Tuesday, June 14, 2011

through a child's eyes

I've recently returned home from a trip to Ontario, to visit my family and watch a childhood friend marry the love of her life. What is usually a relaxing stay at my mom’s house was almost anything but as my two adorable and active nephews were taking a trip to Grandma’s house at the same time. While I'll never complain about time off work combined with the fact that living far from my family doesn't ever get easier, spending time with them never makes for a bad vacation; however, this was one vacation that I certainly needed a vacation from after returning home. As I'm sure most moms would agree, keeping up with young kids isn't at all like taking candy from a baby! So while rest and relaxation weren't high on our activity list, running around with the rug rats had me smiling from ear to ear and living life from a petite perspective. A lesson on life from a child often offers more insight than the wise words of an adult. When the end of a game of hockey means the start of a game of soccer and having to go to bed seems like the end of the world, it's no wonder that their smiles are sincere and their solutions so simple. When blowing bubbles means big laughs and filling up a kiddie pool makes for a fun filled morning, waking up earlier than you’d like to a smiling face that gives you a slobbery kiss and a huge hug is a darn good way to start the day. My nephews may have been all about being on the go but they've helped me realize that life goes too fast not to slow and enjoy it. Taking in the magic moments, no matter how tiring is what makes me realize how important it is to live life to the fullest and appreciate all the little things. Life with a little one may sometimes test your patience (and limit your sleep!), but it is a priceless lesson in love and laughter.

What lessons have you learned from the little ones in your life?

9 comments:

PoetessWug said...

As I'm married almost 29 years and have no 'little ones' of my own, I can tell you that the lesson I've learned {after being a legal guardian, sister of many many siblings, and aunt extraordinaire} is that it's wonderful to be in the moment with any child that allows you lovingly into their space....and it's also good when it's time for them to go home!!! LOL

a little black cloud in a dress said...

this kind of coincides with my post from last nite about what life is like as a stay at home mom. I love watching Emma play, most of all. She has taught me to stop being so serious all of the time, and just have fun. I could stand outside of her room for hours and listen to her talk to her stuffed animals.

Tara said...

My nearly-5-year-old niece has had a pretty rough childhood. My sister was not (and she herself admits this) the best mother for the first few years after my niece was born. My niece also witnessed her mother being severely abused by her step-father in more recent years. But she is happy and intelligent and so full of LOVE for everyone. Children truly are amazing.

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

that flying swing shot is such a classic.

Unknown said...

This is kind of how I feel after I return from Kansas every time. My brother's 3 kids are a handful but i love them with every ounce of love I have. They feel the same way about me though so they're always trying to keep my attention 100%!

Katie Elizabeth said...

kids are always a handful no matter what age. i can imagine you needed a vacation after your vacation! glad you enjoyed your trip anyway.

thank you so much for commenting on my blog! i hope you visit again sometime or follow :)

xo katie elizabeth
ohheyylife.blogspot.com

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Keeping up with kids can be rough! They have no fear and their faster than lightning!

Elisa @ Crazy, Amazing Life said...

My youngest recently turned 5, and I can definitely relate to what you said here!

Life with an active toddler is never really relaxing, even on vacation - but it's also... never boring! And I love that young children always look at things as if they were seeing them for the first time: cool things are always cool, a joke never stops being funny :-)

re-learning to look at things the way they do makes for a much happier life IMO.

Anna @ IHOD said...

Hw precious!!
I have been cherishing summer fun with my little ones. My son just got into imaginary talking with his trains and I could watch him for hours!

He gets so excited about the little things in life and I feel like I see the world so differently because of it:)