It’s fair to say, we are not naturally organised people, my husband and I. You know those families that are always late for things and turn up to kids’ birthday parties with a present wrapped in tinfoil? That’s us. But recently, we’ve made a conscious effort to organise our family time, thinking it may lead to a path of happiness, calm and some sort of order.
This week my formerly scatty husband set up an extra bank account, to keep track of our family spends of all the boring stuff (food, electricity, that kind of thing). He also started ordering all our weekly shop online. For my part, I’ve reduced some of my workload, giving me more time to tackle the monster that is my laundry basket before the weekend and attempt to whizz a hoover around the house.
The plan is to make weekends about spending time together as a family, actually doing things, rather than all being in the house at the same time, trying to get on with our respective “stuff” that needs to be done before the weekend is over. It will mean more time together, giving us more time to do our own thing if we want to, making as more happy and relaxed. Or so the theory goes.
Many a Saturday morning is spent in our house in pyjama’s, attempting to get washing on, make breakfast, clear up toys, write a shopping list and answer emails. It can easily be 1pm before we’ve got ourselves in gear to do anything, by which time our toddler is thoroughly hacked off. And then the tantrums begin. It’s not just us, right?
Yesterday began in pyjamas, but didn’t involve shopping lists or laundry. We had a spot of breakfast before venturing out into the countryside at our back door.
Spot the toddler
Despite the blue sky, the cold weather nipped at our bare fingers and noses, leaving trails of wispy breath in the air when we spoke.
But it was beautiful.
Frog jumped out of her pushchair and tumbled off like a dog on a lead, bowling across the huge expanse of grass, seeking out the muddy bits.
Finding some waterlogged ground next to the lake, we watched as our two and half year old spent at least ten minutes running through it, relishing the sound of the water splashing against her wellies.
This was far more fun than juggling emails with laundry and a grumpy toddler.
The sun glinted off the water, leaving an image of calm, only to be spoilt by a loud “COME ON MUMMY! KEEP UP DADDY!” from my screaming banshee of a child.
Every now and again, Frog would lie on the ground, looking up at the puffs of cloud moving above her, across a brilliantly blue expanse. Her excited arms flapped as she laughed at the freedom of rolling around on the muddy ground, watching the sky. And we laughed too.
Perhaps being organised isn’t such a bad idea after all.
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Sounds lovely. It’s hard to be organised all the time but it is something we try and do every so often. I definitely find my wee man is not too much of a fan of pyjama days and much prefers being out and about.
I expect the same is true of most toddlers – alas! Maybe one day she’ll look forward to spending the morning on the sofa with a hot chocolate and Saturday Kitchen for company (along with her mother)! x
Am so impressed with all your changes and the positives it’s bringing. Does your mother read this – am sure she is pleased! 😉
Me too! Go Molly!
Yes! I mentioned I was being a bit lazy at the moment. Her response: “It’s not lazy. It’s sensible. You were foolish when you were working 80 hours a week.” She *may* have a point. Don’t tell her that though.
It’s great that’s manage to get out and have the family time. I should try to manage my organisational skills. Lately I can’t seem to get ready and out of mg pyjamas .. It’s normally 1 pm by the times iv sorted that! Then it’s the never ending nappies!! U must
Get out. Thank you for sharing Molly
I do feel better getting up and about earlier – not always easy though! x
Looks like a perfect day, we’ve just started letting Matilda walk a bit more now she is a bit stronger with it. We went for a dog walk on Saturday and it was just hilarious watching her trundle around and Bracken loved it.
With 2 it’s often hard getting out the house at the weekend so like you we’re trying to be organised. We’ll pack the car on Friday night with baby carriers, snacks and the dogs stuff so we can head out as early as possible on Saturday morning for a good walk and maybe coffee and cake somewhere. Simple but perfect.
Cake and a walk – sounds perfect to me!
Absolutely wonderful. I treasure those sorts of family times too xx
It’s what memories are made of. x
Saturday was such a gorgeous day to be out and we, like you, are trying to make more of an effort. It is hard when you’ve been at work all week and the chores are waiting to be done every weekend though. Keep at it Molly! We must prioritise!
Bloody chores. Let’s club together and get a cleaner!
Lovely pics, looks like a fantastic day. It is hard to make time, but when we do its so worth it x
It really is. Doesn’t always go according to plan though!