Saturday, January 17, 2009

Mothers Who Know Do Less

Ok, it's about this time of year that I totally wish I lived somewhere warm! This freezing, frigid tundra is insane! The last couple of weeks I feel like I've tried to hibernate as much as possible...and I'm trying to be ok with it:) I am by nature an "on-the-go" person and have always been happier when I am busier and out doing things. My Grandma Lowe was like that and I think I got that from her. It's really a challenge for me to stay home alot and be content. I get easily restless and antsy to get out. Well, I have really been trying these last few frigid weeks to just embrace the idea of staying home and enjoy being with my kids. It has been a good opportunity to do all those things that I want to do with my kids but never seem to get around to. We have been reading LOTS of books, including the 16 book scripture series I've been wanting to read them. We've played all their new games from Christmas...Connect Four, Twister, Perfection, Memory, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Don't Spill the Beans, the list goes on... We've built cities with Lincoln Logs, made creatures out of playdough, practiced our cutting, drawing, and gluing skills a ton:) I've laid on the carpet and played "airplane" with the babies and just let them crawl on me and tickled them til they laugh so hard. We've played reading and word games, and the boys practiced writing letters to relatives. Below is a picture of the fort we made this week. They loved making it and then getting it all set up like a bed inside and then we cuddled up and read stories in it. At one moment we were reading in the fort, and the thought came to me that this is really what life is all about...there is nothing better than cuddling with two four year olds who think you're the best...and they are hanging on every word of the scripture stories being read. It has been one of my new years resolutions to focus on the important things in life and let go of the unimportant things (like keeping the house clean all the time, etc.) One of my favorite talks is by Julie Beck "Mothers Who Know, Do Less" and I have really found that to be true this week. So often I get caught up in all the things going on and places to go that I get sidetracked from the important things in life and the best things about Motherhood...my four kiddos! I love them so much and am so grateful that I am their mom!

7 comments:

  1. You inspire me Julie! Whether you're out, or at home you're all about making your kids' lives wonderful. You're a rock star mom!

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  2. That's such a sweet and righteous desire. I'm kind of like that, too, as far as feeling like I always need to be out doing stuff to feel happy. I've finally in the past year or so tried to do more of what you described in your post and just enjoy "being a mom", and spend more moments with the kids. It's definitely a challenge to let all the other things go! I admire you! And I can't tell you enough how freakin' cute your babies are! All four of your kids have the most gorgeous little faces; you can see in their eyes that they feel loved! :)

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  3. Thanks Julie! I needed that. Mothers who know should do less, and I needed that lesson (again).

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  4. I love that talk as well. Thanks for reminding me of it. I hear you about being stuck inside. Our inside time in AZ is from June to September and it is not my favorite. Take care,
    Suzie

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  5. the fort looks so fun!

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  6. Julie, what you've been doing is life and the best life. Just think, if you were on the go, all the things you listed would have been missed and much of that time spent in the carseat. You are awesome! Wish I could send some warm weather your way.

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