"Mom, come play with us," George urged as I slipped out of the front room and padded down the hall in my Oobies (super-cute and fashionable house slippers) and teal sweats (Yes, they're making a come back).
"No, no. You guys go ahead and bowl without me. I'm not so good at it." I shrugged at George and then walked into my room and flopped on my bed. From beneath a pillow, my novel of the day, Beautiful Creatures rested. (Side note: if you haven't read this one, it's a little slow moving but BEAUTIFUL and enchanting and full of bewitching-ness...dang, I love a good book). I flipped it open and read until the end.
The next day . . .
After I taught my first aerobic class of the new year, I jumped in the car and Mark turned to me.
"Where do you wanna go?" he asked, eyes bright. I could tell he was sick of hanging at our house for all of winter break.
"Let's go to the library."
His face fell.
"I'll find you a really good book." He thought about this for a second and then shrugged. (Over the last few months, and after The Hunger Games, Mark's really taken to reading more.) So, we went to the library.
After I found the books I wanted, Mark met me at the desk and said he'd wait in the car with the kids while I checked out. I nodded, and stepped up to the counter. The librariarn pulled my pile closer to her and then also pulled out two more books from beneath the counter. Books I had resereved. A smile spread across my face--I love when books come in for me.
"You have three weeks before they're all due back," she said.
"Yeah," I reached out for the books. "I know."
"You must read a lot."
"I love to read," I gushed at her, books pulled into my arms. "Don't you? You work at the library. I wish I could work at the library."
She smiled a kind smile. "Yes I love to read too, but I don't think I could finish that many in three weeks." She motioned to the dozen books in my arms. "I wouldn't have a life if I did."
"Ha ha," I laughed as I walked out of the library and got into the car, a frown forming on my insides.
When we got home, George and Henry asked if they could play Wii. At first I was relieved. "Yes," I agreed, thinking of the time I would have to read. And then I remembered the wise librarian's prophetic comment. After a moment, I walked into the front room and picked up one of the Wii controls.
"Let's play."
Goal 1 for 2010: Play with my kids
Sounds like a great goal!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet words always.
I struggle with the same thing. I have to remember they're only little for a short time and you cannot get this time back. helps me keep things in perspective.
ReplyDeleteI love being a mom!
Good for you, Erin! Proud of you!
ReplyDeleteWii totally counts as a FHE activity at my house! Disney DDR here we come!
ReplyDeleteWise choice!
ReplyDeleteAha! So that's how you've been able to get all that reading done in the past. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat goal! You won't regret it!
He he he the librarian said you read to much. Ha ha. Thats funny
ReplyDeleteThat is a great goal - I think it's too easy to ignore chances to play with our kids because we're so involved in reading/writing/etc. It's a goal I need to focus on too! Way to go! (Except we don't have a Wii...)
ReplyDeleteYour blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
ReplyDeleteErin you are awesome! I have been thinking about that too, realizing there is too much time my little girl sits playing by herslef or watching a "show" while I read read read.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of that...I have a proposition for you. Even if you are cutting back, are you interested in taking up blogging once a week with me and Sara? E-mail me!
Oh, Erin, you're so good.
ReplyDeleteI'll play more with my kids this year, too.
(Although, a lot of times that goal turns into "spend more time with my kids," to which I can say, "Hey, kids! Let's read a book!)
thanks Erin, exactly what I needed to hear, I have such a hard time just focusing on enjoying being with my kiddos.
ReplyDelete