Slow Saturday

I must capture these moments because I know in time, a few short years, they will be gone. Or maybe not gone, just different.

As a mom, I like being home. I find it soothing and relaxing. Luckily my kids seem to like it too. This morning, they watched their fill of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates", their latest Netflick addition.

Then I bribed them to finish their chores by 9:00 AM, I promised them a "bonus" for finishing in time. (This meant I didn't have to remind them all day to do their chores). The bonus was a sweet treat as I ran errands. It worked (barely!) Child #1 emptied all the trash in the house, cleaned out the car (with lots of help from me) and cleaned the inside of the car windows. Child #2 dusted the living room (poorly, I might add), cleaned the toilet and bathtub. They both worked on cleaning their bed room. I often wonder when they will be able complete work around the house without help and reminders. (Translation: When can I stop holding their hand and pointing out each little step of their chore and nagging for them to get it done?) We pay them $1.00 for these chores. Which I think is about 90% too much for what they do but I realize I am training children that need to learn to clean and be independent so that they will one day leave home (and be successful). Read this book if you want more on my "training philosophy".

After Child #3 woke up from her very short nap, we dropped off some Christmas Crafts, dropped of two of our crèche collections for our church crèche display, and dropped off some pregnancy, parenting books at a local coffee shop and the kids got a sweet treat. My sweet treat was running into a good friend of mine and enjoying a few minutes of adult conversation and connection. (And I love that Child #1 found a local magazine about all the local activities, you know one of those free magazines? And he started reading an article while enjoying his treat!)

Now the kids are playing Ninjago with some dreidels they found (creative, no?!). Child #2 has no problem playing with her brother. I just made cookies and get a few minutes to plan meals for next week. Christmas music plays in the kitchen although, Child #1 protests that he doesn't like this music.

I love these quiet moments, where my kids play and we have nothing. I like it that way and I treasure these times where my darlings get to just imagine, play and be kids.
Kirstin

Post Script: Baby is awake and now the kids are playing with the dreidels in the doll house, as if they are people. So funny!