How can we make it slow down?

Our clan, enjoying life with the giant tree's on the island.

I know, be amazed. Two posts in two days.

Like I said yesterday, it was a busy day! So today, I just wanted to rest a little. Slow down. But life must go on. Piano lessons in an hour.

Ok, so this brings me to some new thoughts. When do we say enough? Enough lessons. Enough busyness. Enough of trying to make our kids into superhumans. And hey, what becomes of those kids when they're adults anyways? Is there any proof they love our Lord more then the kid who learned piano cause they wanted to, and they loved the sound of it?

Cause that's the real measure isn't it? Does it matter if our kids get the best jobs out there? If society looks at them with awe? But, what if, in all they're perfected skills, these kids loose what's most important? Our Lord. The heart of it all.

Yes, I know, there's some that do accomplish both out there. But what kind of example am I to them if I'm stressed out, trying to get them here and there, running around, being perfect. (ha, as if!) But, not being me with them.

You know what I want? I want to have time to look at Levi's lego creations. To enjoy Kayla's drawings. To tickle Emily. To snuggle with Nathan.

Oh yes, I do those things, but sometimes... some days... Those flowers they picked for me, just means more mess in my kitchen. Perhaps bugs came in on them. That lego creation? I just don't care if I see another block airplane. I just want my floor clean! I don't want to step on toys!

Where's the balance? We need order. I do, to some degree at least. And if the kids weren't involved in anything, they get bord. Yet, how do we do things, without the pressure. Without it taking over our lives?

This morning, I decided to relax. We ate left over popcorn for breakfast. The kids played with their new toys. Emily did a puzzle. Nathan snuggled with me while I hung out on here. I feel like my soul has been refreshed. We need these moments.

I just wish I could do both! Have a clean orderly house, cook tasty healthy meals, have satisfied fulfilled children, that love learning and are curious about life. Play with my kids, go for long walks. Have tea with friends. All the time. Relax in the evening with my hubby. Instead of doing dishes till 10 most nights.

These kids are growing up, and if I keep going at this pace, I won't get to enjoy them. But it seems the only alternative is living in a mess... which, I can't do either.

You know, the other night, Larry asked me if I could take up knitting. Wha?? Knitting? You know why? He said he wanted me to just sit in the evening with him. Visit. Instead of cleaning the house, or whatnot.

You know something else? If we drop everything we're doing, the kids fight more. They're bord. And if anything can shatter a mother sanity. It's fighting!

So, we'll continue on. And try to find more quiet moments. It's ok if my kids don't become the next Prime Minister. And if they do... well, I guess I'll still love them... haha! I want them to enjoy life, to laugh. To work hard for what they want, but to know when to stop, and breathe. To be strong, yet soft.

I guess, I gotta try to do these things first.