Little Things...

It is the little things that count, isn't it? Three mornings a week, I leave the kids snugly tucked in bed, fast asleep, and off I go to work. Two mornings a week, they head off to my mom's house for a morning of fun, and again, off I go to work. On the days they stay home with their dad, because they are still sleeping when I go, I leave them a note. I usually doodle a few illustrations on it (for example, today was a sun peeking out from behind a rain cloud), tell them I love them, things of that sort.

Once, when I was running late and did not leave a note, my kids let me have it when I got home... "Where was the note?" and "Why wasn't there a note?" They usually call me at work once they are up and about, so I had thought that would be enough, but no. I've never missed a morning's note since! Oh, and I leave a good morning note for the husband too!

And yes, every time I leave the house, I tell everyone in my family that I love them. You never know what's going to happen out there in the big bad world after all! When I was growing up, hugs with my mom were a daily thing, and I dutifully gave my dad a goodnight kiss on the forehead each day until about the age of 9 or 10. But, besides an "I love you" here and there, those weren't words that were just bandied around. Three small words, but perhaps the three most important words out there. I want my husband and kids to know how much I love them, and so I tell them every day. And they tell me every day that they love me too!

There are other little things I am working on, like actually listening when my husband or son tell me all about something they are fascinated by, which can take a while. And listening to The Girl's little stories that she invents. It is so easy to get distracted... hey, there's that book I wanted to read! Or, I really want to watch this TV show, or catch up on facebook. I am trying to not be the distracted mom, and sometimes, I tell you, it isn't easy. [Sorry (cringing a bit here), but I really am not that interested in exactly how the RC car works and all the modifications you can imagine]

Do you have any tricks for paying attention to things like that?

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been reading about the Paleo/Primal diet. I'm still not 100% convinced, but it is intriguing. There are a lot of happy testimonials out there too. I do know that if I eat anything with wheat, I am guaranteeing myself achy joints the next day. But to ask the kids to give up pasta? Homemade muffins? Hummus? I'm not sure. I have Primal Body, Primal Mind at home waiting to be read as further research. Naturally though, I'm a little distracted by a new(er) Barbara Kingsolver book, as she is one of my all-time favorite authors: Flight Behavior. Maybe I'll aim for a chapter of each every day.

Any thoughts on Paleo/Primal?

And tonight I have to present legal options for homeschooling in California at a Homeschool Information Night our local association is putting on. I will say I am a bit nervous, as I am not always the best public speaker! So wish me luck!

Enough rambling! Have a good day!