it's the little things

The boys and I went on an excursion this afternoon. We walked to the fruit market. Well, to be more accurate, the boys were pushed in our cool double stroller and I huffed along -- doing the pushing. It was a warm, sunny day with a fabulous breeze keeping things comfortable.

It was a nice leisurely walk. Nolan fell asleep. Matthew was content to take in the day. I had a rare moment to just breathe and be. I contemplated that while they make life busy in some ways, kids also force you to slow down and see the simple things. Like all the different flowers Matthew pointed out along the way. Or the squirrels and rabbits that I now jump out of my seat and run to the window to catch a glimpse of.

A return to wonderment. Awe at the meticulous, creative mind of our limitless Creator.

I was never an outdoor person. I definitely never cared for animals. But now, because of Matthew, I find I can worship at the zoo. The detail in each animal proves the existence of God to me, over and over again. Hallelujah.

My goal for our walk today was to replenish our apple supply. Matthew had a different one. He needed to find a new flower. Earlier this week, on a different trip to the fruit market, Matthew found two discarded flowers on the ground. He picked them up with care, took them home and "planted" them in the front yard. The next morning, one of the flowers was gone. I blamed it on our resident bunny family. Matthew was determined to find a new one. Armed with new information, he planned to store these flowers safely in the house.

He lucked out and found a fallen clump of flowers near one of the flower displays. He was thrilled with his find. When we got home, I suggested that we put it in a vase. First I had to explain what a "vase" was. After that I had to explain why we would put a flower in one.

"The water helps keep plants alive," I told him.

"I know something that doesn't keep them alive," he told me.

"What?"

"When bunnies eat them."

Ha. True that. Another reason to love being a mom. Kids force you to slow down and appreciate the little things. And they make you laugh. A lot. Doesn't get much better.


I put the flower stalk in an empty can with some water. Matthew was so proud of it. Later in the afternoon he made his own home for it -- out of blocks. It was so sweet.

"What's a flower's house called again?"

"A vase."

"Yeah -- I made a vase," he beamed. And I beamed back. I love my boy. And days like these that allow me to glory in those feelings.