Earlier today I uploaded a month's worth of photos. As I flipped through them, I came across the photos below and knew I had to post them right away before I forget!
.jpg)
At the end of April, Sophie attended a friend's birthday party. Right before we left the house, I finished wrapping the gift and went to collect the birthday card that Sophie had been working on. When I glanced down at the card, my heart just melted.
{Even though I didn't get a close-up, I'm pretty sure that green dot hanging from the bottom branch is an inchworm ~ we've seen so many of those lately!}
.jpg)
Lately I've had a lot of moments when I questioned my parenting abilities. But when I saw the innocent, sweet drawings that Sophie had made ~ full of nature ~ I realized I was just being terribly hard on myself. This is not at all unusual! As Alain always reminds me, this is a marathon.
.jpg)
When I picked Sophie up from school the following Monday, she told me that the birthday girl relayed that her Mom's favorite present from the entire party was Sophie's card and that it made her heart happy. "That's exactly what you said, Mom!", Sophie said. Yes, it does make my heart happy. As we drove towards home, I peeked at Sophie in the rearview mirror and was delighted to find that she was smiling to herself.
.jpg)
Several years ago, I published a post entitled Instantaneous Happiness. I still melt into a puddle whenever I see those pictures. Especially these days! Every once in a while, someone will arrive at my blog because they've GOOGLED "Instantaneous Happiness". I love that! The very second I saw this card and when I came across the pictures today those words were the first to enter my mind. The innocence and creativity and sweetness of childhood will forever make me happy.....instantaneously.
What a heartwarming post Audrey!! It sounds as if your parenting skills are awesome - no need to doubt yourself at all!! Sophie has a kind heart just like her mommy :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keith ~ what a sweet comment!
DeleteLove, love, LOVE this post, Audrey! I am always so impressed with Sophie's artwork. Her interpretations are just the best and her attention to detail is so delightful. I love that the birds sitting on the branches have their tails *behind* the branch - just so perceptive of her. Seeing Sophie's artwork always makes me instantaneously happy! xo
ReplyDeleteDeb, I didn't even notice that before....takes an artist to notice! Thanks for pointing that out to me. And thanks for your lovely, fun email today ~ I will respond soon. I am definitely doing the scavenger hunt this year.....thanks so much for telling me about it! XOXO
DeleteYour daughter is beautiful--and very talented! I think all moms fear they aren't doing the best job. But I've found in life, only those who are truly doing a great job question themselves. That's a sign you're a good parent in itself.
ReplyDelete