You know those times — the few but wonderful occasions where the kids are all playing together and getting along splendidly, when all is peaceful, before someone accidentally sticks his finger into his brother’s eye and the next fight inevitably breaks out. Aren’t those some of the moments that make our vocation as parents totally worth it?
It’s harmony. I love that word, the way it sounds when I think of it, the feelings it inspires, the images it evokes, images like this one:
It’s a bit hard to see because I was upstairs and took the picture out the window as quickly and sneakily as I could so the kids wouldn’t see me, but that’s the four of them (and our Yorkie-Poo, Remy) just a while ago swinging, eating Icees and singing “Down By the Bay.” I adore scenes like this. I just can’t stop smiling, it touches my heart so much.
Of course shortly thereafter, Cody came slamming into the house wailing because his sisters were going to “force” him (his words) to watch “Robin Hood” tonight. Sigh. So much for the short-lived peacefulness.
How do you define harmony in your home? What sorts of moments make you smile?
Love the photo! I love catching those accidentally harmonious moments as much as I love knowing that they happen. In our house, it’s when the boys are deep into their separate pursuits, and I can hear them chatting to themselves. Daniel will be “working” at his white board, making lists of goodness knows what, and James will be recreating one of the race scenes from “Cars” with his cars. It’s awesome. Then one of them wanders into the other’s area and BOOM, it’s all over.