Time Consumers

During this crazy, busy season of finishing up school work, preparing for Christmas celebrations with extended family, preparing to travel to Africa to pick up another child, and the usual three meals a day, laundry, errands, life, it has occurred to me that I haven't blocked out enough time to play. I get caught up in that organized, efficient mind set that I have to have the kitchen all clean, and the beds all made before I can go to the grocery store, which has to happen before 11:30 so I can make the kids' lunches on time. In order for that to actually happen the two four year olds that are home must not: have an argument, spill anything, get out any toys, need help brushing their teeth, want a snack, or pretty much anything else. It is just unrealistic.

I find it very difficult to spend time on the floor wrestling with the kids. Mostly because then I realize how much I need to vacuum. It is sort of like the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. While I am trying to sit there and give my pre-schoolers my undivided attention, I am noticing all of the things that need to be done. This is part of the reason I don't homeschool, I'm easily distracted. My kids need my time and attention. All of them need it, and that takes a lot of time.

I was standing in line at some store with my basket full of stocking stuffers, wondering what I was doing. I was buying gifts that my kids don't really need instead of being home with them. My life is a constant tension of doing things for my kids, but needing to be doing things with my kids. Occasionally I will have a stroke of genius and figure out some activity that we can do together that is enjoyable for all of us. Rick found craft toy kits in town for a dollar. He bought several of them, and the kids worked on building and painting those all together for a couple of hours. It was great. Of course they are all sold out now, and probably would not go over so well the second time.

My favorite time of the day is first thing in the morning. I get up and have a cup of coffee and read my Bible. The little kids start rolling out of bed and come snuggle up next to me on the couch. It is our little ritual and we all love it. I end up with quite a pile of people on my lap, but we get a little bit of time connect and then we are off on our day. I need to block out more time like this, especially with Jubilee coming home soon. I have been so busy making packing lists and travel arrangements that I have not taken time to think about what I can clear off the schedule when she arrives. One wise friend asked if I would still be able to meet once a week for our Bible study. I didn't quite get what she was asking, until she pointed out that Jubilee would be coming home with me. Oh ya, that might put a kink in some of my plans. It is a good kink, and I need to change my paradigm and embrace it. I need to schedule in some time for slowing down and getting ourselves together. Time to rock, time to sing, time to hold children, time to build Lego castles, time to pick up Lego castles destroyed by siblings. These don't sound like important things, but in my job they are the most important.