Rainy Days

The kids and I took an impromptu trip to the beach on Sunday evening. While we were there, the skies got dark, so we hurried off for home before we got caught in a storm. I had no idea then what kind of week we were in for. It hasn’t stopped raining for 4 days. Our life has mostly carried on as usual – school days, play time, baking, crafting, playdates – but it’s felt different somehow.  There has been puddle jumping, building forts with couch cushions, enjoying picnics in the living room, making mud pies in the yard, and a lot of rejoicing as we watched hubby’s drainage system work it’s magic, keeping the water from our house. I think his head grew an inch or two this week.

All in all, it has been a fun few days. Days that have forced me to slow down, be purposeful with our time at home, get creative, and let go and just enjoy what each day brings. One afternoon, I had gone out to do a quick errand while hubby stayed home with the kids. I pulled in the driveway, walked inside, dumped my purse and keys on the counter, grabbed my kids and led them outside and proceeded to jump up and down until we were all drenched. After their initial shock wore off, the shrieks of laughter began and they joined in. After a few minutes, soaked from head to toe, we headed inside for warm showers followed by curling up on the couch with hot chocolate.

There are only so many moments in this life that we have to make the most of. Each time I found myself getting annoyed or frustrated with being stuck inside, I made sure I did something – new, fun, different – so we were making the best of our time. We baked chocolate chip cookies from scratch and I taught my daughter that they are just a little bit yummier dipped in milk.

Today was day 4 of being drenched. Hubby had off work, so we were all enjoying a quiet day at home. My daughter asked me if I’d like to go on a date with her. I accepted and off we each hurried to get ready. While I showered, she put on her prettiest dress, asked daddy to put a bow in her hair, and her nicest shoes. I slinked squeezed into my black dress pants and a decent top without any food smeared on it, picked out some heels, and declared myself ready to go. She held my hand as we walked and we enjoyed our simple time together, sipping milkshakes and enjoying the little time we have together just the two of us.  She’s different when it’s just us – calmer, more mature, more articulate – and I enjoyed those moments of holding my little girl’s hand while quietly beaming with pride at who she’s becoming.

I haven’t seen anything like days on end of rain since we moved here over 3 years ago. I love blue skies and sunshine. But I learned this week that moments are made brighter not by the shining sun, but by how we choose to see them and what we decide to make of them.

Check out A Beautiful Life Friday at the Inspired Room.

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