Grace thought that this was very funny and from that point on she really opened up and had some fun.

Another time was a while back when Ben and Fiona were visiting. Fiona let Grace pour some sand on her while sitting in the garden and from that point on she started having way more fun.

The situations made me think of icebreakers – it is almost as if Grace would benefit if we prepared or figured out a way to help her break the ice when she is being a bit shy. If we can time it right, and choose a good activity for the situation Grace might just settle into new environments and groups a bit faster.

Come to think of it, I would probably benefit from some icebreakers too – especially when going into a group of people that I don’t know well.

After a long break Grace is getting back into building puzzles and this round comes with new lingo, like, "Missing pieces," while pointing to everywhere that a piece might go (even when she has only built 4 pieces with 116 still to go).

A few things today reminded me of how blessed I have been in my business, so here are some things I am grateful for,

My clients that I work with are amazing people who have always treated me well – I am really grateful for them and the chance to work with them.

I have always been paid on time, for which I am truly grateful. This goes back to my clients being amazing people.

Work is coming in continuously – there is too much for me to handle alone. It is exciting and presents new challenges and opportunities. I am grateful that there is an abundance.

I am grateful that I get to do something which I love. I am grateful that I get to give my art to the world.

I am truly grateful for what I have. Thank you Lord, may I use it wisely.

We painted today and well lets just say seconds after this photo was taken disaster struck.  Needing to pee (ie Grace waited too long to tell me – waayy to much fun to go until it’s too late) with hands like that resulted in paint on my dress, her dress, the potty and who knows where else.  Only solution to dump her in the bath.  I can’t say I was a particularly happy mommy  

35º in the shade today, so Donné decided that Grace's nap should happen in the lounge under the watchful eye of the air conditioner…and Grace rested peacefully.

We had a lovely breakfast with Stephan and Izelle at Rhodes Memorial this morning. There is a play area which the children enjoy and the conversations are always entertaining.

Grace to me this afternoon: "hear rain" pause "need raincoat, boots."  Before I had a chance to respond she was in her bedroom looking for her raincoat and gumboots.  

All kitted out for the 5 minutes of rain

Since the rain proved to be no fun she decided to draw with her chalk on her table.  Every time I asked her what she was drawing she told me Swiper (the fox) from Dora.