Frog and Toad

These two amphibians really speak to me--the kids as well. Together, the kids and I had the most endearing story time tonight. First, I read a collection of Frog and Toad and then, the kids read to me from another collection.

Frog and Toad are two friends who really look out for each other and enjoy experiencing life together, whether flying a kite, raking leaves, walking together, cleaning up, telling spooky stories or sledding in the snow. And they really balance each other out--Toad is a soft pessimist and Frog has an unshakable, unwavering positive look on life.

"Days Together with Frog and Toad" was my favorite book as a child because of the simplicity in their lives and their friendship. It was the simplicity missing from my own life as a child--I had so much complexity and confusion to contend with that I was often rescuing myself and had little time to just "be". But it is this simplicity that I nurture in and treasure with my children, in our lives and our relationship. We are often enraptured by the little things. Just today, we all went outside because I wanted to share an insect with them that I had never seen. They too were thrilled and amazed.

It was a blissful day followed by a blissful night and we really needed that time together as I have had so much interference in my smooth running, simple little world lately--many added responsibilities that, while temporary, are twiddling with my sanity and balance. I need my simplicity restored!

Three weeks to go. I can do this.

Today was a good day.

I am thankful for my children.
I am thankful for their voices.
I am thankful for strange little insects.
I am thankful for Frog and Toad.