Snowy days

Today Jason made his weekly pilgrimage to the Barnes & Noble cafe to work on his National Board certification in peace. A snowy day and an inspiring post by Jamie reminded me that intentional mothering might as well start with a day at home.

While the kids played in the kitchen, I made myself a cup of tea, kneaded a batch of whole wheat bread dough, and set it out to rise.

I wrapped James for his nap – he was asleep before I finished knotting.

When he woke up, I peeled sweet potatoes for a sweet potato casserole. I’ve created a healthier version of my mom’s classic recipe, and we like to eat it as a breakfast dish.

We played dominoes.

We read. Lots and lots.

And while Simone shared her Duplos with James, I wrote a letter to my best friend.

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of keeping a household running smoothly with children, I forget that the laundry and meals and mopped floors aren’t really the point. They’re necessary jobs, of course, but that doesn’t mean they should take first priority. There’s value in slowing down, in being there. This evening I wrapped James in a quick rebozo, and while usually I would stand at the counter checking my email while swaying him to sleep, I paced the dimming bedroom as his warm little cheek nodded against my chest. A difference of five minutes…but what a difference it made to me.