what are you trying to catch?

One late September afternoon, I took the boys fishing with my dad.

Despite our best efforts, we did not catch any fish.

We did not catch any fish... but we caught a whole lot of fun. We splashed in puddles, played with leaves, tangled grandpa's fishing line, climbed big rocks, kicked rocks, and laughed a lot along the way.

Sometimes I forget to have fun along the way.
I forget to stop and enjoy the pleasure of dipping my feet in the water.

And I become too distracted to enjoy the smiles that come along the way.

Six months ago, our life changed tremendously when my husband decided to go back to school for a PhD. We closed a business, sold a house, and moved away from our friends-that-were-family. My husband now works and attends school full-time, while I stay home with our three boys... and I am so grateful for his hardworking attitude that allows me to stay-at-home.

At times, I confuse what it is that I am trying to catch. I believe the full-time job with benefits, the big pay check, and the steady income is the secret to enjoying life fully.

I consider going back to work.
I beat myself up for not obtaining more than a bachelor degree in psychology...
and I start to lose the joy to the heavy burden of fear and insecurity.


CJ taps my head and says the word "duck"
Caleb says "mom you pretty"
Conner tells me that his favorite part of the day was playing Angry Birds with me


And instantly I am transformed. Reminded that true joy in life is not found in paychecks, money, and gold. Reminded that the true reason for living is to love and be loved.

Life.
This amazing life.
Has so much to offer.
And so many blessings to catch...
if only we are holding up the right net.

"When we seek happiness through accumulation, either outside of ourselves - from other people, relationships, or material goods - or from our own self-development, we are missing the essential point. Completion comes not from adding another piece to ourselves but from surrendering our ideas of perfection."

Mark Epstein, M.D. from The Buddha

Grateful

I am grateful for paint.


I am grateful for soap to clean up the paint.

I am grateful for little toes to kiss.

I am grateful for love shared between brothers.

I am grateful for sunglasses.

I am grateful for imaginations that allow train cars to be built out of boxes and bags of beans.

I am grateful for moments of sleep.

I am grateful for eager helpers who voluntarily help when I am busy.

I am grateful for the simple things that make my boys smile.

I am so grateful for my boys.

I am grateful for the simple, sacred moments we are able to share each day.
Moments that remind me of a Father in Heaven who loves me.
Moments that remind me to slow down and enjoy the simple gifts each day has to offer.
Simple gifts that were created just for me.
The wind, the trees, the sun.
The hugs, the kisses, the laughs.
All created to provide joy and manifest the reality of a God who loves and cares about us.

I am grateful.

"We are always in the presence of God. There is never a non-sacred moment."
Max Lucado

How Do You Keep the Wonder?

"The most important gift we can offer others is our presence.
When thoughtfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."
-thich nhat hanh

How do you keep your presence?
How do you keep the wonder?
How do you avoid doing something that you do not want to do?

Windowsill Joy

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry [or standing on the windowsill looking out the window.]

- E.B. White

Little Love Payments

Coming home from the hospital -

newborn in arms

and two boys at home...

At first it was very overwhelming.

Okay, it still kind of is.

At times, motherhood stretches me to the extreme.

In those moments of desperation,

when I feel that I have given it my all...

I am amazed at how I somehow always

receive much more than I give.

William Shakespeare said:

“The more I give,

the more I have for both are infinite.”

I am grateful for every little hug, the messy kisses,

and the love that fills my home.

Come On In...

If you came to my house today...

You would be greeted by a little boy who would quickly grab your hand and lead you to his bedroom.

Once the two of you reach his bedroom, he would show you his dresser of treasures. A collection that not even you would have his permission to touch.

yes, the clutter is driving me nuts.
yes, I am exerting all of my self-control to not reorganize it.

You might notice that someone is having a hard time keeping their pants up today.

You would find all of our Lego's at the bottom of the stairs.

Sitting on the couch would be somewhat impossible due to the nap the George Babies are currently taking.

And you would eventually be greeted by this little boy who is back in his pajamas again. You might notice his nose is permanently stained orange from his carrot juice this morning... and eventually you might discover similar orange spots in his hair.

Amidst all the clutter and confusion... there is no where else I would rather be.

"I am beginning to learn that it
is the sweet, simple things of life
which are the real ones
after all."
Laura Ingalls Wilder

Enjoying the Simple Things

"Through all of living have much joy and laughter,
life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Small Things

"Enjoy the little things in life,
for one day you may look back and
realize they were the big things."
Antonio Smith