magic pony

Some days it's a Llego severing my ankle. Other days it's a mountain of clean clothes on her floor "because she couldn't find the right shirt". You know the one. It used to be purple, but has faded to lavender. And that might be okay if it didn't show her entire belly when she raises her hands. She doesn't care. She needs it because it goes with her polar bear pants. And this ritual might be half way cute, if I didn't know this is only the first of twelve times that she'll be changing. Today. 

Then there was the Insta-Gone camera. Ever heard of that model? We bought it for my son last year at Christmas. It was going to be his first real digital camera. We made him open it last. I had dreams and visions of all our picture-taking bonding that about to happen. And I think he held it once before it disappeared into The Abyss. The same Abyss which stores about nine pairs of his glasses. Okay, maybe eight. We did find that one pair on the outdoor playset. There they were, just sitting at the bottom of the slide. Had been there for weeks. 

The chaos of three children can be like living in a hurricane. And somedays, I definitely feel like I'm hanging onto a tree limb. And just when you think you're about to blow away, you find something like this. She said she was giving her a bath in the Magical Waterfall Universe. And I couldn't help but picture her three year old little self. Carrying the stool over, I know she was still on her little piggy tip toes, as she washed pony's hair. All by herself, amused and entertained by just her sweet imagination. 

And that made me think about the day when all the shoes are always put away. Finally, I'll be able to find scissors and the remote. No one will be stealing my makeup or paintbrushes. But I won't have magical ponies playing in my sink, either. Let's not wish anything away today. 

What kind of magic is happening in your world?

Comments

[kosenrufu mama]

here my magic moments!
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/02/carnevale.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23206424@N07/2696892438/

[Marcie]

The chaos of raising three young children is now a distant hazey memory. Nice that you found a happy moment to record and remember.Here's one of mine..for the day:

http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=698

[sebrina]

Oh I hear you. I think about that day too with great sadness. A day when I can find my knitting needles because knowone is using them as swords. I day when I can find my yarn because knowone is making a tightrope for his toys to walk across.

xo Sebrina

[Kelly]

I like to think that the careful washing of babies and ponies is a reflection of how loved our children feel. Of course, when my daughter pretends that all the mermaids in the tub are drowning, I chalk that up to a vivid imagination. ;)

[renee @ FIMBY]

Three kids, am I ever there. Add to that the daily homeschool routine and the house gets kind of crazy. But magical too. So many magical moments, like these:

http://fimby.tougas.net/girl-reads-on-floor

http://fimby.tougas.net/reading-tin-tin

http://fimby.tougas.net/crafting-in-sunlight

Thanks for letting us share some of the magic in our lives.

[Paper Dolls For Boys]

Loved reading your reminder to notice the magic, not just the billions of shoes and toys spread everywhere! I am also impressed your sink was so darn shiny on no notice. I fear I do not have the guts to photograph our bathroom.

Here is a little playdough magic discovered by my 2 year old this week:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paperdollsforboys/3303213637/

[Puna]

Oh don't I remember the days when my kids were small! Hang on to them ladies! They are too fleeting.

Here's my boy now:
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2009/02/18/letting-go/

And here's my girl now:
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/my-big-girl/

Time goes by too quickly. Sometimes I long for the days of the toys in the sink.

[marty]

Boy, did I need this post this morning! The amount of energy generated by five kids could provide electrical power for a thrid world country if I could just figure all the logistics out :-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martyhadding/3148132533/in/set-72157604612636054/

Now if you're sitting down with a cup of coffee or tea and have a moment...I invite you into Sam's World...we have four daughters and one son...Sam is on the autism spectrum and a special joy...(But honestly we think all of our kids are a special joy.) So if you have a minute...read what happened when Sam needed his balnket...
http://famofsam.blogspot.com/2008/11/sams-world.html

[tracey]

omg. such a weet post maile. now to dig around for just the right photo to share....

[tracey]

a Sweet post. not a weet post. Sorry, it's 5am.

[Katy]

This is magic happening in Columbia Heights in Washington DC, at a community arts project called Bloombars (www.bloombars.com/main/):

http://flickr.com/photos/29536663@N04/3222587315/

[shelli]

I love your post. These are moments that you'll treasure in your memory.

My world is a bit tamer with just one child, who is a very good boy. But I do have one more on the way, so I'm trying to enjoy how easy things are right now!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spabis/3276693380/

[ELK]

oh those days were full of magic thank you for the memory Maile ~nice post!

my daughters always gathered items from outside adventures to"collect" in a drawer.

i think of that time often:
http://tablebyawindow.blogspot.com/2009/02/2leaves-by-redorgray-on-flickr.html

[Mod Girl]

He "cooks wiff mommy" every single evening, and constantly tells me what he's "gonna" do. Fleeting but precious.

http://modobjectathome.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-gonna.html

[Stephanie]

Today I have the magic of growth:
http://slsmithphotgraphy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/mudslingers.html

of wishes:
http://slsmithphotgraphy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/make-a-wish.html

and of dance:
http://slsmithphotgraphy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/i-hope-you-dance.html

[Maegan]

I think it's pretty magical how those little beings can teach us so much about perspective!

http://madelinebea.blogspot.com/2009/02/39-weeks-1-day-some-perspective.html

Thanks for sharing and happy Wednesday!

[Nancy]

The mess will be gone in the blink of eye as they grow and move and then you will crave the madness. They grow up fast - enjoy the time you have them.

You've got so much talent!

I was able to spend a few magical days with my "little darling" that has now moved away.
www.gardenblessings.blogspot.com

[~Kristina]

i love magic ponies. thank you, Maile, for slowing time down today.

[spread your wings]

oh i miss those days filled with the magic and wonder of a 3 yr old for sure. when they grow up you share a different bond but do not wish these days away too soon. the time flies too swiftly on it's own
here's my magic - my sweet little girl growing into a beautiful young lady who is my best friend
http://spreadingwings08.blogspot.com/2009/02/joy-of-my-life.html

[Mrs. B.]

I can absolutely see where you're coming from with the wishing things were a bit different but knowing you'll miss the times when they're gone. It's such a catch-22.
My kids are 3.5 and 2. Not easy. And I find a time everyday when I'm wishing it away...but there are so many other times that I take for granted.
Thanks for this post.

[Karyn]

I love My Little Pony's! This is good. I started off today in a bad mood, but this will help me keep my eye out for some magic today, which I desperately need. Thank you.

[Jamie-o-e-o]

I think it's magic how kids latch on to the simplest of objects as their most prized possessions. My four year-old son received a piece of play jewelry, a ring, that is topped with a spiky blue ball. It doesn't beep, whistle, transform or require batteries, but it captured his imagination and is one of his favorite toys.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrs-eaves/3304653591/

[Kyla]

How sweet! Although it drives you nuts now . . . record those precious little memories!

Here's a magical moment from my little guy and his "lady" friend:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekreativelife/3307264165/

[whitney]

birthday magic for my three year old girl...
http://www.wwaddellphoto.com/journal/2009/2/23/thanks-and-gratitude.html

[Gayle]

Maile, I love this post! My children are older now, 16, 13 and 11. Our magical moments are different now, first dances, first guitar performance in front of an audience, changing classes, learning to drive... I try to cherish every one of these moments. They go by so quickly.

[liz]

Children have the most beautiful imaginations. My children impress me everyday with their play. Here are a few of my favorite imaginative moments captured.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/3197665551/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/3086116332/in/set-72157610899699527/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/3028280890/in/set-72157610899699527/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/2962455774/in/set-72157610899699527/

[Tipping Point Photo]

Though I don't have any magic-makers of my own right now, I feel so fortunate that I get to borrow them from friends now and then....even without words, their personalities come through in their expressions--some more loudly than others!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3264613191/in/set-72157613527351418/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3264372925/in/set-72157613527351418/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3282761073/in/set-72157613849143353/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3067385570/in/set-72157610377114228/

[Lu]

I was just thinking yesterday that I tell my kids to be quiet sometimes because I need quiet at that moment, then I think about the day that noise will not be there and it makes me think twice before I tell them to quiet down.

Life happens so fast and I really don't want to wish it way when it comes down to it.

[Toni / daily vignette]

My two boys are both grown now. Adults. Boy do I feel old. My oldest is getting married this coming summer. He lives three hours away and my youngest, an executive chef, lives two hours away. He's too busy to even date. No magic happening at my house these days unless it is with my two dogs.

While I was at work last week, I looked out a window and noticed a pair of rubber boots tucked a bush for safe keeping. Reminded me of my boys.

http://dailyvignette.com/2009/02/25/boot-abandoned/

[Nana]

You got that right.

[Chris]

After photographing 307 kids over the past 4 weeks, here's my magical moment...
http://flickr.com/photos/jeroldssis/3309541872/

[hi kooky]

Yesterday, catching this independent, camera-averse fellow.

http://hikooky.blogspot.com/2009/02/snap.html

[spencercasa]

my magic moment is coming tomorrow when i will have my baby girl! today i turn 31 years old and am officially 41 weeks pregnant. very magical!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23196640@N03/3308906881/

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

The most magical thing happened to me this past weekend.......

Won't you come read about my "Beautiful Beginning"!
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2009/02/beautiful-beginning.html

[Karyn]

mobile magic

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kayak57/3300817582/in/set-72157612981158249/

[Lauren]

WHat an incredible post... the wonderful things I look forward to experiencing someday...

[erin]

beautiful - with baby #2 just born i am starting to relate. great reminder not to wish it away.

[Lauren]

http://doublehdesign.blogspot.com/2009/02/vegas-vacation-baby.html - a word picture of childlike awe...

[mika]

what a great story! and i commend you on your super clean sink!

[Tanya]

:) I LOVE your post today. If we wish it all away...even the good stuff will be gone. Thanks for the reminder.

My last two blog posts include a very messy child...paint and peanut butter...and I wouldn't change a thing :)


http://imother2point0.blogspot.com/2009/02/caution-wet-paint.html
http://imother2point0.blogspot.com/2009/02/feathered-friends-for-birds-kinda.html

[Jenny Rebecca]

Here is the magic in my world right now. My toddler "reading" her books.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fanglord2/3309569667/

[Kate at LIttle House Monday]

with a 4 year old and an 18m old some days it feels like they will never be friends, and I will never regain any peace or sanity. Then this happens and I regain some perspective...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30297021@N02/3292755418/

the wonder is in the moments you catch glimps of their hearts...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30297021@N02/3106009668/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30297021@N02/3026115762/

[Alicia]

my magic in the season to come.

http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/02/im-feeling-hopeful-green.html

i love the magic of the changes we will soon be seeing more and more!

[Julie Alvarez]

My three year and a half old daughter is starting kinder next monday. I find that it's magical that time flew so fast. And also that she is going to be there, and not at home.
http://juliealvarez.blogspot.com/2009/02/sentimientos-mezclados-mixed-feelings.html

[Meg]

bubble wrap magic! Does it get any better than that?!?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7565577@N04/3295462026/in/set-72157614109221793/

[kristin]

the wishing kind of magic today....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/3311018474/

[jody]

Hmmm magic. Well I don't have any pony magic BUT a pony does lives next door. Does that count? lol.

Here is a bit of magic from me =)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3303308467/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3309756762/

[Tracy]

Great post... I was feeling the very same way this week... all the chaos of three kids and wouldn't change it for anything!
http://fatherseyephotography.blogspot.com/2009/02/day-in-life.html

[Jen at The Cute Kid]

that photo will be a really good memory to share with her when shes older and finds it and goes "um why's there a picture of a little pony in the sink?" then she'll think ur a little silly...and then she'll have her own kiddo and understand :)