Painting and Priorities

Hi friends, no Wardrobe Wednesday here as I just want to savor the last drops of summer before school starts (too early!) for us in just two weeks.  I can’t stop time, but I can enjoy the lazy days we’ve been fortunate to have recently and for the next couple weeks.  I want so bad to be present in the moment with my child and it’s difficult to do that for every moment of the day, but sometimes, those moments happen and you don’t even have to try.
The morning when James declared, “I want to paint!”, I admit my first thought was about how messy it would be and how I’d have to pull out all the supplies and the kitchen counters would have paint everywhere, etc.  Not wanting to be “that mom”, I quickly changed my attitude and just took the painting outside so it didn’t matter about the mess.  When I relaxed, I was able to just enjoy being outside with my son, and even got in on the painting action.  I can only play sword fight or lightsaber war for so long, but when we are doing something crafty together, or reading or playing a game, it’s much easier for us both to get lost in time.  

We had such a nice time painting that on a recent jog in my neighborhood, I took note of all the rocks  along the way that I thought my son would like painting too.  The next time we went to the park in the wagon, we stopped to collect rocks to wash and paint when we got home.  I made a big deal about it and he thought it was the coolest thing, finding the perfect rocks to paint and then helping wash them in a big tub of soapy water and finally painting them together.  It is messy, but who cares when it’s outside and you can just wash off later?!  
An activity like painting rocks reinforces the point that we don’t have to do elaborate play dates or spend big money on fancy birthday parties, it’s often the “cardboard box” and spending time with us that young kids enjoy most!  
My son is at what just might be the perfect age (the magical age of 4) where he is so big and independent in many ways, yet still my little boy with chubby toddler hands. He’s not afraid to openly declare his love for mom and dad, give lip kisses, and ask big, innocent questions like, “Why can’t I see Jesus?”  That one surprised me.  His curiosity is exquisite. 
Suddenly, the things in my life that felt like they were beginning to overwhelm me have been put into perspective and we’re in a good groove.  ðŸ™‚ 

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

9 Comments

  1. You will never regret spending quality time with your child. And, it will be the ONE thing they will remember. My girls fondest memories are of things we did together as a family…not the current wall color in our home, not the latest Home Goods find, the perfect pair of shoes. I could go on, but it is not necessary. It is a lesson I wish I had learned earlier on. They are in school before you know it. You will have a lot of free time for what you enjoy or for work if that is what one chooses, but you then will only have so many hours a day with them. That is one reason I love teachers and coaches who are good at their job, caring/kind…ultimately, they are spending more time with most children than their own parents. My husband and I's single biggest piece of advice to anyone who is raising children is to "be present".
    I have so enjoyed watching James grow up. No longer a baby, no longer really a toddler, but a sweet gentle loving little boy! He smiles just melts your heart. And, his questions are so precious. I love this age for that reason. Even my young twos ask questions like that and I am always humbled by their innocence. Sometimes going back to the basics is what we need.

  2. Your little boy is so cute; glad you're embracing *the Now* and enjoying your summer. Happy you let your boy enjoy his paint as I paint in watercolor and mixed media and know the joy this can bring. Be well. :0)

  3. Those moments are precious and I agree, it's best to gobble them up before they are gone. They will be something you will forever remember and cherish. My kiddos go back in two weeks also. I've been trying to squeeze every bit of summer fun into the days we have left. 🙂

  4. Can't believe school starts so early! In NJ we don't start till after Labor Day which is nice.

    What a fun project! My son loves art too, so we enrolled him in summer art classes 🙂

  5. So fun! My 3 year old daughter loves to paint, too, and it's something I enjoy doing with her. We were outside yesterday creating some "abstract" art. I agree with enjoying these moments with our children!

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