Just Right

Just yesterday the kids and I were reciting words from a book. . . the first bowl was too hot, the next bowl was too cold, and the last one was just right.”  That simple concept from Goldilocks and the Three Bears is quite applicable to most of life, isn’t it?  Some days we do too much:  too much eating, too much running, too much sitting, too much stressing.  Some days we do too little:  too little cleaning, too little sleeping, too little thinking, too little fill in the blank.  You get my point, right?

If I’m being completely honest, I would say many days I go to bed and reflect on my day feeling that I did too little or too much.  It’s so easy (for me) to get caught up in what I did do that I shouldn’t have done or what I should do that I didn’t do. 

As this past weekend approached I was still recovering from the previous weekends 540 Mile trek.  I was very much looking forward to a weekend that would tip the scales away from the too much side. 

The weekend delivered.

Chad’s dad was out of town so his mom asked if she could have both Charlie and Chanelle over for  individual sleepovers.  And while I wish I could have been a fly on the wall and taken in the precious moments Charlie and Chanelle shared with Chad’s Mom (we do have an incredible “village” helping us raise our kids), I was just thankful to have our own special time with each kid while the other was away.

Chanelle went to Gran’s first, leaving Charlie with us.  He didn’t hesitate about what he would like to do.

To the driving range we went.  Chad and I stood back as Charlie planted his feet parallel on the ground and practiced his perfect (or not so perfect) swing. 

To watch him laugh and smile and celebrate when my ball almost reached the 100 sign!! was a wonderful way to spend the morning.  We were in no hurry and we watched and waited as he enthusiastically hit ball after ball.  Meadow was even quite content watching big bro whack those balls across the field.

After the previous weekend’s travels we were content to stay close to home and we did something we have never done.  I’m almost ashamed to admit that we’ve never done this before.  After leaving the driving range we made our way downtown to the farmers market.  (Yes, first time. . . shameful, I know.)

Note to self:  must visit Farmer’s Market weekly.  There was an energy on the streets of our downtown that was infectious.  (Are all farmer’s markets like this?)  It was so inviting, so happy, so. . . organic?

Even Charlie enjoyed it. . . or at least the bounty he received from it. . .

We slowly walked up and down our downtown streets and took in the energy of the streets.  Seriously, I was ready to run home and plant a large garden just so I can truly be a part of it.  Unrealistic, I know. 

I suppose I’ll stick with being a consumer of the goods. . . for now.

In order to preserve my MIL’s sanity as best as we could. . . she got a rest night between her special nights with the kids.  Without a doubt, Charlie and Chanelle were happy to be reunited and we kept our time very low key.

As crazy as it may sound, these two are two peas in a pod.  For the most part, they get along really well and while they have their moments. . . I think they are happier together.   It was nice to have some time to reunite and have a little “normal” stuck between their individual special days.

When I say these two are two peas in a pod, it might be more accurate to say that Chanelle is quite dependent on Charlie.  She is happiest when he is around and she takes all of her cues from him.  This is why I wasn’t at all surprised with Chanelle’s answer when we asked her what she would like to do for her special time while Charlie was gone.

We asked her. . . do you want to go out to eat?  No.
Do you want to go to Target (I asked selfishly)? No.
Then what do you want to do, Chanelle?

Yep, anything Charlie does Chanelle must do.  Different day. . . same scene.

Charlie has done the golf thing before, but this was all new to Chanelle.  Chad took great care to teach Chanelle correct form, how she should stand, how she should swing, and the basics of the golf swing.

She watched patiently for about 3.5 seconds and then requested, can I just hit how I want to hit?

Of course you can.

You see, sometimes we forget that she is only 4-years old.  But seeing her there amongst the massive trees and the big fields struck me.  Something about watching the way Chad’s large frame towered over her and the way she tried so hard (but unsuccessfully)to get just the right stance, reminded me that this little girl truly is. . . a little girl.

As I sat back and watched Chanelle and Chad together I was very much aware of the precious memories we would take with us.  The pace was slow, the joy was evident, and it was impossible to be anywhere but in that moment.

We were ALL in that moment. . .

Yep, even I swung a golf club for the very first time. . .

Bummer!  No photo of the end result. . .

The weekend was special.  It was such a gift to connect with out kids in a different way.  I came away from the weekend with only one thought. . . Not that it was too much.  And not that it was too little. 

 

I came away from the weekend quite content and know that it was just right.