Friday, November 16, 2012

Our New Place Of Calm



In recent weeks, the girls and I have re-discovered a favourite spot, perfect for morning tea picnics, sandcastle building, shell collecting and paddling in the water.  It's a tranquil little part of the river with plenty of shade and plenty to see where we've been spending the odd morning here and there lately.

I know Paul thinks that I take the girls on simple little outings like these when I don’t have anything else to do, or when our friends are all busy and playdates can’t be organised.  On the contrary, I purposely set aside time for little outings like these BECAUSE I have too many ‘to-dos’ and too many people I feel I should be visiting.  Getting out of the house forces me to ignore the lists, the housework and the responsibilities and to simply ‘be’ and enjoy spending time with my girls.

I make time for such mornings just as much for Grace and Sophie as for myself.  Too often I find I'm doing something like sitting with the girls in the sand pit, building shell covered castles and digging moats, only to be distracted by a few weeds peering out from beneath the shrubs beside me.  And then before I know it, I’ve not only pulled those out, but I’ve then taken the washing off the line, tidied up some outdoor toys lying about and watered the vegetable patch instead of playing with the girls.  While I know multi-tasking is part of our lives as Mums, I’m trying to consciously ‘sit and be’ more often as I know these precious toddler and pre-schooler days will be over in the blink of an eye.  

Earlier in the week, Claire from Scissors Paper Rock made reference to a beautifully written post over at Enjoying The Small Things.  As I popped across myself for a read, I discovered some real words of wisdom...

"Nothing is more urgent than being kind to ourselves and present for our families" 

... I'm glad that this week, I've taken this outlook on board, spent quality time with my darlings and enjoyed some moments of calm and tranquility out in the fresh air myself, all of which makes me a better Mum and my girls happier little girls...    

14 comments:

  1. Lovely post! You are so right. Sometimes you just need to pack up and head out for something simple, even when the housework needs doing. And really can't beat a trip to the beach. Have a lovely weekend.

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  2. Home is where he heart is, but oh yes and it is also where the washing etc etc is! I think I need to find a place like this! xxx

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  3. As a busy mum,you deserve to spend time with your girls that's just about being together..Enjoy your special moments..xx

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  4. You're right, the time passes so quickly and you can become too preoccupied with being tidy instead of spending time with loved ones.
    That looks like the Canning River......brings back lots of memories x

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  5. There is never anything wrong with spending as much time as possible with our children, so go ahead and leave the housework for a few hours, ignore the phone and computer and just be with Grace and Sophie. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the tidiest house wife on the planet or even just in my family but that's because I choose to spend time doing things with my kids that will create memories for them as adults so they can say, 'my mum always made time for us and it was fun.'.....so yep while the hosue work has to be done and there are always errands to run and people to visit.....nothing ever gives you back time with kids but you can always catch up on house work or with a friend and even those errands.....enjoy your time Amanda because the years go by so quickly....xo

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  6. In this busy time leading up to the Christmas season it is so wonderful to take the time and refresh and restore ourselves with simple fun things to do and calm relaxing places to be in!

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  7. I love this post Amanda! I have really stepped back from blogging as I am trying to spend more time with my children, but it is posts like this one that remind me of why I love blogging so much and find it inspiring! xx

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  8. So so true. I am terrible at only doing one thing at a time. I am always battling my multi-tasker instincts. It's a challenge for me. But I know how important it is to be present for my babes. You're a good mum Amanda x

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  9. Amanda these are such wise words, it is so important to take time out to enjoy time with our children, the other things really can wait, having fun is what we need more in our lives. I'm glad you've been enjoying more of these moments with your girls. xxx

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  10. Your lucky girls will look back in the future and be so glad you took them on these outings. They will be special memories. And what a beautiful spot:)

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  11. What a lovely place to go Amanda. You are doing such a wonderful job as a mum with the girls. You are right the pre schooler days will be over in the blink of an eye. My littlest went to Prep this year , i make sure in the afternoon I am there , giving them a hug , holding their hand on the way to the car ,asking about their day sitting down to afternoon tea & even though some days I have so many things to catch up on , I take the time to sit & watch them having fun wether its swimming in the pool or riding their bikes. Because I know one day they will be out & about leading their own adventures. Im getting teary just thinking about it. Thankyou Amanda for sharing your special moments with us.
    Karyn x

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  12. I really relate to this post Amanda. I find it easier to be "present" if I'm outside (and away from my chores). I like to go to the ocean. That's my calm place. At the moment, it's hard while Joy is on two naps a day...but it will change soon enough!

    Lovely post. xx

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  13. Keep up those special times with your girls, through all seasons, as you are so correct, the time absolutely is gone before you know it - even Pre Primary for us has flown this year and we have a school uniform to wear next year - this is sure to bring some new tears to Mummy (& Daddy!).

    Loving your photo of the river too - we are so lucky to have both river and ocean so near to enjoy!

    C x

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  14. Oh I agree! Your little space sounds heavenly...hope you've been going there to have a little rest in amongst the madness of December ;) x

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