Saturday, July 3, 2010

a lesson in joy

Sometimes I have to remind myself what it was like to be a child. There were so many things that I found interesting, captivating, fun that I now pass by on a regular basis without thinking twice about them. While I dismiss those "simple" things now, I've been reliving them through my children lately.

Today while eating breakfast, the garbage truck came by. Luca, Andre and I ran outside barefoot in our pajamas just to watch the truck pick up and dump each canister. They looked at the truck in awe, like it was the coolest thing they've ever seen! On our way back to the house, we ran into some snails crossing our walkway and leaving a little trail behind. Luca laid on his tummy and laughed out loud every time the antenae retracted with a gentle touch. Andre laughed just because Luca was laughing. I laughed with them.

In the back of my mind, I was thinking we should hurry because we had to get ready for swim class and then pack up and go visit my parents 3 hours away. But for a couple of minutes, I forgot all about it and just got caught up in Luca and Andre's joy. Childhood can be so joyful. I may be teaching my sons a lot of things, but I think they are teaching me a lot more.

21 comments:

  1. This is so true and so well said. You know, I really enjoy reading all of your posts. They are so thoughtful and well written. I have to remind myself too...to be in the moment and enjoy. Thanks!

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  2. I know. We rush through every day without really enjoying some of the most beautiful things around us, most importantly our children, and then the time flies by and they are grown.

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  3. Thank you for your lovely comments. It is good to know that other moms appreciate and can relate to what Im going through.

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  4. What a wonderful story and a good reminder to us all. I find you through the Tea Pary. Have a wonderful day.
    Come visit me at:
    http://fullymutated.blogspot.com
    http://tkdmoments.blogspot.com

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  5. This is a good reminder to sometime take a moment to stop and enjoy the little things in life. Also just to laugh.
    Have a great weekend.
    I found you from the tea party.

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  6. So well said! My daughter is only 11 months, but I feel that I've learned more in those 11 months than in the past 11 years! This is my first time here, what an adorable blog! I'll be back for sure!

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  7. I think being a mother totally changes the perspective on life.. The simplest thing can bring such joys and children teach us that - I have two young daughters: 6 & 4 and I can't agree with you more. Such a lovely post:)

    Saying hello from SITS...

    xx

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  8. Saying hi from the Lady Bloggers:

    Wow. Well put. It shows how much we take for granted as we grow up, huh? I believe I was fascinated by art (cartoons and paintings, or any type of drawings). Although I still love art, life is so busy and stressful, that I don't sit back in awe anymore.

    Best Wishes,

    ~Zabrinah

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  9. I know what you mean. I miss childhood! Stopping by from SITS.

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  10. I love still finding joy in little things. Laughter is always good! It's nice you are able to enjoy your children and see things through their eyes. My pets help me chill out.

    Stopping by from SITS.

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  11. Saying hello from SITS. I love the perspective. I sent home a picture of an ugly beetle to my hubby to show to my son so he could ooh and ah over it! That was fun and your post reminded me of it!

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  12. This is a truly joyful post. It can be so difficult to spend the magic moments in time just experiencing instead of rushing through them. Thank you for this reminder to slow down.

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  13. Stopping by from SITS. What a great reminder to just take the day as it unfolds.

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  14. it's so hard to stop and just enjoy the passing moments in our haste to get to the next item on our to do list....thanks for the reminder to slow down and savor the small blessings...visiting from sits.

    blessings,

    alison
    stuff and nonsense

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  15. so sweet. a while back my son and I sat outside on the picnic table and watched an ant for probably almost an hour! It is so fun getting caught up in their wonderful little worlds.

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  16. Appreciating beauty in such moments can be difficult when your schedule is pressing. Sometimes we need these reminders to stop and smell the flowers. :)

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  17. wonderful observation - I agree, when I do take the time, it's so gratifying when I STOP to really engage in seeing the world through my childrens eyes.

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  18. What a charming thought! I love the idea of taking a minute to revel in things we have forgotten are fascinating like dump trucks and snails.

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  19. Thanks for the reminder. I'm a pretty new blogger about mom-hood and all and its so great to see how much support there is in the blogging world. I look forward to reading your posts and invite you to check mine.

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  20. Yep, I can't drive past a school bus without feeling like I just won the lottery because my 2-year-old gets so excited every time she sees one.

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