Last Wednesday the kids were off from school for Veteran’s Day. And although I have technically been a stay-at-home-mom for the past five-and-a-half years, I will admit to you that I often find myself trying to do whatever I can to avoid being home with my kids for any length of time. And so having an extra day with kids home sent this Mama into a bit of panic.
I quickly made plans to get us out of the house early and fill our day.
Tuesday night as we were getting ready for bed I shared the plans with the kids. Using my most enthusiastic, life-is-swell-camp-counselor-voice, I said:
We have a lot of fun things to do tomorrow guys!
First we’re going to get up and go to a parade…
Then we’re going over to Charlie and Gwen’s for lunch…
Then we’re picking up our cousins to go roller-skating…
(I will admit that even as I was saying the words I was wondering what the heck I was thinking but I continued…)
Then we’re going to Grandma’s house for dinner.
Without hesitating, Lily looked at me and said, “Wait a minute, Mama. It sounds like we are going to be leaving our house early in the morning and not getting home until late at night. And visiting with a lot of people. And going to a parade, which can be really loud. Don’t you think that’s a little bit much for one day?”
Quinn agreed. “I like eating lunch at our house, Mama.”
In the morning I called our friends and cancelled our parade and lunch plans.
Instead we enjoyed a relaxing morning watching a movie in our jammies and planting bulbs.
And eating lunch at home.
And then had a wonderful afternoon roller-skating (Quinn’s first time, Lily’s second) with Grandma and our cousins.
{This is the same rink I skated at as a kid. It hasn’t changed a bit!}
It was an absolutely perfect day. So glad these babes of mine keep this slightly nutty, adventure-loving, always-multi-tasking Mama in check!
*** *** *** ***
Hope you have a great weekend! For those who are local, the new indoor Coastal Growers Winter Market opens Saturday!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Smart kiddos. I’m with them.
how wonderful that you’ve created a home in which they enjoy living!
It’s good to remember that sometimes they just want to be home and spend time with you.
I understand that state of panic you felt. Last week my kids were off due to parent/teacher conferences. Funny, how us moms feel the need to try so hard. Looks like your kids made you “exhale and return to center”. I’m so glad you had a wonderful day with your kids.
I love how much kids can enjoy just doing nothing – its so much fun when you just let go and enjoy it along with them (none of that guilt of being an adult!) Glad you all had such a lovely day :)
Soooo Wonderful!!!!!
You made me smile :)
I had to rein in my enthusiasm for packing things in on our recent vacation. Kids sure know how to make you stop and enjoy life :)
i love this little story! and that picture of the skates. i keep thinking about roller skating too! i don’t even know of a rink around here, though. but i haven’t looked for one either. the choice to listen to our babes’ wisdom is something i am learning more and more about. while also making a little (ha) room for mine. you rocked that day! i had a similar veteran’s day, at least with the bulb planting part, and the slight panic of having them home all day, and yet it turned out to be a mostly amazing one……http://lightandmacaroni.blogspot.com/2009/10/going-to-do-it-over.html
I always enjoy my time here on your cozy bubble space….it feels like you have created a wonderful place that i really enjoy visiting…just like how you’ve created a home in which your little ones enjoy living!
There’s so much for me to learn from you in parenting. :) Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to yoU!
I love that photo of the skates on the counter. :) Reminds me of the old rink I used to go to as a kid in daycare, every Wednesday.
In your picture, I especially like the scuff marks on the bottom boards. I imagine all the tiny skated feet bumping into the wood, rubbing off the paint.
I like the watching a movie in my jammies bit! One of my favorite things to do sometimes.
i can’t tell you how nice it is to read this bit of real that i can relate to! smart kids and sounds like your toned down day was perfect!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
What a good mama you are to listen to your babes! I love the photo of the roller rink…..brings back memories!
Hope your weekend was great….and I’m happy that your spinning wheel is coming out of storage! I’d love to talk wool with you!
Love, sara
We are home so much, that going out is like an adventure to the girls. We could use some getting out more… sometimes. hehe… It’s great sometimes that a child isn’t afraid to tell you exactly what they think is wrong with your ideas. :)