I rarely take time off. I rarely watch movies and pretty much never watch TV. This doesn’t make me “oh such a hard worker” or “better than” or any of that silliness. (It could actually mean that I have issues – not that that would be shocking for any of you to hear about.)
It’s just that I really like working and doing things. I love writing, I love cooking, I love teaching the boys, I love corresponding with so many of you through emails and answering questions, I love creating new eBooks, I love making meals for others, I love gardening. I love working hard. The bigger this site has become, the longer it takes to get all my blog work done. I spend quite a bit of time on it, and I love it. As I said in this podcast, my work is my play. I feel blessed to have found so much “work” in life that is fulfilling and enjoyable.
But this weekend, I took time off. We made our annual Kansas City trip, attended Leadership Training for Christ for our kids, then spent the rest of Easter weekend with friends who live close to Kansas City. I didn’t get to cook all weekend, but was instead waited on hand and foot. We got to relax and visit. I got to catch up with some loved ones I haven’t seen in months (or years!).
Not only that, after LTC was over and we were back at our friend’s house, I sat. With my feet up. I watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the boys. And when that was over, we watched Mary Poppins. Then we watched a couple of baseball games. Every once in a while I thought to myself, “I should try to get some work done on the computer.” And then I said something to myself like, “nah” and kept snuggling with the boys or with Matt.
Sitting and doing nothing rarely works for me. I like being productive. But during those hours of down time, I felt like I truly was being productive. I feel refreshed and ready to work again.
Here are a few fun pictures of our weekend:
Malachi borrowed the camera and took some shots while we were waiting for
some of our kids’ events at LTC . Here’s a goofy one of me snacking on a Larabar.
And then Daddy got to join Mama for a picture.
After that, I grabbed the camera and said, “Okay, your turn”.
So here’s one of Malachi looking like his normal prim and proper self.
Elias and Justus were in a skit together that Matt wrote called “The Conqueror in the Hat”
(since the theme this year was from Romans: More than Conquerors). I love this picture.
As I looked at all of our LTC pictures after the event, I realized that I hadn’t taken one picture of Asa the whole weekend. He looked and did great too…I just don’t have any pictures to show you to prove it.
I’m very thankful for our mini-vacation! And now, if I could get the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang song out of my head, that would be helpful.
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Love the pictures! Everybody needs a little down time.
Good for you for taking some time to rest and relax!
Wish I would have known. :( I live in Nevada, about 2 hours south of KC.
Everybody needs a break once in a while! :-)
Isn’t it fun when you get to have a break? Yippee. I have not figured out how to post two pictures on my blog so my button from you got overtaken by the picture of my newest grand baby. Maybe someone can teach me how to post both?
Yeah, for down time. Yet, you weren’t “doing nothing” you were creating memories that will last a lifetime with your boys. That is also Very important work.
Love your blog, I always come away enriched.
Kara
Hubby and I are going to get away for 4 days this week. We have to leave home or we will work the whole time he is off! Please keep the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang song to yourself—it is trying to get into my head!!!
Glad you took the time to have an “off work” weekend! LTC is great for families. Our school and children’s home (Tipton Home) have there annual Homecoming every Easter weekend, so we’re not able to participate, but I know it’s a great event for all who participate.
Today, I am thankful for the nights I get little sleep. Being 8 months pregnant, with a four year old sleeping on my right and a two year old on my left. I’m going to savor and thank God for this moment :-)
Even though I’ll be exhausted later…
You watched two of our all time favorite movies (along with Sound of Music)–neat, neat, neat. A little down time now and then IS good. Glad that you could enjoy it.
We just watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a while ago — it’s one of our family favorites (along with Sound of Music like Rhoda above). Looks like your family had a great time! Your boys are so cute. :) Blessings, ~Lisa
I knew I had a connection with you besides liking to read your blog and using your e-books! We spent the weekend at LTC in downtown Dallas!
LTC was great this year!! Thanks for sharing your photos:)
I love taking time for a movie as a family. Your choices were some of our favorites. Sometimes a day off is “priceless”.
was introduced to “gratituesday” through the happy lady in cole valley… LOVE the idea! thanks for the link-up.
dole valley. she’s in dole valley, not cole… :)
Down time is wonderful and refreshing! I could use some right about now; I’m really thankful you got to enjoy some!
YES! That’s it! I just need some “time off” once in a while! It felt like you were describing me there for a minute. I have noticed though that if I’m not careful I can burn out! I have found that taking some time off once in a while is quite rejuvenating and helps me to be that much more productive in the long run! Thanks for the great reminder!