02 June 2008

Rushing less

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Here are Drew, Adriana, and Jonah - ages 3, 9, and 6. On this particular day it was very hot outside. But because this park is in such a beautiful area, none of us seemed to mind. After our usual snack of water and crackers, the kids leapt form the car, running for the playscape. I worked on my photography as they frolicked. They played for about 30 minutes, and then asked - as always - "Mom, can we have a race to the car?". On this day Jonah won for the first time. He was so proud. Drew always participates, his short little legs flying so fast underneath him I can hardly see them, just like a little cartoon. He always loses, and never gets upset over it. Love that about him. And who can blame him for wanting to touch every tree along the way? I had put Sasha in the car so that I could safely take this picture, but here is one of her by her cute little lonesome:

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Here she is enjoying a few minutes in the swing. She doesn't like to be in it for long, but she always asks. I love to grab her ankles and tickle her tummy when she swings forward towards me. Maybe even sneak a little peck on her nose. That always makes her giggle.

I've already forgotten what they looked like as I tucked them in that night. And this was just a few days ago. It really makes me think about what I spend my time mulling over when I am with them. I want to try and internalize more of the joy I feel in each moment with them. Time is precious and I want to remember the precious times!


*Inspiration for this post came from Russell M. Ballard's talk, Daughters of God, in the April General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:

"Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”(Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

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11 comments:

Kodelle said...

I loved that talk in conference and I love that quote. I am so guilty of rushing through my day and not really being in the moment with my kids, even when we're playing. Its good to remember to slow down and live life, not just race through a to do list.

Kasie @ ~The Art of Life~ said...

What a wonderful reminder to all of us Mommas. I know that I'm so guilty of rushing and not really savoring the moment. I think I'll take the girls to the park today. :)

utmommy said...

Time is SO precious! Sometimes it's hard to remember that, but it's so important.

someone else said...

Oh, I love that soft curly baby hair on Sasha. Sooooo sweet.

Montserrat said...

I truly enjoyed that talk too. I'm guilt of grabbing my children's toes and tickling them too while pushing them in the swing. So fun to hear them laughing with glee!

An Ordinary Mom said...

Lately I, too, have been trying to soak up all the sounds and memories of being with my kids and my husband. I find myself watching them more closely and enjoying the many faces they make while they play and explore.

Unknown said...

I love the title of the book, "The magic of ordinary days." Sometimes when I am bored with the humdrum of real life, I think about that title and realize I am still party of a unique, magical time in my family's life.

Code Yellow Mom said...

Sweet post. (Wasn't that a GREAT talk?!) It's so true...my mind is always wandering to the "to-do's" and not enjoying the present. And there is such enjoyment to be found in the moment...

Love your photos!

Anonymous said...

Summer days are a great time to live in the moment, aren't they?

Mary@notbefore7 said...

What a beautiful quote and so true. I often find myself caught up in planning the next day, the next meal, the next moment that I am not in THIS one.

Thanks!

(here from scribbit!)

daysease said...

we surely do have this in common. thanks for this post. always good to be reminded of what matters most.