Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Isn't it About Time?

our latest family photo, taken at an a-town game. we crushed them, by the way.

In the first few weeks of Rotten's life, it felt like time was holding still for us. It was a wonderful time, having WBH at home, Stinky loving and adoring his new little brother, enjoying allf the changes and challenges together. Like all good things, it came to an end- WBH had to return to work, Stinky will be returning to his preschool routine this week, and life's unavoidably hectic pace has resumed.

It's the little responsibilities, the frequent interruptions, the things that make life what it is. I know we can't expect to maintain the family time we get during the summers or the freedom that comes with it. Eventually, real life comes knocking again and we have to rejoin the rest of the human race.

I'm trying to find ways to reclaim our family time, and considering what robs us of it. Where do you draw the line between what is necessary and what isn't?

6 comments:

Elizabeth said...

It's hard for anyone to juggle life, there's always so much going on. I usually ask myself if it will be that important five years from now if I did/didn't do something. I grew up with a dad who was gone much of the time (traveled on business)to the extent that my little sister wouldn't recognize him and he was often gone for months at a time. My family often says no to other things in an effort to make up for that.

For me, my family, my callings and school are a priority and I juggle the rest around.

Anonymous said...

Clearly I have no input as I have no family of my dear own yet... but... You're such a beautiful family of four! Four definitely fits you!

Anonymous said...

When you find out, will you tell me?

Actually, I've found my kids to be a pretty good barometer. I can say, "Do you want to do this?" and they'll tell me straight up. And when one of them says, "I feel like you never spend any time with me," I know I need to readjust. A lot of times I realize I'm not giving them the KIND of time they want. It's a tough balance, but if anyone can do it, you can.

Tina said...

You guys are such a cute family! Life is funny how we often think things are necessary when they are actually not. But seeing that is the trick, isn't it? I sure haven't figured it out yet.

Melissa said...

I am struggling with the same thing! I feel like our life is busy right now and as the kids get older I only for see more demands on our times. I try to just make the most of the time we do get together, but I think it must always be a struggle. We do try to do FHE and so at least one night is set aside and the kids really look forward to it.

Cute pic. of your family!

Tami said...

You are an amazing woman, and you'll find the balance. With a husband that travels a lot, I find the best baramoter for family time is my own internal stress baramoter. I slow down, remind myself that it's about quality, not quantity. We don't get a lot of quantity with him, so we focus on how to make the time better. Even if there are things to run and do, we engage in meaningful conversation and connect on the go. Spend time with each kid alone and with each other.
And breath!