Remember how I was supposed to clean my house yesterday, but didn't because I went shopping with my girlfriend? Remember how I was going to clean it today, and catch up on all of my laundry from when we went on vacation? Do you remember that?
I didn't clean the house today.
It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, the air was lightly crisp. It was just too beautiful of a day to waste doing things like mundane chores.
Today I spent my time with six children, only two of them being mine. We were watching a little boy across the street, so technically, though not biologically, he was mine. Meelie No had a little friend over for a play date, and Chickie had two friends over. They were all bursting with energy so I got this bright idea to take them all with me to "do stuff." I suffer from periodic bouts of insanity.
We started off the day by going out for lunch, because, you know, don't you all want to take six kids, ages 11 and under, out to lunch? We went to Sonics, and after much talking at once, and jumping up and down, and changing our minds we placed our order. I told the lady who took the order, and then delivered it to our table outside that she rocked. She got it right the first time.
After the kids stuffed themselves with all kinds of fast food (grilled cheese, chicken strips, chicken popcorn, chilli dogs and slushies) we went trundling off to the Waterfront.
The Waterfront can be found downtown, and is complete with a playground, paths for walking, a fountain and many different docks that you can walk on and watch the boats come in and out. This is a good place to let the children run off vast amounts of steam that have built up over the past few days since the weather has been so cold. It's also a place to have fun. We brought all of our magnifying glasses and sat in the square (a brick patterned area where the fountain is, surrounded by benches). The sun cooperated and we tested the burning ability of dried, dead leaves, grass and attempted to get some ants but they kept moving.
Man, I wish I would have had my camera.
The afternoon was full and busy on this beautiful day at the park. The parents of the kids that were with me think I am a lunatic. I am, but not because I don't mind having a bunch of kids with me on my own, but that's for a different post. These women are stay-at-home moms, and in my view, have one of the harder jobs around. So they are with their kids alot. I work, so I don't have the luxury of spending all of that free time with them. When I do get that chance, I cherish it, be it just my two or a whole group.
It also gives me a chance to be a kid. I can run around on the playground, I can burn leaves with magnifying glasses, I can throw coins in the fountain, and make a wish. I can tell the kids stories from my childhood, which, for some reason they always want to hear.
It's good stuff. And the dirty kitchen floor? It's going to have to wait another day. I'm going outside to blow some bubbles.
Comments
My kitchen floor could use some attention, too. But yesterday Lil Daughter(19) took a nap in my lap like she used to when she was three. At this point I'm just glad she's home and so is she;)
Posted by: julie at January 8, 2006 07:07 PM
Moogie,
Thanks for the link!
I can see why the kids just ADORE you! Sounds like a wonderful day.
The kitchen floor can wait. Heck, I didn't get everything done that I wanted to get done but I'm savoring time with the ones I love and even having fun with some blog friends as well!
Take care,
Sweetie
Posted by: Sweetie at January 8, 2006 09:34 PM
Sounds like a super day, one you and those kids will long remember.
Posted by: john cowart at January 9, 2006 06:19 AM
Sometimes we spill something on the kitchen floor and then we have to wipe it up and then... OH NO, it's a clean spot!! :)
Posted by: Uisce at January 9, 2006 12:41 PM
Insanity is allowed, your right there are other posts you could have put up and maybe will at a later date (time permitting) Everything can wait, okay maybe not the Laundry it has to be done soon, don't look at me it takes me to do my own.
Stay at home mothers hmm they need a life.. You have the best of both :D
Posted by: Gopher at January 9, 2006 01:13 PM
We all have to let the inner child out once in a while to play. Helps keep us young. :)
Posted by: FTS at January 9, 2006 02:13 PM
Have fun with the kids while you can :) Those years slip by all to quickly.
Posted by: D Brooks at January 9, 2006 05:29 PM
Sounds like a great day. This post explains entirely why my house is NEVER clean :)
Posted by: Melonie at January 11, 2006 03:31 PM
My mother's favourite saying:
Cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow
For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep
Of course, my mother really, REALLY hated housework.
But seriously, there is no better reason in the world to put off your work. My mother's youngest baby is about to be 19, and still still uses it. I, however, have no such excuse...so I'd better get my butt into gear.
Posted by: Jay at January 11, 2006 03:43 PM