Toddler Time

I had plans for today. 
It is Saturday, and Dallin and Nathan are away for a campout. 

I had a little housework that could be done.
I have lots of pictures that need to be blogged.
I haven't even started Sarajoy's scrapbook.
I have boxes of pictures from my old house that haven't been hung.
I owed Ruby some mommy and me time for her diligence in doing chores this week.
I want to catch up on my study of American History.
I am reading a very intriguing parenting book that I'd love to finish.
I have 2 other books I'm working my way through as well.
Several of the kids could use some catch-up time on their school work.
I could always use a nap.

I made breakfast and helped the kids get through their chores.

Ruby and I had a wonderful time making fabric flower clips.  We played a hide-the-thimble game after we were done.  We ended up with 4 cute clips and lots of laughter.

Then I tried to get started on one of my many great ideas for the day.  I managed to get some photos downloaded, labeled and uploaded onto the internet. 

In between, I tended my toddlers. 

Hoping to get them engaged in something really exciting, I got out my vintage Fisher Price Little People collection. 

They weren't nearly as impressed as I was.  I was amazed that all of my pieces were still there for each little set.  I set up a little village and my baby messed up whatever I did.  She was especially fond of the little baby, and kept hiding it in my shirt and giggling.
Slightly obsessed with finding all of my little "sets", I ran upstairs to get the swimming pool out of our bathtub. 
I only just had time to set it up when Simon found a little boat and REALLY wanted to play with it in real water.

I thought it might be a good time for a bath.  Simon brought the little boat and a couple of little people.  They played for a few minutes and got out and snuggled and got fresh clothes on. 

I came back to the computer, hoping they'd stay upstairs and play.  Nope.

I got them some pizza.  They were both so excited about it.  They sat and munched happily.  Twice, Simon proudly showed me his empty plate and asked for more. 

It really was nice to spend some time just with them.  They are really fun and adorable.  They've been somewhat neglected this week as I've tried to play Mom and Dad since Dallin has been sick.

Even as I sat to write this, Simon climbed up in my lap and drank his sippy cup while I typed. 

The other projects will still be there when I can finally get to them.  They really aren't that important. 

My toddlers will still be there when I get done typing this.  In fact, one of them is crying in time-out and the other one is crying in bed.  They had a little fight a minute ago. 

But those two little people will never again be exactly as they were today.  They won't always want to snuggle up after a bath.  They won't always want to play with my toy collection.  They won't always get excited about a piece of pizza cut into bite-sized squares. 

So, even though I am exhausted, I will try not to be resentful because I know that Toddler Time is Time Well Spent. 
It really is a privilege to know these little people.

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