A Natural Pick-Me-Up

So Katie and I were running last night; and, as usual, we ended up talking about random things that we're processing in our lives.  Most of the time, I have tons of things I think I want to talk with her about; and I end up forgetting most of them as soon as my running shoes hit the pavement.  One of the many unrelated topics that came up was how much happier we are when we've spent time in the sun.  Can I get an amen?!

The last few days have been exhausting.  Park time, play dates, gardening, running, walking, chasing after that heavy pedal car.  We haven't stopped moving since the weather warmed up and the sun came out.  It's been glorious.  At the end of every day, I'm ready to fall into bed; but I'm so encouraged.  Yes, there are many graces going on in my life; but I think Katie and I have nailed down a huge factor in these lifted spirits.

The sun.  Yep.  It's just good, old-fashioned sunlight.  It's working its magic in my children too.  When my husband and I went for a run on Monday night, Ben stretched out his arms as if to hug the sunlight and the great outdoors.  So knowing this, how do I change my lifestyle to soak up more of the sun?

Well, I moved the rocking chair in my bedroom.  It now is in the direct afternoon sunlight.  So as I blog and read and answer all my emails, I'm getting some of that great Vitamin D while my kids are napping and refilling their energy tanks.

We also spent the morning at the park rather than going to the library.  Thanks, Ann and Karen, for the great idea!  For any mom that is shaking her head at my clear lack of regard for literacy, we're planning our trip to the library later.  Perhaps it will become a field trip with Teacher Man.

Lunch has been eaten outside for the last few days.  My kids like a picnic food diet anyways for their noon meal so this isn't really a challenge.  I also hate picking up after the noon meal so I can relax while they nap.  Problem solved.  Eat outside.  No clean up.

Lastly, we spent the evening at our local college once again sporting the pedal car and letting the kids run/ride off that last burst of energy.  Hurray for the fresh air!

Results: I'm sore.  Seriously sore.  This happens every spring after a winter of huddling in my sweaters and blankets on the couch, reading good books and watching countless episodes of West Wing.  It's a good kind of sore though that I know is due to a changed lifestyle of more activity and less lethargy.  I'm also more energized.  I really do have more energy and enthusiasm to get through the day and to be creative with my children.

And there's that intangible, I-don't-quite-know-why-things-seem-so-good feeling that I can't shake.  This is the first week in many that we don't have a lot of "extras" which certainly helps with the rejuvenating, but I have to give credit where credit is due.  This pleasant week has been brought to you by the sun (and, of course, its Creator).