In the process of becoming a parent I have discovered a new way of thinking, or "seeing". Simple "junk or trash", that once upon a time would have been thrown in the garbage or recycle bin, have now become treasures that provide hours of endless pleasure. Examples of these simple things: a box, a stick, a paper bag. That if taken lightly or thrown away without a second thought would have deprived a child of joy and a parent of stress free time.
For example, while cleaning out the car one day I came across a pile of large magnets that advertised Boise State University and how to get football tickets.
Well, now that we don't live in Boise anymore (and that we already had one) my first impulse was to toss these in the trash. Then a thought, "I bet The Little One would love playing with these." So I took them into our apartment and stuck seven of these magnets on our refrigerator.
I must say that this goes against my nature. I have a hard time with clutter, especially in the main living area. It drives me crazy to have to much stuff around. But I must remember to have a mommy mind! Just look what The Little One might have missed out on.
One day I was watching one of his buddies and the two of them just had a ball. For at least an hour these two boys pulled off and rearranged the magnets. Tested what they would stick on and what they wouldn't. It was so fun to watch and so easy to get thing done around their discoveries.
What a shame it would have been if I would have gone with my first reaction and dismissed the unsightly pile of magnets. Now I have a very happy boy who plays with these at least thirty minutes everyday. My refrigerator is cluttered but it is all worth it to see the joy in those beautiful blue eyes. SIMPLE PLEASURES!! I'll take them anytime.
