You know those perfect spring days? Where the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the weather is just right?
Well today is one of those days. One of those days that makes mothering look easy.
We have spent much of it in the garden, my floors are filthy from little muddy boots wandering in and out of my kitchen, ha! But it is far too nice a day to clean them or even care for that matter.
We have just been pottering about on random jobs. Nothing too strenuous, stopping for regular cuppas and a natter. The boys have been finding all kinds of interesting project to amuse themselves with. There has been bug collecting and identifying, fire making, hole digging, cubby building and playing with the various animals that come up to say hello.
This kind of play is my very favorite kind. Few toys, no guidance. Only imagination and what ever they can find at hand. It's interesting, screen free, natural, simple, and it's the stuff happy, calm childhoods are made of I reckon. Sure its messy, and muddy, and creates extra work for me in cleaning. But it is oh-so good for them. In body, mind and spirit. Its good for me to watch them in the fresh air. To listen to them chatter to each other. Learning how to negotiate, to lead, to create.
For me it is days like this that we strive for. They are not fancy, or glamerous. They are quiet. Humble. This is the reason we try to live simply, to live slowly and consciously. Because in the space of home, important activities are done, values are formed, relationships strengthened. Peace found.
The joy and happiness of the day is not found "outside" in the world, behind expensive days spent buying stuff for the kids. It is here, where we are, with what we have, and what we already hold in our own hands and hearts. This is the kind of love, contentedness that is going to last. Because it is not reliant on something we have consumed to make us happy. The media would have us believe happiness is in buying fancy toys and expensive "childrens" activities, and whilst it may be fun for a while, its short lived. The good stuff comes from within, from them. Whe we give them time, space, freedom and nature I truly believe we help to teach them that they are enough, just as they are. What an important lesson to know in this big, crazy, loud world.
This kind of play is my very favorite kind. Few toys, no guidance. Only imagination and what ever they can find at hand. It's interesting, screen free, natural, simple, and it's the stuff happy, calm childhoods are made of I reckon. Sure its messy, and muddy, and creates extra work for me in cleaning. But it is oh-so good for them. In body, mind and spirit. Its good for me to watch them in the fresh air. To listen to them chatter to each other. Learning how to negotiate, to lead, to create.
For me it is days like this that we strive for. They are not fancy, or glamerous. They are quiet. Humble. This is the reason we try to live simply, to live slowly and consciously. Because in the space of home, important activities are done, values are formed, relationships strengthened. Peace found.
The joy and happiness of the day is not found "outside" in the world, behind expensive days spent buying stuff for the kids. It is here, where we are, with what we have, and what we already hold in our own hands and hearts. This is the kind of love, contentedness that is going to last. Because it is not reliant on something we have consumed to make us happy. The media would have us believe happiness is in buying fancy toys and expensive "childrens" activities, and whilst it may be fun for a while, its short lived. The good stuff comes from within, from them. Whe we give them time, space, freedom and nature I truly believe we help to teach them that they are enough, just as they are. What an important lesson to know in this big, crazy, loud world.
The bonus is that everyone will sleep well tonight!
The boys have been making themselves a little camp fire. I might have to dig out some marshmellos for them! 
I was sick of looking at Grants messy bug shed and so he whacked up some mesh we had lying around, planted a couple of Jasmine I bought a while back and we transplanted from of these lillies. The edging is recycled bricks from the piles we have here. We need to bring in some peastraw now. Im hoping to get a load from a local farmer soon.
I hope every one is having a lovely weekend!
Much love,
Emma
xx
