Monday, September 17, 2007

Of carefree treks and sunny days

I've intended to post I don't know how many times recently, but time has gotten away from me. With all this wonderful autumn weather we're having, it's hard to stay indoors, don't you think?

We've made daily treks to the park, gone to the zoo, spent an afternoon riding the kiddie train, attended a few reading hours, and gone to MOPS. And when we are home, more often than not, the boys are either in our backyard or at the next door neighbor's. Now, having my children playing in some else's backyard (without me there!) is a real branch out for me. I can still see them from my kitchen window, but I can't hear their every word. :) Not sure how I feel about it yet, but I digress.

I was thinking today about how thankful I am for these preschool years with my boys. In a few short years our carefree schedule will give way to learning and studying. And as necessary as academics are, these uninterrupted days of play and exploration are so much sweeter. At least this momma's heart assumes so.

Ethan is not so sure, I think.



Ethan said to me today, "Mom, I can't read the words to this book!"

"That's why you are learning your letters, so that someday you can read the words in your book," I said.

"Ooooooooohhh," he said, mulling it over. And then he just poured over the words, like he could force himself to learn them.

It is coming. I know it is. He has such a drive to learn. But I want to hang onto these carefree days. Is that so wrong? :)



Today after nap time, I was cuddling Si on my lap. "I love you so much!" I said to him.
"I know," he said.

It was as clear as day.



Last night Dave said to Ethan, "Why don't you come help me take out the trash for your mom?"

"No thanks, Dad," said Ethan, stretching. "I think I'll just relax here on the couch for awhile."

We got a good laugh out of that one. Oh, and then of course Dave made him get off the couch. They do need to learn some responsiblity, if not advanced calculus yet.




We've obviously been enjoying our new camera. The boys are only young once. I want to remember what a day at the park was like when they were 3 and 1. In my free time in the evenings I've been pouring over these photography lessons that April told me about.

I have so much to learn!





Hope this finds you rejoicing in your family today. The boys and I read this verse this morning:

"So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever, we will show forth Your praise to all generations." Psalm 79:13

7 comments:

jenica said...

Ohhh, that was cheerful and uplifting! Thank you for the reminder. I need that, especially of late. =)

The photo's colors are so great!

Kelly said...

Ooohh...it looks like everyone is having sooo much fun! Your pictures are great! Can I come to the park with you too...say, a week from Wednesday? What do you say??

April said...

I've been thinking lately about how we should really enjoy our families. Who cares if the house is spotless or the lawn is perfection? Time flies and before we know it our kids will be off to school and then getting married and having babies of their own. Thank you for your words.

Oh, glad you're enjoying the lessons.

bandanachick said...

Thanks so much for your post and for the encouragement. I know it is so important to cherish these times.
Love the pictures and the quotes from E and Si!

Kari said...

I agree, you have such words of wisdom that us moms need to hear. Thanks for posting the good advice and beautiful pics. It makes me want a new camera now.
John and I got a kick out of Ethan's cute comment. Too cute.

Scott and Lynn said...

How fun! It's definitely true that there are those things you enjoy that will change... but of course there are so many new things to enjoy as they get older!

Cherish the days :) They are precious!

Melissa said...

Hey Aunt Rachel! :) Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy looking at your pictures on here! It makes me miss all of you so much, but it's a really great comfort seeing them after I've had a long day! Say hi to the boys and Dave for me!
Love, Melissa