Yesterday was amazing. We had no real agenda, no last minute to dos that needed done. It's so rare at first I was feeling like I should be doing something. In this culture we are always going, going, going and when we aren't we feel like something is wrong. I feel that my schedule is so jammed all the time I don't have time to enjoy my life, my husband, my kids. I still can't believe my darling daughter is in kindergarten, where did the time go? They always tell you enjoy it now, they grow up so fast. I got that in theory but it didn't hit home until I became a mom. I feel like I blinked and she grew up instantly. Recently I decided I was going to spend more time enjoying my kids than focusing on cleaning, organizing, and all the other things that can wait. After all those things will always be there, my son won't always want me to build a tower with him or my daughter won't want to play princesses with me.
A lot of other moms in this area have their kids scheduled for everything under the sun. Sports, activities, and clubs on top of school! It exhausts me to think about it I can't imagine actually having to live that life. My daughter only has one dance class, once a week. She really loves to dance and I feel that's manageable, no need to burn her out at a young age. Please don't think I'm judging, that's not my place or intention. Personally, I think it's too much for the kids and the parents who have to stop their lives to drive them everywhere. That being said, we usually are busy. We are active in our Church and that can fill our schedule up too. But even when we get free time, I feel like we either have to go out somewhere to occupy our attentions or schedule something to fill the void. It hit me, we are never just here, enjoying each others company.
So, yesterday was amazing. After I got over the urge to just do something for the sake of doing I started to really enjoy my time of nothing. We read, played with cars, made some very interesting dishes in the toy kitchen, created snowmen and blobs with playdoh, and my favorite part: a dance party complete with freeze dance. Dancing is my favorite way to exercise. After I took my first Zumba class I was head over heels in love with it! No more boring cardio machines for me! Getting my kids involved with exercising is important to me. Being healthy should be fun not boring. There we were, dancing like crazy people and having a blast! My kids were trying not to fall over when I yelled freeze! Everyone tried to do their most unique, funny, or crazy freeze pose (they were awesome!). My daughter showed off her ballet moves, my son stomped around yelling along to the music, and I just tried to keep up with them! I don't know what burned more calories, the dancing or all the laughing! Finally, they needed a break. I was ready for one way before that (oh to have the energy of a child). As we sat down for a snack I just looked at them. They were both still smiling and giggling. I couldn't help but smile as well, something about happy children can just make your day all the better. 
Our lazy Saturday was one of the best we've had in a long time. We all got in some great exercise, worked our creative muscles, and just had some good old fashion simple fun. So, I'm taking a stand; taking a break from the going, going, going, and spending more time just being with my kids.
“The soul is healed by being with children.” -English Proverb
Leave a Reply