What’s in the Mail Today?

I remember before my kids were born, I used to have all kinds of expectations of motherhood. One of the things I was really looking forward to, was teaching my kids about life. What I didn’t expect though, was how much they would be teaching me.

This morning when I was heading for our mailbox, mr S wanted to come with me. This seemed to be very important to him, and I asked him why.

His answer to me came immediately: “Maybe there’s something for me?”

“But honey” I said, trying to avoid him being disappointed “You know; normally it’s mostly bills and newspapers. It’s not your birthday yet, and I didn’t order anything for you”

“But mom” he said, looking at me as if I was a child that needed to have things thoroughly explained -

“Sometimes we get things even though we haven’t asked for them. Perhaps God sent me something?”

I stopped for a second. In a way, he did have a point.

Sometimes we do get things even though we don’t ask for them. And yes, perhaps God sent us something. Maybe not through the mail as mr S clearly expected (or then again, why not?)

Anyhow, it’s an exciting thought; God actually does send us things. Every single day we are given new opportunities, a chance to change an unwanted situation, or make the most of our dreams; changing our lives – or even the world – for the better. That is our challenge; being able to see the exceptional in the ordinary. Seizing those moments in our everyday lives, instead of just watching the days go by.

Seeing the world through the eyes of a five year old.

My youngest has a somewhat similar approach to life. He has his own special morning ritual; the minute he opens his eyes, he gets out of bed, running over to the nearest window to have a glance at the world.

And then, the question: “What’s outside?”

Is it rain? Is it sunshine? Snow? Green grass? Is it dark outside? Summer? Autumn? Or…?

From a little boy’s view, the world is new every morning. There is a multitude of options out there, and you never know what might happen. To him, every day is a wonderful adventure.

These were my thoughts as I was standing there with a very impatient five year old by my side.

And I said to him: “You know, you’re right; let’s go check the mailbox together”

After all, we never know what life might have in store for us. There just might be some great adventures out there, if we just remember to seize the opportunities given to us and.. well… keeping our minds and hearts a bit adventurous.

Thanks guys, for reminding me

Trying Out the Small Boat

We’re planning some boat related activities this summer, and a few days ago we took the kids to a nearby lake to try out this small one.

Mr C was eager to help put the boat on the water, but he wasn’t that keen on rowing..

Mr S handled the boat quite well (after all, he is soon to be a school boy) but then he lost his ball into the water… and watching it drift away out of his reach, he couldn’t stop a few tears from welling in his eyes.

Good thing we have big bro Mr E to take care of such disasters. The ball was safely brought back to it’s owner.

After the boat ride(s) they jumped into the water while still having all their clothes on… which made me a bit too busy for taking more pictures!

It’s a Boys World

We had some nice, sunny weather the other day, and a couple of neighboring boys came over to our house to play. As always, they were all over the place; running, shouting – acting like boys normally do.

As a mother of 3 boys I am of course used to this level of noise and activity, but then I stopped for a second as a few words reached my ear. Feeling a bit puzzled, I noticed they were actually playing “baby”. That’s remarkable, I thought, for once they are not into typical boys games like sword fights or some kind of battle.

And my thoughts kept on drifting; Hmm.. maybe it’s not so bad, apparently my boys also have the ability to see the world from a more feminine angle – that’s a good thing, being able to take on a different view.

That’s when I hear my sons voice: Hey – my baby just shot your baby!

And his friend answered: Oh yeah? Well, my baby has a laser gun!

I thought to myself as I walked back into the house; Oh well… boys will be boys, I suppose

All these Bubbles

How fascinating. All these bubbles. And when I touch them, they simply vanish. I’d really like to keep them, but I can’t seem to figure out how. I wonder what I must do to make them stay in my hands.