Sometimes, I am presented with an opportunity to do something fun, and I hesitate. I hesitate because I don’t want to spend the money, or face the crowds, or rally the troops. I hesitate because I’m tired or cranky. I hesitate because the idea of making myself DO THE THING is simply exhausting.
Other times, I pull it together. I get there. I act as a cheerleader and an activity planner and I get everyone excited to go DO THE THING and then I pack the lunch and the first aid kit and whatever other paraphernalia we need and then we GO.
Today, I was presented with an opportunity. A friend and her family were going to The Big E. I looked it up. It looked like fun. Something for everyone. Shopping, rides, pig races, shows. Food and games and family fun. I was ready to commit.
And then I talked to my kids. My kids were feeling pressured. Pressured by football games and family visits and school projects. Pressured by big responsibilities and small ones. There were turtle tanks to be cleaned and chores to be done. But there were also books to be read and guitars that needed playing and apples begging to be turned into pie. There were yard sales to attend and friends to visit.
So in lieu of the big plan, we opted for a lot of smaller ones. We worked on homework and school projects. We checked out some yard sales. Lee had a friend over, and Cal rode his bike around the neighborhood. Jack and I worked on our bathroom a bit. We did the regular Saturday chores; the grocery shopping and the dump run. The toilet scrubbing and the vacuuming.
And while part of me feels guilty for not DOING THE THING, a bigger part of me knows how important it is for me to really listen and consider what my family needs.
Today was a good day. It was productive and relaxing. Here are a few of the highlights.
I was making an updated chore list, trying to fairly divide household tasks between two adults and three kids of varying ages and abilities. And while listing and sorting jobs, I had an epiphany. There are five rooms in this house, not counting bedrooms. And five people to clean. Why was I making this so difficult? Everyone gets a room. Bam. Problem solved.
I made a roast beef. I am notorious for overcooking beef. But, guys… this one was PERFECT. Perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, perfectly freaking delicious. If I do say so myself.
I listened to my son practice his guitar. Lessons started last week, and as he plucks ‘Ode to Joy’ with increasing speed and confidence, I can’t help but marvel at the beautiful process of creating music.
I helped Bea with homework. She hasn’t asked me in a while, which is generally indicative of positive changes, like increased independence. But when she sits and asks me to help talk her through chapter two in her history textbook, it gives us a chance to connect and discuss more important things than when she needs a ride or what’s for dinner.
We went to the church yard sale. Lee’s level of excitement about acquiring other people’s used stuffed animals is baffling and adorable. This kid had all the church ladies in stitches as he presented compelling arguments for every item on his wish list. The most adorable was, “Who else is going to love this little cheetah Beanie Boo with it’s nose chewed off? Only me, mom. Only me. This Beanie Boo deserves love, too.”
As I write this, Jack is finishing up phase two of our bathroom renovation. We now have a sink and a toilet and walls (with paint on them) and molding and brand new floor tiles. What’s left is just the shower, and to those of you who will remind us that that’s the hardest part, I say…. Shush. Just shush.
Overall, I love this time of year. We’re getting back into the routine of school and work. I’m still on top of signing the homework agenda and reminding the kids to do their ‘after school jobs.’ I’m excited about a new group of students, and we haven’t exhausted the fall rotation of slow cooker meals yet. Football is just getting started, and 4thgrade games and NFL ones are equally entertaining… for the moment.
Music lessons haven’t become rote yet, and I haven’t yet had the opportunity to forget school picture day or a counseling appointment or a youth group event.
The apples haven’t had a chance to turn brown in the fruit basket, and I’m still feeling optimistic about baking a pie… tomorrow.