Why aren't I more productive?

When the three older kids began school I was certain that I would have more time on my hands than I could handle. I was sure that having just one almost two-year-old was going to be a piece of cake compared to having all four kids around all summer long. Yes, it is easier, in some ways. For instance, it is easier to go to the grocery store with just one child. But I began to wonder, why aren't I more productive? I feel like I am running the whole time, but I don't seem to get much done. Then I began to analyze what my day consists of. These are just a few of our common activities.

Princess time. This doesn't mean just getting her into an outfit, it means dressing her dolls, carrying her dolls, fixing her shoes, making sure the dress is just right, etc., etc. Playing princess is quite involved.

Hide and seek time. Usually takes place when I need to leave in a hurry, when I need to change a diaper...you know what I mean. Tessa has this down to an art. All of the kids love to play peas in a pod. This is where we turn out all the lights in the house, one person hides, and the others seek for the hiding person. Tessa has learned to sit and hide quietly. She is so little she can be anywhere. I have found her behind chairs, behind curtains, behind the computer desk, behind doors, in cabinets, or in the corner behind the couch. She has mastered hiding - here is a picture of her sitting behind her chair in her room. This time she had decided to read some books behind her chair.

Art time! Tessa loves to draw with Sam. She loves to draw on Sam. She loves to draw on herself. Needless to say, Crayola Color Wonder products are becoming a staple here!

Computer time. One day she will lock me out of my own computer and I won't know how to get back in!

Bed time! At last. She loves to hang out with her older brothers and sister - and they love hanging out with her. I love bedtime!

Yes, my day can be crazy, but I love all of this time I get with my kids. Tessa reminds me to enjoy this time because she will grow up way too fast, just like her brothers and sister are, and I know I will miss these days when they are gone too soon.

I better go.....someone is hiding.