The past week or so hasn't been the best. Last week the baby was teething and wanted to be held every waking moment. This week the children are taking turns with the sick bugs. Four goopy noses, hacking coughs, and fevers mean I'm ready to clock out for a few hours, or days! Except that mothers don't get days off!
Then I read a post written by a mother of a two year old in the final days of a fight against cancer. I'll share an excerpts.
"The house is quiet. I am able to go through the motions of laundry, dishes, cooking and picking up without interruptions. But I WANT interruptions. I WANT Layla to be under my feet asking for cookies. I WANT to hear her playing with her toys. I WANT to take 45 minutes to unload the dishwasher because she keeps trying to help. For every time I uttered the words “I just can’t get anything done with these kids under my feet all day” I am eternally regretful. The days that I looked forward to naptime so I could get a grocery list made, or finally fold all the piles of laundry…I regret those days too. If I could do it all again, I’d enjoy EVERY SINGLE WAKING MOMENT I had with her. I would never wish for her to sit still or take a nap or go to bed early. I would treasure every second with her."
Read the whole post at LaylaGrace. How convicting! Once I could see again, I looked around my home. I saw my five year old who has begged for me to have a tea party with her while the younger ones nap. Always I list my reasons why I can't - at least not now. Maybe when I finish the laundry, or making supper, or cleaning, homeschooling, emailing, etc. Always some excuse. But am I treasuring the time that I have with my five year old? Will I some day look back with regret for all the moments I didn't spend with my daughter and her siblings?
So we had a tea party. It was quite simple. We made chocolate chip scones together. My daughter set the table herself choosing her favorites from my tea cup collection. We filled the tea pot with water, since she hates tea of any kind. We sipped our water out of thin china cups with our warm scones. Simple. But important.
Maybe I'm learning. But I'm writing this down here because tomorrow I'll need reminded. And the next day. And the next.
And if you want to make scones for your own tea party...I'll share the recipe. This is a Taste of Home recipe that Mum in Bloom shared. I adapted it slightly. These were delicious warm and even good cold!
Chocolate Chip Scones
2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup buttermilk or kefir
1 cup chocolate chips
Combine dry ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk just until moistened. Stir in chips.
Turn on floured surface and knead gently. Divide dough in half. Gently pat each portion into 7-inch circle. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Cut each circle into six wedges. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 12 minutes. Serve warm.
Take time for tea today. (Or however your child needs your undivided attention.)
Thanks SO much for that reminder. The last several days (but not today amazingly!) I've been feeling kind of frustrated with Logan who has been fussy and clingy. I get annoyed that my work is not getting done, that I can't do the things I want to do....God has convicted my heart.
ReplyDeleteMy dear son truly is a gift and I want to enjoy every minute of the time God gives me with him!
Maybe I'm learning. But I'm writing this down here because tomorrow I'll need reminded. And the next day. And the next.
ReplyDeleteOh how true this is! It's so sad that it takes a story like that to make us find time to give our kids an extra squish. Thank you for sharing this.
Your daughter looks simply delighted and so very precious.
Gina you are so sweet to feature my blog & share the recipe :) Like you say, naptime is a great time to get chores done, but a real opportunity to spend special times with older children too. I used to blog while my daughter ate breakfast before school. I've since recognized the opportunity to spend that special time with her before she gets on the school bus and while her little brother is still asleep. We spotted 5 dear out back last week and have been enjoying the sunrises together. Priceless. Thank you for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteVery good reminder. I,too, am guilty of neglecting my oldest because of household chores. And, I've felt convicted this week of not paying enough attention to my two year old - the third born. she sort of gets lost in the mix of things and then misbehaves and gets attention that way. I'm trying to learn! (I want to get it all learned quick, though - before they get any older!!!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant reminder that can teach us to treasure all the moments of motherhood no matter how difficult they may seem at the time.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have not had to experience a child's death, having one graduate from high school has been a reminder that childhood is fleeting.