Sometimes the very best thing a mama can do, is to just sit and be available.
Seth wasn’t feeling well this weekend and couldn’t seem to rest. I scooped him up out of his crib, got the two of us comfy on the couch, took up a favorite book, and quietly sat and sat for over an hour as the rest of the family continued on with dinner and clean up *gasp* without me or my help whatsoever.
A warm baby in my arms, finally sleeping so peacefully. An inspiring book about domestic art, my handsome husband at the other end of the couch, and warm, homemade crocheted blankets over us equaled a combination guaranteed to relax any harried mother. To relax, and to remind her once again, what really matters most of all.
Life is not all about busily maintaining our material possessions or pursuing selfish interests, but about cherishing and nurturing the eternal, soul gifts God so lovingly gives to us…the gift of a relationship with Himself, and the gift of our very precious loved ones.
Davy is currently sleeping on the couch, sick with the stomach bug.
Seth is beginning to notice and enjoy picture books. And he always seems calmer when he knows just where to find mama.
Caleb just adores Beatrix Potter (Timmy Tiptoes is the current favorite).
I’ve got three older children who also do well when Mom is available and not distracted by many things.
Imagine, all I need to do to rub the feet, talk and comfort, hold and pat, and read some books, is just sit still and let the little children come to me!
Good to be Home 
Good thoughts! With the flock you have, it is also easier than going to them! I still remember when I was working on some project and my three year old was trying to tell me something. She kept saying, “Wisten, Mommy! Wisten!” I would say, “Uh-huh” but I was not really listening. Finally, she crawled up into my lap, took my face in her little hands and said, “Mommy — WEAWWY wisten! I am glad you are taking time to WEAWWY WISTEN!
Beautiful post! Sweet picture! Thank you for this precious reminder, Shanda! You’re such a great mamma! Your children will rise up and call you blessed. Keep up the great work!!
So sweet and cozy reading about your late afternoon!
Thank you. This is so good. You teach me so much.
Good choice.xo
Great post! Wise words 🙂
Precious
Amen sister!!!BTW: that GORGEOUS photo on your header, did you edit that in photoshop or you took it that way? (with the colors and such)I would SO hire you to take pics of my kids!!! :))
This is so true. I can be going about my day, with the children seemingly oblivious to me or what I’m doing or where I am, but as soon as I move to another room, within about 60 seconds they seek me out. They want to know where mama is and what she is up to. They obviously aren’t oblivious. 🙂 You have such a sweet and tender mother’s heart!
Did you crochet the blankets? I am working on a blanket now for David; it is a scrap blanket in a zig-zag. I have crochetted (um, is that correct?) for several people and never him, and he became jealous. He wanted something to snuggle in at night while watching TV.
I recognize the page from the book. About yarn. I love yarn. *sigh*
Yuck the stomach bug. Mine came back today. That happens with my condition. It is so hard for me to get over anything anymore. At least, like you say, we can relax and think about what is really important.
Now … I am back to math and grammer. Not so important, but I love the people who are studying it!
~ Lea Ann
What a refreshing post,Shanda. I love your header picture!
So true and I find too if I just sit down they ALL come to me and we just hang out….even the oldest thrives on that……amazing!
@mamaof2bugs – Thank you, mamaof2bugs! About the header, I took the picture and then, using photobucket, I added the soft brown border around the edges. Then, just added the “happy spring” and I was done!@Lea Ann – I’m so sorry that you aren’t feeling well. I did crochet one of the blankets, my very first project…for Rich (don’t hit me, LOL). It’s the same blanket I was working on years ago while we girls (you included!) watched movies at my house in W.L. It was embarrassingly easy (using 3 strands of yarn and the Q hook) and was done in no time, in fact I got the directions from “Crocheting for Dummies”. The other blanket was done by Rich’s Aunt Mildred. Your crochet is more advanced than mine, I wish I could sit by you and learn a few lessons!
Shanda, i love how you know when to sit and BE with your little ones, all of them! I know this is so encouraging to the young moms out there. I hope everyone gets to feeling better, like today!
lovely post……….. and oh so true.
by the way, i have always loved your playlist, especially anything from david nevue. and the “whose my pretty little baby” and “three little birds” are so catchy. now i love “the servant song”. thanks for sharing this pleasing & inspiring music while i read your blog!!
You are so right! By the way, I love the header. It is a beautiful picture of the children. Just think, before long there will be a seventh in there.
I like reading of your beautiful warm time snuggling. They will remember, and those big boys are so big already, I bet you are already getting snuggled back by them. That is what is so amazing. I thought “is this man/child my little guy?” I agree that time reading and BEING with them is so important. blessings, Jenny
And all these things are things you like to do anyway! Love the new header, the perspective you shot it from is perfect.
life is cherishing and nourishing! Sometimes I live life just like everyone else chasing the materialistic things, your blog always reminds me how great it is to have a family and to be loved. 🙂
good reminder to stop and take the time for those little things that really aren’t so little.
what a sweet header too. i like the coloring…
@connie – Thank you, Connie. I’m glad you like the music. About “The Servant Song”: If you have an ipod, you might also like the David Haas version, it’s beautiful.