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9.26.2010

Sunday Snapshot {Love letters}

Late the other night as I switched a load of clothes from the washer to the dryer, I heard a loud thunk as something dropped into the bottom of the basket.  At first I got a bit excited as I thought I'd found some money.  (Never mind that one thunk could at most mean a silver dollar).

The causal observer would think I was totally nuts be have smiled the way I did when I reached in and pulled out...


...a rock.

And then I went to add it to my ever growing collection.

A random assortment of rocks, berries, hickory nuts, leaves, sticks, caterpillar grass, clover, purple flowers from monkey grass...  Things that to others could easily be classified as trash.

But when they come from my "free anna haf, awlmost four!" son, they aren't bits of refuse meant to be tossed aside immediately.

Rather, they are a collection of love letters, written before he has his alphabet mastered.  Little bits of beauty in nature that catch his eye.  And that he wants to share with me. 

So when we take a walk, my pockets are often overflowing.

Originally I used to discourage him from handing me all these bits of wonder.  I tried to push them back on him, saying things like, "Oh, that's a lovely rock.  I wouldn't want to take it from you."  But over time, I've developed a new attitude.  These days I simply wear shorts with big pockets when we go walking so that I accept all my treasures and smile.  After all, what fun is a treasure if you can't share it with someone you love?

Because one day, he'll be a little bit older.  Other things ~ like perhaps soccer, girls, and schoolwork ~ will occupy his mind, and he'll cease finding wonder in a sparkly rock or a bright yellow buttercup, or a smooth stick.  One day he will stop handing me these little love letters.


And since I never know which will be the last one, I smile and receive them while they still come.  As if they were the most eloquent love letters ever written.

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For some more glimpses of life as it happens for other folks, get on over to Ni Hao Y'all.  And while you are there, congratulate Stefanie and family on their upcoming newest addition!

Ni Hao Y'all

22 comments:

Rachelle said...

His eye look so full of love for you...

Rachelle said...

EYES... He does have more than one. :)

Ashton said...

So cute! The last picture is precious (:

Desiree' said...

ahh, how precious is he!?!? I have my own collection of love letters from my three little's...and some saved from my three big kids. When you look back years later and still remember...priceless.

Lisa said...

They grow up and away too fast and I am so glad you get it! Treasure each moment!

3 Countries 1 Love said...

I SO love how you have described these treasures..."love letters." He is just precious!

Amy Murphy said...

That was precious!

The Ferrill's said...

Oh Kristi that melts my heart! Those are my favorite love letters! Very very very sweet perspective on the "little" things in life! Love it!

Kristi said...

You last two posts takes me down memory lane as my oldest use to put rocks in his mouth and suck on them. So I taught him to put them into his pockett instead. Only to have rocks in my dyer. Oh the life with boys, so fun.

Kristi

Jennifer said...

You are so wise and changed my thinking on all the little collected treasures around my house.

Thanks for the insight!

Blessings,
Jennifer

Annie said...

I do the same thing!!!!!! I have a little basket of goodies that I add to just about every day!!! I LOVE it! I also have a shoe box for each child and whenever they hand me treasures like wood chips from the palyground or rocks or leaves, I put them in their box! I love the fact they think about me enough during the day to bring me a little piece of their day to me!!! Great post! Love it!!

Melissa said...

Love letters.....what a perfect way to describe all of the little things that mean so much to Caleb. That picture of him is gorgeous Kristi - he's so adorable!

Glenda said...

Such a sweet post, it gave me chill bumps! You are one wise Mama to recognize the preciousness of little boys' rocks.

Our Journey to China said...

I love your post, Kristi! I miss the days of love letters in rocks, flowers (weeds) - :0) - and other found things in pockets. Treasure these days for sure! :0)

Traci said...

too cute. I get lots of love letters too!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I loved this post. And it made me smile thinking of the blog "rocks in my dryer." Did you ever read there? Not having boys, I didn't fully understand until now.

Heather said...

From the mamma of 15 year old, 9 year old and 3 year old sons .. this hit home. Each relationship is different and wonderful but oh how some days I wish my 15 year old was still small enough want to share his "treasures" with only ME. Enjoy these moments my friend (and thanks for the reminder of what is so important) .. and now I must go blow my nose, you made me cry.

Dardi said...

I love your take on the rocks (among other things) that go through the wash. Totally made me smile!

Nancy said...

Aww! Sweet little man!

dhayu said...

wow so sweet u r

Wife of the Pres. said...

Priceless treasures. I have some too! A whole bunch actually!

This is my favorite Sunday Snapshot for this week, just in case Stefanie wants my opinion! ;)

Sharon said...

You know I love this post and yes, you get it....love that about you!!!!