Back when our six kids were young, life was anything but serene…but man…was it wonderful. Twenty years later sitting here in our vacation home with our family watching them interact with their youngins’ is surreal in so many ways…and the flashbacks just keep on coming.

My oldest with her husband have four of their own and they’re having the time of their lives…soaking up every minute. My number two daughter and her husband are getting introduced to parenthood tending to their brand new baby boy…one month and counting. Watching their “all thumbs” turn into loving hands right before my eyes is so cool.

Our remaining four with their spouses and friends play the role as uncle and aunts to the hilt…singing, dancing, playing, swimming…you name it. Leslie and I are probably enjoying ourselves more than anyone. For this week we are all together and I’m here to tell ya…life couldn’t be sweeter. So many memories just simmering like a fine stew.

Boy…this takes me back to the old days. Everything was just the same…except it was Leslie and I who were finding our way through the wonderful chaos…I call raising a family.

At the time there were those who would come up to us after realizing we had six kids and say in a friendly way…are you crazy or Catholic? I would just laugh and say…crazy Catholics.

I honestly believe what they really meant to say was…how do you find balance in the mist of raising so many children?

As I sit here pondering that question in our vacation home watching my family bouncing off the walls (because it is raining) I realize the answer is and always was…the balance is found one moment at a time. Although these moments may be encapsulated in five minute segments…they surround us every day. Our job is to take the time to notice them.

As Leslie and I were smack dab in the middle of it all I found these segmented moments if you will…were much easier for me to view early on Saturday mornings…the calm before the storm you might say. The following lyrics I wrote sums it up pretty well…from my point of view:

Simple moments:
Verse I:
Sittin’ out on the deck, I love Saturday morning.
There’s a red sun melting morning mist, sailors warning.
Sippin’ black coffee, got that buzz going on…just kicking back with you babe, this is the life.

Verse II:
Hear the kids stirrin’ in the living room.
My world is comin’ to life, like a rose in bloom.
Want to savor its flavor, let it simmer till noon…as I slow-dance through this moment with you.

Chorus:
Such simple moments, make my heart smile.
Walkin’ on the beach with the kids for a while.
Cozy dinners, warm summer nights, makin’ memories with you babe…this is the life.

Verse III:
Jumpin’ out of my skin, the back door flies open.
Daddy make him stop. I think this morning has broken.
As I wipe away her tears, she giggles in my ear…Daddy marry me someday.

Chorus:
Such simple moments, make my heart smile.
Walkin’ on the beach with the kids for a while.
Cozy dinners, warm summer nights, makin’ memories with you babe…this is the life.

Bridge:
Man…how the years have flown.
Got kids with kiddos of their own.
But you know…not much has changed. Just rearranged.

Chorus:
Such simple moments, make my heart smile.
Walkin’ on the beach with the grandkids for a while.
Cozy dinners, warm summer nights, makin’ memories with you babe…this is the life.
Memories with you babe…this is the life.

I going to the beach…the rain just stopped.
Bill Peak
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