Breaking Free

Today we experienced one of those 'Just Do It" moments! 

 How could we resist heading out on a sunny, 65 degree "winter" day, on the 12th day of Christmas?  Well, sometimes it's easier said than done!  It felt good to let go and break free.  One of the things I dislike about myself is that I have a hard time being spontaneous. If its not in my "plan" for the day, I meet huge resistance with myself. But today was a day of surrender in many ways. For me personally, I also made a New Year's surrender. That post is up next:)

Life is so simple when we just let go. There's something about walking or riding a bike in the fresh air that feels like freedom. Not just the physical freedom from the confines of a vehicle or the walls of a home around you but the spiritual freedom of detachment. There's nothing much that stands between you and God when the sunshine's on your back, a gentle breeze blows through your hair and fresh air fills your spirit. 

Not to mention that the musical chatter of children who are thrilled to be free is enough to break down the best of us!

We set out after lunch leaving the dishes, school books, and laundry behind.  I'm not sure how many miles we traveled but the whole outing lasted for about 2 hours.  That's not much time for all the fussing I go through about doing stuff like this. (Shame on me)!

We stopped by to see our Mother...

We didn't even get off of our bikes as she quickly led us to her Son next door...Where He was present in the Blessed Sacrament!

We all got to pay a special visit and offer our love and prayers.

The park was our next stop, right down the street from the church.

Our monkey loves the monkey bars!

Who doesn't love a slide?

And you know the park holds hidden treasures, other than the play set, right?

Big brothers and Dad sure missed out! 

One big brother was doing what he loves best...spending time on duty with Dad:)  This is his own way of "breaking free."  How many other Middle School Homeschoolers get this amazing opportunity?

I keep telling him that the Army needs more Chaplains...There are a shortage of Catholic priests right now.   But I think he may have already discovered his calling.?  I'll keep praying, just in case!*wink*

Heading home, Angel Baby insisted on pulling the wagon...She's a tough cookie, I tell ya!

Goodbye to Mr. Tree, until we meet again.

Princess loved the looks of this tree and wanted me to take a photo so she could try to paint it when we got home:)

Back home the dishes and laundry jumped out to meet me...

But I greeted them joyfully in return as I am free, free as in the figurative sense.
I'm certainly no St. John Neumann but he certainly set the example for getting uncomfortable.  Today was about breaking free from my own comfort zone, even in this small way, and stretching myself to better places. 

Just do it!

If I can do it, anyone can:)