Freedom

I was on the phone with my girlfriend Stephanie this morning discussing our constant struggle for home perfection.  Staying home to raise our kids is an amazing gift and we are so grateful, yet finding a balance can be so difficult.  As we were chatting about the battle we fight to keep our homes clean and children entertained and happy I heard the familiar clanking of dishes in the background.  My friend was unloading her dishwasher and I was cleaning up breakfast dishes.  

The weather outside is perfect.  There is no humidity, not a cloud in the sky and it is 70 degrees.  It's a nice break from the record breaking temperatures or rain we've had lately.  Suddenly I thought of a blog I read where the mom wrote about being present.  We're all torn these days with computers, cell phones, schedules, work, housework, appointments, kids ...  It's hard to be 100% present and takes a very conscious effort.  At that moment we decided we would step over the laundry and crafts scattered across our floors and meet at the park for a picnic with our kids.  

 And that's just what we did.  This is how I left our house...

 We headed to the park with lunch.  It felt really great.  I felt free.  No more laundry.  No cell phone.  No computer.  No fighting.  No toys.  Just a beautiful day and kids running and having fun.  Ahhhh....

Ella seems so big to me lately.  Tall.  Grown up.  Big girl.

The babies had a blast.  I have more pictures of Luke since he is more mobile and I held Gabe a lot since he is injured.

 I think it was the first time the boys were in swings!

The crew.  Steph has 5 kids so it's always fun when we get them all together.  I wish Ella was looking!!

 After the park Steph had an idea to go for a bike ride.  I was a bit nervous since I had never ridden the bike with our new seat for Ella but we did it and we were so proud!!

 Finished with our ride.  The kids were wiped.

 

We had a great day.  In my mind I wish every day could be this great. I know it's not reality with the other obligations to keep the house running smoothly but for today I will relish in the feeling of sweet success.