Freeze

I pulled into the school's parking lot yesterday to pick up my cute carload. 

They all pile in. Brayden is almost self combusting with excitement. 

He has to excruciatingly wait his turn to speak, as Brooklyn had already begun  her monologue (and it can be lengthy). 

Finally Brayden screams "I have your Christmas present, mommy--- open it nowww pleeeease"!!  

We get home and there's no waiting for Cmas. He helps me tear open his finger painted white paper bag. It's clear why this boy was busting with pride and joy. 

His gifts included Popsicle stick Rudolph, 2 candy canes made of beads and a glued green rice wreath with his photo peeking through the middle. 

"Don't you just lovvvvve it, momma"? -- before I could agree... 

"Yeahhhh I knew you would" he squealed. 

He bounced off the countertop and ran to hang his masterpieces on the tree. 

And I just want to freeze time. 

Freeze this innocence and joy. 

This mantra keeps running through my mind: 

Stop more. 

Pause | enjoy this. 

Embrace this beautiful loud chaos that is life. 

It's all going so fast. 

This growing up business. 

And it feels like sand slipping through my fingers when I stop to think. 

So I'll do less thinking and evaluating. 

Which is hard for me. 

And I'll take advice from moms who've gone before me. 

I'll do more enjoying instead.

Evaluating their dimples and laughs instead of my parenting. 

Thinking about just how fun/creative their minds are instead of 

thinking about the unknown ahead for them. 

Less focus on the messy house and piles of work to do. 

It's a good season to stop. 

Reflect on how truly blessed we all are. 

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A beautiful mess of imperfect perfection