I longingly remember some long ago
Saturdays when I would just sit down in my armchair by the fire and read for the whole day. The
children would play outside or in their rooms, Elijah would be doing his own chores, and Charlton would be napping, eating or playing with his siblings. That is my favorite way to enjoy a book, by taking your time and reading it uninterrupted.
Well, recently, my Saturdays have been filled with taking my children on dates (my own doing), taking my mom out (her doing), grocery shopping (mom's cooking everyday, so we need more food than usual), friends outings (lots of birthdays and fun celebrations), and more dates with my man (the most desirable part of the day). I've tried to simplify it, but I can't seem to find a way. So, instead, I've just continued to enjoy them with all of their busyness. I'm still trying to figure out a day for my all-day-reading idea.
Today, we started out by attending the library. As soon as we entered the establishment, everyone went every each way, with me and Charlton heading toward the hold area, mom gluing herself at the movie area, James sitting himself comfortably at the little kids area, Gillian hunting Nancy Drew and Star Wars books, and Jefferson taking a tour through his favorite areas of history, science and biographies. This time, his library bag contained an interesting collection of
DK books:
I didn't think you were allowed to check out these many
DK Eyewitness books! I still don't think it's fair to the other kids for one kid to check out all of them, or at least what Jefferson's eye could catch. My kids love these books. They have plenty of pictures, a lot of small print and big print explanations, and a bunch of facts. This is the area that Jefferson finds it the most fascinating. He kept sharing with me tonight a
myriad of facts as he was reading them. That's another good thing about these books; the children don't require your attention while reading them. They are as
satisfying to James, who doesn't know how to read, but can enjoy the pictures and the
CD Roms, as they are to Jefferson, who loves to learn new things by reading and studying them. With these many Eyewitness books, I just might find that pocket of time to read on my own undisturbed.
After the library, I took the kids to a nearby park. It is absolutely heaven to have older children taking care of the baby. My mother and I sat on the bench basking under the sun, eating snacks, and talking, while all of my children enjoyed themselves playing together. There was a moment when I told Gillian to let James take Charlton down the slide instead of her, and my mom was surprised that I did that. I explained that I needed Gillian to train James in playing with Charlton at the playground, so he could take care of him when I was with friends and Gillian and Jefferson were at school. My mom was impressed at the forethought that goes into the life of a mom. Of course it does, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting there enjoying the sunshine as if I had no care in the world.
Did you notice James playing in the sand in his Fred Astaire outfit? Did Fred Astaire himself practiced in a suit? James must take this love for dressing up after my dad, who, although would change into his working clothes while working on cars, would travel to work everyday in his suit. Believe it or not, that is my favorite memory of my dad, always in a spotless suit and shiny shoes, an example of a man who took pride in how he looked and how he presented himself. To this day, that simple lesson of self respect in keeping oneself neat, clean and presentable guides my everyday life. Plus, my father knew how to dress as well, and his sense of style truly turned heads, for good. All three of my boys have something of my father when it comes to
appearances. Jefferson is meticulous and likes order and neatness, James has a desire to look good, and Charlton is obsessed with being clean. And then comes Gillian, who changes her clothes five times a day, but whose sense of style I won't even discuss. At least, she likes to be clean; she throws every outfit she tries in the dirty clothes basket. Maybe that's just being lazy in not wanting to hang her clothes. I'm trying to be better with Gillian in keeping only the clothes I would like her to wear, instead of a
pish-posh of items. Even then... oh well, she will learn. Hopefully.
After the park, Jefferson and I went on our date. This time, I accompanied Jefferson to his friend's birthday, and although I didn't spend much time with him, he was still happy to have me close by. His school friend had invited a bunch of them to celebrate his birthday at the Pump It Up playing facility. Jefferson had a fantastic time. Next time we go there, I'll take all of my
children for a
FHE activity.
When we got back, Gillian and James kept asking me when I was going to take them to our friend and neighbor, Sister Paul. She had promised to show them her
bird feeders and bird houses, and maybe a few birds that attended her garden. We did see several Bluebirds while there ,
and the children did get to clean the bird baths as well as put food in the bird feeders. I need to learn how to plant and keep a garden full of flowers and birds. My kids would really enjoy it. Thank you Sister Paul for taking your time in showing my kids your garden.
After eating dinner, Elijah and I left the kids under my mother's care, and went to the movie theater. I was hoping this date would turn out better than the one last night. Since we
have decided to take turns in planning our dates, I announced to Elijah earlier this week that for our date I wanted to go shopping for him. Last night, we visited several stores, but bought only two items for Elijah. Truly, men and women think very differently, but they can still communicate. When it comes to shopping, there is no understanding between the two sexes, and there is no similarities. To me shopping is such an enjoyable
experience, and believe me if I go and visit many stores, it isn't because I haven't found what I have been looking for in
the first one I
went to, but
because I want MORE. It was futile for Elijah to relay to me the fact that he didn't actually wanted to be there and that he had a different style from me. I couldn't comprehend why someone wouldn't want to shop, and do a lot of it as well. We came to an understanding that shopping together for clothes shouldn't be in the list of possible dates.
Anyways, I hoped the movie would be a good one, and Elijah and I would enjoy our evening. The movie that we went to see was called
The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt playing the main characters and George
Nolfi as the director. Does Fate or Free Will guide our destiny? Are we responsible
enough to be entrusted with Free Will? Is it a right or a
privilege? This theme drives the plot and makes the romance even more powerful. Using our free will to choose love above power, money, destiny in itself isn't a new idea, but the
interpretation was wonderfully created. Definitely a good movie to watch. Both Elijah and I loved it. Not only it was entertaining, but it made you think and opened many doors for discussion. Needless to say, this was a better date than the one last night. Both were created by using our own free will. It seems we also have to remember that with free will come
consequences and injury or comfort on others. It must have been a very hard thing for God to give us free will knowing we could either hurt or comfort ourselves or others. I seems, however, the only way for us to learn and grow. I won't take Elijah on a shopping spree next time. There. Lesson learned.
What was your favorite thing you did this week-end?
While watching Gillian roller skate, I see all these black people on the rink roller skating and roller blading as if they were born on the rink. They made it look so easy with their graceful moves. And then, outside the rink, at the rest area, I see all these other black people dancing some kind of sassy dance, and let me tell you these were old women who couldn't breath right, but did they have moves or what! If I hadn't been bashful, I would have joined their ranks and have a good time. As it was, I was having a good time just watching them move their hips back and forth to the rhythm of the music. Now, that's how I would love to spend my day, dancing and laughing.
It was our luck that we had seats right up front with lots of leg room for later dancing. Just kidding, although we were able toward the end of the show to move our hips back and forth to the rhythm of Hairspray songs. The show was what we all needed, relaxing , fun and very entertaining. It was a good way to finish a busy Saturday.
