Having a demanding 2 year old who wants (and needs) to be by our side constantly for his own security, leaves very little one-on-one time for me to spend with Joy. That is one change that's been a little difficult for us, and a little tough on Joy, even though she absolutely adores Luke and is a huge help with him (and I do mean huge). Considering the age difference between all three of my kids, we had the same situation when Joy was born as Colt was used to having me all to himself as well. And it is a little different because we do homeschool, so nobody gets breaks from anyone or anything 24/7, if you know what I mean. But then again, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Well, we're finally to a point with Luke where he is secure enough to stay with Grandmama (my mom next door) for awhile. So, for about six weeks now, Joy and I have had a day once a week, usually Thursdays, for about 4-5 hours for "Just Us Girls". Let me say first of all though, that I realize that not everyone can do this; I'm very blessed with the advantage here in that my mom lives next door and we're talking about two kids at home during the day....I know many of you have more at home! Anyway, Luke knows he goes to Grandmama's and has fun with her and then Joy and I come back after him (with candy, popsicle, gum, or some little surprise) and take him back home with us. This is also good for him. :)
So far, for our "Just Us Girls" time, here's what we've done. We've gone shopping (some for real shopping, but mostly window shopping) and out to eat. Joy loves the antique gallery/flea market as much as I do, so that's a fun thing for us. We've been to the mall and visited the photo booth and rode the carousel there and had a fun time....as you can see! :)
Believe it or not, Goodwill is a place Joy likes as much as me, so we've done that as well. Those were all places of her choosing! But we decided it would be fun (and more budget friendly) to just have 4-5 hours at home also, so the last 3 weeks, that's what we've done. We've watched The Sound of Music (a movie we both love) snuggled together on the couch. And most recently, can you believe a simple game of hide-and-seek was what she wanted? We played indoors and we both had lots of fun with that....shh...don't tell anyone how much I enjoyed playing hide-and-seek! Then we brought out the craft supplies and crafted.
I think that particular day of hide and seek and crafting has been our favorite yet......crafting and talking.
Joy designed a T-shirt and painted a hanging wooden flower and I stained and distressed some old wooden spoons I had picked up at GW at some point, put some old labels on jars that I purchased at the antique gallery and grubbied some little nubbie candles (also found at GW).
This past Thursday wasn't filled with much as my little girl has been really sick this week. Wednesday she had a fever of a little over 105 degrees. After two doctor visits, we thought it was strep only, but I think she had even more going on, as in possibly the flu. I think we're finally on the downhill swing of that, but she's run fever for 6 days straight. We did have about 3 hours for "our time" on Thursday, but we mostly just sat around and talked, although we did do each other's nails, as she just wasn't feeling well at all. (Please remember her in your prayers....and that the rest of us don't get whatever it is).
We're going to try a nicer outing once a month that involves money spending and reserve the remaining Thursdays for special things we can do here at home together. With Christmas coming up, I can see those times at home being the most special anyway! We both look very forward to Thursdays! :)
It's amazing how that 4-5 hours once a week of "Just Us Girls" time is so refreshing, and beneficial to our relationship! It was important to me that Joy know how special she is to me and how proud I am of her. I've had a great time and I believe she has too......Luke and my mom are getting one-on-one time together and we're all building memories in the meanwhile. :)
