No TV, week #1

I was really surprised how much I enjoyed not having the t.v. on this week.

We actually carted the t.v. back to the office, and didn’t watch any! (excepting family movie time after dinner a couple of nights, and a few Sesame street skits turned on long enough for me to snag a quick one shower yesterday afternoon )

I was really bracing myself for horrific meltdowns and running around and chaos and the day dragging by s-l-o-w-l-y, but was surprised to find the exact opposite! The weather’s nice here, so we spent a good amount of time on the porch or at the park or walking trails. They’re both really like little forest elves…they adore being out in the dirt and trees and rocks and leaves. It’s *amazing* how quickly time seems to fly when it’s pretty outside.

I want to pause time and not let the freezing rain of winter come…this area is famous for it. I’ll have to get more creative, I guess, lol. This is an easy time of year to wean off the poop tube.

We did some fun little seasonal projects together: we made a bird feeder with peanut butter and pine cones, collected leaves, baked some muffins, made some apple-star-stamp cards to send to family and I think we’ll carve another jack-o-lantern tomorrow morning.

It probably helps that I tend to be obnoxiously in love with all things whimsical and creative. I have to remind myself to pace myself and not rush from one project to the next. Savoring. Being in the moment, and embracing the rhythm of work, play, and savoring. I need to work on that. E tends to cure that tenancy by digging in her heels when she feels pushed or rushed, which is good for me.

I’m also working on not being quite so much of a shutter-bug. *gasp* Still taking pictures, of course, but spending most of my time connecting and enjoying the moment…not missing out on it by trying so hard to capture it. Special moments with children remind me of butterflies: try to hard to capture them, and you’ll crush them. But, if you remain very still and approachable, they just might land on your fingers.

Mostly…I guess I’m trying to live more than survive, which is, of course, a lot easier now that both girls are out of the all-consuming infant phase.

I’m happy to have reclaimed a little bit of rhythm. <3