It's okay to run through the sprinkler with your clothes on

Are you one of those by the book moms? It's okay if you are. I think I am and I'm fine with it. I was always the kid that colored in the lines, stayed in line at school never daring to break formation. Not that I was afraid to break the rules. It just never crossed my mind. I'm trying to raise my kids a little more free spirited, but it's hard...when the only thing I want to say is "Don't spray your sister with the hose...your clothes will get wet." or "stop jumping on the bed, you'll hurt yourself."

Usually, when I haven't had enough adult interaction and I start having conversations with myself (inside my head...of course). I start thinking why can't I just relax more? Why can't I just let the kids jump on the bed and why can't I join them. The fun side of me, says "Go ahead, it'll be a great childhood memory." Sure until our nice comfy bed breaks and it's not so comfy anymore or worse....you know the saying "it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt." Yep, this is what keeps me from completely letting go.

Today I was watering the garden and the kids wanted to run through the water with their clothes on. My first response was to say "No, I don't want your clothes getting wet," but I stopped myself and said "Sure, why not." The kids had a blast and we all got soaked. However, finally the "stay in the lines" girl got the best of me and I went inside for bathing suits and towels. Now if I could have only brought the shampoo out...it would have taken care of bath night.

It's okay to change my mind

It's okay to change my mind a billion times a day.  My kids do it all the time.  Just getting breakfast on the table can be a test in patience.  Are my kids the only one's who change their mind in the midst of me pouring their bowl of cereal or whipping up a batch of pancakes?  It used to really upset me, but now I have a strategy.  Right before I pour the milk into the bowl or add the egg to the pancake batter...I look them in the eye and ask them if they are sure, that there is no changing their mind or there will be no breakfast.  So I finally get breakfast on the table and I sit down to feed the baby and now starts what I call the "restaurant requests." May I have a glass of milk, orange juice..I don't want syrup today...I want jelly on my pancakes today...no no not grape...the strawberry.  Can I have more milk?  I thought I just gave you milk?  Should I invest in a cow? We finally make it through breakfast.  My lesson to my kids that day was "make a decision and stick with it".  Their lesson to me?  Chill out mom... It's okay to change your mind.  It couldn't hurt me to be a little flexible in my life.  A little more relaxed.
After all lunch isn't for another few hours...