I am Laura, a working mom of two that also loves to write. You will find me talking about the latest book I read, the coolest app I just found, or the simple recipe I just made. I live in Northeast Wisconsin with my family.
Tonight we went sledding with the kids. It was a spur of the moment trip just to a local part after work. My oldest was already playing outside and when my husband got home, he felt bad about her sledding down a pathetic old snow pile in the front yard.
I wasn’t going to go. The thought of a quiet hour at home to get things done sounded so very appealing. It wasn’t even the cold. It was in the 30’s, which for January in Wisconsin is really not all that bad. It was just the idea of being alone for a bit. After another long day at work, having about 60 minutes where no one needed me or wanted something sounded like heaven.
My husband wanted me come along. It wasn’t worth the fight, so I agreed. I put on my boots and my heavy winter coat and we were off. The park wasn’t far from our house and as soon as we got there, the girls were off running to the hill. It’s a fairly small hill and perfect for smaller legs like theirs.
My husband and I told them that we weren’t going to sled. We were just going to watch and when we got too cold, we were going to head home.
After their first trip down the hill, I was glad I went. The screams and laughter coming from them as the slid down the hill was infectious. They were so happy and having so much fun. We watched them go down alone and hanging onto each other’s sleds. We couldn’t help but smile and laugh with them after each trip down.
They asked me to go down the hill with them a couple of times but we told them we couldn’t as we didn’t have snow pants on.
The more I sat there watching them, the more I was reminded of all the times my dad took me sledding. He would take my sister and I all the time when I was growing up. I always loved it and had such fun.
I decided then and there that I wanted my girls to remember me for going sledding with them. I marched up the hill, stole my youngest’s sled, and went down the hill. I swore I laughed just as hard as they did. Then I went down the hill one time with each of them. We laughed so hard as we turned around and went down the hill backwards. My boots dragged along the side of the sled, sending a spray of snow up into our faces.
We had a great time and I hope my girls remember how their dad and I took them sledding at night. I want them to have more memories like that and it’s up to me to make it happen. Someone I follow on Instagram often has the hashtag with pictures of her kids something about it being her job to make make memories. So true.
I know there have been too times I didn’t do something because I was “too tired” or “too busy”. As a mom that works full time outside the home and that is also trying to build a freelance writing career, I have to remember not to get too caught up in life that I miss these moments. It would have been so easy to send the girls off with Daddy to sled and then hear about it later. I am glad I chose to be there for that moment instead of getting a picture sent via text or hearing about it later.
One day, I want them to take their kids sledding, remembering all the times times we took them sledding.
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Sometimes it is so tough tearing ourselves from what we think we need to do and just live in the moment. It’s one of my greatest challenges, and one of my goals for this year. Make memories. Make little moments matter.
And as a Florida girl, I can’t imagine “in the 30s” being tolerable though! Brrr!
I always find myself getting caught up in the “to-do’s” and moments that would make great memories slip my me. I’m so glad that you went sledding. What a wonderful gift you gave your kids that night. An hour alone sounds like Heaven to me, too but then so does the sound of kids laughing so it’s a tough call. If only there were enough hours in the day, we could get both. 🙂
Good for you, Yoder. You need to adopt the “why not” philosophy more and live life as much as you can like your kids. The things we worry about and spend time on just don’t matter. It’s moments of fun like this that do. Welcome to a taste of my life. Looking forward to hearing more Peter Pan stories from you in 2013!!! Love you, Nerd
Sounds like a blast! I sometimes let my husband take our girls so I can enjoy some alone time, but I usually recognize how important it is to be apart of the fun! Thanks for the reminder!
I know what you mean. I was a little upset last weekend b/c my hubby was going to take the kids somewhere and he didn’t. I really wanted to have some quiet moments to myself. But I guess it worked out because my kids were happy and that is what matters most!
I’ve got to remember that – it’s my job to make memories. You never would have remembered that hour alone to yourself, but you’ll never forget sledding with your kiddos. So glad you went and that you had such a good time.
I do this same thing. The wanting the silence, and then the regretting not spending more quality time with my kids. Sometimes I feel like motherhood is a constant struggle of trying to do what’s right. I’m glad you went down the hill.
I hope I can manage to do the same thing when my daughter gets older. It always sounds so appealing to get a few moments alone, but like you said, it’s up to us to help make the memories. I want to be there.
Oh bless your heart! I can’t even imagine working all day and embracing every moment with your kids all night. I would have probably stayed back for the quiet and missed all the cherished memories you just created! GOOD for you!!! It’s so hard to prioritize at times…but it sure sounds like you have your values focused on the perfect thing. 🙂
That sounds like the perfect way to spend a little family time! I can’t wait till we get more snow… the last couple days it’s been warm and it all melted.
I’m sure that your kids will always remember sledding and all the other times that you make special for them.
They will definitely remember the sledding! I’m a work outside the home mom too and sometimes that pull of getting things done or some time alone is too great to resist, but every once in awhile you have to go ahead and just go for it.
Sledding it is! I can’t tell you how many of those moments I’ve missed because I was too tired or wanted to get one more thing done in peace. I made myself a promise a year or so ago that I wasn’t going to miss out on the memories any more. I don’t always keep my promise, but more often than not, I go sledding. And it’s always a good decision! Great post!
I really appreciate this post – I feel like we go do a lot to create memories with our kids, but so often I am on the sidelines taking pictures and rarely a participant. I want them to see my “do” more. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lovely post Laura, and such great memories. I am going to be the odd one out though and say–it’s ok to stay home once in a while and let Dad do the sledding! I had a similar experience last week and I stayed home in my cozy office, writing and waving out the window. No guilt! 😉
Excellent post. Lovely sentiments too. I think that often. I don’t ask for much. I just want to make happy memories for my family.
Wonderful! Sometimes you just have to do it – especially when it comes to your kids – Those moments are so precious. I haven’t been sleding in ages but it looks like a blast – I remember loving it. Have a wonderful day!
It’s so hard to resist an hour to yourself. Good for you for taking them sledding instead !
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