The Macs » Blog

the simple things

A few weeks ago we were playing outside waiting for daddy to get home from work. It had been a long day and we were trying to pass the time. I got out paint brushes and cups of water to “paint” on the sidewalk. Levi thought it was super fun but he kept dumping out his water cup and asking for fresh water. I tried to convince him that he really didn’t need fresh water…the dirt was okay. We were just painting the sidewalk. He didn’t buy it. So being the fun lazy mom that I am, I filled up a bucket of water and told him he could get his own fresh water when he needed it.

The next thing I knew, I looked up from my painting to see that someone had decided that climbing into the bucket was much more fun than my idea of filling up his cup.

He would stand up and then jump down. Water was splashing everywhere and he thought it was great. Way better than painting I guess. 🙂

We have a little pool but I think he had more fun in the bucket than he has had in the pool all summer. I was really tempted to get mad at him…after all he did totally soak his clothes and had ditched my art time.

But instead, Griffin and I sat and watched him. We cheered and laughed when he made big splashes.

I think Griffin really wanted to get in the bucket too. He’s always getting left out of the fun these days…

…and this is how he feels about that.

 There are so many great ideas floating around of things we can do with our kids…and creative people who generously share their ideas. I am thankful for blogs and sites like Pinterest because we like to do special activites around here too. But I think sometimes we forget to just let our kids be kids. We forget to play into their ideas and imagination. We forget that they don’t need special toys or a planned craft to have fun. We forget to laugh and cheer for them when they are soaking their clothes and splashing water everywhere. At least I do.

Sometimes it is the simple things…like water in a bucket…that bring them so much joy.

*In case you are concerned: Levi was supervised every second he was playing in the bucket. I fully understand the dangers of children playing in buckets of water. Believe me, I worry about everything when it comes to my kids. 🙂

sharepinTweet
  • Jenn - Aww, that looks like super fun! Boys will be boys, right? My crazy guys would do something silly like that, too. 😉ReplyCancel

  • Carla - What is it with little people and water. My 2.5yr old would play in water all day long. He adores it. You’re so right about just letting them be. Sometimes I think the greatest thing we can do for them is just stand back and let them make a mess, which probably explains the state of my house!!
    Love the new blog format!ReplyCancel

  • Janie - You are so right about just letting them be! Whenever I try to be all crafty or attempt something from a blog or something online, I get so OCD about my 3 year old doing it correctly, that nobody has fun! Which is totally a realistic expectation for my 3 YEAR OLD SON to do a perfect internet inspired craft. Not even close. If nothing ends up in his nose, I will count it as a success. I really have to check myself when I immediately start to correct him and wonder if it is really necessary. Why is it so tough to let go? I mean, don’t even get me started on mixing paint colors. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Carolyn Dewey - I have a photo of one of my sons in a bucket of water too – just about the same age! Fun memories! He’s 41 now!ReplyCancel

  • Katie - I have a one year old and a two year old daughter. We’re elbow deep in potty training for our oldest and one night after she had an accident in her panties while outside playing, I decided to just throw her in the tub while the little one was still outside playing with daddy. I finished up the oldest in the bath thinking I’ll leave the hot water in the tub and just throw in the baby next. I get the oldest dressed and during this process my husband and our youngest come inside. She heads for the bathtub and right as I’m walking into the bathroom to undress her and get her in the tub, she’s already gotten into the tub full of water with her clothes and diaper still on. I wanted to get angry, but it’s just water and wet clothing and she was having a ball so all I could do was take a picture and send it to all of our close family.ReplyCancel

  • Kelly - So sweet. What I love is how much I can relate to this. I’m not a mom yet, but a proud aunt. My 14 month old nephew came over this weekend and discovered how fun the water bowl was for the dog, so I found a big rectangle Tupperware that fits under the bed and emptied it out. I took it outside to him and filled it with water and like that we had a free pool! It is indeed the simple things. Toys are fun, but they have just as much of a flood time with things we have all around already.

    I so enjoy your blog. You have such a genuine and kind heart. The world needs more sweet souls like you!ReplyCancel

  • Jessie - These pictures are so adorable! I love seeing your little boys. Levi looks like he is having the time of his life. I so agree with just letting them be sometimes and create their own fun. They can be so creative!ReplyCancel

  • Mindy Harris - your boys are just so cute…i just can’t handle it! eeeeee!ReplyCancel

  • flowerpowermomma - such joy and delight on his face. good for you. this reminds me of when my firstborn was 14 months old. he found the sprinkler and proceeded to run back and forth, cooling off and giggling. his clothes and shoes were drenched and muddy. my first thought was to be angry, but then realized why? he was being a kid and that was good. besides i certainly had run through my share of sprinklers!
    i’m glad all three of you enjoyed levi’s escapades.ReplyCancel

  • Toni :O) - Just too cute for words! You captured some really great photos and then Levi laying down on the patio cracked me up. Being spontaneous is a beautiful thing!ReplyCancel

  • Mary Ann - So cute….at the end of our driveway there is a little spot where water collects. My grandson (2 years) loves to have us put water in that area so he can sit and splash. Does he have a pool? Yes, but playing in the water in your clothes is just the funest thing for kids. I love the picture of Griffin laying on the pavement. He’s thinking “Gosh mom. Can’t I get into the bucket too?” Those two boys are going to be good pals. In a few years, what one won’t think of, the other one will. Enjoy them to the fullest. You are such a good mama. I can tell you and your husband have carved out a good life for each other and your children, which is the way it should be. After what you went through with your daughter, I can only imagine how wonderful it is to smile, laugh, play, and love your boys. Take care and enjoy the rest of the summer — it’s been a hot one here in Salt Lake City.ReplyCancel

  • tara - how fun! :]ReplyCancel

  • Melanie Martini - I LOVE the expressions on Levi’s face when he is splashing in the pail. And, Griffin could not be any cuter. So sweet how he watches his brother and lays down as if he is saying, “he is exhausting!” 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Natalie - This is so cute! I’m trying to get better at going with the flow when my girl changes my ideas into her own! I love the picture of G laying down, just watching! Don’t you wish we could just lay down and watch! Love this! Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Kayla - You are so right. The simple things. When my 3 year old was younger, he had a toybox full of toys, puzzles, and activities but his favorite thing to play with were my metal mixing bowls and some wooden spoons. Life’s a little chaotic for me right now with a 3 month old, a 3 year old, a husband whos away on work and me juggling a part time job… I needed that reminder on simplicity. There is simplicity in Christ, thank you 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Nichole Duenke - That looks like a BLAST! And totally something my little guy would do too! I loved your last paragraph about sometimes just letting them be kids. Love that! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Nancy - Oh my goodness. They are TOO cute.ReplyCancel

  • Lauren - They are too precious!ReplyCancel

  • Bryn - The pictures of Levi in the bucket could win photo contests 🙂 It is like the remindere we all need of pure joy.

    Love it.ReplyCancel