By Jennifer Slayden
Where is spring? I have been searching high and low. Since it is not clearly visible I have had to creatively seek it out. Here is where I have found glimpses of spring.
I see spring in the sweet smiles of my children’s faces.
I see spring in the buttercups, colored brightly like the sun, popping through the grass to mock the bitter cold and the cloudy sky.
I see spring in my lively black lab, who’s spirit is immune to rainy attitude and who’s tail wags faster than the eye can see when he reminds me that simple things are indeed the most important.
I hear spring in the birds that continue to compose sweet melodies and nests of grandeur in the rain and the snow, determined that they must have nests built– for babies are coming soon.
I feel spring in my physical being as I squeeze every bit of my will into my running shoes to hit the pavement in sleet, snow, and rain. I am rewarded with gratitude as my body conquers the shivers and my steps bring forth my internal spring.
I feel spring in the gentle touch of my husband, as I gather as much love to store for the summer months when he is gone on the river, guiding dreams in a fishing boat.
I feel spring in my heart as I turn 43 on May Day. I understand the process of seasons and delight in them, because birthdays remind me that any mother can come back after battling long hard winters of life…renewed in body, mind, and spirit.
Lastly, I hear spring in children, who use humor and truth to placate their impatience of our never-ending winter.
This song was written last week with two of my 3rd grade students as we talked about the snow blowing outside. They came up with most of the lyrics themselves, and then we created the melody. The next day I brought the song to my son’s 2nd grade class and we recorded this little video.
Big Brother Winter
Big brother winter is picking on his sisters..
spring and summer cause he won’t let them play
Big brother winter is picking on his sisters
and we just really want him to go away!
V1. Spring grows flowers, we spend summers at the lake
please tell winter to stop the cold snow flakes!
V2. Waiting for butterflies, winter help us out
Waiting for the wind to blow away the nasty clouds
Parents: Where do YOU find your spring? I would love to hear your thoughts and comments here at the Den.
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What fun Jen!
Keep that creativity flowing mama!!
B
Thanks, Beth! I will….can’t help myself:)
CUTE, cute, cute! And so ready for summer….!
So ready for another weekend of adventure with you all:)
Bahahaha!
I was so moved reading your glimpses of spring, especially squeezing your will into your running shoes and appreciating your husband’s gentle touch. And happy spring birthday, my dear friend!!!
Then your kiddos and their spring song roused me from my nostalgic thoughts!!! What fun!
Thank you Jennifer! It was a wonderful birthday!
And the song….those kids inspire me so much…
Thanks Jenny for bringing spring to so many: especially your family and the children you teach!
Therese,
You bring spring every day! AND you have the nice weather every day too:) I bet you appreciate the seasons even more since you don’t get to enjoy them as radically as we do.
I get my inspiration from you, btw!
Happy birthday!
Thanks Jo!
I don’t think the video was working when you read….it is fixed now.
Thanks Jen for your inspiring spring thoughts and the reminder that it really is within our reach even while the cold and snowflakes still linger into May. I love the song and the kids fun-filled voices that winter should finally be taking its leave! Happy Spring!
Oh Michelle…..we all need that reminder this year in particular, don’t we? It has been a long one!
Yes, kids have a way of putting everything into perspective, don’t they? I can totally see the “big brother” thing….just last night as Riley was egging my other younger two on…..
Happy Spring back to you, friend!
Love the post, love the video and song. I just played it for my niece and nephew who just turned two. They both smiled, riveted to the melody and the children singing!
I am in Seattle today and I see spring ing the hearty squirrels, chattering and foraging in the latest onslaught of rain. I see it in the faces of every soul when the sun peeks out, only for a moment. They close their eyes and lift their faces to the warming rays. Ahhh.
Hi Jenna~
I can see your niece and nephew! I think kids really enjoy hearing other children singing!
And Seattle…hmmm. I know how much rain happens there. I can imagine every person needs to savor the moments of sunshine throughout the year.
Thanks for taking a little time from your trip to stop on in and read today. xo
My girls loved the video and song! Three year old Carley was dancing around the kitchen table and made me play it three times. Ruby (9 mos.) was clapping along too!
Melissa,
I’m so glad they enjoyed. Kids love kids doing music! And hopefully that dancing around the kitchen will at least make us all forget how chilly it is outside!!
Jen
Ahhhh I love the process of seasons as well. And to add one, I see spring in the weeds popping up already, lol. But it’s a sign non-the-less and that in itself is exciting after a blustery winter!
Ha! Yes, the weeds are definitely coming out….good point, Sheila!
Glad you like the video! The kids were a hoot!
LOL, how cute! Love that kid in the back row, third from the end, gray shirt, what a card!
Jen,
What a fun, fun, FUN song!! See…that’s making the best of a long winter!
I find spring in the peeks of warmth…the sunshine…kids outside (even if it is a little chilly)…soccer games (even if there is sleet!) …the squirrels and chipmunks and deer in the backyar …
Jen…you’ve put a great big smile on my face tonight, with this!!!
Lance,
I love that you have all those friends right in your backyard to remind you of spring!! I know what you mean about the soccer games, and this is the first year we don’t have a kid in spring soccer….but I remember some NASTY afternoons curled up in blankets sipping on hot chocolate in snow storms!!
Glad this made you smile….these kids certainly make me smile too!!