Thursday, January 16, 2014

A Walk with Anne

 
I decided to walk my 3 not so little boys to school this morning and then go on a morning walk. When we got to the end of the little tree lined walking path in our neighborhood, right before we set foot on school property my 11 year old Coleman tried to tell me good bye! He was very sweet about it, but I could tell he didn't want to be seen with his Mom walking him to school. Then I turned to Bridger who obviously agreed, giving me a quick little hug with a shy smile.  When I asked Cannon  if he wanted me to walk him to the school, he said "you can if I want to, I don't care."   Which I knew really meant that he didn't want to hurt my feelings but would rather be old and cool like his big brothers...ha ha! Even my baby is growing up!  

They were all so kind about it...but I was excused! So I wished them each a happy day and turned back for a brisk morning walk by myself.  No more clinging little ones.  It is bittersweet for sure, but I am trying to enjoy the freedom these days provide and not dwell on the fact that my boys are growing up too fast!   It was a chilly, but beautiful morning here in Tennessee, everything was covered in frost, but the sun was shining bright!  It felt so good!
 
I listened to Anne Of Green Gables on my phone and it was DELIGHTFUL!   I found myself grinning from ear to ear my whole walk--I am sure I looked kind of silly!  It was so fun to listen to that darling Anne Shirley! And  the thought did occur to me that I could not have done this years ago as I was always pushing a stroller and trying to keep a little person riding a bike upright, listening to lots of chatter and answering gazillions of questions.  I really do miss those days, but I remind myself that they were exhausting!  I am finding that each season of our lives are full of different blessings to be enjoyed.  I guess the key is to focus on the current joy and not what is hard or lacking. 

Anyway, this is the free app that I used and I highly recommend it.  Just type in Audiobooks and this one by Cross Forward will come up:

All the books on this app are free to listen to and there is a surprisingly large collection to pick from! I am so glad I found it!  After Anne Of Green Gables I will start Pride and Prejudice. 

In other news...I have new little niece...Ririe Malinda
 
 Isn't she so sweet?! My Mom sent me this picture and it made me homesick! How I miss my Mom and my family and I hate being so far away when my sisters have their babies. It breaks my heart a little. Good thing we have the technology to send lots of pictures and talk whenever we want!
 
 Well I am off to do my housework and a little baking.  I am trying very hard to stick to my own simple "work chart"--I will post on that soon!
Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!
xoxo
Melanie
 

11 comments:

Tasha L. said...

Every time I read your blog it makes me want to be a more joyful Mom. Thanks for sharing! What is the app called that you listen to books on?

Melanie Anne said...

Tasha--what a sweetheart you are! The App is just called Audiobooks by Cross forward. I hope that helps. I posted that screen shot so you could see what is currently looks like:) Hope that helps!

Heather said...

I really enjoy reading your blog. I don't read many but I love it. I have a 8,6,4 and 2 year old. I love them with all my heart and fear the days when htye need me less but I loved reading this and seeing you embrace it as well.

Brittany said...

what a cute story about the boys! That makes me laugh - they are all such good kids though that they are conscious of your feelings. THat is so sweet Mel. You have done such a good job with those 5 boys of yours.

THat pic of RIrie and mom is so cute - I love it! I swear that baby really brings to life the saying: cute as a button!! :) SHe is beautiful and sooooo cute with her round little face. WE are all in love with her. MIss you sis!

Susan said...

I just love that every time I read your blog - I can TOTALLY relate to it!! Our boys are 20, 16 and 7 --- and over the holidays it really hit me how truly fast time goes!!! I too walk my little one in to his classroom every morning - but lately I can give him a little peck on top of his head - and that is it!! You are SO right that we must embrace every season of our our lives and every season of our son's lives too - being a mom is just the BEST!!!! What are you baking today??

Susan from Sacramento

Melanie Anne said...

Susan,
Hello Friend!! How are you? I tried a new Gluten Free pumpkin muffin recipe. It was pretty good, but not great...I am still working on finding yummy GF recipes. It is very hit or miss! Hope you are doing well! xoxo

Melanie Anne said...

Brittany--miss you too!!!!


Heather--Thank you Heather!

Mindy said...

Love your posts! I am addicted to reading Blackmoore now! I am so glad that you read such good books!

PixieGirl said...

Now really we must be kindred spirits! Having 5 sons was a natural bond, but Anne of Green Gables just seals the deal!!! I love you and your beautiful spirit that I feel every time I read your blog! Love you:)

Melanie Anne said...

Pixie Girl- Aww what a sweet note! You know I love you too!! If only we lived closer we (and our 5 boys) would have such fun together! xoxoxo

Jan S said...

I loved this post. I know just what you mean about seasons of life, each one with it's losses as well as new opportunities. I am loving this time of my life - retirement. No real pressures, with the opportunity to fill each day to the brim with new and old hobbies, children and grandkids, church work and service. I am lucky to have a wonderful spouse with whom to share this time. The freedom is wonderful (and you tend to have a little more money at this age so you can do things that would have been out-of-the budget before). I guess the secret of a happy life is to live in the moment, valuing the time of life you are in, and feeling the joys of that season.
You are a great example, Melanie. I just love you!

 
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