I’m joining in with Emily from “Chatting at the Sky” today for Tuesdays Unwrapped…The idea is to simply stop and find joy in even the smallest of moments and since I am trying to focus on a gratitude-filled heart, I thought it sounded like it was right up my alley. Not to mention Emily is a fantastically wonderful writer and I love to read her every word.
It’s been ridiculously hot around this Midwestern town. I mean so much so that we have been acting like it’s winter and just staying inside.
But Monday? Not so much. It was absolutely beautiful. The high was 80 degrees. The morning temperature was 65. Yes, heaven. Respite and hope for us humidity-imprisoned souls of central Indiana.
We packed a lunch and headed to a local park with a sprawling playground and phenomenally beautiful nature trails that are perfect for the discovery of new bugs, plants, and trees.
We climbed “mountains”. Yes, in Indiana. Mountains.
We picked wildflowers – even though they made Sawyer sneeze.
We dug in the dirt and found a dead cicada. Of course, the boys were thrilled.
We looked over bridges and asked “science-y” kind of questions that my hands-on-ex-elementary-teacher brain adored. Until Susannah shared that she was tired of hearing about why the stream is now dry.
We found sticks and…
giggled on a late summer day at the conclusion of a season in which all siblings have grown closer – in fact, a season in which we have all grown closer.
We discussed “God’s paintbrush” and the gift He gives us in landscapes that are so not explained by just science.
I marveled aloud that this is when I feel the very closest to God – when I am in the midst of the beauty He created just for us to enjoy.
And amid the squeals of delight in being allowed to get dirty, to throw rocks and to pick up dead bugs, we had a moment to be still and know.
Just know.
Some of the dishes were still stacked in the sink. There was laundry to be done. My bathroom drawers are in such need of organization that I can hardly find a single thing. There are too-small clothes to sort and school supplies to get ready.
But not on a day like today. Days like today are for being the kind of mom I had always envisioned I would be before the reality of the actual job kicked-in. And I was. Days like today are made simply for relishing in His splendor, His gifts to us. And I was reminded that this is what I should be doing every day, not just on days like today.
Beautiful! Days like these are what keep us going as Moms and followers. I am so jealous that you got to spend the day outside with your kids while I was inside freaking out about my students that come today without my kids!!! I just got your text :) I was reading books to the girls and am so bummed I missed our walk. Our schedules have to align soon! Here’s to Tuesday!!
Days like that are what you and your children will remembers always. Blessings!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..A milestone =-.
There are few things I enjoy more than a hike in the woods with my kids. The other day, we were in the woods near our YMCA and saw two deer standing six feet away from us. We stood there and watched each other (the deer and us) for several minutes before they bounded gracefully away. It is a great time to talk about and reconnect with God…I emphasize all the different flowers and trees that God created just for our pleasure; He certainly didn’t have to make every different shade of green and every kind of wildflower/bird/tree…He did it purely for the glory of it, if only we will stop and appreciate it.
Love the dead cicada! Gabe found one, too, and brought it home. It is currently taped to his bedroom wall like a science experiment :)
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Denial =-.
What great pics! Love to enjoy God’s creation especially with my children. :D
.-= Sherry´s last blog ..Let It Rain! =-.
Amen for “days like today”, I love those, too!!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..The Secret to a Husband’s Love A Happy Marriage =-.
your kids are adorable and your daughter looks just like you! :)
.-= Cat, from iBlog´s last blog ..Red Letters Total Randomness =-.
We’re in IN and our Monday was very similar. I felt like it was the first day of Summer! (Hello, Rude Awakening.) The windows were open, the sun was shining, the air was not oppressive. We played and worked outside and soaked up every last drop.
Your kiddos are just precious and look like they are close in age to mine!
.-= Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last blog ..Corys Project =-.
I love that last photo. what a great day!
.-= Sheri´s last blog ..Completing him completed & update =-.
hey – finally there is no “virus” notice!
I want to come play – it looks like it was a fantastic day!!
stef
.-= stef´s last blog ..Unwrapping Laughter =-.
Sounds like the perfect day!! I love all the photos. Your family is adorable! :)
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..harmony =-.
I have had 3 days that truly stand out to me as days when I felt I made a big impact on my 4 year old. Days I hold dear to my heart. On those nights when I laid down I was able to say, “I succeded today. I was a really great Mom today.” Most of the time, it’s on the days when we do close to nothing at all but really take in the beauty and time that we have been given. Thank you for sharing about one of these days for you. :)
Your kids are insanely adorable, every one of them!
Sadie at heyMamas
.-= Sadie at heyMamas´s last blog ..Out of Sorts =-.