Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Trade Offs

As a stay at home mom, there isn't much alone time or do-what-i-want-without-getting- interrupted time. And that's ok. That's what I signed up for, I imagine. But sometimes those unsolicited moments come when no one is bothering me, and yes, they are at home. It happened this morning. I had showered and was getting ready for the day. No one was coming to ask me anything, tell on anyone, or ask for anything so I was taking my time. At one point, I realized it was very quiet and asked, "Are you boys making a mess?" to which they replied, "Yes." That put me in a bit of a pickle. Do I go stop the madness (which I didn't really know what that was at the time) or do I go along with my alone time? Well I busted out the blow dryer and straightener and decided to do my hair for the first time in a very long time. I don't know why I decided to do that with my free time, but nonetheless that is what I did. When I finished, I went to the crime scene. What did I find? Two boys in the middle of 100 dice and 11 decks of cards, individually scattered throughout a 5 foot circle. Yes, that is a big, annoying mess. The dice... not so much. The cards... annoying. Having to sort through them and put them with their matching deck, just not so fun. The boys were proud of their creation and I really wasn't all that bothered. I mean, is it kinda like spending $5 to make $30? I had to spend 10 minutes cleaning up to have a half hour to myself. I think it might have been worth it. Nothing comes without cost, right? Not even "free time."


We had a fun, relaxing weekend in San Diego. We hit up Sea World and a Padres game. The boys were entertained by Cal and Owen and that's what matters! Monday we got to hang out with Yosh's aunt, uncle, and cousins. We ate at all the best beach spots, Paradise Cove and Duke's, and got to know the cousins better. In fact, we had never met Miss Lucy, their little 8 month baby. Lots of fun. I must say, I love Southern California. I really do. I often feel like I'm on vacation when I'm right here in my own city.

8 comments:

becca said...

i am so jealous of the southern california life. You guys seem to have so much fun...perfect weather...great location..
why don't i live there?

Emily Reese said...

I visited your blog through becca's. Life seems wonderful in L.A. Your boys are sure growing up fast. Love, Emily Reese

kelie said...

I was thinking that same thing the other day when my girls got into the eggs...I was thinking, "Jeeze, that was almost worth the mess for the peace and quiet it gave me." I'll have to try cards and dice though, that's good too!

Claire Thompson said...

Awesome story, Sara's dancing to Brooke by my side right now, so cute, great song.

Anonymous said...

I signed up on google just to say hi to you! (this is your old roommate by the way). Wow! Your life is so eventful!!! You have the cutest kids too! I'm very jealous of you being in California!!! One day I'll move there, maybe after Thiago finishes law school or something. We'll sell everything and go into debt, haha. Just kidding. Anyway, I'm glad you're having fun! P.S. I love the braces! (I'll be getting mine this year) :-

brookeisacrazylady said...

good post i agree. about the mess and so cal.

Laura said...

scattering cards is one of chase's favorite pastimes - you think i would find a different place to put them. i think those 30 minutes was worth it. sometimes when you hear the quiet and you know they must be getting into something you almost just want to keep doing what your doing and not even check.

Anonymous said...

I just clicked on your sister's blog and I had myself a good time. Those Fros are so cute and how about the blonde babe?? How Sweet!! I love it. We need some pool pics on your blog...It's summer time and I know ya'll have been kickin' it in the pool, right??