Today was just an ordinary Monday. We rushed to get our 4 year old to preschool on time, then I fit in a quick workout before running errands. It was rainy, I was tired. But it was a great day.
What was so spectacular? Just doing nothing. Well….nothing according to everyday moms!
Today I put away the lists. Forgot about work, and let the day just be. I didn’t unload the dishes as I normally do every morning before we go anywhere. There was a play date scheduled that was cancelled for my almost 2 year old, but that’s ok. Amazingly, life went on.
We went shopping instead for new pajamas for my eldest. Then stopped into DSW and tried on shoes. Loads and loads of gorgeous shoes…and it wasn’t just me! Emylia loved trying on red sky high heels and parading around the store. I took photos on my phone. It was unexpected fun.
Afterwards we ate lunch on the road, and then picked up Lila from school who had a surprise for her sister. It was Book Fair day and my husband gave her $15 to get three books for herself. She bought two for her, and a special Dora book for her baby sister….because as she told me “Emy loves Dora momma. I didn’t need another book, I have a whole bookshelf full of them.” I stared at her in awe, so sweet, kind, and her heart so pure. Why aren’t we all this selfless and caring?
After naptime the girls helped me clean out the toy box. We went through and picked out things they hardly play with or didn’t want anymore to donate. This is always fun because they end up playing with toys they forgot about! Then we straightened out their closets, made an easy dinner, and while it was cooking went for a ride in the wagon to feed the ducks.
We had a regular family dinner, all four of us at the table. We talked about our day, and laughed and ate. I didn’t fret when the girls wouldn’t eat everything and just picked. Afterwards we all helped clean up, even the girls helped bring their plates and cups to the sink. Then we went outside and looked for caterpillars, played on the swingset, and just felt the breeze.
This day was pretty ordinary, but to me it was special. We weren’t worried about appointments, or after school activities, or conference calls, or emails. We were just together. Talking, being, listening and living. Sometimes we forget in our busy lives the most simple things, just spending time together.
This is what our children want and need….more than anything else. More than Wii’s and ipads, more than American Girl dolls or Disney princess tea sets, just attention from their parents. Just unconditional love. Just to be.
I feel so lucky to be their mom, and am so proud of who they are becoming. I learned so much from my girls today. I hope that I can stop to enjoy the simple things more often, because for me, today was pretty perfect, and the feeling of contentment and peace it left me with is priceless.
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