I had a great number of things on my "To Do" list for the evening. We leave for a local campground tomorrow for a weekend of camping and fellowship with our small group. We have not camped since before Paige was born, so there is much to account for this time around. I also have an on-going list of things that need to get done around the house before I am a full-time-working-Mom again! But, it was a PERFECT day this afternoon and the ocean was calling to us...
And we just couldn't fight it any longer. We've learned a funny idiosyncrasy about our children and the beach. If we prep for a true day at the beach...pack the bag of snacks, lug the sand toys, put on our suits, apply the sunscreen...it almost ALWAYS ends up being a nightmare. But, if we make it a spur-of-the-moment idea and just go "as we are"...it's delightful!
They not only dig and build to their hearts content, but they dive in, bury one another in it and don't mind the "dirtiness" at all. I can't figure it out, but at least we know what works! And I know I've mentioned it before (so skip the next section if you're sick of hearing it) but the ocean is my place! I get within a mile, and I am breathing more deeply and calmly. I can feel my stress decrease and I find a new sense of calm. I needed it tonight. I am overwhelmed with emotions about starting work in less than 2 weeks. My mind is racing constantly. I am awake a lot at night and simply processing life a little deeper these days. But the ocean takes me back to our reality...gives me perspective. Like how someone this little in comparison to the amazing work of God displayed behind her can mean so much more to Him than I can humanly comprehend.
It refreshes me, re-focuses me and most simply reminds me of our amazing Creator and His deep love for each of us! Another funny thing we've discovered about our kids is that once we arrive at the ocean...they HATE to leave. There have been many trips we have left with wailing children. I was traveling solo tonight, so I opted for bribery instead...
Well, maybe bribery and maybe just my desire to cram everything we love to do together into these last few days of freedom. Not very nutritious, but their laughter and delight trumps the calories tonight!
Although I will admit that the entire time they were playing on the playground I was acknowledging the fact that I am possibly introducing the flu to my kids just for 15 minutes of joy! Oh well, we can't live in constant fear, right? It was straight home for deep scrubbing and an early bedtime! Which was very exciting for Paige tonight.
Her new bed arrived today. Despite not having the correct parts yet to put the thing together, she begged to just sleep on the mattress on her floor. It took moments for her to transport all her "lovies" into their new sleeping arrangements. And her new favorite thing to do...READ!!! She is still in the early stages, but can certainly recognize many words and helps me read her "Junie B. Jones" books each night. She is so proud! 
0 comments:
Post a Comment