Park Ponderings

Wednesday was so nice, and I was feeling restless like it might be the last nice day before an early winter decides to set in. So I just had to get us outside to enjoy the sunshine and soak in some Vitamin D. Hunter and I decided to go picnic and play at a park about 10 minutes from our house. I remembered my camera this time which was a little bittersweet because as I was viewing this child through my lens, my mind was scrolling through other pictures. It's so hard to believe that just two years ago, I was still marveling at his walking around on wobbly little legs because he had just conquered walking. Now suddenly he is a big boy climbing up on top of the big climbing bars that have to be at least 7 feet high. He is no fear, part monkey, and good coordination; and I got this mental flash of an 8 year old swinging upside down from some equipment on a school playground. It choked me up. How can I slow down his childhood and my precious time with him? It's too fast!!! Why does it seem like the things that are so dear to us pass so quickly? Lest I have us all in tears, for I'm getting pretty close just sitting here typing, I must again reiterate how thankful I am that I am home with this boy. I know I'm not the best housekeeper in the world and sometimes I let myself feel somehow less than these career women that seem to have it all together, but it's good to have days at the park to remind you that He is my most important job. And the freedom to be with him and do that job well (hopefully) is priceless, even when it's cleaning up messes and wiping runny noses. I heard on the news the other day that only 30% of moms are home full-time with their children, and I realized I am now a minority. I know that not every woman has the choice to stay home that my husband gave me, but I still found that statistic very sad. Americans are putting work above their children and families. All this from the park!!!!!

Ok, so to end on an upbeat note because I am not a person to stay gloomy for long. Although my son is growing too fast, I know that is how it is supposed to be. I love to see his development, his personality form. I love to see him explore his world even though it means I have to struggle to keep his clothes free from grass, dirt, and grease stains. And I especially love when he wraps his arms around my neck and says, "I know I love you Mom." How much greater can it get?! All this and we can go to the park any day, any time we choose. Woohoo!