Saturday, January 15, 2011

Donuts in the Snow

My husband was doing donuts in the snow with our four-wheeler today. Being the type of person who loves to look out at the clean, freshly fallen snow, free from even the footprints of my dog, I was frustrated. “You ruined the snow!”

            The smile and look of utter exhilaration that was on my husband’s face was not abated. “You’ve got to try that!”

             The snow was already ruined and I really had nothing better to do, so I slipped on a pair of boots, gloves and my coat and set out to try this new experience.

Our four wheeler does not have four wheel drive (which has made my children ask why we call it a four wheeler…) thus making it much more squirrelly in the snow. One time around the yard and I was convinced that this was fun.

             My husband and children are often times great reminders of the fun that’s out there waiting to happen if I’d only stop worrying about “messing up the snow.”

               Years ago an older friend of mine told me that when my children are grown, they won’t remember a clean kitchen, a spotless bathroom and a perfectly tidy house. “What they will remember, however, are the
good times you share as a family. There will be plenty of time for a perfect house. Enjoy your children while they are young.”

            Sometimes, when I look at a sink full of dirty dishes, it’s easy to forget that truth. Can I set aside the “perfect snow” and play a game with my children, make their favorite cookies with them, pretend the woods are Narnia and hike into another world with them or even read them a book? Those are the things that make memories.

            The older my girls are getting, the more I am reminded that I need to stop cherishing the perfect snow and go make some donuts.

4 comments:

  1. Carol,

    I love you. Will you marry me all over again?
    4wheelin' in the snow is great fun!

    -Your husband, Von

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  2. Carol my mom tells me that all the time. Enjoy your children while they are young and the house will be there when they are gone. Sometimes people give wise advice if we just take the time to listen. I have learned that since I have grown up. Take care and I look forward to reading more of your great words of wisdom......

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  3. This is a wonderful blog! This entry is a bittersweet one, isn't it? I enjoy them as teens, and some of the things that we can enjoy together because they are older, but from time to time I wish that the kids would not grow up soooo fast! I remember when they were little, and they wanted always to be by your side and be involved in whatever you were doing at that moment. Now hanging with friends is a priority! My eldest sister used to always say (the same as yours) that they grow up quickly, and before you know it, they have lives of their own!

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  4. Cool blog Mrs. Kinsey!

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