Sunday, April 26, 2009

Blissful.

If you just happened upon my blog, then let me fill you in on a small detail: I like control. Schedules, order, organization, knowing what comes next. All of that. I love it all. This comes in handy sometimes, yes, but I fear it also holds me back more than it helps. I have really been working on just letting go as much as possible and letting things happen, letting the cards fall as they may, if you will. So when the husband had to work almost all day on Saturday, I took a deep breath and decided that rather than fall on the kitchen floor in a heap and scream, "But that's not on the scheduuuule waaahhh.", I would embrace this chance to get to be alone with the kiddies and MAKE it a good day, despite the crappy start. We packed up and headed to the park. Ho hum, right? Except that this time I made an effort to just let go and notice the small things around me. No worrying about dirt being smeared on a bright white shirt, no fretting over staying on schedule and getting home by a certain time. And what a beautiful day it was! I can't even really say what we actually DID because we just kind of meandered around this big, gorgeous park and explored. And I noticed the small things that sometimes pass me by. Ella and I laid on the blanket and she told me what she thought the clouds looked like, Charlie napped in his stroller, we waded in the river and had a picnic lunch in the grass, Charlie touched a dandelion for the first time, and I got to watch the world through the eyes of my children for a few hours. The whole time we were there I kept thinking that there was no way that I could take pictures that would capture how wonderful this day was, but I tried. And I am going to try this whole "letting go" thing more often.

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10 comments:

emily freeman said...

I love it. Turns out once you were at the park, you had to plan to be unplanned :) I love it. My husband had to work all day Saturday as well. And Sunday. I understand the battle of wanting to enjoy the moment while being annoyed at the same time. You worked it out, though! You did your thing! (Do you hear Randy Jackson? Do you watch Idol?) okay, I'm done. Thanks for linking up!

Jo said...

Oh my word, those little feet are just precious!!
And let me just say, I totally relate about the control, err, I mean "schedule" thing. My children are the same distance apart (I too have a December baby, but she's two now!!)...and I remember the baby months--with a toddler in tow--as being so difficult, and even more difficult to truly appreciate that time when in the midst of spit up and sleeplessness.
But I'm here to tell you it just gets better and better! :-)
Glad to see you are savoring these precious moments and letting go of the schedule! You won't regret it!

em said...

I love it!!! Isnt it great to let go sometimes...I have a hard time with that too..but gosh the kids love it and it feels good!

Kat said...

Aawwww. I love it. One because I'm a scheduler and planner, too. Two because your photos are beautiful.

Crissie said...

What a beautiful day and what gorgeous pictures!!!! I think the "feet" picture might be my fav, but your daughter with the apple is wonderful too!

xoxoxo

amber@This Mommy Cooks said...

Wow Abby! You have more than three readers! =) I'm trying not to care about the dirt on the shirt or being on schedules too...they are only this little once and I don't want to miss it either. Thanks for the reminder. BTW, great pictures!

Kimberly said...

Control is so, so good and so, so bad! I can relate!

Jennifer W said...

Mmm baby feet. That picture of Ella with the apple is perfection. Frame it.

Melissa said...

so cute!! i love the pics of you all on the blanket - and that precious girl biting into the apple!! glad you had some unexpected fun!

Brooke said...

I have a hard time letting go of our schedules and just enjoying my children too. I actually find myself panicking if we aren't home in time for Avery's nap. As if the rest of her life will be totally off-kilter if she has to nap 30 minutes later one day. Craziness. Anyway, it looks like you guys had a blast at the park--great pictures, your kids are gorgeous!