Simpler Times

Some days I feel like everything around me is at such a quick pace. I just want to grab a hold of the reigns and slow it down. The kids are growing up so quickly and I couldn't be prouder of the people they are becoming. I want them to enjoy their childhood because it doesn't last very long. Sometimes as parents I think we over schedule our children with so many activities that we don't have enough time in the day to just be a kid. I adore modern conveniences that allow for chores and our daily jobs to get done more efficiently, but in my heart I also long to balance that with notions of a simpler time. That could mean something different for everyone. For me it's things like:

*home cooked meals made from scratch

*fresh squeezed lemonade

*linens drying on the clothes line on a warm breezy summer day

*riding your bike 'til the street lights come on

*being neighborly

*sun tea

*planting your own vegetable garden

*bundles of fresh picked flowers at your bedside

*collecting eggs from the chicken coop

*dinning under the stars on a warm summer night

* sitting on the front porch reading a good book as the kids play

*family dinners

which we do every night. It's important that we have that time together. I guess I can appreciate the time and energy that goes into some of these things and appreciate the end results. They provide a warm feeling inside and simply make me smile. Things that take a little extra time let your loved ones know you care. We are in a time right now where people are becoming more frugal and environmentally friendly. Where can we save a few dollars and have fun doing it? How can I cook healthier foods for my family? What experiences can we provide our children to work hard, but have fun, be neighborly, take care of your family, friends and community, remember their manners and love life. I don't want them raised worrying about superficial belongings. I want them to grow up and be grateful for what we work hard to have, not what others have and we don't. I know this is a tall order, but I think it's possible. I believe having involved parents who listen and are available in their child's life gives them the love and security to become who they were meant to be. A friend and fellow blogger, April calls it "growing her nest." Making growing your family and it's relationships above growing your business. Not that you ignore it, but maybe it just happens slower and takes a little longer. We only have our children for a short amount of time, so take advantage of that time and treasure each moment.