happy at home

I've never been much of a home-body. I like to be busy, and out doing things, mingling with others, shopping, feeling important - you know - all of that "stuff" that comes with being out of your home during the day (or night). To some extent it becomes necessary to "get out" of the house...but, I have decided, this year, to be home MORE. And eat at the dining table MORE (even for lunch). Even if you don't eat out, and you pack a lunch from home if you're going to be gone through lunchtime, there is just something about sitting down AT the dining table to eat WITH your kids (or at least with those who are home with you while the others are at school!). And to let the children who are not yet at school, PLAY --> AT HOME.

Last year, I was always out and about - either at someone's house, at Bible Study, at school, ballet, or running errands. It's "easy" to be out - your kids cause "less problems" while you're out. There's no time for chaos/arguments between siblings/etc when you're out, and everyone is strapped into their carseats - how hard is that?! Not to mention that your house stays much cleaner if you're not home to get it dirty. You're always going from one place to another, the scenery is always changing, and the kids who are with you usually end up with toys or food treats of some sort while you're out. Under those parameters, what child wouldn't want to be out with you during the day when they are given treats?! Sure makes staying home seem less appealing to them.

I started out the year very busy again...able to escape the "boringness" (and hard work) of being home...and also escaping some sibling issues while out - the kids are happy as long as they have a new toy or a sucker, right?! But, honestly, I have so enjoyed being home more with the kids this year. Maybe once a week I will run some errands with Ms. P. But, I'm really trying to spend more time at home with Ms. P. I don't want her to think that we always have to be "out doing something" to have fun.

It's so great to have kids that are happy to play all day at home and not "need" some outside form of entertainment (or treat) all the time. We have scaled back the quantity of toys...and honestly, they don't need much! Mr. G is perfectly content with Legos - Ms. K & Ms. P have started doing more and more with Legos recently, too. The girls make cute little animals (I'm talking hundreds). Then the little single Lego pieces become the little animals' food. So, when all 3 kids play with Legos - we're talking MEGA CLEAN UP afterwards. But, it's so sweet that they all play and build and use their imagination TOGETHER. I am blessed to have 3 children who like to play TOGETHER. I love that and treasure that (and praise them for it!).

So - cheers to more time at home...facing the dirty dishes...the laundry...reading books...doing puzzles...and just hanging out at home. We have many years ahead of us to fill our days with Bible Studies, errands, shopping, etc, etc, etc...for now - I'm trying to be content to stay home and eat PB & J and yogurt for lunch, with my kids at home - sitting at the dining table. :)