These Are The Days - Our Week

Enjoying the many moments...
4th of July


Mountain Man Decorating Bikes - Final Details


Mama & Tigers
My Cows at Chick-Fil-A


Tiger A & Me (next TigerB)


TigerB



Happy Saturday all! We've had a fun, busy and happy Summertime so far. I am thankful for shiny, happy children! Really, I am thankful for these days. Am I the only Mom who treasures each moment because I know it will not last? This morning Mountain Man delivered coffee to me in bed - I awoke to the delightful sound of two eight-year-old boys laughing together. (beats the alternative right! ;) No joke, my heart took it all in.

Thank heavens I have some time to gear up for the empty nest because I have to tell you, right now I cannot visualize it. Yesterday, we went for a little hike by one of the beautiful lakes here and for a moment, the Tigers stayed back with Mountain Man to throw the football some more while I walked ahead to finish up my timed walk. I thought how I do not look forward to walking alone at any time I would like or with whom I would like when and where I would like.

So often as Moms we hear others talk about needing their space, waiting for the next level of maturity for their children and more. To me, these days are flying by and I don't want to miss a thing. As I kept my brisk pace and walked into a wooded area talking, praying, etc., I suddenly heard a quick noise behind me gaining on me. Then I glanced as someone grabbed my hand. It was Tiger A who had sprinted a good half mile to catch up to me - he was barefoot and winded.

This week we were at the pool, I swam a little, dove for the torpedo with the Tigers and then settled into my chaise lounge to soak up the sun while reading my new issue of Real Simple. No sooner than I opened the magazine, I heard, "Mom, will you come to the Kiddie pool with me?" [Kiddie pool? You mean the one that is 18 inches deep and you are 4 foot 2 inches? That one?) Surprised, I said, "The Baby Pool?" That was totally accidental, I was really surprised b/c we had not been in that pool this year. I hadn't noticed until he asked. His face dropped at my question and I was hustling to rebound, "Oh I love that pool! Of course, I am going with you!" as I rushed to catch up.

We walked and talked hand-in-hand. I told him how quick he was and how I loved when he rushed to walk with me. It was another moment I cherished. Call me a sap, but I find myself doing this often and I am okay with it. You see, as a mother of Twins - and a mother with only Twins, you are acutely aware that the time does not stand still. We get to do this parenting thing once.

He jumped in and was shooting hoops in the water at the Fisher Price Basketball goal as I opened the gate and joined him. We engaged in a great game of Basketball and I had him laughing like, well, a "Baby!" I almost cried as I realized I could have missed that memory because I wanted to relax and read. It's a memory I cherish and may not get again.

Literally for us so when the baseball and footballs are flying in the living room and the hot wheels are underfoot, and the Legos are everywhere at once, I smile and realize I am thankful to be living my dream. I don't want o miss it.

The days are long, but the years go quickly.

How do you take it all in? I'd love your thoughts too. Do you have a special moment recently you'd like to share? ;)
Enjoy every moment of your weekend!

Warmly,

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10 comments:

Tammy said...

I love all your photos and the 4th of July bikes are awesome!!

We are finally taking our summer vacation on Monday! I cannot wait.

Beth in NC said...

I heard about the bike parade after the fact! Next year my little one will want to be a part of that!

Love the pictures. What a beautiful family.

We were in the mountains this weekend and missed the free chicken day on Friday. I know you all had fun dressing as cows. Too cute!

Have a great evening!

Love,
b (I'm sure you told your hubby about our little discovery with the pumpkin farm.)

Shannon said...

The bike parade sounds like fun. Cute pics! Yes the kiddos grow way too quickly, with my oldest at 12 and getting sassier by the day I can't say I will be sad to see this phase gone, lol. We have found ourselves cherishing the buddies more because they are our last ones. I have always enjoyed each milestone, but in the same token looked forward to the next one. I will be glad when I can take a class or walk without having a major scheduling or hiring a babysitter.

Melissa Stover said...

great 4th of july pics. so colorful!

Mel said...

i did not know about the bike parade but how fun!!!

the time does indeed fly, i look at my oldest who is now 20, my one sweet daughter who will reach the magical age of 18 in 5 days, one that is 8 and 1/2 and one that will be 7 before i know it.

Shannon said...

About Zumba, my friend that took me said she loves this class best because the teachers make it so fun. They are warm and inviting and don't make you feel self conscious about not being able to do a dance move. She even tried a class closer to home and didn't like it, and ended up going back to the Queen City Dancing Queens. You may want to find another group. The ladies make it fun with their whoops and hollers and shout outs to being a wonderful woman exercising.

Jewel Sauls said...

Great Pictures! I got my print from your giveaway and have blogged about it. Try and stop by to see it. The picture doesn't do it justice. The canvas print is wonderful!!!! Thanks so much! :D Jewel

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Oh, great photos!! Looks like y'all had a grat 4th of July and then the "cow" thing, too!!

~Beth

nannykim said...

I soooo remember the days of decorating bikes. My kids are grown and it really does not feel like an empty nest. We enjoy the "kids" even more as adults!! It is amazing! Even though one son lives in Seattle and we leave in SC we chat every week by webcam and it really is like he is sitting in the living room with him. We sometimes chat for 90 solid minutes as we eat and talk about spiritual things---a real blessing. Plus my daughter lives in NC and she has a 1 year old and a 2 year old ---terrific blessing. My third has one class left to finish college---all in all you will find each day becomes a greater blessing than the last!

Sarah said...

I'm catching up on my blog reading after being on vacation and out of the loop for a while. Love the pictures of the boys! It brings to mind a time when I decorated my bike for a neighborhood parade on the 4th!

Love me some Chick-Fil-A too!!!!