I still feel like life is just sort of gliding along. Sometimes I find myself comparing these days to similar ones even one year ago and it's remarkable how much has changed. I am needed less in some ways, or more, needed in different ways. My children are all growing so wonderfully and becoming these independent beautiful little people. Watching them grow is the best thing in my life.
Yesterday was a wonderful day. Ian was out of town so I capitalized on single parenting survival. I felt the need to clean and purge after our long time away and they obliged, all day. They played having babeis and doctor and trip to Minnesota and store and trains and and and and. All day long. Felix is old enough now to get it mostly and join in. I'm so thankful for my three little pals.
We roamed from their rooms to the basement, to the living room and backyard and back again. Sometimes 1300 square feet can feel tight but I'm amazed by how big it can feel when we need it to.
For dinner we ordered out. QUITE the treat. I was craving pizza, Louise was desperate for pasta so we did both from a local Italian favorite spot where you can add a side of meatballs and a bag of cookies to your meal for a few small dollars. Ainsley kept exclaiming that it was the best meal ever. I enjoyed it too.
After dinner we watched a whole hour of American's funniest home videos. I'd never thought to watch that with them before and it was entirely entertaining. Of course after the show Ainsley wanted Louise to record her walking into walls and falling over and laughing. Now I remember why I perhaps refrained from watching it with them ;o).
This morning we had to get OUT so we did some errands which were just shy of enjoyable. The kids all love our local hardware store. I'll admit there is something magical about a place that sells caramel corn, tiny foam paint brushes, and putty all in one. Then a trip to the nursery for the seasons last perennials (I think, don't quote me on that!). There were a few sad empty spots in our garden and I am so pleased with what we found. Poor Felix petted some pokey plant and it took a few minutes of him rubbing his hand vigorously and telling me "it too hot mama!" for me to realize he had some tiny pokies that needed removing. He's just fine now and after buying groceries and setting up the pool and sprinkler for them all he's as good as new.
As we speak the girls are downstairs watching something on the iPad. Rest time is tricky sometimes with those two and on days when I just need QUIET I let go a bit with the screen time. It's a battle I think I'll always have, knowing there can be a better use of this time but also knowing how much I love a good veg out with a show. To make up for it the girls rediscovered some composition books we bought last school year and Ainsley wrote THREE full pages, single spaced, of journaling about our Minnesota trip, unprompted I will add so as not to seem the task master. It's so worth it to hold out with your gut and trust in you child and watch them soar a bit.
