Tate came home from work early, which is a rarity. We took advantage of the extra hours of family time since most evenings are saturated with dinner, bath time, and bedtime stories, leaving little time for conversation and play. We all went outside on the patio and the boys began their favorite game, red ball chase. After an extremely long summer, I thought I detected the slightest change in the air, signaling a hint of fall. This shift in the air felt almost magical.
I watched as Tate and Carson ran in circles, bouncing the red ball, and very immersed in this game that appeared to be so simple. They invited me to join in their game and I learned that this game had rules and technique. Sometimes you chased Carson, other times you chased Daddy. There was lots of ball bouncing, especially off of me, but I relished being included in red ball chase. I never did really understand my role in their game, but Carson, even at 23 months, knew the rules and when I broke them.
As young children are known for doing, Carson became bored and began to play with something else. Tate and I watched him as he practiced going up the stairs on the patio, ever so carefully, saying “sep! (step), sep!, sep!,” as each foot touched the step below. We revelled in his ability to feel such joy in this simple activity.
The black gum tree next to our house began to fill with birds of all kinds, woodpeckers, robins, and a cardinal. Tate explained that we needed to stand very still or we would spook the birds, causing them to fly away. Carson was mesmerized by the chattering between the birds and watched, entranced, not moving a muscle for longer than I’d expect of a child his age. Eventually the birds flew away and you could see the disappointment in this little boy’s face as he called, “more bir, mor bir!”
I realized, spending this unexpected afternoon with my family, that even if it was temporary, time didn’t feel like it was in the way. For this afternoon, I didn’t feel the constraints of responsibilities and was able to just enjoy. This once, reality didn’t feel burdensome.
I never knew something so seemingly insignificant as red ball chase, steps, and birds could bring such peace. I hope I can open my eyes, grab those moments and simply be, more often.
See, despite the socks & shoes debacle, you can take time to stop & smell the roses. Or, bounce red balls as the case may be. That’s what makes parenthood a joy, now isn’t it?
Beautiful post!!!
Awwww, what a great story Jen!
I need me one of those afternoons.
I call these "magical stolen moments", extra time that appears to be almost like a gift. Thanks for sharing. Your little one sounds so precious!!
Sounds like you got what you needed, just when you needed it! Here’s to more afternoons like that. Thanks for sharing.
Those are such precious times.
What a gorgeous afternoon!
Great post.
Can I come play red ball chase? I need an afternoon like that. There are never enough hours in my day.
Jennifer- that was lovely. Just lovely. My heart just longs for an afternoon like this. And to be able to enjoy it without worrying it away.
You left me with tears in my eyes.
-HH
you so have a way with words, and this is why i LOVE coming over to read your blog.
that was one of the best… because not only were YOU in the moment, you let us crash your party too!
here’s to many more.
AHHH…I love those days. They are truly the best. And they are given to us in small doses, so that we can get through the days when time stands still.
Wishing you many more days like that…
Yes, sometimes it’s the most “insignificant” moments that, in fact, hold the most significance.
Jane, Pinks & Blues
Times like this are such a double blessing … besides getting us to stop and enjoy the moment they are usually what we remember best years from now.
Good for you, Tate and Carson. Aren’t times like that great? You put all of the troubles and worries aside and just enjoy the moments.
I love those kind of days or afternoons. Enjoy it every chance you get, as I have learned, painfully, they don’t last forever. Kids grow up and prefer to spend time with their buddies, not their parents. I have my second chance with Little Miss, but I miss the whole family getting together and just having fun. I’m so glad you got a wonderful afternoon.
These are the greatest moments! thanks for sharing.
I love this post. I, too, try to take advantage of those precious moments. To step out of the craziness and “chores.” To just be with my husband and our kids and enjoy all of it because nothing is more important.
I love this post. My DH is home today, so we are hoping to go to the playcenter with Sacha together and have a red ball chase day.
Great day!!!!
Good for you for enjoying it so.
Don’t those moments make it all worthwhile?
What a lovely post. The other day when we found the mouse was one of those days where I actually enjoyed having children. You know, before I found the mouse.
Perfect! It seems moments like these are so few and far between these days…
Some days I look at the mess in my family room and my kitchen and then I turn and look at The Poo. Really look at her.
Then we leave the mess and we play all day – anything she wants to do – me on the floor or at the craft table right next to her.
Those are the best days. I hope you and your family have more of these magic moments.
Beautiful post. Something I think we should all be striving for.
Those are the BEST days! When you least expect to find peace and suddenly, you’re immersed in it. Ahhhhh!
Amen!
The little moments are so precious. Have you seen “Click”? I did last night… and I think I cried a little.
that sounds lovely. THank you.
Awww… I live for days like these. they are too few and far between.
Precisely. I took the day off of work yesterday and went on my children’s preschool field trip to the Fire station with them, later hubby came home and we went to their preschool open house together and let them tell us the things they loved about preschool. It’s one of the best times I’ve had in a long time. Simple, but completely enjoyable.
Lovely description of that feeling.
When I’m in a moment like that, I think–Why the hell aren’t I making this happen more? What’s more important than this? Not dishes…
What a great way to spend an afternoon! Winter will be here before we know it, so I plan to spend whatever time I can outside relaxing and enjoying the last bits of warmer weather.
It’s the red ball moments that our children will gorw up and remember!!
Wat an awesome day. I’m glad you enjoyed it. You know as they get older and less needy, I’ll bet there will be tons more days like that.
ps. I tagged you today.
very nice. unexpected early home from work days are always nice.you won my book giveaway. send me your home address and i will mail the book to you. feener44 at gmail dot come
Lovely. I love those moments.
Beautifully written, mama. I hope you can steal more of these moments.
*smiling* for you!
Oh I love those moments, they are so hard to find. You captured your beautifully.
Sounds like you really needed to have Tate come home early (spoken from someone whose own husband rarely does that also.)
Why is family down time so hard to work in? It’s so important, but we rarely make it happen…
What a perfect family afternoon! I love times like that…those unexpected moments of peace and joy and fun that make up for all the harder moments. Here’s wishing you a weekend full of “red ball chase” moments!
I can only echo – yes revelling in the simple joys of our children at play and loved ones at rest is one of the most priceless gifts imaginable.
Hope you have many more red ball chase days too.
Those times with our children when we don’t have to ‘try’ and everyone is happy for a moment are something to cherish.
When the thought of the countless jobs that need to be done are at the back of the mind; and the continual self-analysis questioning, ‘Am I ever a good enough parent?’ is quiet.
Living in the moment, with all senses alert and receptive to the encompassing beauty of the seasons and our children’s laughter: true magic.
aw! That’s so wonderful! I can’t wait to experience those kinds of days!
Ahh, beautiful, that is terrific.