Treasures

I don't know how it is that some of the riding toys from the 80's still have a place in our shed.

 But when I see the smiles on their faces, I'm glad it is so.

As Jack's eyes lit up - I had a sudden flashback -

What happened? 

One day at a time ...

and one day you realize the moments are gone.

I love it when they return in such a sweet way! 

When Days are Long, and Years are Short

This past weekend the boys' and girls' bedrooms were filled -

grands tucked in with books, music and favorite blankets.

One thing we noticed during nighttime routines

is that they are growing up,

acquiring ways of settling in on their own. 

The reality felt just a little strange ...

as much as it was wonderful. 

 

Is it any wonder I contemplated this fleeting stage ...

so much so that it became more special,

the innocent, carefree, simplicity

still evident in the youngest one.

A time when there are never enough twirls, 

games of snakes and ladders 

or cups of apple juice and cookies.

I feel the changes come gradually -

watching her and then the older ones -

welcoming a new season,

one of mixed independence and teaching,

while climbing trees, texting cousins, 

racing each other on scooters,

playing pool or baking cookies
and going for seconds at mealtimes.

But one of my favorite moments, 

settled on couches around a big bowl of popcorn,

were the giggles coming from them all

while listening to Eeyore's complaints and

Winnie the Pooh's words of wisdom. 

A reminder that some things will never change.

♡♡♡

Flowers and Music for Mom

It was after lunch when my brother

 let me know he was coming out to see mom.

We ended up getting to the home at the same time

and it was precious to see her face when she

recognized him - more so his voice, I think.

He serenaded her with a favorite German song that tweaked a memory for her

and it was so beautiful to see her face light up.

I had a hard time fighting off tears.

 These moments are getting more rare, and as I ponder them,

I'm always wishing I could see inside her mind ...

see what she knows, when words fail her.

 My sister came later, due to an accident on the highway,

but again I see mom's joy comes from deep within. 

Even as her mind goes dim

and she cannot do a thing for herself,

on this day we thanked God for her 

with flowers and a song,

because we could. 

♡♡♡

Ten Recent Random Moments

My phone photo collection has become a place I enjoy scrolling through ..

mostly to see what I can delete ...

But always a reminder of the many random moments. 

The boys helping Papa with bark mulching.

 The girls playing with magnets on the fireplace screen doors

(because I don't want the fridge scratched) 

 and throwing walnuts outside for the squirrels.

 Jack picking dandelions 

 while Jade is learning soccer skills.

 Mini daffodils that started off as cute four or five inch plants,

shooting up like beanstalks.

 Lilacs that stayed nice for a long time.

 Sister shopping time at Hobby Lobby.

 A successful trip.

And a lemon zucchini Bundt cake that looked photogenic to me.

I look at such random moments and realize how blessed I am!
Bringing me back to the reason I started blogging more than ten years ago:
I didn't want the important nor the seemingly insignificant day to day
 to pass without acknowledgement.