Thursdays have become a very special day for us.
Several weeks ago I began taking the girls and Will to our library’s Story Hour on Thursday mornings. This evolved into also going to lunch afterwards. It has become a neat way to spend some time with them.
I was disappointed at the thought of possibly missing it today.
I was called yesterday about a meeting that was scheduled for 9 this morning. Story Hour starts at 10:30, so I didn’t think I would make it home in time.
After the meeting this morning, I ran by the post office and then home to relieve the babysitters.
The girls were sad to see their babysitters leave. They love playing with their “friends” and are always disappointed to see them leave.
I needed a distraction for them….and noticed when I looked at my watch that it was exactly 10:25…just in time to get out the door and to the library and not be too late.
So I told the girls to quickly get socks and shoes on while I put Will’s on and we were on our way!
I let the girls check out a book at the library at the end of Story Hour each week. This week MC chose a Hide and Seek Grover book and EA chose The Fisherman and His Wife, a story we read recently as part of their Sonlight P3/4 Core Curriculum.
Last week during Story Hour, EA and MC planted flower seeds in a little cup. We brought them home and put them on the window sill to get some sunlight. I have been diligent in watering the little bit of soil in those cups. More diligent then I’ve been with watering any other plant. Ever.
Yesterday I happened to look over at those cups sitting on the window sill, soaking up what little bit of sun that was out and noticed green flower stems with little leaves sticking out of the soil. It had to have literally happened overnight.
I called the girls over to show them and we celebrated the sight of this new growth!
I thought about this more as I walked into the girls room and watched them sleeping tonight.
So many times it seems that their growth happens when I’m not looking.
I get so busy surviving each day that I don’t take the time to appreciate it….to witness the growth they are experiencing each and every day.
Many times when someone doesn’t see us for a while…even for a week….and we are around that person again, they comment on the growth of my children.
Growth that I haven’t noticed. Because I’m with them. All. The. Time.
Growth that happens seemingly overnight.
But it happens nonetheless.
Then there are other times when the evidence of their growth is blaring at me….shouting at me to recognize it.
This growth demands my attention.
And I am completely overwhelmed and taken back by it.
Sometimes I want it to STOP….I don’t want my babies to grow up!
I want them to stay little forever.
Little enough for them to need me.
Little enough for me to hold them.
Then there are other times when I am amazed at their growth and I cherish it.
I celebrate it in much the same way that we celebrated the growth of their little flower plants.
I am anticipating the day when we see actual flowers blooming in those italian ice cups sitting on our window sill.
But not near as much as I am anticipating seeing my children grow up to become the people that God has planned for them to be.
I know that both will be a beautiful sight to behold.
To see more Family related posts from the week, visit Family Friday at HomeMakerBarbi.
Uma says
I love this post. I was just thinking the same thing today and am trying to enjoy every moment with the baby, even if it means being up at 2 a.m. to comfort a fussy Chase, because soon enough she’ll be running off to college and turning me into THAT mom, who just randomly shows up uninvited every other weekend to hang out. Ok, who am I kidding? Every weekend.
Love that you take the kids to Story Hour. I always saw cool little projects they made when we visited.
Uma’s last blog post..Chase’s First Birthday Party
LifeAtTheCircus says
What a beautiful post! I love the analogy and application. I love the way you cherish your kids and your role as their mommy! You are always an inspiration and encouragement!
LifeAtTheCircus’s last blog post..The Value of A Penny Saved
Nancy M. says
You put it such a nice way! Sometimes I want to hold on to them too and not let them grow up. But, it will also be wonderful to know them as more than just children. At least that’s what I tell myself so I don’t feel so sad!
homegrownstrawberries says
I live this its something I have been working hard to cherish and enjoy in my children. I missed much of my daughter 6mo-2year growth because I was going to school full time and working as well. I am so blessed to get to do it again and be home full time to really enjoy them… even if the laundry falls a little behind.
homegrownstrawberries’s last blog post..Real Good Burgers
Homemaker Barbi (Danelle Ice) says
Such a great point that we don’t notice it because we’re with the kids all the time. Sometimes, my son going down for his afternoon nap for 2 hours really is long enough for him to grow and look physically BIGGER to me when he wakes up! Not often, but sometimes…
Wonderfully written, Monica. Thanks so much for sharing this post with us all, and I hope to see you next Friday also 🙂
Danelle Ice / Homemaker Barbi
Homemaker Barbi (Danelle Ice)’s last blog post..Family Friday – Making Career Decisions with Your Spouse
Jessica Crockett says
I feel the same way! They are growing so much, and I really want to cherish it. However, I enjoy seeing my kids become the people that God wants them to be.
Luke Holzmann says
“I am anticipating seeing my children grow up to become the people that God has planned for them to be.”
Amen! And it is exciting how fast some things sprout. Keep up the great work [smile].
~Luke