and then it hits you…
if you’re older, then your kids must be older. Huh. How did that happen? One of the benefits of having kids young (lord knows I have a list b/c people have questioned the wisdom since day one) is that my kids are more independent now…giving me more "me" time. Last night, as I ate dinner alone and watched some TV alone, I realized that our family routine has changed in the past few months. And I’m sure more changes are coming.
We’re a "sit down & eat dinner together" kind of family. We don’t eat in front of the TV. We don’t eat "on the run." We set the table, pull up a chair, and eat. Well, at least, we used to. This week, there were at least 2 nights that had us all going in different directions, and eating separately. I’ll confess that I ate my dinner last night in front of the computer, while IMing with a friend. Hope was at her Dad’s, and the boys went to the High School basketball game. Tonight, there’s another basketball game, and Hope will be on the mountain (snowboard club). Sure, I could go to the game…but truthfully, I can only handle so much basketball. So we’ll all be going in different directions again.
So here’s the thing….I’m okay with all of this. Yep, that was a selfish statement. I’m okay with having time alone, having time to scrapbook, having time to do my own thing. I need to get my head around how to make sure that we all still come back to the same place….maybe a specific night that it’s "required" to be home for dinner. And we should ressurect our family game night. And, I need to make the most of this time that I have for me…to create, to ponder, to achieve….
So…yeah…those are my rambling thoughts for this Friday morning.
7 Comments
Sonia
Having your children while young definately has it’s advantages! The older my kids get….and my friends my age are just beginning to start their families, or thinking about it….I realize having children young is pretty good. I don’t regret it one bit…not anymore.
karen
cheers to alone time!!
Shannon
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with “me” time. It is good to teach your kids that it’s okay to be selfish and want time alone. It’s hard to be the best parent you can when you have no time to recharge. I know that I try to have a sit-down dinner with Patrick everynight like my parents had when my brother and I were kids. It helps to keep up with what’s going on. Enjoy your time alone. I know that I cherish mine.
Carrie
I must agree, having children earlier on has it’s advantages! My husband and I started our family young, and the idea of us having time to travel, and that alone time later on down the road keeps me going some days. Ha! People have constantly questioned our decision as well. Enjoy your alone time, and making all of those pretty layouts! 🙂 When I finally get the time to scrap it’s 11pm and I can no longer keep my eyes open.
Tawnya
Hey, I will get that CJ to you this weekend..k? 🙂
kim
Time alone? I’m not sure what that is, lol. We are a sit down at dinner time family too, something I always want to be able to do.
kelly edgerton
As you know, I crave and covet my alone time. I had a talk with my husband this week and tried to explain it to him. The only word I could use to accurately describe how I feel when I don’t have my solitude is SUFFOCATED. Now, that makes me sound like a terrible wife and mother. Sad, but true.
I think your alone time is soemthing to cherish. Don’t allow guilt to get in the way of finding yourself and enjoying the time alone.