Collecting My Way

If you read my previous post, you know that my number one son's collections drive me a bit crazy. I like things orderly (although you might not guess that if you visit my house). When I vacuum, it makes me feel better. A clean purse, makes me think more clearly. I know it's unfortunately rubbing off on my kids when my number two son spends his play time at night cleaning up his room because "I don't want you to be stressed out." I feel chastened, but a little bit proud when we cuddle in his spotless room.

When I was a kid, I was a bit of a collector. I collected stuffed animals, Holly Hobby dolls, and Garfields. My husband collected baseball cards and basketball cards that he plans to share with our boys as they grow older. Much to his chagrin, I've also discovered his binder of scratch and sniff stickers and Garbage Pail Kids. It reminds me of the little boy (her number two) that drove his mom a little crazy, but yet managed to snake his way into her heart permanently.

My husband - still a collector - saves Husker memorabilia, ticket stubs, jerseys. Me? not so much. My family thinks I'm hard to buy for because I'm not a collector or saver. I throw away my kids' school papers (but save art projects) and birthday cards.

My mom gave me an article last summer on collecting, ostensibly to help me understand my collecting son. But, something from that article resonated with me. It said...collect what you love. Well, what do I love? My husband, my kids, my family, food, shopping, running....you get the picture. I love things that aren't simply collectible.

So, this became what I call a niggle. Something I think about and ruminate about and something that just sits in the back of my mind until I figure it out. What do I collect, what should it be, what, what, what.

The answer came to me on a warm night in July on the shores of Lake Carlos. It had been a near perfect summer day. We spent the afternoon on the pontoon, enjoying conversation and sun. We had stopped at Bug A Boo Bay and had happy hour and I was relaxing on the beach soaking inthe last of the day's rays. I watched Ben and his over 70 year old Nanny snorkeling in the shallow waters of the lake, swimming a little, standing up and having conversation, gesturing to each other and snorkeling again. It was then that I thought "I love THIS. THIS is what I want to collect."

So, it was decided. I was going to collect moments. Since then, I've collected many moments. It's those happenings that you want to freeze, those that you want to remember forever. There were many this summer. Summer is often when I have the time to appreciate the little moments and not rush through them like the daily to do list.

Lyndee catching fireflies in her brother's hulk costume, sporting a messy ponytail...
Finishing a 10 mile race with Matty while his dad cheered us on....
Endless snuggles in bed.....family cuddle time determined by my husband, the ultimate cuddler....
Gabe's grand slam homerun in 2nd grade baseball when he jumped in the air after crossing homeplate, his joy palpable to all those who witnessed it....
Playing in the woods with my kiddos, after they had already been there for hours...
Tossing bean bags at my mom's, merlot in hand, while my daughter hugs and laughs my mom with great joy.....
Giggles of Lyndee as she rides a two wheeler for the first time....
A campfire with my sister, brother in law, and nephews - till 2 am.....
Watching my nephew/Godson graduate from HS....
Hanging out on the new patio, drinking a peach dacquiri with my mother-in-law....
Visiting the zoo with the kids on my own....
Helping my sister move in to her WI home, after being gone from the States for 22 years....
The hot, hot, hot wedding of two dear friends....
Going to the Douglas Saloon with my sister-in-law and my hubby....
Any moment when I catch my oldest reading a chapter book, or my middle son searching out bugs and nature, or any time my daughter is dramatic about something.....
Hanging out at the pool while our kids swim and we hold hands....
The fireworks and good friends in Park Rapids...

I'd say my collection is growing daily. And I do love these moments. In the hustle and bustle of mid-life, I forget to hold on to these. They are fleeting. As every parent/grandparent tells me. ENJOY the time when your kids are little, it goes so fast. And yes, it does. But, I will put these moments in my memory jar and remember that while the days may be long, time is short. Love it and don't forget to live it.