Did you ever have one of those moments when you just want to freeze time? I had one of those this afternoon.
It was about an hour before dinner. Everything was prepared and ready to go on the grill. Baby was asleep. The big kids were finishing up a video. The house was relatively straightened up, and all was quiet.
I went to the pantry and spied a box of Triscuits, which got me to hankering for a little pre-dinner snack. I put together a plate of Triscuits and pepperoni and Colby/Jack cheese. Then I decided to splurge and open a bottle of wine.
When I went out to the deck to turn on the grill, I realized that the heat and humidity of the last few weeks had dissipated. So I grabbed my snack and took it out to the deck and invited the kids to join me, which they did.
There was a stillness that seems to accompany late afternoon, and a gentle warm breeze was blowing in from across the cornfields beside our development. The temperature was just right, and there was hardly any humidity in the air.
The view off our deck is really nice. The houses behind us aren’t too close to us or to each other, and there is a lovely tree line in the distance. The sky was blue with just a few billowy white clouds.
So there we sat, in the shade of the house, nibbling on our snacks. The kids were delightfully agreeable, without a whiny or cross word. I found myself drinking in their little images, wishing I could hold onto the innocence of their present ages, trying to imprint the memory of their faces and little bodies in my mind.
D has recently taken on the strong, lean body of an athletic schoolboy, and his face suddenly seems that of a much older child. C is no longer a chubby toddler, but now is all tanned arms and legs and wavy blond hair and expressive hazel eyes. How quickly they change, and then it is almost impossible to recall the expressions and features of the outgrown stages.
At that moment, everything seemed peaceful, serene, uncomplicated. These are the days I hope to remember when I look back on this stage of my life. I just sat and tried to soak up the moment. I would stop time if it were within my power, just to make it last a little longer.
17 Responses
what a great post.It sounded so lovely…so perfect. I felt like I was there in the moment with you.*hug*
I have had many of these moments this week 🙂 Sounds so nice.
Very nice. I felt like I was checkin out the view with you for just a second. 🙂
Really love your blog especially the story about going to the mall, gee I remember those days. My kids are to old now but the hiding in the clothes and the rest of the story brought tears to my eyes from laughing so hard. It didn’t seem real funny back then as a parent when you ask over and over please don’t do that and they continued in their fun but listening to you tell it, it is totally funny. Thanks for your comments on boomama’s blog. I did read Romans 8:28 and the rest of that chapter and really liked verses 37-39. Gave me something to think about.
Mouse – Those are some of my most FAVORITE verises in the whole bible.
I find myself noticing a lot of moments I want to remember too. Even though my boys are 8 and 4, I know they’re growing up so quickly and as a mom, that’s tough.My babies! It sounds like you had a wonderful time!
oh simply beautiful! Thanks for this post. It reminded me I need to slow down and take a few moments with my kids too. They grow up too quickly!
Now THAT was lovely.I’ve had a couple of moments like that on our front porch – where I just wish I could press a button and freeze everything right then and there.Beautiful post – I love the simple things. You know?
Yes,Yes! I love these times. I simply cannot get enough of moments like these. I felt like I was sitting right there with you. Loved it, thanks for sharing.
Those moments are so precious and it is amazing how God brings them back to rememberance when needed.This is my first visit to your blog. It was very enjoyable. Thanks!
What a descriptive post, I loved it! I’ve experienced some of those moments where you just want to halt time to savor it longer!Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Magical moment! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Magical moment! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Magical moment! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Magical moment! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Magical moment! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Magical moment! Thanks for sharing it with us!