It's the little things.....

Since my husband and I both work forty to fifty hours a week, we find it hard to spend good "quality" time with the kids, doing good "quality" activities. I carry a lot of guilt with not being able to do arts and crafts, library story time, playdates with friends, art museums, and a whole plethora of other fun things with my kids on a daily basis. Last weekend, we decided to have an impromtu picnic at a local park. Hannah excitedly helped me pack our picnic basket. She was given the important job of labeling the sandwich bag of each sandwich so we would know whose was who's. (I LOVE watching her make her H's and A's. And let's not forget D-for daddy, and M-for mommy! ) I packed grapes and wheat thins, napkins, and drinks, and off we went. We spread out a blanket in a grassy area that just happened to be in the shade, and enjoyed our little dinner. Afterwards, we let the kids play on the playground. We happened to be the only ones there (SCORE!), so Hannah and Austin had full reign of the playground. Yup-I let my one year old climb UP the slide.

All four of us took turns sliding down the slides, chasing eachother around, and swinging on the swings. And I realized, you don't have to visit museums, go on nature walks, or schedule elaborate craft activities to spend good quality time with your children. It's the little things that count. It's the little things that they'll remember. It's the little things that make me realize how lucky I am to be blessed with such a wonderful family. And it's the little things that make me feel like I really am a good mom.