The warmest hug

The other day I overheard my boys talking about what they were going to do when growing up. Mr S, my 7 year old, did most of the talking. He couldn’t quite decide whether to become a scientist or professional race car driver. Mr C was sitting on the carpet, playing rather quietly with his toy cars, not saying much.

I walked into the room and sat down beside him. “So, what are you going to be when you grow up”  I asked him, expecting the usual “firefighter” or “policeman” answer.

He hesitated for a second. “It’s a secret” he said, “But I can tell you if you’d really like to know”

“Of course, I’d love to” I replied.

“When I grow up” he whispered in my ear “I’m gonna be rich“

Oh dear, I thought; perhaps it’s time to have a little talk with my 4 year old about the real values in life, those that have little to do with money.

“You know, there are other things in life far more important than being rich -”

He looked at me, somewhat doubtful “But you’re not rich” he said “how do you know?”

Ok, I thought, here we go.

“Actually, I think I am rich because I have good friends, because I live in a peaceful country, with beautiful nature outside; because I have sunshine  on my face during the day and stars shining through my window at night. I am rich when I get the opportunity to help others, or do some of the things I love doing; like taking pictures, and singing. And of course, being with you guys!”

I felt it was a good answer. But clearly, my son wasn’t satisfied.

“Mom, rich is when you have lots of MONEY!“

“I know” I replied “But we do have enough money to put food on the table every day, and to buy clothing when needed, and even a few toys now and then.”

He thought for a moment.

“No, you are not rich.” he insisted “You know why? Because if you were, you wouldn’t have a really old car.”

How do you argue with that?

“I guess you’re right” I sighed. “I do have an old car”

He nodded his head, happy to have made his point. But still, something seemed to be bothering him. Then all of a sudden his facial expression changed:

“That’s ok, mom” he said with a big smile “when I grow up, I’ll be rich for you”

Then I feel his little arms around my neck and his cheek pressed softly against mine. 5 seconds later he is gone, leaving me with the warmest feeling – not only on my cheek but also lingering in my heart.

Like I said; I am rich. How can there be any doubt about it

Moments to Remember

There’s a lot of good things to be said about photography. I can make you a list if you like.. But I’m sure most people would agree that the best thing is that it gives us a unique opportunity to capture that special moment in time – and keep it forever. Perhaps we don’t fully understand what a miracle this is. Personally, I often wonder how people even survived before the age of photography

Some moments are so special to us that we would never forget to eternalize them. Simply because we know their importance and how we will wish to keep and treasure them in the years to come.

But as we know; our journey through life is also made up by all those small moments along the way. Like today, when I was headed home from the grocery store and suddenly spotted a hedgehog crossing the road just in front of my car.

In less than a second, and without really thinking – I pulled over, opened the door to the back seat and quickly dragged my 4 year old out of the car. He looked somewhat puzzled, but there was no time to explain to him what was going on. I just put my finger over my lips and pointed at the hedgehog that was now approaching the bushes nearby (amazing how fast those little feet can move). And holding each others hands, we silently tip-toed towards him, afraid we were going to miss our opportunity.

Luck was on our side though: we made it. With a smile on our faces, my son and I sat by the roadside, staring into the bushes for more than a minute. Two pearly black eyes stared back at us. We were hardly breathing. It was a magical moment – until mr hedgehog decided the meeting was over; unceremoniously turned his back on us and simply wandered off.

Mr C was thrilled however, having had his first encounter with a real hedgehog. And honestly, although I have seen one or two before – I felt how the experience really brightened my day as well.

My only regret was that my camera… was at home.

Without a doubt, life brings to us lots of memorable moments. Sometimes we get to capture those moments on camera, a wonderful opportunity for which I am truly thankful. And sometimes we get to keep them only within our hearts – which is also good.

But the best thing is, when every now and then.. we are fortunate enough to get both.

Some hedgehogs have all the time in the world and don’t mind posing for a photo.. those that are made from polyresin, that is

Best Mom in the Universe

Putting my 6 year old to bed the other night, I was able to spend a little more time with him than usual, as his younger brother fell asleep early that evening. As I finished the bedtime story (which was also longer than usual) he leant up to give me a hug. And then, putting his arms around my neck, I heard him exclaim: You are the BEST mom in the entire universe!!!

Now what’s more beautiful than a spontanious, heartfelt compliment from a child?

I opened my mouth to thank him for the very nice compliment and say something nice in return, when I noticed he had a funny expression upon his face. As if he was somehow amazed by his own thoughts.. And then he added, as if to himself; – And that particular mom was given to me..!

What can I say?

Here’s a picture of – from my point of view – the best 6 year old in the entire universe!

And – can you imagine; that particular child was given to me..

I’m a Spaceship!

Today I was given an unexpected assignment. My three year old was playing on the floor when all of a sudden, he put down his toys, turned towards me and said; Mom, do you know what you are? You’re a spaceship!

Not quite sure whether or not to take that as a complement, I quickly decided to take on the challenge. So for the next half hour, I totally dedicated myself to playing the role of spaceship to the best of my knowledge and talent (if there is such a thing as talent for being a spaceship!)

Luckily, whoever constructed this particular spaceship, was foreseeing enough to also install a camera in it.. As can be seen from the photos my son had a great time playing among his imaginary stars, and I must admit that so did the spaceship…!

You know; kids do have the most wonderful imagination. We can buy all kinds of great toys for them, and we do of course, but being surrounded by too many toys can also get in the way of their natural ability to make believe. Perhaps it’s more important than ever to encourage our kids to play with other things than those classified as “toys”; a collection of pebbles, a few blankets, a cardboard box – or a parent – can be transformed into almost anything. A spaceship, for example ) And not to forget, the most precious gift we can ever give our kids, is our time and attention.

I think I might want to be a spaceship again sometime soon.

Ready for countdown; three, two, one (…) – and we have a lift-off!

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

The Truth about Parenthood

I’m spending the weekend in London with my husband. To be honest, it’s quite a few years since our last little getaway together. We have been on several vacations, sure – but we always brought the kids, heading for some family friendly place for the kids to have some fun.

And here we are, 4 days of eating my dinner while it’s still hot, sleeping through the whole night, finishing all my sentences without being interrupted and – no little arms around my neck, no soft hugs, no wet kisses on my nose, no little voices explaining their thoughts to me. Isn’t it strange – when you finally get a chance to spend some time on your own, you start missing your kids!

So we went shopping. For the kids (…) Then I spot these words on the wall of a kids wear store:

What can I say? I remember being both frustrated and exhausted at times, and it is great to have some peace and quiet for once. Still, I seem to carry them with me. Always keeping the thought of them in the back of my mind, thinking of them with a smile on my face. Because being their mom is also… well… wonderful, hilarious and rewarding (!)

I received a message from my mother-in-law (who is babysitting our youngest). And guess what? We are being missed too! I guess we are just meant to be together, the big and the small members of our family. Though we can sometimes drive each other crazy, we belong together, beyond time and distance. Isn’t family the greatest blessing in life – I mean, when it really comes down to it.

Linda