Let this moment last a little bit longer

When we hit that magical point on a beautiful late summer evening, where dinner has been served and cleaned, time just seems to slow down. The kids are playing perfectly because not only are their bellies full, but they know that if they start any trouble, time for their bedtime routine will be declared. The shadows run long and the day feels just right.

I feel full of possibilities as my major work for the day is behind me, and I feel the beginning of my time for myself is near. I want this time to last much longer, I don’t want to head back in to my last job as mom for the day, the one that drains of my last bit of energy, when I must insist upon toothbrushing, PJs, bookreading, and respond to miscellaneous requests and questions, all in ploys to stave off the sweet sleep they need so dearly.

Taking care of the kids as solo parent for the day when the husband travels can be rewarding and tiring. After all, we fit in a lot we wouldn’t do on a normal day: we made homemade bread, picked out some colorful pens and lollipops at the store, jumped in the trampoline extra long, did alphabet puzzles, and made pizza sauce together. I got to both drop them off and pick them up at school. I taught Sierra on the way to preschool what the letter B & T looked like (yes, while driving). Then she surprised me when we arrived at school and wrote the letters without any dots to trace or anything in her sign-in book!

Moments to cherish, and yet so draining too… so let this moment last a little longer, before it’s time to say goodnight.