Monday, February 11, 2008
The Stuff of Living
It's not even 5pm and my kids are already in pajamas and watching a favorite movie while snacking on red grapes and drinking big cups of milk. Daniel will be home tonight (this is unusual for Mondays), but for a later-than-usual dinner. I figured having the kids in pajamas beforehand will mean less tears after the meal when they are bound to be a bit exhausted and emotional. And the movie and snack is to convince them not to fret when they don't get any more food for the next couple hours!
This morning I took the kids to the church to play in the gym for a couple hours. It helps to have a place for them to run around and burn off some energy on these cold winter days. In an ideal world, I'd bring them over a couple mornings a week, but the chores here around the home demand that I be here most days of the week. But even just once a week is a blessing to all of us.
After several weeks of not seeing many people and feeling pretty lonely, I was very happy to get over to her house Saturday night for dinner. For the record, Daniel actually said the following on the way home: "Usually when I eat other people's food, I find that I'd rather just be eating something you made, but not with Lisa. She makes awesome food!" I would be insulted except that Lisa has the amazing ability to make something simple like corn chowder taste out-of this-world delicious.
On top of visiting with the Criscitellos, I actually made it to church yesterday for the first time in a month because everyone is healthy! In the afternoon I got in an hour plus at Carina's salon, celebrating a whole year in business! Add to that the anticipation of hosting a handful of couples here Saturday night for a Valentine's Dinner and-- wow!-- I feel drunk on grown-up interaction.
I've really been loving being home for the most part, though. This season has required a more focused attention on my home and children than ever before and it has been wonderful. There are long and emotionally-draining days for sure, but for the most part this has been a great winter. (Well... aside from all the sickness.) It is much easier to get the necessary things done to care for my family when they are truly top priority on my day-to-day list.
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I am so thrilled to hear that you are all finally well! I am praying that continues. I had a couple of nice chats with Judy Tomford in the past few days. I am very honored and humbled that she asked me to share at a CFA mom's meeting while I am in NY visiting. I'm praying that I have the right words of encouragement for the group. It will be great to visit with all of you very soon.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how these busy and challenging days can sometimes get our heart-rates up? The older women whose babies are now in college just shake their heads at us and say "Honey, enjoy these times while they are still here. They slip away quickly!" I have had hundreds of women say this to me, so I know it's true. It amazes me- as I take my generous 4 (and sometimes 5) minutes to get ready for church on Sunday morning, I am tempted to think, "I just wish I had 30 minutes to make myself ready for today." Then I quickly remember that there are ladies out there who are taking their time putting on their make-up and doing their hair- IN TEARS- because they miss their "little" ones who have left the nest, or worse yet, left this earth- and they would give ANYTHING to be caring for their needs once again. Quickly I am reminded to not buy into the lie that The Grass in Greener on the other side. Whatever we're doing, it seems like the next season will always be better. What a crock! I admit, as much as I can face that temptation to hurry this season of wiping tears and butts right along, I am surrounded by women who challenge me to do otherwise. And more importantly, everytime I read the Word and soak it up to (in turn) teach my children, I keep running across this whole concept of thankfulness and contentment. Woah. This doesn't match up with the daydream of 30 minutes of uninterrupted primping on Sunday mornings. Besides, Eris always always teases me, "Honey- I'm a sure thing. I already said "I do". Remember?"
ReplyDeleteSo thanks for posts like these that encourage and remind us to enjoy this time at home. Even if we do have long and emotionally-draining days, you're right- it has been a good winter! And thank you for your friendship! That grown-up interaction is definitely a nice blessing along the road of dirty diapers, temper tantrums, and runny noses!