Tag Archives: snuggles

Small Moments and Big Rocks

Tonight, my boys were wound up and bouncing a bit more than usual. And after I made the, “We need to start getting ready for bed,” announcement, my 4.5 year old wound up even tighter. But then he looked at me with sincere eyes and said, “Mom, I know what will calm me down: The BIG Rock.”

The BIG Rock, as it is formally known at our house; is a sizable rock that sits in the last yard, at the end of our block. It is the agreed upon turn-around-point for boys who are adventuring down the sidewalk on their Big Wheels and scooters, and it has been a favorite stop on family walks since the boys were old enough to ride along in a stroller.

“I think we need to walk to The Big Rock, Mom. That will help me calm down for bed.”

I started to say, “Maybe tomorrow;” but then I caught myself before the words came out. I chose, instead, to embrace this small moment with my little man: to find joy in the not-always-joyous struggle of bedtime.

Me and My Kai Walking

As we began to walk, Kai held my hand and snuggled up to my side. He rambled off a play-by-play of each crack in the sidewalk, each bump he likes to ride over, and nearly infinite knowledge of each spot along the way. As we neared the end of the block, Kai announced proudly: “It’s coming, Mom!”

And when we arrived at The BIG Rock, he jumped up onto the rock with fanfare. He gave me a grin, declaring: “And now I will sit on The BIG Rock. And YOU will take my picture!”

I laughed as I fumbled to pull out my phone and snap a few pics: happy for this moment together. And then, as quickly as he jumped up on the rock, he jumped back down and we walked home hand-in-hand.  And though the moment was brief, it was special.

Kai on Rock Color

The walk home was a little quieter as Kai tried to catch his shadow among the numerous looooooong shadows of the late, summer evening.

And even though he wanted to race me up the sidewalk to our door, he remained amazingly calm once we walked through it. He greeted Patrick with a smile and a snuggle, and he gave us NO arguments as I escorted him up to bed. After a hug and a kiss, he snuggled into his bed, and he was asleep within moments of laying down.

I found myself still grinning about our trip to The BIG Rock for sometime after Kai went to bed, and it made me ponder our small moment with that BIG Rock…

Maybe The BIG Rock has calming powers after all! Or maybe we’d all sleep better if we could stop and find joy in those tiny moments of connection that are often so easy to pass up because we are busy, or because they don’t follow our set schedule for the day.

And so, once again, I find myself challenged to find joy in my journey. I find myself thanking God for these sweet boys who challenge me and inspire me. And as the sweet, quiet moments of tonight give way to the frustrations and challenges that will inevitably find their way back into my day, I challenge myself to find joy in a BIG Rock or a short walk tomorrow. And, just as Kai leaned into me, may I lean into my Heavenly Father’s embrace as I try to find my way there.

Kai on Rock B&W

May we all find joy in a BIG Rock or a short walk; in a chosen moment of joy today!

 

Pancakes and Snuggles

Last night Patrick and I made a list of things we needed to do today. It was a list full of talking to insurance, maintaining bank accounts, making appointments, and running other duty-filled errands. While we started writing out our list, Kai got his own piece of paper and carefully began “listing” all of the things he wanted to do this summer: his “summer plan.”

Kai’s Summer Plan 😍

He carefully listed items out loud before meticulously adding each “idea” to his “plan.” Unlike our list of “have-to’s,” his list was thoughtfully simple and spoke of a three-year-old’s desire for the sweetness of life. He started with seeing dinosaurs at the MN Zoo (an activity he enjoyed a few weeks ago and is anxious to repeat again). Then after some quiet consideration, he excitedly added, “Pancakes at the pancake restaurant!”He carefully set to work adding pancakes to his list while chattering away; describing just how good they would be. I smiled while I listened; smiled at his wildest dreams being fulfilled with a trip to Perkins. If only we could all find so much joy in such simple things!

His list continued for a while, and then he stood up; as though hit with his best inspiration yet, and declared the single word: “Snuggling!”  He even ran over for a quick snuggle before adding it to his list. It was a quality list. And when he got ready for bed, both of our lists were set aside for the adventuring of the following day.

Today we were very productive. Patrick and I managed to cross many items off of our necessary/house-keeping list. And then this evening, Kai reminded us of his list. So we decided to leave the house mid-chores, grabbed a couple of friends, and went out to “the pancake restaurant for pancakes.” The delight was visible on Kai’s face when they brought him his plate, and he ate two or three times what he normally eats at mealtime. We all enjoyed our meals; seasoned with the joy on the small one’s face. 💕

Excited for pancakes! 😋


Today we were productive. Today we took time to enjoy the simple things; like pancakes with sprinkles.

Tomorrow we’ll continue through life’s lists: through the “have-to’s” and the fun stuff too. And I encourage you to do the same. Be productive. Cross things off your list. And remember to enjoy the pancakes and snuggles along the way 💕