Yesterday we took our kiddos to Disneyland. We did a half day, so we left just after lunch. When we got home, the kids still had tons of energy. (It doesn’t seem fair, even a half day tires me out but they have energy to spare). So we took the kids out to play on the swing set in the back yard to hopefully expend some excess energy and have an early bed time.

My husband was pushing the three boys on their swings, each one of them screaming with glee and calling out “Higher daddy, higher.”  I was climbing up the ladder to chase after our youngest, Lilly. She was laughing because she realized that I was chasing after her. Mr. Train commented to the boys that he was excited about dinner and that he was going to have a huge plate of pasta and sausage. The boys cheered along with him.

Right then and there I wish I could have stopped time.  Love and happiness filled my heart.  We weren’t doing anything fancy, just playing on a play set.  Everyone was excited about the dinner I was going to make (which was a throw together in minutes type of dinner) and no one was bickering or fighting.  It was just a great moment that I know I will cherish in my heart for a long time.  Not because we were doing something extravagant or expensive, but we were just there with each other enjoying the afternoon. It seemed funny to me because we had spent the better part of the day at Disneyland.  We took the kids on rides and had a special Disneyland cookie, but that’s not the part of the day I locked in on. Just simply playing together as a family and talking about dinner was what reminded me about how great things are.


Sometimes there is a brief second where the hectic life stops and everyone just goes for a swing.

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As a mother of four kids I often rush though my day trying to check things off my To Do list, without really taking the time to appreciate the special little moments.  I wonder how many sweet or funny interactions I miss when I call out “just a second” in response to a “Mommy come here.”  During any given day I am pulled in so many directions that I can’t possibly do it all.  Often I find myself criticizing my choices and not getting enough done, but I need to remind myself that life is good and I need to enjoy it.

Parenthood is not without its challenges, but it is the best thing I have ever done.  When asked if I would do it all again if I could make the choice, my answer is yes, in a heartbeat.  I would marry the same man and have the same four beautiful children. They stress me out and drive me crazy some days, but they also bring me some of my greatest joys and peace in my heart.  I just have to take the time to relax and let it happen.


nothing melts my heart more than witnessing some daddy daughter time.

This next week I am going to challenge myself to stop and look for these little moments and let myself live in them without thinking about all the chores and responsibilities that are waiting for me.

Have you had a moment like this that reminded you to stop, relax, and enjoy your life?