Our lives are chaotic - soo busy. We love having such a big family, love having lots of kids, love that they have each other, each a same gender sib and two others... we really think it's perfect. But a downfall of such a big family is orchestrating time with the kids. We find lots of family time, and Steve and I each have time with the kids alone as we trade them off to go do our adult committments or fun, but one on one time with each kid was almost non existant. And that's not fair to them... so we're trying to change it. On the calendar, I have written dates - with me on Saturday and with Steve on Sunday. Within the chaos, we can only chisle out one date each per weekend, and with four kids, that's only one turn every two weeks. Two weeks ago I took Jack to the Clay Cafe and out for an icecream. Steve took Elliot to the pool and on a ferry ride. Tonight I took PJ to the movies, and out for a dinner that she didn't eat and Steve is taking Wen somewhere special tomorrow. The kids get to choose (within reason) where they go and what we do, but the goal is to spend some time quietly alone together.
It's really phenominal how the one on one changes the dynamic. I've thoroughly enjoyed my two dates and can't wait to take Elliot and Wen in the next couple of weeks. Jack and Paxten have really enjoyed themselves as well and seem to feel extra special when it's their day - PJ talked about it all day today until we went tonight. I can't take the credit for the idea - I stole it from a friend - but I'm loving it so far!
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