Different Viewpoint

Sitting on the couch, I had my feet perched on the coffee table/trunk.  I was flexing my feet and listening to my son chat about the day's adventures when out of the blue, he commented, "I want my calves to look like that when I am older!"

I stopped and looked at him.  I know he saw the horror flash across my face, but luckily my mouth did not engage initially, and I quickly realized this was the greatest compliment.  My son wants strong, muscular calves.  What junior high boy doesn't?

Who knew my muscular legs would impress my son while they made me self-conscious?  Who knew he would be so delighted with my genetic contribution to his DNA?

I didn't.

Perhaps it is time to rethink my perspective.

Mother's Windowsill

First came the bean plant from science class.

Then the gift of an orchid arrived with prom girls.

Then came the African violet clone from biotechnology class for Mother's Day.

It is not Martha Stewart's windowsill, but it is filled with love! (That I will try to keep alive...water, right?)

Silent beneath the Roar

Busy days overwhelm me towards the end of the school year.  The opportunity to pause is nil.  The sound of children fills every corner of my life.  More and more often I find extra kids hanging out too. 

I really wouldn't trade it for the world...but sometimes to escape the hectic pace, I find the ocean.

The roar of the tide gone, I find the bright pink starfish nestled beside the rock.  Silent.

My explorers are not so silent as they uncover the wonders in the tide pools.  On this day, Kade discovered that hermit crabs fight for their shells.  He even watched one crab kick another crab out of its shell, and then the onry crab promptly made it his new home.  I learn so much from my kids.

  

The temptation is too great not to jump the sandy stream flowing into the ocean!  He did land safely on the other side.  Next lesson for mom--just jump!

Nature's teeter totter in the sand was fun too!  A little teamwork can be fun!

The flowers near the beach were just starting to bloom.

The vibrant blossoms are like the color my children add to my life.

There is so much to discover amidst the roar...I only need to stop and look.