the little things

When you spend a lot of time with a little person you start to really notice the little things. My most recent favorite thing to do it just to lay on the floor with Trey and play. Play usually meaning watching him get into anything and everything he can get his hands on- and I have surprised myself by really not caring about the mess that follows. Up to this chapter in my life I have always liked things to be "just so." I like everything to have a place {a clean place} and truly believe that cleanliness is next to Godliness. But, with that being said, I am learning that I am willing, and eager, for other things take presidence over a perfectly placed living room. I sit in amazement as I watch his little fingers and hands grab, drop, pull, throw each object that he is inspecting. He loves to climb and he'll go up on his tip toes to reach things- adorable. He loves to hold things right in front of his eyes, look at them, and then slowly scratch it with one little finger- so cute! I love to wonder what he is thinking as he explores the world around him, and I love the pure look of delight when he see's or does something new. I feel like each day I am able to witness these small little miracles as we sit and learn together.
I have been thinking a lot lately about one of my favorite books- "Glimpses" by Marjorie Pay Hinckley. I have read and re- read this book many times. She is so funny and witty and positive. One chapter I have learned a lot from is the one entitled "Mothering."

She says "It has become a challenge to let children be children. It has never been so important that children have a home that is a place of refuge, a place of peace, a place of unconditional love- even when the report card may not be what you hoped for... I tried hard to never to say "no" if I could possibly say "yes." I think that worked well because it gave my children the feeling that I trusted them and they were responsible to do the best that could...The trick is to enjoy it. Don't wish away your days of caring for young children. This is your great day. Sometimes we get so caught up in the physical work and trivia that we forget the big picture. We forget whose children they really are. When the house is filled with children, noise and teasing and laughter, you get the feeling this is forever. Before you know it they will be gone...The rewards of mothering are not immediate...We have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove anything, to be what we are...Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your husband. Have joy in your children. Be grateful for the journey."

I promise that wasn't the whole chapter, there is just so many wonderful things to think about.