All Play and No Work

I love summer! It's not the heat, or even the beauty of the flowers....it's my time at home with my children.

I haven't posted much on the blog because I've been, well, busy.

Busy.

Playing.

And, most of that playing has been in the pool. We love to have friends come over mid-morning. We go next door to Grandma and Grandpa's house and spend HOURS in the pool.






And, when the children get hungry, we bring out the ice cream sandwiches....and then play in the pool some more.



There is a peace at the pool that I don't find any place else. I can swim for hours without remembering all of my worries. I can listen to the children, listen to the crickets and locusts, gaze at the green trees and the blue water, and marvel at my blessings.



I believe Ellie can relax, too.


This week, Joli and I discussed the balance between work and play. When Caleb and Whitney were younger, I spent much more time on projects, painting, yardwork, sewing, and cleaning. My yards are in the worst shape they've ever been in.

But, I am playing with my girls.

And, now I know....I will NOT look back at this summer in fifteen years and say, "I should have spent more time working on the house." I know if I choose to do more work and less play, I WILL look back with regret and say, "I wish I had spent more time playing."

If you come by my house, you may not find a spotless floor or a manicured lawn. You will likely see dust settled on bookshelves and the mantle. But, you will hear laughter. Because, I've been given a gift, the gift of living life again, and I don't want to miss the joy of watching my children.

AT the pool.....

or
that unrehearsed play of children, with no suggestions from the adults. You never know what you will find. And, yesterday, we found the children on the staircase, with stools serving as desks, playing school. Elisabeth was proud to be the teacher.




If you struggle to find "balance" in your life, the perfect balance of work and play, I challenge you to err on the side of play. I'm sure you'll be glad you did.