My sister came over today and made cookies and had a tea party with the children. They had so much fun and seeing their smiles and giggles over a simple peanut butter cookie recipe and chocolate chips reminded, yet again, that it’s often the little things that bring children so much joy.
I’ve been trying to intentionally focus more on soaking up the simple moments this week. Taking longer to snuggle and cuddle and look into their eyes. Laughing and loving these precious little ones who are quickly growing up. Rejoicing in their successes. Encouraging them in their difficulties. And most of all, just reminding myself that my to-do list can always wait until tomorrow.
By the way, thank you for your encouragement on Monday when I shared about falling off the bandwagon. It’s been a much better week and I’ve been amazed at what a difference it makes to go to bed an hour (or two!) earlier. Speaking of which, it’s past my bedtime, so I’d better scoot… 🙂
Your children are beautiful… and what great photos. Some of my favorite pictures are of my kiddies & their friends decorating Halloween cookies when they were about 8 or 9.. The youngest is 22 now.. still sweet too. I really believe those special moments like those are what we all remember in difficult times thru life.. The love, the laughter, & the companionship are sacred!
Ahh. Praise God for all of the many moments full of love that make life so special and wonderful! Your children are absolutely precious.
It is so good when I see these moments and the Lord reminds me of how precious they are . . . I wrote about it here too . . .
http://goodnessandgraceblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/before-door-closed.html
Crystal-Silas looks like he behaves so well. How do you get him to listen? My son (same age as Silas) has the attention span of a chicken and frankly runs around like one most of the time 🙂 Would love any tips you have!!
Btw… you have the most beautiful children! 🙂 And this is such a great reminder! Its SO easy to get caught up in the rush of life and miss the special times that go by SO fast! 🙂
Thanks Crystal for the reminder today. I so needed to read this.
Like I said in my weekly goals last week, and for weeks really I have been in a bit of a “funk” and I really need to go back and read my post about how we played hookie and if God has a different vision that what we do right now we need to be fully present to hear and live out His purpose in our lives. Which obviously will always include being the best mommy I can be and never taking for granted THOSE amazing blessings that he has given me. 🙂
http://www.financeswithfunk.com/2011/06/07/we-played-hookie/
Thanks for the reminder. We recently moved my son into his “big boy room” as we prepare for baby #2 in March. This morning when i was getting him ready for preschool, he said “Mommy, I do it…I dress myself”. So glad he’s learning things like this but just another reminder that he is growing up.
And is your son too cute in that ball hat? Love it….he reminds me a lot of my son…they look really similar!
I agree, time spent with your children is extremely valuable. Soak up those moments together. Taking time to spend with them one on one and going on Date Nights helps us keep the communication open plus allows them to have special memories with each parent. Cherish the time you have together!
ditto, ditto, ditto everyone. I pulled everyone on my lap last night (one at a time) and was sobered as I “held” my huge 10-yr-old and lanky 8-yr-old. Everyone says it goes fast, it’s just hard to wrap your head around it in the busyness sometimes. Everyday I am sooooo grateful that I get to spend the day with them–however that day turns out. I love their little aprons, btw.
Please continue to take the time and enjoy those moments. This school year I am reflecting back on the memories and wish there were more…my oldest is a senior in high school, my youngest is in 7th grade and I have a hard time remembering those times and wonder where it all went. Yes we have new memories ahead, new milestones and new beginnings but sometimes I wish I can go back in time just for a little bit and soak up those precious moments just one more time. Take lots and lots of pics so you can enjoy in the future.
Thank you for sharing this. I have a two-year-old and a ten-week-old. I’m afraid my daughter has been slightly neglected since my son was born and this has reminded me to stop and spend some quality one-on-one time with her. I think peanut butter cookies will be just the thing to do this weekend! Thank you for the reminder.
I love how you “rejoice in their successes.” It is always the simple, every day tasks, performed together that brings the most joy.
I love watching your children grow. Thank you for sharing. Mine are in there 20’s and I miss those days. Enjoy every second. You seem too.
I am trying to do the same thing. I was at a funeral recently (which in and of itself makes you stop and think and enjoy life more) and talking with a friend when I realized in less than 5 years my oldest will be out of the house and in college. I only a few short years left to get to know him, teach him what I want him to learn, guide him to make good decisions and enjoy his company.
It seems just yesterday I was surviving my life (barely) just day to day with 4 kids 6 and under, 1 of them special needs. Yet here I am with all my kids in school, my youngest is 7, they are well on their way to growing up. One day it seems that this moment will last forever and the next day it seems that life flies. I must take the time to spend with them NOW. I know I will regret it later if I don’t.
I would like to encourage you Crystal… don’t stop enjoying the simple things. Just this week a local church congregation laid a very special God loving husband, father, minister, uncle, friend to his eternal rest following a construction accident. It has made all of us pause and realize how precious our time on this earth is. Love your family and enjoy them.. they are truly a gift from God!
I am sorry to hear about that. I hope you don’t mind me asking where you are from. I “know” of a man who fell off scaffolding in Alabama last week.(he attended a Church of my same faith)
This was near New Carlisle, OH. He fell off floor joists on second floor, happened to be right over stairway opening to basement. Owner of the company, 50 yrs old… very tragic…
Thank you for the reminder! Kids seem to grow up so fast and time passes so quickly, which makes it so important to savor those simple moments and days rather than getting too caught up in to do lists and what we think we “need” to get done instead. I baked cookies with my 3 yr old nephew last night, and was feeling a little bit impatient when he wanted to scoop the dough onto the baking stone, but took a deep breath and let him do, and had such a fun time watching him experience such a simple, yet exciting task. So glad I slowed down and enjoyed those moments with him!
So sweet! Good luck on going to bed early…my husband and I conked out around 9 tonight. I woke up at 10:30, brushed my teeth, put things away, and now–at 1AM–am very, very awake. How to explain this to myself in the morning? Hmm…
What cute, cute children you have!! 🙂 Love those precious pictures.
nice picture Crystal.
I went to CVS tonight and just happened upon this deal. 10/12/2011
22 Legg’s -15 Cents 90%
6 women’s socks ( socktacular! 5 Pairs) 55 cents 90%
1 freeman facial clay mask free after rebate $3.99
4 Earth Essentials family napkins 500c – 59 cents 90% so check your local store. you can also go to my blog to see my shopping trip picture.
How ironic is this?! I just posted a blog about the simple pleasures in life. It must be in the air! 🙂 So glad you’re enjoying the moments, Crystal.