Family Home Evening

I'm not going to lie ... our little family is wonderful about spending lots of quality time together, but not so great about having structured family home evenings.  We are trying to do better.  This is week 2.  Last week Mylie was in charge and did such a great job.  It was really sweet - she had stories and scriptures and songs.  This week she was in charge again (imagine, my child likes to be in charge!)  However, Blake wasn't going to let her have all the glory.  He knew what was going on now and he was prepared.  He had his own little box that he brought out (Mylie brings everything in a box).  He stood up and held a picture of a car and began a talk about the Holy Ghost.  It was hilarious/so sweet.  He wanted to mimic just what she did.  Oh these kiddos of mine crack me up!

Playing Hooky

I don't go to campus on Mondays.  Blake stays home with me and we play and I grade.  Mylie woke up this morning complaining of a stomachache, or a cough, but mostly that she misses me during the week and really wants to stay home today and play with Blake.  It only took about 17 seconds for me to think about it and totally give in to her.

They started out by making a tent in Blake's room.  They were so happy with themselves - I remember making tents with my brother, and really, it was a lot of fun.  They had their lunch in there and even faked taking a nap in there.  Now we have moved on to snuggling on the couch, eating popcorn, and watching "Enchanted," which is one of our favorite movies.

I know that she should be at school - I really do, her stomachache/cough seemed to have magically fixed itself.  She will be at school tomorrow and the rest of the Mondays this year.  But just for today, I am totally OK with staying home with my two favorite kids.  I miss them when they are at school, I love watching them play together more than anything, it probably won't be always that they want nothing more than to be together with me - so for today I'm taking that.  Today I'm OK with playing hooky.

So quiet!

After a busy week I was all done with everything on Friday about 2.  And so I thought ... what should I do ... the kids are still at school ... I came up with a few ideas:

• I could grade papers
• I could craft
• I could clean the house
• I could take a nap 
• I could go shopping ALL by myself

Shopping was the winner.  First I went to Target, I only had a couple things on my list - I was looking for a new computer case and also needed new rugs for the front and back door.  I stood in the rug aisle for 20 minutes - and no one complained.  I bought a coke and a piece of candy at the checkout and didn't have to explain or argue about it.  Now, don't get me wrong - It isn't like I don't ever go shopping - the kids and I go shopping often, and really, I love going with them.  I love every thing  about them ... but I'm not ashamed to say that I really, REALLY enjoyed my quiet shopping trip.  Then I went to Staples, which could possible bore my children to death.  Then I went to the craft store, just to look around.  No one begged me to PUH-LEEZ buy them some stickers.

And then I went to the mall ALONE.  And I had an epiphany while I was there.  Remember when we were teenagers?  Could anything be as traumatic as going to the mall by yourself?  Let me just tell you at age 36, there is no trauma involved in being at the mall by yourself.  To say it was a delightful afternoon would be an understatement.  I spent an HOUR in the apple store.  A whole beautiful, quiet hour.

Then I came home and I was so happy to see the kids and spend the remainder of the day with them.  But to all the moms out there ... it is OK to enjoy the quiet doing something YOU want to do and not feeling guilty about it!

Wow!

Our year is off to a great start, though it is really hard for me to believe we are already 8 days into February!  One project I am working on this year is a photo a day.  I have tried this a couple of different times, but this year is the year!  I am tracking it using a website called shuttercal.  Here is a link to my calendar:  http://shuttercal.com/calendar/myliesmom/.

Here is a peek into our January!