day of play

as i've revamped my time, i've discovered that i actually have more of it than i once thought. i guess, recently i've just been using it all wrong. i suppose that's what happens when you're used to juggling only two balls, and suddenly you have to learn how to juggle with three. and as time goes by, three is actually just as easy as two. 

here's what i've been doing with my newfound time...

my little mims and i had a little cooking session.

she learned the difference between "spoon" and "fork." way to go, mims.

we had story time. she will eagerly plop down on my lap, whether i'm ready for her or not, waiting to hear the story and my funny voices. i like making her giggle.

next on our agenda: tunnel time. 

she thought it was worth a few hearty laughs when i got "stuck." 

again with the cars. this time a pink one with "mr. ham" as the driver. she loves her some cars.

my favorite...the vacuum monster. she laughed and was easily entertained all the while the house was being cleaned. two birdies with one stone. we like this game. 

break time. chowing down on some sweet potato mash, giving dirty looks, and wiping food into her hair. atta girl.

i had promised Z and M that they'd get to decorate the tree today after school. there was a bit of a detour as we picked up sam and headed to the tire place for winterizing the car, however. in any case, i managed to keep my promise. here is their tree. i prefer soft, warm, white lights. they wanted candy colored. i don't blame them, it's a kid thing, i think. somehow all the ornaments ended up congregating in one spot.

they were pretty proud of their tree, and i'm glad they had fun.. we listened to christmas carols and had a dance party as we decorated. sam has the video recordings for that, thank goodness. even little mims got down. but the fun had to end because it was way past their bedtimes and i was so ready for some quiet time. it was really difficult for me to not be the mom who says, "okay, kids have at the tree!" and then turn around and "fix" it after they'd all gone to bed. i did rearrange a couple ornaments to cover the neglected spots, but that's about it. ;)

today i am grateful for:

*taking the time to play. i've always held "play" on such a high pedestal. i think it's important for children to learn through play and not just the tedious drone of my nagging voice and stiff, proper lesson-giving. my children need to laugh, and see me laughing with them.

*winter tires, that could possibly save our lives and/or prevent us from even getting into a very bad accident.

*the times when i have all three children at home with me, and in my arms. yes, it's nice to have a break and get to do my own thing...BUT, i really, truly do miss Z and M when they are off at school and i can't wait until i pick them up to ask them about their day. i love my babies.