hamster wheel

June 16, 2010


So often I expect perfection from myself in motherhood, at least somewhere in the back of my mind I do.

I’m on a hamster wheel to nowhere when I do that. I’m pulling the wheel under and over me and back around again with thoughts of perfect meals and a perfect education and perfect faith and a perfect home.

Those thoughts are slowing these days, I’m sooooo grateful for that.

Last night Miles rode his small blue bike while I jog/walked next to him and he said it would be a really good day if we could spend it that way, all day. He was riding along and thinking he was having the best time of his life and he wanted it to go on and on like a hamster wheel.

That’s all he wanted, just a little adventure on a little bike, with me.

He’s right, ya know. Keeping it simple is the key to so many things.


Especially happiness.

{ 28 comments }

Brianna June 16, 2010 at 9:22 am

So true. I often forget that and then lie in bed at night wishing I could've done a better job as a mother, when really all my babes need is me…THERE [in body AND mind].

Bri

amommymous June 16, 2010 at 9:33 am

I'm a new follower of your blog and so I'm just now seeing your boys as I catch up on my google reader the last few days. They are adorable! I'm looking forward to the day when I can bike ride with my kids. You must have some great adventures on those country roads. :)

Charlotte June 16, 2010 at 9:40 am

One of the greatest things about kids is how they drag us, screaming and protesting into the PRESENT. Sometimes it is the simple things, performed a thousand times, that make a difference.

Amber June 16, 2010 at 9:41 am

I like to keep my life as simple as possible. Although, sometimes even THAT gets complicated.

Kelly Langner Sauer June 16, 2010 at 9:46 am

i need this reminder. every. single. day.

Christine June 16, 2010 at 9:56 am

They can be so wise can't they. I try to remind myself to really listen, because when I do, I learn so much from them.

And I'm with you, finally slowing down the noise in my head that says "Do it all, do it well, accept no less." I say enough to being our own worst critics!

Kimberly June 16, 2010 at 10:15 am

Amen to that. I'm learning, slowly. Funny how long it takes us to figure out how to be happy.

Elaine A. June 16, 2010 at 10:53 am

Good reminder my friend.

I try to tell myself often, "keep it simple" is a good Summer motto, don't you think? :)

imadramamama June 16, 2010 at 10:55 am

This is so, so true…

Sarah@Life in the Parsonage June 16, 2010 at 10:59 am

Amen. It's that kind of stuff that will stick.

And seriously, Asher in those glasses…it is the cutest thing ever. I just can't get over how stinkin' cute he is.

Jen June 16, 2010 at 11:36 am

I realized this today too. I put a sheet over some chairs, got underneath it with the kids and we had a great time. No noisy toys. No TV. Just us. It was perfect, until the thing fell down and broke the candle sticks but oh well, it was worth it. :)

~Mendie~ June 16, 2010 at 11:51 am

the popped collar is too much…too.much! Such cuteness in that little man!

And Miles smile is heartwarming!

Angie June 16, 2010 at 12:15 pm

Oh, yes. The art of simplicity is hard to attain, but it brings such happiness.

I spent Monday shopping with my kiddos and we imagined the whole time that we were on a quest and were walking through marketplaces looking for treasure. They were enthralled, and the fighting and whining was at a minimum. Amazing what entering their world will do!

Your boys are too cute. :)

Jenn June 16, 2010 at 12:59 pm

I'm all for simplicity right now!

Allison @ Alli 'n Son June 16, 2010 at 1:42 pm

That's so, so true. Why do we always think that more is better? Simple is better, easier, the best way to live.

Allison @ Alli 'n Son June 16, 2010 at 1:42 pm

That's so, so true. Why do we always think that more is better? Simple is better, easier, the best way to live.

Allison @ Alli 'n Son June 16, 2010 at 1:42 pm

That's so, so true. Why do we always think that more is better? Simple is better, easier, the best way to live.

mothereseblog.com June 16, 2010 at 2:43 pm

That Miles is a wise one, isn't he? Some of the best philosophers I know are under four feet tall. Sending both of you big hugs.

Robin June 16, 2010 at 3:13 pm

I love this post, and need to remind myself of this every single day. In the summer we come home from work/camp and go straight in the pool until dinnertime. And then we eat dinner in our bathing suits out on the patio. It is pure heaven and so simple. We talk and laugh and enjoy the moments so much we all just love it. I need to remind myself to follow through with this theory, not only when it's 95 degrees outside, but all through the year. :) All they want is our "in the moment" attention.

Thanks for this post. :)

Aging Mommy June 16, 2010 at 3:17 pm

I am left thinking every day that all that is really worth learning or rather relearning in life can be learnt from our children. How to enjoy with abandon, live in the here and now, accept what we have, not knowing what perfection is…the list is endless.

Keeping it simple, uncomplicated by the tangled webs we as adults weave for ourselves, now there is another wonderful lesson to learn.

Great post.

alita June 16, 2010 at 4:27 pm

Keepin it simple and keepin VERY real are what I do best at this moment in time. My kiddos are being allowed to be kiddos this summer. No extra activities (t-ball, soccer, art, etc) except a 1/2 hour of piano lessons one day a week.

Isn't it funny how kids can dictate the best things in life. The simple things in life. I spent an entire hour swinging with the kids today.

Swinging in the sunshine= awesome!

Shawna June 16, 2010 at 7:25 pm

Simple. Happiness. Awesome. You!

Cynthia June 17, 2010 at 1:50 am

Amen! Smart kid!

shelley. June 17, 2010 at 10:45 am

Love this post. Those are the moments, the simple ones, that are worth it all.

deb June 17, 2010 at 12:42 pm

perfect. just perfect.

Alyson (New England Living) June 17, 2010 at 2:32 pm

You and Miles are right! I love those perfect, simple moments.

I am like you too. I used to have dreams of being the perfect mom (whatever that is) and having the perfect house, etc. I have definitely laxed in those expectations. Thank goodness!

Hyacynth June 17, 2010 at 8:39 pm

Seems the more stuff we collect and the more committments we undertake and well, the more adult we get, the less happy we become. There's a lot to that, I'm realizing. There's a lot to really internalizing and taking in the little things that so effortlessly and earnestly come from our little ones' mouths.

rebecca @ altared spaces June 18, 2010 at 10:28 am

I love how Charlotte said it. Dragging us into the present. Yep. Here's to hopping on and off your hamster wheel.

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