A past post I did on Halloween popped up today in my news-feed and that lead me on nostalgic journey of Halloweens past. Man, time is a crazy thing. I can't stop smiling as I sift through images of my babies with cherub cheeks and baby grins, while at the same time tearing up from time gone by.
Wouldn't it be such an amazing thing to be given the opportunity to go back in time for a day? You would get to be you in that present time, but with the future knowledge you have now. Trippy! It would be so hard to choose, but I think I would go back to just an ordinary day at home when the kids were ages: Matt 2, Jon 3, Ella 4 and Abby 6. This was such a sweet time. Our family was complete and we were in a groove. What a gift it would be to go back and squeeze them and munch on their cheeks. There might only be one problem, I might not stop crying the whole time!
I decided to keep the nostalgia going and round up all the images from Halloweens past, so they could be in one place. Now I can scroll through the years gone by smiling and crying at the same time.
Two years in a row I didn't get a group picture, I could kick myself. Oh well, what are you going to do? These were some crazy years, I'll give myself some grace... collages will have to do.
Relationships take work. The parent-child relationship is no exception, but I think it's one that can easily be forgotten about. I think we can sometimes forget that just like our other relationships our children need that individual bonding time as well, especially as they get older and are more independent.
With the busyness of life it's easy for me to just go about our routine. I forget to take the time to really see the blessing my kids are on a more intimate level. They're happy, fed, bathed and loved so it's easy to think everything is great. I'm around them constantly and interacting with them daily, so it's easy to assume that all their needs are being met. Sure, I'm with them all the time and I giggle at their cuteness all day long. But there is something so different about giving them that undivided attention that brings a whole different dynamic to our relationship. They feel special and significant. They feel like they are needed and that I care about them when I purposefully make time to be with them.
Just like we need date nights with our spouses, we also need them with our children. Sometimes you don't even realize how bad you need a date with your spouse until your on it. I've said to Erik on many dates, "I remember now why I love you so much." It's because I'm able to just focus on him, on us for that time. We walk away from our time together with a relationship that is strengthened and refreshed. So too we need that time with our children to build a healthy relationship with them. They are growing and changing so quickly, it's so important to get that quality time in because before you know it they will be grown.
When date-days happen the kids know that our time together is completely about them, so they really let their personalities shine. Without the intimidation and distraction of their siblings they are able to just be themselves in an entirely different way. As their mom, I know them better then anyone but I always see something in them that I hadn't seen before. I cherish these precious times with them and I know they do too!
It was Matt's turn. He was the last one to have his date day for the year. I'm so glad I had him go last because I think he was really able to enjoy and understand how important this time was with Mommy was. He talks almost daily about our date together. "Member mom, when we had our date?" So cute! We spent the day at the Children's museum, then went to the mall for a little dinner and some shopping. No agenda, just me and him having fun!
Matthew,
It feels like just yesterday you were crawling around the house in your diaper trying to keep up with your brother and sisters. Now I look at you and you are an independent little man. I am sad when I think about you getting older because I want to hold on to these days of you being my sweet baby a little longer. I cherish the times that you ask me to still carry you. You tuck your little arms down between us so your all snuggled in... something you've always done. It's becoming less frequent and I know one day soon it will be the last time you ask, so until that time I will treasure every single snuggle. I secretly like when you have a nightmare because you crawl into our bed and I get to hold you and comfort you... holding on to those baby moments a little longer. But as much as I want to keep you as my baby I also know that God has big plans for you. I can see this amazing little person you are becoming and my heart is overjoyed.
I pray that you grow into a man completely dedicated to God, always looking to Him. I pray that you would be a man of integrity and a man that is always putting others before yourself. You have a heart that wants to please others, use that to serve those around you. You love to share, use that to bless others. By seeking your savior first your life will be full of happiness and your days filled with joy.
I feel so blessed to be your mommy and I can't wait to see the good things God has in store for you!
Love,
Mama (please don't ever stop calling me that).
He told me he just wanted a little alone time because his belly hurt. I think he just wanted to try out the cool seat he found on the back of the door. Just hanging out in the bathroom stall at the super fun children's museum full of awesome exhibits. (hahahaha)
Lots and lots of bubbles... such a fun room.
Loves to cook!
And dance!
Getting his groove on!
At the mall that night they had the strangest little attraction. These gaudy ride-on toys. They cost a ridiculous amount of money to bring happiness to your kid for five minutes, but they were too funny not to let Matt try. And it was his day after-all and he wanted to rid them so bad it was as if we were in line for the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. He's so animated in everything he does and it was so funny watching him. Especially when he shared his turn with this old dude!
You know those moments that arise as a mom where
everything falls together perfectly? Those moments when all the hard work,
tantrums, and spilled-milk don't exist? It seems that all the stars
are aligning perfectly and you realize, it's all worth
it...I had one of those this week.
The
tears fell on my cheeks as I clicked away. They were all being so sweet and I
was just taking in how precious they are... I was thankful that I was their
Mom. I got a glimpse of their futures. I saw them as teenagers and my heart
stopped, but when it started beating again I realized how much
I'm enjoying them at every stage... at this stage. I wanted to freeze time, to
capture this moment so I would never forget it.
I
was scrubbing toilets and Jonathan came in the bathroom and asked me to look at
him. I looked up from the bowl and saw him dressed in his old black suit jacket
he wore when he was a toddler. He says, "Look Mom, I'm in my handsome
clothes."
I
came out from the bathroom to find Ella in her princess dress and fancy shoes.
Abby had dressed them both. It was time for, "Dance Lessons by Abby."
Jon and Ella were the students.
Spotify
played in the background and these two cut a rug. It was a whole bunch of
precious moments that strung together creating a perfect memory!
I
really needed this this week, it's been a tough one. Lots of fighting,
screaming, and messes that could win records.
I
love these precious little people and I am so proud to be their mom.
One thing I'm enjoying immensely about doing a "project 52" is how it is stretching me in my creativity. There is something so rewarding about receiving the theme, letting it play through your imagination, picturing something in your mind and then shooting the finished product just how you imagined it. Typically I'm a "shoot from the hip" kind-of-girl; I like to be in the moment and just go with it. I still shoot that way majority of the time, but this project is stretching me to shoot with a plan. It's not too late to join in the fun. Here is the link to the flickr group My Four Hens P/52.
Normally I enjoy nothing more than getting outside with my camera, for some fun with the sun. But, around here lately nothing brings me more joy than an afternoon rainstorm. We need moisture so badly here in Colorado, and what is more lovely than an afternoon nap to the sound of rain. The day I chose to work on my picture of the week, the clouds opened up and we were blessed with some wonderful moisture. I love the way rain makes me feel. It has a way of cleaning away the grim, and making things feel fresh and new. It cools everything off and brings refreshment. And there is nothing quite like the smell of the rain.
The girls and I stayed inside while the lovely rain continued to fall on our deck. Here are a few shots from our little "rainy day" shoot.
I am a wife to the love of my life and a mom to four amazing kids. Life is full and I love it!! The Rocky Mountains are beautiful, I never want to leave. I also love my camera!
If you stop by, leave me some love in the comment section!
