As much as I may complain about the heat, and the bees, and the spiders, and the mosquitos…I really do love summer.
Especially in the mountains. I mean, let’s face it, it’s gorgeous up here, and a solid 10 degree difference in weather, than those in the flat lands. Anyone who is stuck dealing with 90+ degree weather in the summer, I feel for you, I really do. But I don’t envy you. Not in the least. I’ll keep my Boone weather, thank you very much.
One thing I am really starting to enjoy, as my kiddos get older, is seeing them explore the great outdoors, and all the wonders it holds. My oldest, J-Man, says he wants to be a scientist (and a police officer). When I ask him what kind of scientist, he says a scientist of snails. Okay then. But oh, how I love his enthusiasm, and his excitement for the big “thing” he’s into for that week…day…hour. And this week, he loves snails. He has actually acquired a “pet” snail, that he has lovingly named Seymore.
Trust me, before I helped him nail down an actual name, I would have had to type out “hopps-jo-giba-gooba-jiba-kucha”. I suggested that it might be good to pick a name he could pronounce more than once, and that other people could say. So I started throwing out “S” names, because…snail. He liked Seymore, so it stuck.
I’m actually pretty impressed that ol’ Seymore has stuck around (going on 3 days).
The last snail high tailed it outta there in the dead of night, leaving behind a trail of snail poo. I guess he wasn’t ready to be the pet to two crazy boys. I can’t blame him.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve seen J-Man grow and gain self-confidence (something that is still a struggle, but we are working on it), try new things, overcome fears, and show an immense love for God and all of His creation. He is obsessed with frogs, snails, trees, lakes, fish, and all the things that make little boys “tick”. And he is very proud of his new pet snail.
And as long as he shows an interest, I will do everything I can to encourage him, and foster that curiosity and excitement. Even if that means touching snails, frogs, and fish.
“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” Psalm 65:8
