Reaching a Goal

Not very many weeks left of summer vacation. It makes me sad to think that this time is slipping away. We've practically entertained ourselves to death. I'm not complaining, just wondering if we need to step it up and complete some worthwhile goals. One lovely experience the girls and I have had this summer is to volunteer at This is the Place Heritage Park. Once a week we dress in pioneer costumes and pretend to live that simple life. Not that the pioneers had a simple life. They had to raise the chicken and pluck it before it ever made it into a pot for soup. All their clothes were hand stitched and their livelihood was contingent on hard work and sacrifice. Our job is rather cushy. We give tours of the house we have been assigned - the Charles C. Rich home. When we're not busy doing that we can work on the rag rug loom and the girls can roam the village playing pioneer games, attend the one room school house and run free through the fields. It has been a magical time for the four of us. No electricity, lots of time sitting on the grass just talking and thinking about interesting subjects. This past week we worked hard on the loom. We have never actually finished a rug and there was just a small bit left. Olivia suggested we set a goal that we could not leave until the rug was done. A goal that seemed easier than it was when we started. Our time passed quickly and it was time to go home. The girls opted to stay and FINISH the goal. We all took turns weaving. It was a team effort. Even the other volunteer in our house chose to stay and cheer us on. As the last weave was made and the final knot put in place a sense of satisfaction filled that little house. This rug wasn't coming home with us. It belongs at the park. The girls just wanted to be able to say they actually made a rug for the little house. After a rather indulgent summer my heart was bursting just knowing that my kids knew how to set a goal together and reach it.