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Confession: I have a tendency to be the kind of mom that has 15 things going at once, I tell my kids “just a minute” 43 times a day and IF I get to them it’s never just ONE minute later. My intentions of sitting down and playing, listening, talking are always good but I don’t often follow through. I rush, rush, rush from one thing to the next. Sure they are often good and necessary things, like cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. but I’m not sure it is as important as I make it out to be.  This is not how I want my kids to know me. My desire is for them to see more of a balance. A hardworking, disciplined mom but also one who will stop and listen to the stories, watch the new dance and read the library books at least once before they are due.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Feeling convicted. Maybe because Mason is heading off to kindergarten and reality is hitting me: I don’t have them home forever. Ok so maybe this is a little dramatice, he’ll only be in school 2 1/2 days a week but still….

This morning the girls were setting up a party in their room. A favorite game of theirs. Kaia had the idea that the party needed flowers, hot chocolate and cupcakes. My first reaction was to play “pretend”. But that didn’t fly. And then I just said yes. Why not?!? The kitchen doesn’t have to be cleaned up now, the laundry will get done at some point and showers are over rated right? So we went outside and picked flowers and put then in a cute little vase. I talked her into chocolate milk instead of hot chocolate because of the 90 degree weather. And we made graham crackers with whipped cream and sprinkles. The girls invited Mason their party, who was a little reluctant to play along until he saw what was being served. Sure it was 9:45 in the morning and we just finished it blueberry pancakes with lots of syrup but who cares. They loved it!

My prayer as mom is to use my time wisely, find a balance of some sort (nothing is ever perfect) and to have discernment in what my kids need through out the day. Yes, this is a big prayer. Gosh, I’m overwhelmed just typing it out!  But I’m not alone. I’m grateful I have the One who knows me best and my kids better than I do to help me each step of the way.

Is there a party you are missing out on? Or a Lego ship to be built? Don’t miss out.