Monday, July 26, 2010

Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails;
That's what little boys are made of.

Dear Cody and Caden,

Have I told you recently what a joy you are?

When you run through the house with your sandy shoes after I've just cleaned the floors, I often bellow, "ACK! Why do I bother???"

Someday, these floors will be spotless because no little feet are padding around on them. I will look back and miss the sand.

When you pull out the play-doh and build your creations after I've just washed the (vinyl) tablecloth, I often say with a groan, "Ooooooh, you guys! We're going to eat dinner and I JUST cleaned that!"

But someday, those colorful creations will be distant memories and I'll be wishing little hands were sculpting works of art at my dinner table.

When you bring home a greatbigfatsquishyslug that you found under a rock outside and run in excitedly to show me what you found, I'll often make a sound resembling "eeeeewwwwww" and ask you to promptly return it to where it came from.

But someday, the memory of those excited little smiles and treasures brought home will be my most cherished treasures.

And when you come running to bring me yet another frog or toad that you found in the yard (or the neighbor's), I often scold, "That poor thing. Please go put it back! How would you like it if someone was carrying YOU around all day?"

I am certain that someday I'll miss those dirty fingers and grubby toenails and those little hands which held God's creatures in them.

Thank you for teaching me what it means to live in the moment, to enjoy these days before they pass all too quickly. Thank you for forgiving me for my critical spirit and for being who you are. I love you both more than I can say.

And no. This does not mean that you may keep the toad. :)

All my love,
Mom