THE ROSS RUNDOWN

Take time to enjoy the little things : )

This afternoon, I decided to mow the grass.  With all the busyness and rain lately, it's gotten a little behind.  JR did the front yard a few days ago, but the back and side really needed it.  It was a beautiful day out and I thought mowing would be good for me, help to clear my mind.  Quentin, Sadie, and Lexi were playing "house" upstairs and my first thought was that they should really come outside since it's so nice.  But, my second thought was that mowing in peace sounded better.  That lasted about 6 minutes.  The kids came rushing out, girls ran straight to the swings and Quentin ran straight to me.  "Mom!  Let me do it!  I wanna mow!" Deep breath.  Count to ten.  "Ok buddy, here's what you do..." Instead of feeling frustrated and annoyed with the thought of stopping and slowing the whole task down, I decided to turn this in to a teaching moment and teach my boy to mow the grass.  I made him a square and showed him how to follow the lines.  He did such a great job!  He was a great listener, very eager to learn.  I was amazed at what a good job he did!  Later, Sadie was watching and she said, "Mom, I'm impressed with him." So cute and so true.  He worked VERY hard.  I convinced him to let me mow for awhile again, but soon after he wanted me to make him another path to follow.  I DID get frustrated a few times, but I DID let him mow more.  He mows just like he plays basketball and baseball - with a big smile on his face : )  Together, he and I mowed most of the yard. 
Later, we rode bikes.  Quentin recently learned to ride, without training wheels, at the neighbors' house.  He wasn't so sure about riding on our gravel lane, but I convinced him that he could.  He was nervous at first, but after no time, he was a pro!  He flew up and down the driveway at least a million times.  He was so proud of himself and so full of joy!  I loved just sitting and watching him.  That smile is one of the best!  He kept saying, "this feels like a celebration!".  I love that little things bring him such happiness.
After bike riding we made a trip to Walmart (booo!).  The kids weren't thrilled about going at first, but then decided to spend some of their own money.  All four of them got their wallets/purses and we were on our way.  They did a good job picking things out.  Cameron bought some Nerf gun bullet refills and to my dismay, a remote control four wheeler.  Ansley (who is a real saver) chose a jar of flarp ($1).  Quentin chose a Lego set, of course.  And Sadie bought a large bouncy ball,  a sour sucker, and a jar of flarp.  I got what was on my list and we checked out.  They each handled their own transaction.  I was proud and so were they : )  After supper and baths, Quentin began putting his new Lego set together.  It was a car and camper.  Once again, I was amazed by his talent.  He just zooms right through the instructions and in no time has the set completed.  Not just anyone can follow those step by step picture instructions, but Quentin Ross can. 
Quentin, whom I often refer to as one of my biggest challenges, really made my day today.  I'm so proud of him and the boy he is becoming.  Thank you for the lesson learned today, buddy.  Take time and enjoy the little moments.  <3
PS: I showered TWICE today!