Weekends

Lately, I have been very intentional with my time. I would like to think this is part of an effort to be more mindful, or at least more organized, but in reality, it is just about survival. If I don't focus on everything I do and the reason I do it, I would spend all of my time running around like a chicken with its head cutoff. (As it is, I probably spend at least half my time that way, but at least it isn't all my time.)

This morning I carved out 45 minutes to spend writing before the kids got up, and I really enjoyed that time. Technology can actually be amazing, and I spent that time laying in bed, drafting a blog post on my phone. Of course, as soon as a certain youngest child skipped into the room at 7am exactly, she grabbed my phone, and everything I had been working on is now permanently "saving" and cannot be opened. So I am starting over with writing this. 

As I look at how I spend my time, I have been more intentional about carving out time to write and spend in the kitchen, because both things make me deliriously happy. (Even when they don't go as planned, they still tend to soothe me. I admit to having been a bit annoyed that this morning's writing disappeared, just like I was less than thrilled when I had an epic baking disaster last Wednesday night, but at the same time, it means I get to spend more time writing and baking as I do those things over. And I am generally okay with that.)

When it comes to weekends, my weekends must include three things. I am happiest when my weekends include time outside, time with my family, and time in my kitchen. (Writing is just a bonus.) Thankfully, the stars have aligned, and I have had plenty of time for all three elements the past two weekends.

Warmer weather means naturally getting more time outside, usually with the family. Overall, it's been a cool spring here (like it has been so many other places), and we've only made one trip to the beach so far. It was only in the upper 60s while we were out there, but that didn't stop the kids from finding a tidal pool and immediately jumping in. Personally, I kept my distance from the chilly water!

 
 

It's also that time of year when most of our weekends begin with berry picking. Currently, strawberries are in season, although there are already little green berries on the blueberry bushes around here. The kids have no idea how lucky we are!

 

Often, we spend our weekend afternoons just hanging out in our yard.

 

The kids have clearly surpassed my ability to draw with sidewalk chalk. (I am basically limited to hearts, stars, and rainbows.)

 

Sometimes, our family time involves indoor activities. Last Sunday it was a little chilly, but Jewel brought home passes to Cameron Art Museum the week before, and it seemed like we were just destined to go. We had never been before, and it wasn't until we were walking around that I marveled that we had not only considered taking our children to an art museum, but that we were there for at least 15 minutes before it occurred to me that allowing four children to wander around a building full of fragile items might not be the greatest idea ever. Thankfully, they did well and seemed to actually enjoy a lot of it. They only stumbled upon one piece intended "for mature audiences only" (at least that I am aware of), and they enjoyed finding this interactive sculpture of a camper that they could climb in. As soon as he sat down, Mike channeled "Magical Mystery Tour" and announced, "If you look to your left, ladies and gentlemen, the view is not very inspiring. Ah, but if you look to your right…"

 

When my weekends are like this, and I get to do the things I enjoy, on Sunday nights I can relax and get ready for the week ahead. And that is a good thing.