My kids played with cardboard boxes and a laundry basket FOR HOURS on Monday. Like three hours.
We’d spent the morning running errands and eating lunch with friends. And then we spent the rest of the day at home. I was writing and purging and organizing and catching up. And they were apparently making spaceships out of boxes and a moon walker out of a laundry basket. They used Sharpies, copier paper and tape.
Their conversations and interactions were such sweet sounds.
Honestly, there’s been sibling pestering and bickering lately. Ben wants to love by joking and pestering – and Cate doesn’t always think he’s funny. Greg and I talk about the importance of loving each other well. We encourage them to get along. I sometimes wonder if they hear us.
And when they do get along and enjoy each, all seems right with the world. Or at least our house.
Monday felt like the first day of summer break. The kids’ last day at school was on Wednesday. And then my mom, sister, and 18-month-old nephew were in town for a few days. And then it was the weekend.
And now it’s summer break, when simple pleasures reign.
As I listened to them design their spaceships, my kids – who are 5 and 8 years old – reminded me life doesn’t have to be complicated.
Too often, I wonder why she’s not returning my message. I replay conversations in my head, thinking about what I could have said differently or more clearly. I let emotions cloud my thinking. I let the pile of papers dictate how I spend my time.
Their spaceships got me thinking about the simple pleasures I’ve gotten to enjoy lately.
So from the #choosingJOY list I keep on my phone :: 279. Pancakes for dinner. 280. Memorial Day at lake even on a cloudy day. 281. A couple quiet hours in the midst of crazy, busy life. 282. Impromptu plans with Jaclyn and her family – swimming, grilling, and three games of Settlers of Catan. 283. Jaclyn as the ice cream truck. … 287. Mango salsa is back at Qdoba. 288. Watching Cate at horse riding lessons. 291. Seeing my name on a Diet Coke bottle at the check-out aisle, right there in front facing me. … 293. New friends coming to church and the conversations that happened. … 295. Summer morning snuggles.
Really, I should be letting my mind run wild with creativity and imagination. I want to be quicker to appreciate the simple moments around me that bring me joy. And perhaps I should be saving more cardboard boxes for my kids’ entertainment.
What simple pleasures have brought you joy lately? {Tweet that.}
And, hey, #ThreeWordWednesday friends, today is the last day to enter to win a copy of Hillsong UNITED’s new album, “Empires.” Y’all should go join in the music fun.
I’m linking up with Mary Carver’s Works For Me Wednesday because simplicity and cardboard boxes work for me – and my kids, apparently.
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Isn't it funny how we can buy them expensive presents, yet the box is what they find the most entertainment with? I love the picture. It's so beautifully sweet how he is cuddled up to her. What love :). Thanks for the reminder this morning that "life doesn’t have to be complicated." That's definitely something I struggle with far too often!
I so smiled as I read this post, Kristin. It reminded me of the many times, my husband & I sat watching shaking our heads & asked the question, "We buy toys, Why?" There really is a joy which comes from the simple and summertime does a wonderful job of reminding us of this. And you did too!
Well, I just tweeted to you since I couldn't find the comment box and right when I hit "tweet," I realized I hadn't been on the post page but the home page. Oh, well! So, I am loving your summer so far! Looks like you are too. I remember when mine were small and were so excited to have endless hours to play after school had been such dominating.
And I may have to steal this idea of a joy list on your phone. That is so cool!
Happy organizing and cleaning and just plain enjoying the season, new friend!
Christi
They certainly don't always get along well, but they have been lately. It's such a breath of fresh air. Thanks for being here, Candace!
I love summertime! And I'm glad you're here!
Steal the joy list – it's been such a blessing to me. 🙂 I'm glad to get to know you, Christi.
I'm enjoying the simple pleasure of being on travel with my husband in Texas right now for business. It's nice to get away sometimes and be reminded of how much God has blessed you. I think when you are surrounded by the things and the people you love, you can take them for granted. As I see the flooding, I'm grateful for the safety we have and that we have not been near the earthquake zones and other disasters. Blessings to you and thank you for the link up, Kristin. Enjoy Summer Break.
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. Glad you have a chance to get away, Kim! I'm glad you're here while you're there!
Simple pleasures- kids playing outside, more time to write and watching the Amish horses out our window.
I all kinds of love your choosing joy list! And I always love the lessons we learn through our kids. Simple pleasures…a few minutes outside last night by myself with God. My mind has been working overtime lately so it was needed. Love you, friend. xoxo
I love this! Simple pleasures- sitting out on the back deck talking to your teens and college kids mid morning after a pancake and sausage breakfast. Talking a walk in pleasant weather. Reading poetry. And ps- my kids always loved playing giant boxes!
Deck talks and pancakes – ALWAYS. 🙂 We finally saw the sunshine today after days of clouds. So grateful. And I'm grateful you're here, Kathleen!
I've missed you! So glad you got some down time. Love you! xoxo
I can recount the endless hours my siblings and I used to spend making up adventures in cardboard boxes. They were spaceships or boats or submarines or tanks, always launched off into the wild blue yonder, the battlefield (I had a brother), or the far reaches of the ocean – all in our hallway! I'm so glad to know that your kids have found this very special fun imagining!
Simple pleasures all too often get lost in this busy world. But truly, they are the ones that bring the most satisfaction. My latest? Reading a good book, with a cup of Chai Latte (iced, of course!), and looking out at a beautiful blue sky!
GOD BLESS!
Kids playing outside and more writing time – YES! And I'm sure the horses are lovely. Sounds like a lovely picture of simplicity. Thanks for being here, Katie!
Indeed! 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Susan!
Books and blue skies top my list too! They're one DAY THREE of this same box, which remains a spaceship. I'm loving their interaction and imagination. Thanks for your comment, Sharon!
Hello Kristin, we are in winter over here. I am glad you are enjoying your summer.
Thank you for the linkup.
Loads of Blessings.
Thanks, Ifeoma! Enjoy your winter season too. 🙂
Hi, I love the idea of simple things. I like just sitting with my daughter watching Animal Planet, reading together, and listening to music together. We also love playing cards. I think these moments are the ones we will cherish the most.
Playing cards is a favorite around here too! Thanks for sharing, Mary!