Tag: Simple moments

Hugs and More Hugs

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My older two ❤️

We were away with another family when their daughter saw my two hugging and shockingly exclaimed, “You two hug?” Mine looked at one another surprisingly and replied, “Yeah!” I guess I take for granted that we’re an affectionate family. Brother hugs his sisters without prompting! Dad hugs both his son and daughters to show his love. We cuddle with our dog, curl up to next to one another while watching movies and my husband and I stroll hand in hand.

I actually felt sad my friend’s daughter doesn’t randomly hug her own brothers. No doubt they love each other but sometimes there’s nothing like a warm embrace from those you care most about.❤️

Sleepaway Camp

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For several years now, my children have ventured to a one week, religious sleepaway camp on a serene lake in New Hampshire. Days are filled with traditional camp games, bond fires, chatting between bunkbeds, swimming, and making new friends. But they also spend lots of time in a quaint tiny Church beside the lake attending services, reading the Bible, praying, and journaling their thoughts about life as well as their personal relationship with God. My kids LOVE their week at camp. It invigorates their faith, renews the importance of alone time with God, connects Greek Orthodox youth, and simply delights their souls. Sign me up!

Hydrangea Envy Withers

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When I realized my hydrangeas would finally bloom this year I was overjoyed. They’ve sat colorless for years and for whatever reason this season is different. I can’t help but smile every time I see them and simply admire their beauty as they are one of my favorite flowers.

I recently was in Martha’s Vineyard visiting a longtime friend and was in awe of her hydrangeas— at least twice the size of mine… stunning! When I came home to cut some of mine for a bouquet, I couldn’t help but notice how they were not as nice as my friend’s. They were still colorful, but stems were growing at odd angles, blooms were much smaller. I started to look at what was wrong with my hydrangeas, the very ones that brought me so much joy. How sad, right? It’s easy to compare what we have to others but it’s possible to just as quickly appreciate the beauty in what is uniquely, imperfectly ours.

MV hydrangeas

Spring Snowfall

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It’s April in Boston. Flowers are blooming, birds are returning. Weather is warming up…or so we thought! Then, it snowed! Yup, a Nor’Easter that dumped inches of snow. Yet at this point of the year, it’s one last gift from Mother Nature. To see colorful tulips and daffodils drenched in white is a sight to marvel. While another snow delay could easily be a nuisance, I rethink this morning as one to be cherished. I slow down to enjoy the view from my window, bundle up as I go take pictures of images too beautiful to ignore. I am filled with gratitude for this unintentional moment, breathing a little deeper, fully treasuring where I am. ❤︎

Sparkling Surprise

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My son and I were driving up to New Hampshire and started noticing the trees were glistening. Actually, it was as if they had fairy lights twinkling in daylight. The farther we drove, the more sparkling occurred. It was magical. It was pure delight. We giggled at how it was one of the most beautiful sights we’ve seen. We pulled off the highway to get a closer look. One-inch icicles hung from the branches, the air too cold for the drops to melt creating a brilliant light show as the sun’s rays danced on the frozen trees. A simple moment shared between mother and son that brought wonder and joy. Do you take time to drive off the road to get a closer look at sparkling surprises? It may be worth it.❤︎

A Simple Spring Pleasure

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Spring in New England creates images of crocuses and daffodils emerging through the softening ground. Color begins to blanket the brown earth. How many times have I rushed by these sprouting flowers too busy to pause and enjoy? This spring I’ve turned it into a game for our family. Who can notice the most hyacinths on the way to school? What color tulips can you find? Who can make a bouquet to grace our kitchen table? It’s incredible to watch how pointing out something a few times can turn your brain into noticing it so much more! (I think about the ‘new’ car I discovered and soon enough I noticed it everywhere!) Ultimately, I hope my children will remember to pause for a moment to enjoy the beauty that’s all around, brightening their days with joy, renewal, and simplicity. ❤︎

Look Me in the Eyes

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I see roughly 40 students a day as a reading interventionist. As I welcome various groups into my classroom, I have a rule when they come to the door: they must make eye contact, choose a greeting, and give me a handshake, elbow pump, quick dance move or a hug. Guess what the hardest part of this routine is? Loooking me in the eyes when they say, “Good morning, Mrs. D.” Social etiquette is a skill that takes practice and midway through the school year, these kids are experts at it! They confidently wish me a “Good afternoon” as they firmly shake my hand and look me squarely in the eyes. While this takes all of 3 seconds, it’s a life skill that I hope they’ll carry with them every day when they interact with other adults. When was the last time you looked your own children lovingly into their eyes? And they back to you?