I used to hate the Winter holidays – Martin Luther King day and President’s Day. My kids were too young to need a break, so the “day off” was less break and more work for me.
They still woke up too early.
The weather is usually still bad, so leaving the house was no fun.
They were too young to shop, go to movies, or enjoy a special lunch out.
Some years, particularly snowy years, school’s even been cancelled the Friday before or the Tuesday after. Which was even more painful to bear.
And oh yeah, my husband doesn’t have these holidays off. It’s busy season, so he’s still working 12-14 hour days.
Some years, over the last 10, I would be screaming inside almost the whole day. Sometimes the screams would even come out.
I’d feel trapped. Angry. Alone.
But this year, it’s all changing.
Instead of dreading Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day, I’ve actually looked forward to them.
The girls have blissfully, thankfully slept in – past 8am. (Maybe I made some pointed comments about NOBODY getting out of bed before daylight the Sunday before).
I’ve been able to get up and slowly, stealthily creep downstairs to get a few minutes of “silent house” time before their flurried awakenings.
Moments to breathe. In. Out. In. Out.
When they come downstairs, one “morning happy” and one “morning angry,” I’ve been ready.
And our Winter holiday days, this year?
Haven’t been filled with endless minutes, slow hours and clock watching.
They’ve been filled with rest and rejuvenation needed from busy “school age schedules.”
And maybe a little fun too. Like today – going to see a movie. Or going to a special lunch, chosen just by them.
I can’t think of two girls I’d like to go with more.
Next week we are bringing back Things I Like About Me for
Be Enough Me Monday!
We can’t wait to be inspired by the many lists!
xo
Missy
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About Missy
Ah, isn’t life amazing that way? I remembered feeling that way too about my daughter. Even going out to the mall felt too much, what with having to prepare the diaper bag, the stroller, etc. etc. Now? Sometimes I even wanted to take her out of class, skip a school day or something (gasp!) just so that we could spend the day together. My little daughter has become such a fun companion to be with
Missy, this post warms my heart all over! xo
Sweaty recently posted..Missing In Action
Sweaty – right there with you on how I WANT to take my kiddos out to just enjoy them some days too! Life, and its cycles are funny that way, aren’t they?
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..I’m Not Perfect, I’m Just a Mom
Oooh, I’m so looking forward to those days.
And I also have a “morning happy” and a “morning angry” though I’ve never thought about it exactly like that before
Angela – I never really noticed the happy/angry dynamic for a long time. Now I know to greet each of them very differently in the mornings!
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..I’m Not Perfect, I’m Just a Mom
This was me last year, when all it did was rain and the kiddo wasn’t really that stable walking. So no trips outside to play in the rain, or anything but sitting inside while I slowly went BONKERS. This year, with a full fledged two year old, things are actually easier, a) because he wants to go run around outside, rain or shine and b) we haven’t had NEARLY as much rain… bad for the water table… great for my sanity.
Ashley recently posted..Project 366 : Week 5
You are right – I think a mild winter has been a huge help this year!
Missy | The Literal Mom recently posted..I’m Not Perfect, I’m Just a Mom