The last 2 weeks have been topsy turvy with random minor illnesses in each of the children. They have each missed a day of preschool a piece, on separate days of course, with different complaints. As a result, I have had to shift my plans in order to accommodate the company of a little buddy. Rather than resent it, I have relished it.
The result has been an invaluable lesson in the importance of one-on-one time with my children. I have always recognized it as a priority. I try to take each child out with me for a couple of hours of errands once a week while the other two stay behind with a sitter. This is special time, but we are in the car and dashing from place to place. My "dates" in the last couple of weeks have been different.
Tuesday P and I played quietly with intricate little beads, we read books and we cuddled. Thursday R loved a half hour of uninterrupted time playing in the kitchen sink, telling me big stories and helping with projects around the house. Today K and I made chocolate covered pretzels and marshmallows and went shopping for gifts for our shoeboxes.
Each of them blossomed before my very eyes. We have giggled and talked. I have fallen more in love with the people they are becoming. I saw glimpses of who they are when they are purely, simply themselves rather than playing their role in our family dynamic. There are so many gifts that come from being a team, but I admit I mourn that they never got to each be the baby.
Lord, may I never forget that although they are parts of a body, a member of a set--they are also so clearly individuals who were fearfully and wonderfully made, uniquely for a purpose that only they can fulfill in this world. Give us more of these moments together. Help me emphasize to each of them how wonderfully special they are as a single, not just as a triple.
9 comments:
Each of our kids is putting together a shoe box for Samaritan's Purse as well. I am toying with the idea of making MY children's Christmas all fit in a shoebox - to give them even more perspective.
I'm glad you are enjoying your one-on-one time.
We're shopping for our shoebox gifts tomorrow. JD Green decided he couldn't decide whether to do a box for a girl or a boy, so he's doing one for each. How could I deny such a sweet and tender heart?
I loved this post, as I have often wondered how you manage one-on-one time with three busy 3-year-olds. I can just picture you spending precious time with each sweetie by him/herself. What treasured memories!
We, too, are working on our shoeboxes.
I love this post! It is a precious reminder for all of us moms to cherish the individual and not the group. It is sooo true the we should never quit learning and growing - motherhood is definitely humbling in that regard!
Sweet blessings Jen!
Renee
This touched my heart. Sunshine
This is so true, and sometimes hard for me to find time for one-on-one with my trio. But I agree, it's so important and fun to see them as individuals!
Your thoughts here mirror mine exactly today.
My six-year-old daughter stayed home from school yesterday because she wasn't feeling well. It happened to be a day when my four-year-old attends morning preschool. As we cuddled on the couch, watching TV and enjoying the closeness, I realized I never get to be alone with her anymore. This was the first time in years. I need to do it more often -- and on a day when she isn't feeling under the weather.
That one-on-one time is so important.
I absolutely love one on one time when I can get it. It's hard to come by which makes it more special.
And thanks for the link re: the turkey. It definitely looked easy. Here's what I've been thinking about: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Herb-Roasted-Turkey/Detail.aspx . Let me know how your trial one comes out. :)
I've recently discovered the importance of one-on-one time, too. We do a "date night" with the boys, and will with the baby later too. Tuesday nights my husband and I alternate and take the boys out. This week my oldest son and I went to Barnes and Noble to look at books and then out for a milkshake. An hour and a half of fun, well invested time.
Well said! Thank you! What an awesome reminder to do one on one time together!
Nicole
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