One of the hardest things about being a family with school-aged children is striking a balance with how we spend our time. Knowing when enough is enough. Knowing when the plates are too full. Knowing when to just say, "No" or "Maybe another time." I am working really hard to do just that. After just posting a rave review of a time management application that I love, I realize I still have so much to learn before I master the true art of time management. I think if I was truly managing my time or our time the right way, we'd have a lot more of it in which we had nothing to accomplish. We would have much more time to just be. Time to day dream. Time to watch the leaves fall or marvel at the beautiful changing colors. Time to take long, slow walks and collect more pine cones. Time to knit more. Time to go pick apples. Time to just be. To be alone. To be together as a family. Just more time.
I'm working on it. I am working on both organizing our time and simplifying it. I had signed the boys up for reading/story time programs at our local library. They started last week. First I purposely missed The Inventor's first session on Thursday after school. Tuesday after school he has violin lessons. Wednesday after school he has soccer practice. Monday through Thursday he has homework and practices his instrument. When is a six-year-old boy supposed to invent with all of his time accounted for? As much as I love library programs, I am calling tomorrow to have them remove his name from the roster. Maybe another time.
As for Gigglyface, his first session was supposed to be on Friday morning. On Friday morning at 9:30, the time we were to leave, I watched him. He was busy at play. I'd filled one of his toy bins with balls of all colors and sizes. He was throwing them, kicking them, rolling them and giggling happily. It was raining and windy outside. He hates his heavy jacket for whatever reason. And so, I said..."F*&# it." We missed our first day as well. He is read to daily by me, his brother and his dad. An ever-changing basket of books sits rests beside the sofa. Sometimes he'll go pick a book on his own and bring it to a reader. Other times one of us will select the book and scoop him onto a lap for a read and snuggle. I couldn't stand the thought of ruining spontaneous fun with a scheduled program. We'll see what happens next week.
The weather is gray and cool and I want to play and walk, knit and bake, jump in leaves and snuggle under blankets, not sit under fluorescent lights. There's plenty of time ahead for that. Still, it's been a crazy week, even with eliminating those two activities.
I did bake my weekly scones though. I use a recipe called Simple Scones from AllRecipes.com, though I have modified it here and there. You can get away with using less butter, fat-free Greek yogurt, less sugar, and substitute 1/3 to 1/2 of the flour with wheat flour. I use chocolate chunks, but the recipe calls for raisins or currants. They never get old and I can usually always find time to make them.
Earlier this week, I shared a few with The Dubliner and a good neighbor. So, this morning I replenished my stash. I made double and froze half. I think this will free up some time later in the week. I'm hoping.
Last night, The Inventor, wanted to make homemade Hawaiian pizza. We rolled our own dough and added our toppings. Messy fun at its best. It was delicious. Better than any store bought pizza. Though, today he is sick with fever and sore throat and I fear for our health.
There has been some crafting, but photos have yet to be taken. Stay tuned...
How are you with time management? Have you found balance? Do you have enough time to just be?
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