The Simple Things

Just finished cleaning up behind my two sons eating this morning, and my youngest one asked for some chocolate milk. I pour him a cup, added the chocolate syrup, and took it to him. You would have thought I gave him the best liquid drink on the planet. Chocolate milk to him is a dream, a one of a kind treat that only he gets. He loves the stuff. And it got me to thinking.....trouble usually arises there......

How simple a thing.....chocolate milk, to give my son such joy. Milk, syrup, enjoy, and it is a party for him. Same thing for my oldest son, who is 10. Wanna see him just explode? Snack time, what does he want.....popcorn.....Popcorn, and he really loves when we do it the "old fashioned way" where we put kernels in the large pot, add some oil, and shake it on the stove. Popcorn!!!! He loves it, and he'd eat it every night for a snack if we'd let him. We don't but he'd do it if we allowed it.

My point......how the simple things in kid's lives give them so much joy. I remember back when my oldest son was 5 and he opened up a fire truck that he had wanted for his birthday. He ran that freakn thing into the ground, until it wouldn't run much more. Same for his Thomas the Tank Engine train. Just ran it into the ground.

I am watching my 5 year old, who is almost attached to the Wonder Pets (those of you that don't know, check out Google for a description) he carries with him everywhere, as well as the Curious George stuffed animal he has. "Monkey" as it calls it. That simple. Makes me look at them and realize who simple and enjoyable life can be.

I like to think of my own life as adult when I ponder this. What simple things in life make my life better? Playing drums for one. I love it, and I have a band that plays regularly. Simple really. Me, two pieces of wood, a drum kit, and boom!!!! I also share that love of popcorn with my son. Microwave or store, I just love it. And simply sitting down with my wife for dinner at home or out to eat.

Life is complicated enough on a daily basis, so I think it is imperative to, at times, look at it from the perspective of a kid. If you don't have kids, go check some out at a playground (just don't get too pervy looking, you might be arrested). But just watch what makes them happy. A slide, a swing, just being outdoors. I love that my kids still want time with Dad and Mom, and they like to play with us outside or enjoy something indoors. My kids are 10 and 5, and I know one day they will be 20 and 15 and probably don't want squat for time with us. But it is the coolest thing to be a parent and to watch my kids grow. They help remind me who the simple things make the difference.........