So I had just finished reading an awesome post on Leslie Welton‘s page (http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2013/03/lets-bring-holidays-down-notch.html), when my Zoe decided she just had to catch a leprechaun. Now if you read my blog you know that I am a far, FAR reach from being “that” mom. Think Pinterest dreams, add too much puffy paint, a glitter explosion, and you have me…queen of good intentions. But when Zoe independently arranged a trap, complete with rainbow, grass (apparently an Irish delicacy), gold, and a perfectly placed camera, “just in case”, I felt “that” mom emerge within me and re-prioritize my rebellion against the Mommy Wars. So I busted out a pipe cleaner, some glitter, and a sad, sad little note, snapped a shot for my little detective, and made magic in a minute for my lucky little engineer. So why am I advertising a war against holiday mania and then feeding the fire? Because I am grateful that my kiddos have been raised with such sub-standards, that I don’t have to set the bar high to ignite their imaginations. Homemade, kid-made, poorly-made ROCKS! I am grateful for simple joys.
Herding Butterflies
…capturing my chaos and releasing the laughs to you…
I love that Zoe made the Leprechaun trap! About 2 years ago, my kids spent 2 days collectively making a leprechaun trap. They even enlisted the help of their grandpa. It was definitely not something I came up with or even encouraged. But I allowed them to make a very elaborate trap in the backyard. I thought it was so cute! I too indulged their efforts. Then I shared the experience with some ladies from the “mom’s” group at my church. They put down the whole thing! They shared with me that they don’t celebrate those kind of holidays (including Santa or the Easter Bunny). I was so sad! I wasn’t asking them to adopt my children’s beliefs. I was just asking them to appreciate the adorable childlike spirit in my kids. Sometimes I think that not letting our kids enjoy the special things that make childhood so wonderful, makes them grow up far too quickly. I feel sad for the kids that don’t get to enjoy the magic that comes with being a child. So… indulge them until your heart is full. They aren’t kids very long.