One of the many things I have learned from Ben includes how to navigate using a map, and Ben is gradually sharing that skill with our kids as well. Even two-year-old Vi correctly identifies the Indian Ocean and Swan River on a local map of Perth, and Nikki and Michael enjoy poring over an out-of-date street map in the back seat of our car.

This weekend Ben gave Nikki a challenge after they finished an errand at the grocery store. He showed her where they were on the map, then he invited Nikki to choose a playground (indicated by a swingset icon) and give him step-by-step turning directions to drive there.

In less than ten minutes Nikki had successfully navigated her way using compass directions (“Turn west, Baba.”) to a beautiful shady playground. Our family hadn’t visited this particular set of equipment before, but it’s a new favourite… and Nikki was thrilled to find it all by herself!

Everyone enjoyed their gifts this morning… especially Mama with her Christmas camera!

When people come up to me with compliments on how well my kids behave, I am quick to defer the credit to God and the beautiful calm children He has entrusted to me.

Every morning, every evening, and all weekend long, I am assisted by the other key ingredient in this raising-children soup: their terrific father. Our children have the blessing of being closely bonded to both of their parents. As I type this, Ben has taken all four children out for a couple hours to give me child-free break. That’s what I call bravery.

Instead of many other things he could be doing – such as longer hours at work, or entertainment in the form of video games, television or movie-watching – Ben reads the Bible, prays, works on our house, and assists any child who cries in the night. He also prepares most of our meals. That’s what I call sacrifice.

In addition to all this, Ben invests in relationships with other men he admires – he is both mentored and mentors others. He has men speak into his life when he either finds things too difficult or doesn’t know what to do. At the same time, he is not blindly led, but rather he tests and weighs what he is told against what he hears through prayer and searching the Scriptures. That’s what I call wisdom.

Mothers and children in many different circumstances do not have the advantages I do in a loving, committed, brave, sacrificial, and wise husband. If it looks like I’m doing amazing things on my own, please know I am not. Both God and Ben have my back.

my favourite photo I took while Ben drove me home after purchasing the camera

Ben bought me my first dSLR camera as an early Christmas present. To celebrate, I’m going to photograph a series of portraits of each child and share my favourite shots with you this week!

playing the Settlers of Catan card game

In the midst of the round-the-clock childcare extravaganza that is raising small children, it’s more important than ever for Ben and I to set time aside just to be with each other. Often we make a meal together after the older kids are in bed and enjoy a sustained conversation uninterrupted by wiping bottoms or helping the children resolve disputes.

Sometimes after dinner we simply continue talking. Other times we snuggle up with an episode of Jeeves & Wooster. If we get the kids to bed especially early, we might even find the time for a card or computer game.

Do you set aside time regularly just to rest and relax with your spouse? What are your favourite at-home dates these days?