Tuesday, October 06, 2009

An Invasion of Fun!

"Stay green! Stay green! Stay green!" came the chant from my back seat drivers as we passed one stoplight after the other on the main drag of our Midwestern town. Each stoplight that cooperated with our demands was rewarded with heartfelt cheers as our minivan whizzed by.

It is a new game we play with the chant alternating between "stay green" and "turn green" as we approach each light.

It is just one example of the fun that invades my life because of my children. The fun takes many forms. Giggles wafting upstairs from the basement as they play, teaching a new-to-them game that I played as a kid (this month it has been the board game Sorry!), the ornery glance from my almost-two year old as his little legs run by, sharing stories, laughing at what makes them laugh...

The fun that comes so naturally to them has a way of rubbing off on me. Invading my day with a merriment than Mary Poppins herself would have trouble matching because it is REAL. It is a gift that I often overlook, but today I am remembering to give thanks for the fun moments my children give me every day.


15 comments:

emily freeman said...

Megan, what a beautiful post. I love that you are teaching them new-old games to play! I remember playing "The Game of Life" in my neighbors driveway every summer morning one year. I wonder if my girls will like that one some day. Thank you for your Tuesday perspective, for seeing your children and their high energy as a sweet blessing. You have encouraged me this morning.

Anonymous said...

We love to play the "stay green" game as well. They even have me slow way down, to give the light time to change so we don't have to stop. So, if you ever whiz by me, this is probably what I am doing. So far, according to our girls anyways, I am beating Daddy by a long shot at this game:) Too fun how kids think!

Denise

Jamie said...

It is so easy to overlook the gift. The gift of the everyday stuff. This post is a great reminder to slow down and enjoy.

The Gypsy Mama said...

My boys love traffic lights as well! They also chant as we go through them, "Green means go, lellow means slow and red, means, stop!"

Playing Sublimely said...

I do not doubt that you are one of the greatest moms walking this planet :)..thanks for posting about your fun!

||| laura frantz ||| said...

Do you think it's normal that I do the "stay/turn green" chant even when my kids *aren't* in the car with me??

Jessica said...

Cute ;)
Sometimes if I am eating lunch on the run I will chant "turn red, turn red" :)

Elizabeth @claritychaos said...

I am always glad when I let myself join in their games instead of checking out mentally because they're happy and occupied with each other. This is a great moment you shared.

Unknown said...

Kids teach us that playing is fun all the time.
I struggle with this more than my husband, but I am so glad they don't . They are crazy and I love it!

Scooper said...

You Tuesday gals bless me with your perspective. I don't think I'm thankful enough for van giggles!

dawn said...

Your post is a blessing to me. And laughing is a gift.

Jo said...

What a great gift to unwrap (and keep unwrapping)--to join in on (and even be the ringleader of) the fun with the kids!

danielle said...

I love how kids bring out the creativity and fun in us often too serious adults!

Holly said...

Hey, Megan -- you might want to check out a book called Play by (I think) a guy named Stuart Brown . . . I got it at the library, and he talks about how play affects and directs our neural pathways, how important it is even for adults, and how it affects creativity. It's an interesting read and good encouragement to keep on playing!

Dawn said...

i had forgotten that game of "stay green" or "turn green right... NOW!" i sure thought i had actual magical powers way back when... enjoy the real!