Saturday, March 1, 2008

Time Well Spent

May you live all the days of your life. ~ Jonathan Swift




I looked around. The floor needed to be mopped, the house needed straightening, there was a pile composed of three days' mail that needed sorting and there was an assortment of laundry that needed to be folded and ironed. (I am completely sure the laundry holds staff meetings after we all go to sleep deciding how it can look more daunting the next day than it does this day - does it fluff itself into those piles or what?) I had an extra day this week due to a student's vacation, but I was battling a sinus infection/flu thing and there was lots to be done at home. And then I glanced into the family room, both girls were gathered at the window staring at a bird that was dangling itself precariously close to the house. It was a gorgeous day, cold, very cold, but no wind and the sun was as bright as I have seen in a while. Emily was muttering something about springtime.

And so, without as much as a second thought to all the things that should have been done, I knew what needed to be done. Emily has a favorite park, people bring their dogs there to walk and it has a fun playground. I quickly gathered hats and coats, stood in the doorway and announced we'd be going for a ride to the park. The entire sentence had not left my lips and Emily had her boots in hand. I had even picked her up early from school that day in hopes of some fun girltime that afternoon while Hannah napped, but I realized in the nick of time that we'd have more fun in the fresh air, all three of us, than staring at the same four walls.

The playground was covered with snow, so we agreed on a long walk through the horse trails. We met four dogs (and their people), fed six ducks, said "hi" to anyone and everyone who passed our way and even caught a glimpse of an experienced rider on her horse way out in a meadow, it was beautiful.

Some of my to-do list still waits to be done. It's okay; someday they will be off doing their own thing and not have time for afternoons in the park. Emily continues to talk about "Ace the dog" who licked her hand and Hannah challenges her zeal with a very loud, "Ewwwww, yuck." They high five one another and giggle, giggle, giggle. My love affair with the washing machine, mop and vacuum doesn't stand a chance:)

25 comments:

mommy24treasures said...

I have always loved that quote :)
I am so glad you had fun!!!! Looks like a wonderful time. A merry heart doeth like a medicine. I am sure it was good for all of you!
May you have many more fun days this upcoming Spring with your beauties.

Kate said...

I'm sure you went to bed happy with the knowledge that you surely had a day well spent. Those are the moments you will remember at the end of your life....and those meeting holding piles of luandry (of which I know well!) will not even be on your radar.

Nice!!

Kate

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

You will never regret spending moments like these with your girls and you are an excellent reminder to those who live by their to-do lists to put them down for a while to create a memory with family...

I have found that no matter how many times I've tried to break it off with the washer and dryer, they accept me back at whatever time of day or night I want to rekindle the relationship.

You are always a blessing to me.

Love,
Lis

2China4Ayla said...

I can't say I have a love affair with my washer and dryer - more like a prisoner to them. I too like to escape them and enjoy the laughter of my girls in the open sunlight....chilly or sweltering. :o)

John & Michelle said...

I love reading your blog and seeing the happy days your family shares! I hate the laundy room and don't know how the dirty towels multiply as we sleep?

Denise C said...

Oh what a special day for all 3 of you!!! Your girls are just delightful and I love reading about all the great and fun things you do together!

You are one great Mommy....(One who knows how to push aside the less important issues (I.e. laundry, mopping, etc.) for the MOST important ones...time with your precious girls!!!!!) Way to go!!

Have a very blessed week, my friend!

3 Peanuts said...

What a wonderful day none of you will forget or regret:)

Kim

Blogs by Danielle said...

You're the best! Love that you decided to skip all those tasks. They will get done, and in the end, unfolded or dirty laundry just doesn't stand a chance to two smiling, laughing girls, now does it?

Glad you had a wonderful day!

Sheri said...

Way to go! What a wonderful afternoon and great memories made with your little sweethearts. We should all remember to ignore our to-do lists more often so that we can spend more time with our kiddos.

Linette said...

What a fun day for you girls! Way to go on doing what is important..and putting the other things aside. Spring will be here soon...thank goodness! :)

prechrswife said...

Sometimes the housework just has to wait... Your day sounds a lot more fun. :-)

Danielle Moss said...

If you get a second, can you email me so I can put my logo up and give you your updated header? I am working on getting them all out.

Thank you! Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

Lori said...

That's awesome Heather~ way to go. :)

Jan said...

Great post! (Like the quote too.)

Sibi said...

Thank you so much for your sweet comments.
Means so much to me. I enjoyed reading your
blog and reading about your precious girls.
You are blessed beyond measure!
Loved this post!

Anonymous said...

Geat quote, and what a way to live :).

Dawn said...

You definitely have the right idea!! Looks and sounds like a wonderful day!!

DiJo said...

Hands down a date with your girls beats a date with the laundry! I can totally relate to the daunting piles.... What a beautiful place to walk!!! Can't wait to break free with The Pearl and The Ruby outside soon. We are still covered with white here!
Blessing to you and your tiny blessings!
Love,
Diana

Leslie said...

I need to be more like you. Your a great mommy, with lots of great memories that will last a lifetime. Great and fun post.

Beth said...

What a beautiful reminder to us all! We can always look to children to help us remember what is most important in life. :)

Beth

Jenn said...

It sounds like a wonderful day!

I'm betting you will always remember the fun you had that day, and completely forget about the things that needed to be done around the house. :o)

Blessings!

Jenn

Jodee said...

Love the quote! It also looks like you had a great time female bonding with your girls!

Marla said...

Great post and adorable pics! We should all be more like you and put the tasks aside for some quality kid time. I agree there is definitely some sort of laundry conspiracy. :)

Stefanie said...

Looks like the PERFECT way to spend an afternoon :) Beautiful pics, thanks so much for reminding us what it's all about!

Jewels of My Heart said...

This post touched my heart more than you will ever know.... I am so glad you realized what truly needed to be done.... I need to do that more often...
Good for you and good for the girls.

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